Pankratz, Peter G. (1861-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 3 July 1947 p. 3

Birth date: 1861

text of obituary:

PETER G. PANKRATZ

Peter G. Pankratz, son of Peter and Elizabeth Pankratz, was born in the village of Steinfeld, South Russia, Jan. 10, 1861, and departed this life June 21, 1947, reaching the age of 86 years, five months, and eleven days.

He taught public school in his ica [sic] in 1874 during the great immigration of Mennonites, and helped his parents in finding a new home in the Springfield community of Marion county, Ks. Since he was the eldest in the family he was obliged to endure with his parents the pioneer years with their many hardships.

He was baptized upon confession of faith in his Redeemer Dec. 4, 1881, and joined the Alexanderwohl church, whose faithful member he remained until his death.

He taught public schaal [sic] in his home district for ten years, and at the same time managed the necessary farming to give to his family a comfortable living.

He was united in marriage to Maria Loewen Jan. 6, 1891. However, after six years his devoted wife was taken in death, and he was left alone with his two daughters, Maria and Elizabeth. This was a great loss to him, but the Lord always keeps his promises and also for him were the words of Psalm 97:11, fulfilled: “Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart.”

On April 2, 1898, he was united in marriage to Sara Loewen, with whom he shared life’s joys and sorrows for over 49 years. They lived in Lehigh 40 years, where he served continuously and faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. The last two years of his life he spent, with his beloved wife, with his children, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Reimer and family. He suffered much since March of this year. His devoted wife and children were able to minister unto him until the close of his life. They deemed this a great privilege.