Krehbiel, Johann J. (1857-1944)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1944 Oct 24 p. 14

Birth date: 1857 Dec 1

text of obituary:

Johann J. Krehbiel, Sohn von Jakob Krehbiel und Freni Schrag Krehbiel, wurde am 1. Dezember 1857 geboren zu Eduardorf in der Provinz Wolhinien, Rußland, woselbst er die ersten 17 Jahre seines Lebens zubrachte. Unter christlicher Erziehung im Heim und in der Gemeinde nahm er Christus als seinen Heiland an, bekannte ihn in der Taufe am 9. April 1872 und schloß sich der Mennonitengemeinde an. Als die Gemeinde in 1874 auswanderte und sich unter dem Namen Hoffnungsfeld Gemeinde im südöstlichen Teil von McPherson County, Kansas niederließ, waren auch er und seine Eltern dabei. Die Eingewanderten siedelten sich in Mound und Turkey Creek Township an, und in dieser Gegend wohnte der Verstorbene den Rest seines Lebens. Am 7. April 1880 verehelichte er sich mit Anna M. Stucky, und sie durften über 63 Jahre in glücklicher Ehe leben. Der Herr schenkte ihnen 15 Kinder, wovon drei in zarter Kindheit starben. Als die Eden Mennonitengemeinde organisiert wurde, schlossen sie sich derselben an, und im April 1922 wurden sie Glieder der Ersten Mennonitengemeinde zu Christian, Moundridge, Kansas, wo Bruder Krehbiel ein treues, tätiges Glied blieb. In den Pionierjahren widmete er sich der Landwirtschaft. 1887 zog er mit seiner Familie nach Moundridge und wohnte fortan dasselbst und später in der Nähe der Stadt. Etwa vierzig Jahre war er Geschäftsmann, der weit und breit bekannt wurde als fähig und ehrlich in diesem Beruf. Verschiedene Aemter wurden ihm anvertraut. Acht Jahre war er Postmeister in Lake View Postamt in Trukey [sic Turkey] Creek Township. In Moundridge diente er lange als Geschäftsleiter im Krehbiel und Swanson Kaufladen und später im Laden der Goering-Krehbiel Mercantile Company. Auch half er andere Geschäfte in Moundridge gründen. Eine Reihe von Jahren diente er auf der öffentlichen Schulbehörde. Zu verschiedenen Township-Aemtern wurde er erwält, und von 1914 bis 1924 diente er als County Commissioner. Nebst diesem war er ein tätiges Gemeindeglied. Gottes Wort und das Werk des Herrn waren ihm teuer. Als Vater erzog er seine Kinder in der Zucht und Vermahnung zum Herrn. Als Glied der Gemeinde war er willig in derselben und durch dieselbe Dienste zu leisten. Als Nachbar und Freund war er mitteilend und zuverläßig. Bei zunehmendem Alter lebte er wohl mehr zurückgezogen, verlor aber nicht sein Interesse in der Wohlfahrt anderer und der Gemeinde. Ein schwerer Schlag war es für ihn, als seine treue Gattin am 12. November 1943 starb. Seit der Zeit sprach er oft das Verlangen aus, abzuscheiden und bei dem Herrn zu sein. Er erfreute sich guter Gesundheit fast bis zu seiner Sterbestunde. Friedlich Verschied er am 7. Oktober, 1944 im Alter von 86 Jahren, 10 Monaten und 6 Tagen. Er hinterläßt seiner liebreich zu gedenken 6 Töchter, 6 Söhne, 5 Schwiegersöhne, 4 Schwiegertöchter, 40 Großkinder, 18 Urgroßkinder und viele Freunde. Das Begräbnis wurde am 10. Oktober vom Heim und von der Ersten Mennonitengemeinde zu Christian gehalten, wobei der Gemeindeälteste, P. P. Wedel mit einer Predigt über 5. Mose 32, 7 diente.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Oct 12 p. 5

text of obituary:

Newton And Vicinity

. . .

