Enns, John F. (1859-1928)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Nov 28 p. 7

Birth date: 1859 Dec 25

text of obituary:

John F. Enns

John F. Enns was born in Schoenau, South Russia, Dec. 25, 1859; he died Nov. 16, 1928, reaching an age of 68 years, 10 months and 22 days.

In the year 1973 he came with his parents Frank Enns to America joining the first immigrants from Russia. They settled on a farm in Watonwan county, Butterfield Twp., where he spent his youth. He was engaged in the threshing business together with his brother Frank. Later he attended the Mankato Normal and for two years was teaching at a district school.

In 1886 he married Miss Minnie Sohr of St. James. Three children were born to them. Frank, Mary and John. His wife died 1892. Two years later he entered matrimony with Miss Kath. Funk; this union was also blessed with three children, Helen, Katharine, and Linda, who are mourning the departure of the father.

In the year 1896 he moved with his family to the village of Butterfield where Mr. Enns has been instrumental in the upbuilding of that village. Here he owned a harness shop and for some years was active as recorder of the village and several terms was member of the school board. After the organization of the State Bank he repeatedly served as vice president.

He became the Postmaster of Butterfield in 1903 which position he kept for twelve years. In the year 1915 he withdrew from the business life. His father died in 1904 and the mother followed after 16 years, in 1920.

The deceased is survived by his bereaved wife and the following children: Frank, of Lees Summit, Missouri; John, in Portland, Ore.; Mary, Mrs. Dr. H. R. Basinger, Mt. Lake; Helen, Mrs. H. F. Chadderdon, Mt. Lake; Cathrine, Mrs. T. Forsyth, St. James; and Linda at Butterfield. Also by three brothers and one sister; Jacob in Shafter, Calif.; Dietrich in Mt. Lake; Isaac in Butterfield and Anna, Mrs. J. C. Harder, Munich, N. D. Two sisters and two brothers preceded him in death. — Mt. lake View.