Rich, William Joseph (1878-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Apr 22 p. 6

Birth date: 1878 Mar 18

text of obituary:

— Funeral services for W. J. Rich 76, well-known Newton resident and former businessman here were held Tuesday afternoon in the Sister Frieda Memorial Chapel, Rev. Harold Buller and Dr. J. H. Langenwalter officiating. He passed away Saturday afternoon in his home at Meadowlark Homestead after being bedfast for about two years due to strokes of paralysis. Mr. Rich, native of Noble, Iowa, operated an appliance store here for a number of years, and earlier was in the auto sales and general merchandise business. He is survived by his wife, the former Lina Stahly; one daughter, Mrs. Selma Platt, and two sons, Willis of North Newton and Dr. Eldon Rich of Buhler; a brother, three sisters and 10 grandchildren. He was a member of the Bethel College church.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Apr 29 p. 9

text of obituary:

WILLIAM JOSEPH RICH

William Joseph Rich was born on a farm near Noble, Iowa, March 18, 1878, to Peter Rich and Barbara Widmer Rich who had immigrated to this country from Switzerland some years earlier. He received his education in the schools near his home, and at the age of 19, received a teachers’ certificate. He taught a country school for four years.

In his early youth, he was baptized and received into the membership of the Mennonite church at Noble, Iowa. In 1901, he married Lina Olga Stahly, and they established their home on a farm near Danvers, Ill. Later he had a lumber and grain elevator business in Congerville, Ill. After about eight years, they decided to move to Newton, Kansas with their family, and have lived here continuously since 1910.

Mr. Rich was employed at the Herald Book Store for about a year, and then started an implement business of his own. Later, hardware and automobiles were added. The Rich Mercantile Company finally became an appliance center. It was in 1917 when there was a shortage of available labor, that Mrs. Rich entered into the business as bookkeeper, and remained in it until their retirement in 1946.

A few years ago Mr. Rich wrote a short story of his life in which he expressed some of his dreams and ambitions. In it he said, "When a lad on the farm in Iowa, I thought some day I would invent things that would surely make it easier and more pleasant on the farm, but others have beat me to the inventions. But I have had the pleasure of selling them and making many homes happy. When entering into business in Newton February 1, 1911, my first aim was to make a living for my family and give my children a good training that they might become good and useful citizens in their community. My second aim was to be of service in the community.”

Mr. Rich will be remembered by his friends as a dependable, hardworking merchant on Main Street, supporting worthy causes generously, always cheerfully accepting his share of the responsibilities for community improvement.

The family joined the Bethel College Mennonite church. He loved his church and he loved people. His heart was warm towards people in difficulty or who suffer from discrimination. He had many friends among the Mexican and Negro population in Newton. He took great interest in the progress of the new church building.

On May 5, 1952, he suffered his seventh stroke. From this he never recovered. The last two years were difficult, and required much grace and patience, and the dedicated care of his devoted wife. He died quietly at 4:30 on Saturday afternoon, April 17.

He leaves his wife Lina, his children Selma Platt; Willis and Eldon, two daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. One son, Wilbur died when ten months old, and a son-in-law, Rev. Ferry Platt, and a grandson, John Platt, preceded him. Also surviving are a brother, Frank Rich of Washington, Iowa, and three sisters: Margaret, Mrs. C. K. Schantz of Wayland, Iowa; Mrs. Ed Eicher of Washington, Iowa; and Lizzie Mae, Mrs. Sam Wenger of Reading, Minn.

Mr. Rich enjoyed his family, and the fellowship in the family circle will remain a happy memory. He was generous and unselfish. His life was a daily testimony to his Christian faith, and the children and grandchildren are grateful for their heritage.