Enns, Dietrich J. (1888-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Mar 17 p.6

Birth date: 1888 Oct 5

text of obituary:

. . .

— D. J. Enns, 71, who farmed in the Buhler community for many years, died March 12 at the home in Hutchinson after suffering a heart attack. Funeral services were held Wednesday forenoon at the First Mennonite church of Hutchinson, Rev. Leonard Metzger officiating. Mr. Enns is survived by his widow, Anna; six daughters, 22 grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters. A brother, Rev. Frank Enns, is a long-time missionary to Africa.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Apr 7 p. 8

text of obituary:

DIETRICH J. ENNS

Dietrich J. Enns, son of Johan and Eva (Pauls) Enns, was born Oct. 5, 1888, on a farm near Buhler, Kan. together with his brothers and sisters he spent his boyhood years in the Inman-Buhler community. He received his education at the Lake Valley school.

In 1906 he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior, where upon he was baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Cornelius M. Wall and received as a member of the E.M.B. church located three miles south of Inman.

He was united in holy matrimony with Anna Wiens on Oct. 14, 1910. At this time he joined the Hoffnungsau Mennonite church. On May 6, 1921, he and mother became charter members of the Inman Mennonite church along with 92 others who transferred their membership as a group at the time that the new church was former. Upon organization of the new church he served in carious capacities as church chairman and secretary until he became sole deacon in 1929. He served in this office for 10 years and manifested a steadfast and joyous Christian faith.

This union was blessed with six daughters. The parents enjoyed providing a home for a nephew during his infancy. Father and mother shared life's joys and sorrows for over 49 years. On October 14, 1955, they were privileged to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.

Father and mother lived on several farms until 1913, when they moved to a farm two miles south and six and one-half miles west of Inman. it was on this farm that our father planted and developed a 20-acre fruit orchard the maturity of this orchard was a pinnacle in his life which he achieved through much hard work. However, an early fall frost on Nov. 11, 1940, destroyed this cherished ambition.

In December 1947 he suffered a serious stoke, which impaired his health. He recovered, and to the joy of family and friends lived to enjoy a rich and satisfying period of 13 additional years. After recovery he retired from active farm life.

Father and mother and three daughters moved to Hutchinson where they joined the Hutchinson Mennonite church. He enjoyed working and living in the city until September 1957, when he was stricken with a heart attack. After a period of convalescence it was necessary for him to lead a completely retired life, which he did in a happy, relaxed way.

He was a faithful husband, a loving father, and a cherished grandfather who spent many happy hours with his grandchildren.

On Saturday evening, March 12, 1960, after enjoying a day of normal activity and playing with his grand children just an hour previously, and while relaxing and being occupied with reading material, he suddenly and peacefully slipped away from us to go to his heavenly reward.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife Anna, of the home; six daughters and their husbands, Esther and Jake Doerksen of Inman, Selma and Jake Graber of Pretty Prairie, Hilda and Henry Ediger of Buhler, Adena and Milton Herbert of Hutchinson, Ruthanna and John Willems of Inman, and Verna Lee and Milferd Penner of Inman; 22 grandchildren; five brothers, Henry and J. J., both of Inman, George of Buhler, Abe of Meade, and Frank of the Belgian Congo, Africa; and two sisters, Mrs. Aaron Fehdrau and Mrs. Henry Wiens, both of Inman. one grandchild preceded him in death. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1960 Mar 29 p. 206