Wyss, John (1860-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jul 16 p. 2

Birth date: 1860 Oct 10

text of obituary:

AGED KIDRON, OHIO RESIDENT DIED

Kidron, Ohio. — Funeral services for John Wyss, 92-year-old pioneer and native of Switzerland, were held at the Kidron Mennonite church July 8. Burial was made in the Salem Mennonite church cemetery.

Mr. Wyss died July 6 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Christ. Nussbaum in Kidron. Also surviving are three other daughters, three sons, 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 6 p. 9

text of obituary:

JOHN WYSS

John Wyss was born on October 10, 1860, in the village of Isenfluh, Canton Bern, Switzerland and passed away on July 6, 1953, aged 92 years, eight months and 26 days. His parents were Christian and Susanna Wyss.

He was baptized as an infant and became a member of the Reformed Church. In his youth he became acquainted with the Anabaptist Church of Switzerland, and their testimony and conduct influenced him deeply. As he later in his life observed the teachings and lives of the Reformers, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, John Knox and Menno Simons, he chose the teachings of Menno Simons and through S. F. Sprunger and A. A. Sommer was taken into their fellowship in his twenty-seventh year.

He emigrated to America in 1882. On a Sunday afternoon in June 1883, as he was on his knees in prayer in an old hay mow, he experienced the forgiveness of his sins through the blood of Christ, which He shed on the Cross for the sins the world. Until now he had lived his life in a living faith in the Lord, however with many outward shortcomings (said Bro. Wyss).

On September 4, 1890, he was married to Maria P. Lehman. To this union were born nine children: Mrs. Metta Nussbaum and Frank of Kidron; David of Orrville, R. D.; Calvin of Cleveland: Mary (Mrs. Otto Lehman) of Berne, Ind.; Anna (Mrs. Elmer Horst) of Dalton, R. D.; Luella (Mrs. Ray Moore) of St. Louis, Mo.; and Elizabeth, who passed away at the age of 13 days; and Emma (Mrs. Frank Moser) who died on December 29, 1952. His loving companion passed to her eternal reward on May 3, 1933.

Surviving are the seven children; great grandchildren; one brother, Fritz; one niece, Mrs. Oscar Studer of Sugar Creek, and many other nephews and nieces residing in Switzerland.

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” I Corinthians 2:2, was the text used at the funeral.

Funeral services were held on July 8 at the home of his daughter Mrs. Metta Nussbaum, with whom he was residing and at the Kidron Mennonite church with Rev. A. W. Sommer, Isaac Zuercher, H. D. Permar, Reuben Hofstetter and G. V. Smelser officiating. His body was laid to rest in the Salem Church cemetery beside his companion.

Relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral were Mrs. Ray Moore and son Paul of St. Louis, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Otto Lehman, daughters Betty and Bonnie of Berne, Ind.; Calvin Wyss, Allen Amstutz, Rev. and Mrs. G. V. Smelser, son Timmy, of Cleveland; Mr. and Mrs. Myron Hamsher, son Larry, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Studer, Charles Finzer, of Sugar Creek; Mr. and Mrs. Werner Lechner of Canton; Elsie and Earl Moser, Joel Lehman, Mrs. Anna Zuercher, the Wilson Gerber family, of Wooster: Mrs. Grace Gettings, Mr. and Mrs. Evan Saurer of Orrville and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Becker of Dalton, R. D.