Aeberhard, Friederich (1864-1940)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jan 31 p. 5

Birth date: 1864 Dec 9

LOCAL NEWS

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— It was a clear, cold day last Friday when Fred Aeberhard, father-in-law of the Review editor, was laid to his last earthly resting place in Greenwood cemetery east of Newton. The funeral service was held in the Fist Mennonite church, conducted by Rev. J. E. Entz and the aged Rev. C. H. van der Smissen. A short sketch of his quiet and reserved life appears elsewhere in this number of the Review. Louis Schmunk of Toronto, Canada, the only step-son living in America, arrived here Thursday night to attend the funeral and returned home again Saturday night. Previous to being located in Toronto, Mr. Schmunk and his family spent several years in Germany, France and Italy, where he was a representative for an American manufacturing firm.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jan 31 p. 5

text of obituary:

Friederich Aeberhard

Friederich Aeberhard was born in the village of Ziegelried in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, on December 9, 1864, the son of Jacob and Barbara Aeberhard. There he received his elementary education such as the schools of his village could supply. There also the first impressions of nature's majesty and beauty were made a permanent part of this quiet and reserved life. He was also baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical and Reformed church of that community.

He emigrated to America at the age of 29 years, making his home at various places in Ohio and Wisconsin. On December 26, 1907, he was married to Mrs. Katherina Schmunk, and they made their home at Pandora, Ohio. Here his daughter and only child, Gertrude, now Mrs. Menno Schrag of Newton, Kans., was born. He also assumed fatherly duties over three step-children who had come to America with their mother, all of whom now survive to mourn his departure.

His wife and their beloved mother preceded him into the life beyond on April 28, 1929.

Because of an illness in his youth his hearing was affected and he lived most of his life in a comparatively secluded world of his own. His occupation was largely as carpenter and cabinet maker.

At the time of the marriage of his daughter nearly seven years ago he moved to Newton to live with his children, which was his home ever since. He enjoyed fairly good health until the second week of the New Year, when he suffered several recurring heart attacks. Monday night, January 15, he was taken to the Bethel Hospital for specialized care. But it soon became evident that his years had reached their number and he passed to his eternal rest at about five o'clock Tuesday evening, January 23, 1940.

He leaves vacant a cherished place in the home, which he filled quietly and graciously. Especially was he a much-enjoyed companion to his two grandchildren, Robert, five years old, and Elisabeth, two years of age.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren in Newton, and the following step-children: Mrs. Clara Barington, Cleveland, Ohio; Louis Schmunk, Toronto, Ont., Canada; Mrs. Elsie Horsch, Wheaton, Ill., and George Schmunk of Berlin, Germany; also one brother and one sister: the aged Gottfried Aeberhard of Ziegelried, Switzerland, and Mrs. Rosa Indermuehle of Hartford, Wisc. Of the above relatives living at a distance only Louis Schmunk of Toronto, Ont., was able to attend the funeral.

Funeral services were held simply and quietly at the First Mennonite church of Newton at two o'clock Friday afternoon, Jan. 26. Impressive and comforting sermons were delivered in the German language by the 89-year-old Rev. C. H. van der Smissen and in the English language by Rev. J. E. Entz, pastor of the church.

A quartet, consisting of H. S. Janzen, Mrs. E. J. Linscheid, Mrs. G. D. Claassen, and Paul Entz, rendered two beautiful selections of special music.

Pall bearers were G. H. Willms, H. J. Andres, Ted Claassen, Ferdinand Voth, Wm. J. Unruh and Sam Schrag. The funeral was in charge of the Moody-Hinitt Funeral Home.

Burial took place in Greenwood cemetery, the committal service being conducted by Rev. J. E. Entz. There his earthly tabernacle awaits the great resurrection call of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, for a happy reunion in the land of perfect day.