Tschetter, Jacob W. (1874-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 21 Apr 1960 p. 10

Birth date: 1874

text of obituary:

JACOB W. TSCHETTER

Jacob W. Tschetter, was born in the village of New Hutterthal in South Russia on May 4, 1874. He was the son of Elder Paul P. and Marie Walter Tschetter.

Late in the year of his birth his parents and five additional families left their homes in Russia to emigrate to the United States. His father was one of the key figures in the emigration of the Hutterites from Southern Russia to the United States in search of freedom.

Our father spent the first winter of his life in Elkhart, Ind., and in the spring of 1875 his family arrived in Yankton, South Dakota, subsequently settling in northern Hutchinson county. It was here that he spent his entire life. Pioneering in a new territory was not without its difficulties, such as primitive living conditions, long hours of hard work and rather limited opportunities of attaining a supervised education. However, through continuous efforts he obtained at least an average education. Our father enjoyed reading, particularly the Bible, of which he was a student and an authority. He had an open mind and always respected the religious beliefs of his friend and neighbors.

On Feb. 23, 1899 he was united in holy matrimony with our mother, Susan Decker. The ceremony was performed by the late Rev. Adrian. To this union were born three children, one daughter and two sons, all of whom survive.

Upon confession of faith our parents were baptized and received into the membership of the Salem Krimmer Mennonite Brethren church in 1904. He remained an active and faithful member of this church until his death.

On June 13, 1939, our father suffered a severe loss in the death of our mother. During the last two years his health began to fail and in December of 1959 we learned that he was suffering from a serious illness which would prove fatal. On March 5, 1960, his soul left this world and he went to his eternal reward. He reached the ripe age of 85 years, 10 months and one day, surviving the death of our mother by more than 20 years. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Jacob Mendel Hofer, and two sons, Emil and David Tschetter, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Although our father lived a quiet life, he also led a deeply religious life. He was respected and honored by all who knew him. We all wish him his eternal rest. – The Family.