Epp, Dietrich H. (1875-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 7 p. 8

Birth date: 1875 Mar 29

text of obituary:

Publisher, Educator Dies

D. H. Epp, Editor of "Der Bote," Had Long And Useful Career On Two Continents

By Cornelius Krahn, North Newton, Kan.

Dietrich H. Epp, publisher and editor of "Der Bote," Rosthern, Sask., passed away on Thursday night, March 31, two days after his eightieth birthday. The March 30 edition of "Der Bote" carried several articles commemorating his eightieth birthday and contains valuable information about his life as an educator, publisher, editor and public worker. This issue was prepared by his friends, co-workers and John Heese, the shop manager, without Epp's knowledge. Because of his sudden illness he never saw this anniversary issue.

D. H. Epp who was a very vigorous and active worker, has been editing "Der Bote" for nearly 32 years, the paper being originally planned as an organ of communication for the Mennonites who escaped from Russia after World War I. He was its founder, publisher, and editor. In 1947 "Der Bote" was merged with "Der Christlicher Bundesbote" and the paper became a General Conference publication with Cornelius Krahn as assistant editor. It serves Mennonites in Canada, United States, Europe and South America. Epp made of "Der Bote" one of the finest German Mennonite papers in existence.

Taught in Russia

D. H. Epp was born March 29, 1875 in Chortitza, Russia where his father, Heinrich Epp, taught in the well-known Chortitza secondary school (Zentralschule). Later his father became elder of the large Chortitza Mennonite church, of which his grandfather, David Epp, had also been elder.

D. H. Epp received a good training in Mennonite schools and was one of the first Mennonites to attend the University of St. Petersburg after which, at the age of 20, he became a teacher of the Chortitza Zentralschule in which capacity he served from 1895 till 1923.

In 1923 he left Russia and settled in Rosthern, Sask., establishing a publishing house in which he printed "Der Bote," "The Saskatchewan Valley News," Conference and other publications.

Many Areas of Service

In Russia Epp held many positions in the educational realm as well as other phases of public life. In Canada he was the chairman of the Central Mennonite Immigration Committee (1925-1934), chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosthern Junior College, member of the Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization and co-founder and chairman of the "Echo-Verlag" which has published ten monographs on various phases of Mennonite history and culture in Russia.

He was an active member of the Mennonite church in Chortitza and of the Rosenort Mennonite church at Rosthern. For many years he served as director of a choir. Even during the last years of his life he maintained a vigor and alertness which characterized his whole life. He was a popular educator, inspiring students to achieve high Christian ideals.

Last Illness

D. H. Epp became ill a few years ago but recovered sufficiently to take care of the many responsibilities in connection with his work. On Sunday, March 20, he complained about weariness and on Tuesday the doctor stated that he had had a stroke. He was taken to the hospital where he received many friends whom he still recognized.

His eightieth birthday on Tuesday, March 29, had to be commemorated in all quietness. Two days later, on Thursday night, he passed away having lived not only a long life but a life which was filled with many tasks and activities in the service of the Lord and his fellowmen.

The Mennonite obituary: 1955 Apr 12 p. 226