Epp, John D. (1894-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jul 14 p. 8

Birth date: 1894 Jan 24

text of obituary:

JOHN D. EPP

John D. Epp was born Jan. 24, 1894, the son of Heinrich H. and Helena Epp. His earthly life came to a sudden close when he passed away while asleep on May 21, 1960. He was granted a life of 66 years, three months, and 26 days. Being afflicted with arthritis and a weak heart in his later years, his life was a constant struggle, yet the end came unexpectedly.

He was baptized on June 14, 1914 and received as a member in the Bethesda Mennonite Church. He was united in marriage with Mary Ann Loganbill on August 25, 1921.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; two sons, Dr. Milferd J., wife Donnie and their two sons Michael and Mark of Lincoln, and Marvin G. and wife Nancy of Henderson. Besides these there are one brother, H. D. Epp and wife; three sisters, Mrs. Helen Mierau and husband of Fresno, Calif., Mrs. Marie Friesen and husband of Henderson, and Elizabeth of Lincoln; four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; nephews and nieces, and friends. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

His schooling began in a district school and in a parochial school taught by Rev. Christian Hege of Henderson. He continued his education in Bethel College, graduating with a B. A. He attended Garrett Biblical Institute of Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill., receiving the degree Bachelor of Divinity. He also took work at the University of Nebraska, being granted an M. A. degree.

The majority of his adult life was spent in the area of education. He served the Inman Mennonite Church as pastor one year. Being invited to Bethel College, he taught in that school three years. From there he went to the University of Nebraska where he served two years as instructor in the department of philosophy and 12 years as Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. T. J. Thompson.

In 1942 he moved to his farm near Henderson where he lived until last fall when he retired to his home in Henderson.

Although his life was overshadowed by physical handicaps he strove not to darken the atmosphere of the home by them. Knowing that this life cannot satisfy the innermost yearnings of the heart, he was led into a mood of submission.

We as a family, are grateful for the many years we have known him as husband and father. Knowing him has been a challenge to live life to its fullest, a challenge to seek God's truths and follow them with a minimum of human failure. He lives in our memories; it is our great hope he shall continue to live through our lives. &#8212 The Family.