Enns, John M. (1872-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Feb 16 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 Sep 12

text of obituary:

JOHN M. ENNS

John M. Enns, our loving husband and father, son of Dietrich and Margaret Enns, was born on Sept. 12, 1872, in the village of Altena - Molotschna, South Russia. At the age of 12 he came with his parents to America and settled on a farm near Buhler, Kan. He attended the public school in Buhler and also McPherson College.

On Sept. 18, 1894, he was united to Anna Dick by Elder Abraham Schellenberg. This union, which lasted 61 years, four months, and two days, was blessed with eight children, six sons and two daughters.

They began their life on a farm near Buhler. After a short time they moved to Buhler, where he served as postmaster for six years. After this, he entered the hardware and implement business.

In 1904 they moved to Hooker, Okla. and filed a claim for a farm. Two years later they moved back to Buhler where he became the manager of a lumber company.

On April 1,1907, our parents were both baptized by Elder Heinrich Adrian of Buhler, and united for fellowship with the Mennonite Brethren church.

In 1912 the family moved to Reedley, Calif., where they farmed for a few years, after which father again entered the lumber business, finding employment with the Western Lumber Company. Later he founded what today is the Parlier Lumber Company. In 1922 he sold his interest in the lumber business and spent his time since then at various types of work. for 11years he served as custodian of Reedley Mennonite Brethren church.

Our father had a rich life. For many years he served as Sunday school teacher and also as a member of the church building committee. He served in both of these capacities in the Buhler church as well as in the Reedley church.

Father's friendliness gained him many precious friends and his smiling face was a symbol of his love and devotion toward his family and friends. With the Apostle Paul he believed that people should greet one another, and his friendly handshake was known to all.

Our parents had the joy to commemrate [sic] their 50th as well as the 60th wedding anniversaries in the Reedley M. B. church.

Father had never been very ill in his life. About four weeks ago he became ill, and it was a real struggle for him to give up regular church attendance. He spoke to his pastors of his faith in the Lord, of his assurance of salvation, and gave a real testimony that he was ready to go, if it was the Lord's will. Soon his condition became serious and he lost his speech. He was moved to the Reedley Hospital where he received the best of care for the last three weeks. Friday night, Jan.20, 1956, about 10:30, the call came and his soul was delivered to go home to meet its Maker. He reached the age of 83years, four months and eight days.

His parents, three sisters, three brothers, one daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his passing his faithful companion of more than 61 years, Mrs. Anna Enns, Reedley, Calif.; eight children, John F. of Reedley, Frank D. of Wasco, Calif., Dick A. of Enid, Okla., Jack A. of Kingsburg, Calif., Mrs. Anna Wiens of Wasco, Mrs. Helen Garner of Wasco, Arnold of Bakersfield, Calif., and Ernest E. of Reedley; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jacob D. Enns of Dinuba; one sister, Mrs. Katherine Dyck, Reedley; and many other relatives and friends. — The Family.