Epp, Henry W. (1891-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Mar 13 p. 3, 7

Birth date: 1891 Mar 24

text of obituary:

HENRY W. EPP

Henry W. Epp was born near Inman, Kansas, on March 24, 1891, the son of Heinrich and Margareta (Wiens) Epp. He departed to his eternal rest on Feb. 18, 1947, at 3:55 p.m. at the Bethel Deaconess hospital in Newton, at the age of 55 years, 10 months, and 24 days.

He received his early education in the schools near Inman and also attended the Bible academy at Hillsboro. Early in life he accepted Christ as his Saviour and on June 21, 1908, was baptized by Elder Heinrich Toews and united with the Bethel Mennonite church near Inman.

Later he with his parents moved to western Kansas where they joined with the Brudertal church, Meade. Later when they came back and settled near Elbing the family joined with the Zion Mennonite church.

On October 22, 1914, he was united in marriage to Maria Knak of Hillsboro, by Elder Wm. J. Ewert. To this union five sons and five daughters were born: Melvin Epp of Hutchinson, Leonard Epp of Ft. Worth, Texas, Wesley Epp of Halstead, Mrs. Irwin Ewert of Elbing, Mrs. Alvin Hofer of Bridgewater S. Dak., Margaret, Herbert, Mary Ann and Tony of the home. The children and his wife survive him. He also leaves three granddaughters, two sisters and one brother preceded him in death.

Early last fall father's health failed and after careful examination the doctors soon diagnosed his ailment as leukemia. He was admitted to the Bethel hospital and received the best medical attention and care from doctors and nurses. At first his condition seemed improved, but it soon became apparent that his days were numbered.

Father's life has not been an easy one and yet we can say God's grace has been sufficient to the end. His latter days were spent in quiet preparation and will long linger in the memory of the family. He gratefully received every token of love and appreciated all words of comfort and prayer offered by relatives and friends who frequently visited him. He often spoke his appreciation for the spiritual as well as medical care offered by nurses and sisters.

The last Sunday afternoon he was still permitted to partake of the holy communion at the hospital and gave a clear testimony of an open door to the heavenly home. "All good things work together for good to them that love the Lord." Romans 8:28.

A short family service was conducted at the home at 12:45 p. m. on Feb. 21. Funeral services were held at the Zion Mennonite church, Elbing, at 2:00 p. m., with Rev. Henry J. Dyck officiating, Rev. Daniel J. Unruh and Rev. J. E. Entz assisting. A quartet consisting of Robert Regier, Willard Regier, Rev. Walter Dyck, and John Janzen sang "Near to the Heart of God."

Interment was in the Zion church cemetery. Pall bearers were his four sons, Melvin, Leonard, Wesley and Herbert, his two sons-in-laws, Irwin Ewert and Alvin Hofer.