Ewert, Andreas A. (1888-1937)

The Mennonite obituary: 1940 Jan 2 p. 12

Birth date: 1888 Feb 5

text of obituary:

ANDREW A. EWERT, son of Andreas and Anna Bartel Ewert, was born February 5, 1888, near Hillsboro, Kansas. In 1895 the family moved near Cordell, Oklahoma, on a new homestead. At this lonesome place he spent the following 14 years with little opportunity for schooling. At the age of 16 he was baptized upon confession of faith and received into the Harold Church. — In 1909 the family left Oklahoma and moved to Hillsboro, Kansas, to give the children a better opportunity for education. Here Andrew first attended the Preparatory School and later Tabor College. In 1912 he began to teach and remained in this vocation until his death, a total of 23 years, with marked success.

In 1914 he was joined in marriage with Orpha Ratzlaff, who also hail taught for several years. This union was blessed with six children, all of whom are still living: Jonathan, Rebekah, Ottila, Esther, Orpha and Andrew, Jr. — In 1917 he was ordained a minister in the Friedenstal Church by elder William Ewert. For 8 years he served this church faithfully in connection with his teaching. In 1925 he accepted a call from the Saron Church at Orienta, Okla., where he moved with his family. For about 6 years he served this church and also taught school. As this double service became too heavy, he laid down the church work and followed only teaching for a livelihood. Since 1934 he made his home in Alva, Okla., where he lived till his death.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, 1937, he left home in the morning as usual to sell school books. On this same day he disappeared, without any trace of his whereabouts for two years, and 2 months, when on Nov. 23, 1939, he was found sitting behind the wheel of his car in a deep lake about 14 miles distant from his home. Investigations indicate that possibly he was unconscious when the car struck the water, and very likely on the same day that he left home. The water was about 18 feet deep. What the future may reveal about this incident, only God knows.

He reached the age of 49 years, 7 months, 20 days, and leaves to mourn his death, his wife, six children, three brothers, one sister, one aunt, one uncle, and many relatives and friends. His remains were buried Nov. 24 at the Alva cemetery. The pastor of the Baptist Church, of which he was a member, officiated. On Nov. 27 a memorial service was also held at the Johannestal Church near Hillsboro. Rev. J. M. Regier preached an appropriate sermon. At the close D. C. Ewert gave a short report of the legal investigations.

He who has served lovingly, has not served in vain.

Find a Grave Memorial ID: 75803376