Dyck, Frank (1865-1937)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Jul 21 p. 1

Birth date: 1865 Jul 22

text of obituary:

AUTO ACCIDENT TAKES TWO LIVES NEAR MEDORA

A serious automobile accident near Medora, Kansas, last Monday evening claimed the lives of two well-known citizens of Moundridge, Frank Dyck, retired merchant, and Sam Schowalter. Their death was the result of a head-on crash with a car coming from the opposite direction, driven by August Vonderfect of McPherson, who also suffered severe injuries. According to a report, the accident was caused by Mr. Vonderfect's car suddenly swerving over to the wrong traffic lane and crashing into the Schowalter-Dyck car head-on.

Mr. Dyck and Mr. Schowalter were on their way to Pratt, where they have real estate interests.

Rescuers who rushed to the scene found that Mr. Dyck, who was still sitting upright in the front seat of the wrecked car had been killed instantly because of a fractured skull. Mr. Schowalter who also had a fractured skull and had both of his legs broken, died about one hour later. Mr. Vonderfect is in a serious condition in a hospital in Hutchinson.

Mr. Dyck, who was 71 years old, was known to many far and wide as one of the older merchants of Moundridge. he was the father of Mrs. D. F. Jantzen of Newton. Mr. Jantzen was for a number of years employed at the Herald Publishing Co. Mr. Dyck is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. Mr. Schowalter was unmarried and about 55 years old.

Funeral services for Mr. Dyck are to be held today at the West Zion Mennonite church in Moundridge, in charge of Rev. P. K. Regier. The Review extends sincere sympathy to the deeply bereaved families.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Jul 21 p. 5

text of obituary:

Frank Dyck

Frank Dyck, son of Frank and Margaret Fast Dyck, was born in the village of Rirschau [sic Hierschau?], South Russia, July 22, 1865. Due to economic conditions he spent his boyhood days in the home of his grandparents, where he received his early religo9us education and attended the village school. Later upon the confession of his faith in Christ, his personal redeemer, he was baptized in the Mennonite Church in Rudnerweide.

The then existing laws of Russia which allowed Mennonites exemption privileges in military training made it imperative for him to enter Forestry service. In this service he had many varied experiences.

in 1892 he with some other Mennonites immigrated ot this country, settling in Alta Township about ten miles southwest of Moundridge. here he acquired his first business training in a little country store on the banks of the Turkey Creek.

On May 31, 1896, he was united in marriage to his bereaved widow, Elizabeth Epp, step-daughter of A. A. Regier. To this union three sons and two daughters were born, all of whom survive him.

As the result of his business ability he was soon made a partner in the A. H. Schwan Mercantile Company in Moundridge, where he moved and resided until the time of his death. he later operated his own general merchandise store, in which he was successful and made a great host of friends.

Some years later, due to the fact that he lived as far from the Hebron Mennonite Church which he had joined soon after coming to this country, he became a member of the West Zion Mennonite Church. During the severe persecution in Russia he made it possible for his aged mother, and sister-in-law to leave that country and come to Canada, where he often visited them and continually helped in every way that he could.

He was a valued companion to the community and a loving husband and father to his family. His optimism in life made him many friends who will miss his cheerful greetings. On July 19 he asked Sam Schowalter, a neighbor and a very close friend, to take him to his farms near Pratt and Anthony, Kans. On Highway 17 about five miles northeast of Hutchinson a car coming towards them suddenly swerved to the wrong side of the road, causing the dreadful collision in which his useful life was ended.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his beloved widow, three sons, Frank and his wife Cecile, August and his wife Elsie, all of Moundridge, and Cornelius of Arkansas City, two daughters, Elizabeth Janzen of Newton and her husband Dave, and Hulda Janzen of Lindsborg and her husband Walter, one sister Miss Aganatha Dyck of Pincher Station, Canada, six grandchildren, and many more relatives and friends.

He attained the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 27 days. We, the bereaved family mourn his departure, mut [sic] we hope to meet him again where there are no partings, nor any tears.