Dick, Johann (1883-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Feb 25 p. 30

Birth date: 1883 Apr 13

text of obituary:

REV. JOHANN DICK

Johann Dick was born on April 13, 1883 in the Crimea, southern Russia. On the estate of his parents he spent a happy childhood and his teenage years. Under the upbringing of his pious mother, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour at the age of 12. In June, 1902 he was baptized upon his confession of faith. The high school (Zentralschul) he attended experienced a revival which left a deep impression upon him. Some time later he was drafted into the forestry service. While he was there a great revival transformed the camp in which he was and some 70 of the 165 men in the camp took a stand for the Lord. This experience again made a deep and lasting impression upon him.

He decided to enter into biblical studies and enrolled in a theological institution in Germany. Happy and profitable years were spent there. In 1911 he was ordained to the ministry. On October 12, 1912 he was united in marriage to Tina Unruh, with whom he was able to share more than 50 years.

In 1924 the family came to Canada and after some moving around established a permanent home at Virgil in 1936. Many blessings were experienced and shared in this area. He was active in the founding of the Virgil Mennonite Brethren church and became the congregation's first leader. It pleased the Lord to take his wife from him on October 20, 1965.

He spent his declining years in the Vineland Home for the Aged and frequently expressed his appreciation for the care and love shown to him there. He was also very thankful for the many visits and letters he received. He went to be with the Lord on January 20, 1972, having attained an age of 88 years. Funeral services were held January 22 at the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church. Rev. John G. Baerg and Rev. Rudy Bartel ministered. He leaves to mourn a daughter, Mary, with her husband, Jacob Kaethler.