Waltner, John (1863-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Sep 11 p. 3

Birth date: 1863 Feb 27

text of obituary:

JOHN WALTNER

John Waltner, son of Joseph and Anna Preheim Waltner, was born Februayr 27, 1863, in Wolhynien, Prussia. In 1874, at the age of 11, he came with his parents to South Dakota during the great Mennonite immigration. At the age of 20 he came to Dallas, Oregon.

Six years later, on Oct. 9, 1889, he was united in marriage with Maria Schrag of Burrton, Kansas. He returned to Oregon with his bride, residing there 11 years longer. In 1900 they moved to the state of Washington, coming with other Mennonite pioneers and settling in Adams county, where they took up homesteads. The remainder of his life was spent here, where he built a home for his family and was instrumental in helping to establish the Mennonite church of which he was an active and faithful member.

To this union were born seven children: Rose Wedel of Lindsay, California; Ella Dyck of Colfax, Washington; Carl of Dallas, Oregon; Walter of Odessa, Washington; Florence Gering and Hilda Gering of Ritzville, Washington; Lillian Jantz of Marlin, Washington.

His wife preceded him in death 25 years ago, having died May 16, 1922.

Surviving him are his children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Fannie Graber of Freeman, South Dakota; one brother, Joseph Waltner of Freeman, South Dakota. He had seven half-sisters, three half-brothers, and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Two years ago he became seriously ill, gradually becoming weaker until six weeks ago, when he was taken to the hospital at Dallas, Oregon. He passed away Thursday evening, August 7, reaching the age of 84 years, five months, and 11 days.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, August 10, from the Mennonite church, the Rev. P. D. Unruh of Colfax officiating. Interment was in the Menno cemetery. Pall bearers were Jno. C. Jantz, Leonard Franz, C. Nightengale, Ed Schrag, Frank Dyck and Henry Peters.

The Mennonite obituary: 1947 Sep 30 p. 13