Risser, Ephraim E. (1881-1957)

Revision as of 14:24, 12 March 2015

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jun 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1881 Feb 11

text of obituary:

Ephraim E. Risser passed away suddenly at the family home in Hesston, Kan. at 8:45 a. m., Thursday, May 23, 1957.

He was born near Lancaster, Pa., son of Levi and Lizzie (Erb) Risser on Feb. 11, 1881. Since 1905 he has lived in Harvey county except for seven years spent near Peabody, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma (King) Risser of the home; three children, Miss Ethel Risser, Manhattan, Kansas, Mrs. Robert (Margaret) Thaxton, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Eldon Risser, Lakewood, Colo.; three grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Clayton Risser, Milford, Mich., Jonas Risser, Lancaster, Pa., Norman rRsser, Nutley, New Jersey; Mrs. Katie Ulrich, Lancaster, Pa., Mrs. Lillie Danner, New Hyde Park, New York.

Two daughters preceded him in death: Sister Ella Risser, who was with the Bethel Hospital in Newton, and Beulah Risser.

Mr. Risser's first wife, Mary (Horst) Risser, passed away August 24, 1917. He was married to Emma King on October 23, 1921, at the farm home near Hesston. they have lived in Hesston since 1923.

Except for the seven years farming near Peabody he worked at the carpenter trade, retiring about two years ago.

He was in a class of 45 baptized by Bishop T. M Erb in march, 1906, and received into the Pennsylvania Mennonite Church.

He took an active interest in church work as a Sunday School teacher, and representing his congregation on the District Mission Board, and in other activities. He was not ashamed of his faith and held a high standard of righteousness for all Christian believers. He was a strong contender for the faith that lifts men above the mediocre in Christian living. Through the ups and downs of his sometimes faltering walk with God, he was religiously conscientious in attending public worship and kept his eyes and his ears open. He actively participated in the church prayer meeting the evening preceding his death.

He and Emma were engaged in spring house and yard cleaning when he expressed a feeling of dizziness. He sat down to rest and to quietly die. He reached the age of 76 years, three months and 12 days.

Funeral services were conducted May 26 at the Pennsylvania church by the pastor, Earl Buckwalter. Text: II Cor. 14:17-18. Interment was made in adjoining cemetery.