Unruh, Henry David (1887-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Oct 21 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Oct 27

text of obituary:

. . .

• Rev. W. F. Unruh of North Newton received word that his brother, Henry D. Unruh, 84, of Reedley, Calif. died on Oct . 16. Mr. Unruh formerly lived in the Goessel community. Surviving in his immediate family are his widow, the former Anna Unger, two sons and two daughters. The funeral was to be held Tuesday at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Dec 9 p. 11

text of obituary:

HENRY DAVID UNRUH

Henry David Unruh, son of David and Maria Schmidt Unruh, was born Oct. 27, 1887, on a farm near Goessel, Kan. He received his formal education in the Emmenthal School near Goessel. In 1904 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Rev. Peter Balzer at the Alexanderwohl Church at Goessel.

He was married to Anna Unger on Nov. 27, 1913 and they shared life together for nearly 58 years. After living in Kansas, Wyoming and Colorado, the family moved to Reedley, Calif. in 1937 where he continued farming and railroad vocations. In his later years he was custodian of the First Mennonite Church of Reeedley.

A great lover of music, he had sung in men’s quartets since he was 16 years old, singing for many weddings, funerals and other occasions.

He was a loving and considerate husband and father, having a special concern for his children and grandchildren. Hungry and starving children were of great concern to him, and he shared what he had.

Mr. and Mrs. Unruh moved into their home across the street from the church last June. He enjoyed watching the people and the various activities.

He enjoyed good health all his life until two and one-half weeks ago when a heart condition put him in the hospital.

He passed to his eternal home on Oct. 16, 1971, just 11 days short of his 84th birthday.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Anna; the children, daughter-in-law, Vera, wife of Chester, who preceded him in death in January of 1968, Gilbert and wife Loretta of Fresno, Quentin and wife Fern of Fresno, Twyla and husband Leland Denny of Toll House, Ruth and husband Frank Rogalsky of Reedley; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, Rev. W. F. Unruh of North Newton, Kan., and many other relatives and friends.

In keeping with his concern for children, a memorial fund has been established for refugee children in Pakistan.