— At Moundridge, J. J. Krehbiel, 87, one of the oldest pioneers and merchants of the community, died at his home there Saturday morning. Although very feeble, Grandfather Krehbiel was still able to be up and around shortly before his death. For a time he served as postmaster at Moundridge and later was engaged in the dry goods business for many years. He also contributed much toward the preservation of the history of the Christian, Hopefield and Eden congregations there. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Mennonite church of Christian in Moundridge.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Dec 28 p. 4

text of obituary:

Late Moundridge Pioneer Was Community's First Postmaster

J. J. KREHBIEL SERVED AS FIRST POSTMASTER AT LAKE VIEW POST OFFICE IN TURKEY CREEK TOWNSHIP; LATER ENTERED MERCANTILE BUSINESS

At Moundridge, Kansas, J. J. Krehbiel, for years one of that community's most widely known citizens, died October 7, 1944, at the ripe old age of 86 years. Intertwined with his achievements and community-wide service is an interesting life story which will be long remembered by residents there.

Mr. Krehbiel was born at Eduardsdorf in the province of Volhynia in Russia on December 1, 1857. His parents were Jacob and Freni Krehbiel. It was in Russia that he was also baptized on April 9, 1872, and became a member of the Hoffnungsfeld Mennonite church.

When this congregation immigrated from Russia to the virgin prairie lands of McPherson county in 1874, Mr. Krehbiel came with them and even as a young man took an active part in the upbuilding of the new settlement. This was in the days before the present city of Moundridge was founded or the Missouri Pacific railroad, which now traverses the center of the settlement, was built.

First Postmaster

During the first years after the immigration, Mr. Krehbiel engaged in farming. But soon afterward he was appointed to various positions of trust, in which he rendered long and faithful service. From among the pioneers he was chosen to became the first postmaster of Lake View post office in Turkey Creek township. In this capacity he served for eight years.

In 1887 the family moved to the newly founded town of Moundridge. The next year, on April 7, 1880, he was married to Anna M. Stucky, with whom he was permitted to live in happy wedlock for over 63 years. On April 7, 1940, the aged couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Three years later, on Nov. 12, 1948, his faithful wife was called from his side through death.

40 Years in business

For 40 years Mr. Krehbiel served his community in various business capacities. His first business venture was under the name of Krehbiel & Swanson in the Stucky and Wedel building, more recently known as the Razook store building. Later he was connected with the Goering Brothers and the Goering-Krehbiel Merchantile [sic] Company. About 40 years of his life were spent in business in the city. For many terms he was a member of the local board of education, held township offices and in 1914 was elected commissioner of McPherson county, in which capacity he served until 1924.

Other Interests

Through his intimate connection with many pioneer families, Mr. Krehbiel compiled a number of family trees, which even today are a valued possession in many homes.

Besides his business interests, he also took an active part in church work. He was a member of the original Hoffnungsfeld church west of Moundridge, but when the Eden church was organized he and his wife transferred their membership to that congregation. In 1922 they joined the First Mennonite church of Christian located nearer to their home in the city. Death ended Mr. Krehbiel's eventful career Saturday evening, Oct. 7, 1944.

Grandfather and Grandmother Krehbiel are survived by 12 children, six sons and six daughters. The sons are Emil and Edwin of the home, Henry, of Cleveland; Herman, Moundridge; Oswald, Hutchinson, and Walter of Rosalia. The daughters are Lydia (Mrs. John J. Voth); Mary (Mrs. J. J. Wedel); Linda (Mrs. Jac. N. Kaufman), all of Moundridge; Edna, (Mrs. Leonard Young) Alexander; Viola (Mrs. George Duerksen) Wichita; and Ruth of the home.

Funeral services for both of the aged pioneers were held at the First Mennonite Church of Christian where they were members.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1944 Oct 24 p. 13

Text of obituary:

John J. Krehbiel was born December 1, 1857, at Eduardorf, Vohlynia [sic], Russia. In 1874 he migrated to Moundridge, Kansas. He was baptized in 1872. During his life he held memberships in the Hopefield, Eden, and First Mennonite Church of Christian congregations. He and Anna M. Stucky were married in 1880 and lived in wedlock over sixty-three years. Of the fifteen children born to them, three died in infancy. They first lived in Turkey Creek and then in Mound Township. In 1887 they moved to Moundridge, Kansas, where he was in business for about forty years. He filled various positions of trust and business, and for ten years he served as county commissioner. His wife passed away in 1943, and he departed this life on October 7, 1944.