Winsky, Richard J. (1862-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 May 31 p. 6

Birth date: 1862 Jul 25

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite church of Halstead Sunday afternoon for Richard J. Winsky, 80, who died at his home in Halstead May 24. Rev L. A. Habegger and Rev. A. E. Van Kley officiated. Mr. iWnsky [sic Winsky] a retired farmer, was born in Germany and came to this country when seven years of age.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jun 7 p. 9

text of obituary:

RICHARD J. WINSKY

Richard J. Winksy, son of August and Wilhelmina Witt Winsky, was born in Krakow Pommern, Germany on July 25, 1862. He had been in poor health for some years and on Sunday evening, May 20, 1951, he became quite seriously ill. He slowly became weaker until the Lord called him to his eternal reward on Thursday evening, May 24, at 7 o'clock, at the age of 88 years, nine months and 29 days.

At the age of five, his mother passed away and a year later, July 19, 1869, his father and three children came to America and settled near LaCrosse, Wisconsin. A little less than a year after they arrived in America, his father passed away and he was reared in the home of relatives. He came to Kansas on November 15, 1864. On February 15, 1888, he and Christina Muller were united in marriage by Rev. H. M. Menger at the home of her brother, Fritz Muller, in Garden township, Harvey County. They made their home on farms in the Garden Township community until February 19, 1913, when they moved to Halstead, where they made their home until now.

In his early youth he was baptized and upon his confirmation joined the Lutheran Church. After his marriage he and his wife became members of the Trinity Methodist church at Halstead, Kansas. When that church dissolved, they transferred their membership to the First Mennonite church of Halstead where he was a faithful member at the time of death. He often spoke of his assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and expressed frequently his readiness and longing to be with his Lord.

Being an orphan, he had a very tender spot in his heart for orphans. He loved children and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.

He and Mrs. Winsky were privileged to share a very unusual joy when on February 15, 1938, and on February 15, 1948, they celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with their children and friends.

To this home were born nine children, seven preceding in infancy. He leaves to mourn him his invalid wife, two children, Miss Minnie, of the home, and Albert, who resides on the Winsky homestead north of Halstead. Also surviving are six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one brother-in-law, a large number of nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

The long and faithful companionship of Christian homes like this is a faithful testimony which is sorely missed in our days. The memory of such homes is a priceless heritage and we cherish it with deep reverence.

Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon, May 27, at 2:30 o'clock from the First Mennonite Church with Rev. L. A. Habegger and Rev. A. E. Van Kley officiating. Mrs. Harvey Vogt presided at the organ and used a selection of favorite German hymns for the service. A men's quartet composed of Marlow Winsky, Waldo Mueller, Victor Martens, and Menno Thiessen sang, "So Nim Den Meine Hande," "Going Down The Valley" and "Rock of Aes." Casket bearers were Herman Franz, George Matthies, H. B. Unruh, Henry Penner, Paul G. Schroeder, and Carl Henry. Interment was in the family lot in the Halstead cemetery with the directors of the Kaufman Funeral Home in charge of funeral arrangements.

The Mennonite obituary: 1951 Jun 26 p. 419