Eitzen, David P. (1875-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jun 26 p. 6

Birth date: 1875

text of obituary:

SERVICES HELD AT MOUNTAIN LAKE FOR RETIRED MINISTER

Mountain Lake, Minn. -- Funeral services for Rev. D. P. Eitzen, 82, were held June 11 at the Gospel Mennonite Church where he had served as minister and elder for over 33 years. Rev. A. H. Schultz officiated, assisted by Rev. J. J. Esau and Rev. H. H. Quiring.

Born in South Russia in 1875, he came to this community at the age of three.

Survivors include his wife, the former Sarah Nikkel; three sons, David, Peter and Alvin.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jun 26 p. 8

text of obituary:

REV. DAVID P. EITZEN

David P. Eitzen was born in South Russia in 1875. At the age of three he came with the parents' family to live on a farm near Mountain Lake, Minn., a Mennonite community. There he attended a private school conducted by Rev. John Becker. Later he studied with the teachers J. J. Balzer and I. I. Bargen. He was baptized by Aeltester Heinrich Quiring upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his life.

At the age of 25 he was married to Elizabeth Nickel, daughter of Aeltester Theodor Nickel. Five children were born into their Christian home: David, Peter, Elizabeth, Theodore, and Alvin. Teddy died as an infant. Elizabeth died last year and her husband preceded her in death by 15 months. Their three children have joined the family life of their Uncle Alvin in Montana. There are seven additional grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In 1925 the family was privileged to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of their loving and beloved parents. Three years later mother was called to her Heavenly home.

After four years, father was married to Sarah Nikkel of Arnaud, Manitoba. Two weeks ago they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in the Eventide Home. Their intimate fellowship was a mutual source of strength in the journey Homeward.

They earned their livelihood by farming rented land. Father's daily journal, begun in 1900, reveals the trials of living with very limited material resources. Also, farming was not father's true vocation; he felt an inner call to serve fellow men in terms of the Christian gospel. He was elected as one of the minsters of the Bergfelder Church in December 1900. As text for his first sermon following ordination he selected the statement of the Apostle Paul (I Cor. 9:14-19), "Ich habe mich selbst jederman zum Knechte gemacht." (I have made myself servant of all). He developed this in the following three emphases: to obey, to serve, and to love. He found the last one most difficult. His greatest wish at the end was "Tell the people, I love them all."

After the initial ten years in the ministry, he was elected to serve as Aeltester of the congregation which he served a total of 33 and one-half years. On march 27, 1949, the members of the congregation had a "recognition service" for the years he served the church as minister and pastor. Concerning this experience he write, "Unsere Herzen uberstroemten mit Segen." Describing the celebration of his 82nd birthday in his home he wrote in a letter, "I felt greatly blessed; I cannot think of anything to complain about." This was characteristic of him, particularly since his serious illness in November 1957. His faith did not waver to the very end.

As husband and father he was a man of strong conviction, of courage and of discipline. He was also sympathetic, loving and faithful.

Gratefully, Mother and Children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Jul 8 p. 414