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Unruh, John B. (1861-1943)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Feb 18 p. 5 Birth date: 1861 Jan 11
text of obituary:
. . .
— One of the older settlers and widely known farmers at Galva, John B. Unruh, died at five o'clock last Thursday afternoon., Feb. 11, at the Hillsboro Hospital. Mr. Unruh reached the advanced age of 82 years and one month. A large crowd attended the funeral at the Lonetree church at Galva at 2:30 o'clock last Sunday afternoon. He has been a frequent visitor at the home of friends in Newton and at the Herald Publ. Co. and to Mrs. Unruh and the bereaved children, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Feb 25 p. 6
text of obituary:
My husband, our father and grandfather John B. Unruh was born on January 11, 1861, in the village of Carlswalden [sic Karlswalde], Poland, Russia.
He emigrated with his parents and many others to America in the year of 1874, arriving in Newton, Kansas on November 21. A few months later they moved to Yankton, South Dakota, then later to Marion, South Dakota.
On December 9, 1882, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Deckert. This union was blessed with 13 children, 7 sons and 6 daughters.
Through the love of Jesus Christ and the Grace of God he was convicted of his sinful life. He repented of his sins, was baptized and added to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on February 14, 1893 by Brother John Holdeman. April 11, 1899, they moved back to Kansas, making their home in McPherson County, amid toils and struggles of pioneer life.
On November 29, 1923, his wife and our mother was take very unexpectedly from his side; leaving him very lonely, having shared joys and sorrows for 41 years, less 10 days.
On April 5, 1925 he was united in marriage to me (Carolina Giesel). In this union he resumed the responsibility of a father to my six children.
Father's health was quite well until about a year and a half ago. Since then he has been under the doctor's care most of the time. New Year's day was his last time in church as he had been fast failing. Two weeks ago he became seriously ill, growing weaker and weaker. He was taken to the Salem Hospital at Hillsboro, where he received the best of medical care but all of no avail. His suffering was severe for about 5 days, but when his end came he passed quietly away on February 11, 1943 at the age of 82 years, 1 month. Death caused by old age and asthma. In this union we lived for nearly 18 years.
Father leaves us with the full assurance of entering into rest. During his illness he reviewed his life, set all things in order feeling that his days were numbered, he talked matters over with me and the family, confessed his short-comings and also a desire for communion with the church. We believe father has gone to his desired rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, 1 son, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Surviving are: I his bereaved companion, 12 children, 6 step-children. 76 grandchildren, 21 step-grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 sisters, Mrs. Marie Goertz, Newton, Kansas and Mrs. Helena Unruh, South Dakota, with many other relatives and friends. — Mother and Children.
Father, from this world so dreary
Where trials and troubles mark the time
Thou didst leave us when so weary
thou didst go to rest sublime
We must struggle onward forward
till we be blest with the reward.
