Kautz, Laura R. Lefever (1891-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Sep26 p. 11

Birth date: 1891 Jun 27

text of obituary:

MRS. BERNARD B. KAUTZ

Laura R. Kautz was born on Jun 27, 2891 in New Holland, Pa. and died July 10, 1974 at the age of 83. She enjoyed good health all her life, and died suddenly in the Lancaster General Hospital of a heart attack.

A faithful member of the Andrews Bridge Mennonite Church, she was active in all functions of the church. Andrews Bridge is an outreach of the Mellinger Mennonite Church near Lancaster, of which she was a member before becoming a charter member of Andrews Bridge. Her funeral was held in the Mellinger Church on July 15 with Edward Ranck, Daniel Leaman, and Harry S. Lefever participating. Her body was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

She was the only daughter of Amos and Lucinda Rutter Lefever, having three brothers and and four half-sisters. All her half-sisters and one brother preceded her in death, leaving her brothers, John R. of Humphreys, Mo. and Walter of Chicago, Ill.

When she was five years of age her mother passed away. She was raised in various homes, having lived for many years in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Abram B. Landis. On July 26, 1916 she was married to Bernard B. Kautz, who survives. A few years later they moved west and lived near Lincoln, Neb. Her husband opened a garage business after completing his education in Detroit, Mich. and Akron, Ohio in the school of mechanics and tire service. While living in Nebraska they were members of the East Fairview Mennonite Church near Milford. They enjoyed the Midwest, but decided to move "home" before the children were too old to "transplant." Home was near Lancaster, Pa., and this is where they had lived since 1929.

She was a quiet woman and her kind ways endeared her to all who learned to know her. She always thought of others before herself.

In addition to her husband she leaves seven children: Mrs. Allen H. (Grace) Kreider of Palmyra, Pa., Mrs. Samuel (Mary) Fraim, Lancaster, Harold L. of East Petersburg, Bernard J. of Manheim, Mrs. John (Helen) Kennedy of Leawood, Kan., Melvin of New Holland and Donald of Leola. She also leaves 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. One infant son, Paul, preceded her in death.