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Wittwer, John (1845-1930)

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1930 Aug 13 p. 2

Birth date: 1845 Jun 4

text of obituary:

John Wittwer

John Wittwer, aged 85 years, one of the oldest residents of Berne, Indiana, and community, died at the home of his son, Menno S. Wittwer, Saturday night, Aug. 2, at 11:35 o'clock, following an illness of several weeks. The deceased was a native of Switzerland.

Seven weeks ago Sunday Mr. Wittwer fell and sprained a wrist and on the following Wednesday he developed an attack of pneumonia, but whether or not that was caused by his fall has not been determined. He survived the pneumonia siege, but continued to linger with other complications that followed, including bladder and kidney trouble and infirmities of old age. He gradually weakened until he passed away.

Mr. Wittwer was born in Canton Bern, Switzerland, on June 4,1 1845, which brings his age to 85 years, one month and 29 days. He was a son of Karl and Barbara Zurfluh Wittwer. At the age of 11 years he accompanied his parents on their immigration to this country who settled in Wayne county, Ohio. There he lived for a number of years and later moved to this community and spent the remainder of his life here.

On September 28, 1867, Mr. Wittwer was married to Marianna Riff, who died on September 4, 1884. Twelve children were born to their union. On march 4, 1888, he was married to his second help-mate, Maria Beer, who also succeeded him in death, dying on February 8, 1930. Two children were born to this union.

Mr. Wittwer spent the greater part of his life as a farmer in this community. Though retired from active work for some time he lived on a farm north of town until the time of the demise of his wife last February. He then moved into the home with his son, Menno, and family, where he remained until death.

Mr. Wittwer was baptised on March 30, 1856, by Rev. Peter Lehman and has since then been a loyal member of the Mennonite church.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the home and at 10 o'clock from the Mennonite church. Burial will be at the M. R. E. cemetery. Rev. C. H. Suckau and Rev. I. G. Roederer will officiate.