Yoder, Henry A. (1882-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1882 Feb 23

text of obituary:

HENRY A. YODER

Henry A. Yoder, son of Ananias and Susanna Stutzman Yoder, was born on Feb. 23, 1882 in Iowa County, Iowa and passed from this life in his sleep at Pleasantview Home, Kalona, Iowa, on Aug. 19, 1971 at the age of 89 years, five months and 27 days.

On Nov. 28, 1907 he married Barbara Guengerich in Audrain County, Missouri. To this union were born five sons and four daughters: Francis and Jacob, Parnell; Raymond, Wellman; Orville, Belle Plaine; Erma [sic Irma], Mrs. Glen Swartzendruber, and Esther, Mrs. John Steckley, both of Pigeon, Mich.; Louise, Mrs. Raymond Swartzendruber, Elkton, Mich.; and Ralph and Susan Ellen, both deceased. Also preceding him in death were four brothers, four sisters and one granddaughter. In addition to his wife and seven children, he is survived by 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Henry confessed Christ in his youth and was baptized into the Mennonite Church. His children recall hearing him tell that his baptism took place in the English River. Henry was faithful in church attendance and for these many years was a member of the West Union Mennonite Church. He read his Bible and through the years conducted family worship in the home.

Henry and Barbara lived together in marriage for more than 63 years. For a time they lived in Centrailia [sic Centralia] and Boss, Mo., later moving to Iowa County, Iowa. In March 1970 they moved to Pleasantview Home.

Henry enjoyed good health and was always busy. Even last summer he worked in his blacksmith shop several times. His philosophy was that it is better to wear out than to rust out. He died peacefully in his sleep. Funeral services were held at the West Union Mennonite Church on Aug. 22, 1971 with burial in the church cemetery.

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Rev. 14:13).