Krehbiel, Paul Gerhard (1882-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 13 p. 6

Birth date: 1882 Jan 23

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 20 p. 8

text of obituary:

PAUL GERHARD KREHBIEL

Paul Gerhard Krehbiel, son of Rev. Christian and Susanna A. (Ruth) Krehbiel, was born at Halstead, Kansas on Jan 23, 1882. He passed away at his life-long home, which at one time was known as Krehbieltown, shortly after 9:00 p.m. Dec. 7, 1956, peacefully going to sleep with pencil in hand as he worked with income farm reports, which he so dearly loved to do.

He died on the same farm where he was born. He spent his entire life of 74 years, 314 days with this farm as his home with the exception of several months during his early youth when he herded cattle for his brother Jacob in Oklahoma Territory, and again when he attended the Wichita Business College as a young man.

He continued with these two pursuits throughout life as he engaged in extensive farm operations which involved detailed record keeping. He loved to work with livestock and had a particular fondness for horses. His consultation and advice were often sought by others because of his knowledge in this field. Early in life he was baptized in the First Mennonite Church of Halstead, Kansas. His father, Rev. Christian Krehbiel, was a pioneer leader of this group in America. Paul maintained this membership throughout the remainder of his life.

He was united in marriage to Nellie Ellen Kelly on Dec. 23, 1908, by Rev. J. H. Langenwalter. Paul and Nellie began their homemaking at what was then known as Krehbieltown and after a short time built a large home on this farm. Shortly thereafter, the new home became livened by the voices of three sons: Gerald, Lawrence and Paul Edward.

He worked long and hard and shared the hardships and successes with others of the community, working to provide for his family. He also gave freely to others in need. The companionship was broken on Feb. 6, 1955, when Nellie preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by his 11 brothers and sisters: John, Henry, Jacob, Katie, Daniel, Christian, Susanna, Bernard, Martha, Edward and Lucas.

Mr. Krehbiel is survived by his sons, Gerald Paul of Springfield, Ill., Lawrence Christian of Wichita, and Paul Edward, who continued to be his everyday companion up to the time of his parting; two daughters-in-law, Carmen Bernice, wife of Gerald, and Billie Roberta wife of Lawrence; four grandchildren, Richard Lee, Gerald Paul, Jr., Larry Robert and Roberta Christine. Thus endeth this chapter of 12 children. The Lord hath given and the Lord taketh away.

Memorial services for Mr. Krehbiel were held in the First Mennonite Church of Halstead on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 12, at 2:30 o’clock with his pastor, Rev. Roland R. Goering, officiating. He was assisted by Rev. L. R. Hobert, pastor of the First Christian church of Haysville. Mr. Marvin Westerman, Mrs. Otto Quiring, Otto Quiring and Milton Ewy sang: “Rock of Ages” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” They were accompanied by Mrs. Milton Ewy.

He was laid to rest in the Krehbiel lot in the Halstead cemetery with the directors of the Kaufman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Jan 22 p. 64