Enns, D. P. (1877-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Jun 20 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Jun 4

text of obituary:

Death Ends Outstanding Service of Colonization Board Member

D. P. ENNS OF ROSTHERN, SASKATCHEWAN, DIED SUDDENLY JUNE 4

At Rosthern, Sask., D. P. Enns, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Mennonite Board of Colonization died died [sic] suddenly on Tuesday, June 4. Mr. Enns was born in 1877, in southern Russia. He entered the teaching profession in 1896. later he specialized in commercial law and economics at Lenigrad [sic Leningrad] (then St. Petersburg), and taught these subjects as well as mathematics and science in various high schools. He remained in the teaching profession 28 years. in 1924 Mr. Enns and his family came to Canada.

Funeral services were held at the Mennonite church in Rosthern on Saturday, June 8, at two p. m., conducted by Rev. David Toews, Rev. J. J. Thiessen, Rev. J. G. Rempel and Rev. J. Gerbrandt.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the Canadian mennonite Board of Colonization, Rev. J. G. Rempel, C. F. Klassen, D. H. Epp, A. Klassen, D. D. Rempel Active pallbearers J. Hein, I. Goertzen, P. Goertzen, J. C. Friesen, I. Ediger, N. Thiessen. Mr. Williams attended the funeral services representing the C. P. R. Colonization Department.

Surviving the decreased are his widow, a daughter, Anna, Lanigan, Sask., and a son, S. Theodore, Newark, Delaware.

Upon previous request by Mr. Enns, the funeral sermon was preached by a close friend, Rev. J. J. Thiessen minister of the Rosthern Mennonite church. The following is the message as presented by Rev. Thiessen:

Our Ways Not God’s Ways

Rev. 14, 13. — And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; for their works follow them.”

There comes a time in the life of every man when he stands speechless and dumbfounded because of certain events and in wonderment at the strange ways our Lord leads us. Thus it was with me and many others, when it pleased the Lord over life and death to call our dear brother Enns out of this world. We often ask why our Lord leads us in ways so hard for us to understand.

In answer to this we find in Isaiah chapter 55, 8 and 9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts;” and also in Jeremiah 29, 11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.”

Sudden, Serious Illness

For us Bro. Enns’ passing came too suddenly, but not so for him. He felt his end coming several months ago and especially strong was this feeling during the last days and weeks. He warned us, prepared us for it, but we didn’t want to believe it. He discussed his going with his wife and made provisions for it.

To me he said: “You may officiate at my funeral,” On his last day he said emphatically: “My end is near, be prepared for the funeral.” When I attempted to infuse in him the courage for life, he said: “A small artery need only burst and all is over, maybe it has happened already.

Although short of breath on his last day of life he came to the office in the morning. He felt his strength failing. He worked actively until noon but wasn’t able to walk home.

Bro. Janzen, of Laird, drove us home, and also back to the office after dinner. The ride too tired him. We were the last to leave the office that evening and he longed for a car. We looked about, but in vain. Slowly we walked towards his home. He managed only a block then sat down on the grass. The attack of weakness wouldn’t leave him. The doctor was called. Bro Enns was completely exhausted.

He tried to lie down but his heart wouldn’t allow it. “I am dying”, he told me. I wanted to calm him but he insisted it was true. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, I prayed with him. He prepared himself to meet his God. I called Mrs. Enns. The doctor tried to strengthen the heart with injections, but his strength was failing fast. Kind friends aided us in taking him to the hospital. En route I whispered words of comfort to him. He did not fear the approaching death. With great effort we managed to get him onto the bed.

He requested oxygen and rest. He moved in the direction of his wife but it was too much for him and he said: “Let me rest !” In our arms he slowly sank back upon the pillows and a heart that had been beating for nigh on 69 years stood still. The doctor felt the pulse, examined the heart, but the clock of life had run its course. It ticked no longer.

The Eternal God had said: “Come back thou man.” We commended his soul which had held together all the fibres of body and spirit to God. But we had to console ourselves with the fact that Mr. Enns with his enviable talents, with his love and ability for work, with his admirable attitude for truth, right and humanitarianism, with his child-like faith of God’s Word and Jesus Christ his Lord has laid down his life’s work.

“Blessed are the dead from now on who die in the Lord, yes, the spirit says, that they rest from their labors; for their deed follow them.”

We do not belong to those who preach salvation through works but “by grace you shall be saved!” That is our creed. But there is a great difference between an inactive, fruitless life that comes to a close, and a busy fruitful, faithful one. Mr. Enns served us for 50 years in different capacities and deserves a rest.

Family Life

Today we think of Bro. Enns as a good father. A Christian family life was his high ideal, and he set a fine example to his family. He worked for his children and together with his wife, raised them to become fine Christians. The death of his elder daughter was unspeakably hard for him.

His place in the home, in the family, now remains empty. His advice and admonitions have ceased, but the spirit remains. He has completed his work in his family and I know his wife and children do not begrudge him his rest with his God.

Responsible Public Positions

We also think of Bro. Enns today as a great teacher. At the age of 18 he became a teacher. He taught in various public and high schools. He liked and treasured his calling. Character building played an important role in his teaching. Through him many boys and girls were inspired to strive towards higher ideals and became good, progressive members of our church. No doubt many of them have kept a high regard for him throughout the years. Among the teachers he was also highly respected. Many responsible positions were entrusted to him. Conference Leader, chairman of the Teacher’s Association and many more.

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