Kaufman, John Peter (1865-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Feb 19 p. 5

Birth date: 1865 Aug 31

text of obituary:

Pioneer Settler At Moundridge Died

Moundridge, Kansas. — John P. Kaufman, one of the pioneer Mennonite settlers who came here from Russia in 1874, passed away at Mercy hospital Feb. 11 at the age of 87.

Funeral services were conducted at the Eden Mennonite church on Feb. 13, with Rev. Abe M. Wiebe and Rev. S. J. Goering in charge.

He is survived by his aged wife, the former Carolina Schrag, two daughters and four sons. A son, Rev. John E. Kaufman, preceded him by only 16 days.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Feb 26 p. 6

text of obituary:

JOHN PETER KAUFMAN

John Peter Kaufman, son of Peter Kaufman and Freni Strauss Kaufman, was born near Kotosufka, Vohlynia, Russia, on August 31, 1865. Here he spent his early years. He came to America as a child in 1874 with the Mennonite migration from Russia to this country. His parents and the congregation to which they belonged settled west of Moundridge. Here he grew to manhood and lived until his death.

Growing up in a Christian home, he early in life accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. On October 31, 1880, he joined the Hopefield Mennonite church near Moundridge by baptism. In 1893 he transferred his church membership to the then newly organized Eden Mennonite congregation of which he was a charter member. Throughout the years at different times he served this congregation as song leader, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, as a member of the church board and in various other capacities. Here he remained a loyal worker and faithful supporter to the end of his life.

On February 26, 1886, he was married to Carolina Schrag of the same congregation, who survives him to mourn his death. During the 67 years of their married life they lived on a farm in the Eden community, where together with other pioneers, they shared difficulties and hardships of early Kansas history.

To this union were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. One son, John E. preceded him to the great beyond by only 16 days. The remaining children are (Emma) Mrs. Japhet Stucky, (Elsie) Mrs. Henry Schrag, Chris H. and Paul D. all of Moundridge, Raj J. of rural Newton, and Ed. G. of North Newton, Kansas.

He also leaves one sister, (Anna) Mrs. Jacob A. Goering of McPherson, two brothers, Joe P. of North Newton, and Jacob S. of Moundridge, Kansas. Two sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. Remaining are also 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a person of broad interests. He concerned himself not only with the local community but with affairs of the world in general. He did considerable reading and had a great love for music, especially for the hymns of the church, which he sang often up to, and even during his last illness. The missionary program of the church was of great interest and a challenge to him.

The opportunities for his formal schooling were very limited. Very conscious of this handicap, he was greatly concerned that later generations should have better educational opportunities, and did what he could to promote education in general and Bethel College in particular. Foreign missions and Christian education he considered a service to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and loyally promoted and supported them as an essential part of the program of the Christian church.

Upon retirement from active life, father and mother Kaufman made their home with their youngest child, Paul and his wife, Linda, who were ever alert to the needs and welfare of the aging parents.

The recent death of his son John was a source of deep bereavement to him. Almost immediately after the funeral he became ill. He was taken by ambulance to the Mercy hospital at Moundridge, Saturday evening, February 7 where he passed quietly and peacefully to his eternal home on February 11 at 3:15 a.m., having attained the age of 87 years, five months and 11 days.

A short service was held Friday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the home. A men’s quartet sang and Rev. Sam J. Goering gave a short message of comfort and encouragement based on Psalm 23. A memorial service was continued at the Eden church at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Abraham Wiebe and Rev. Sam J. Goering in charge here, as well as at the graveside service. The men’s chorus sang favorite hymns of the deceased, and Mrs. Erwin Goering, at the organ, softly played favorite chorals as friends and relatives entered the church and again as they filed by the coffin at the close of the service.

The following nephews of the deceased served as pall bearers: Roland Kaufman, Alvin Kaufman, Ed A. Goering, Ernest Krehbiel, Leslie Schrag, and Dan Schrag. Interment was made at the Eden Mennonite Church cemetery.