Miller, Elvin (1911-1939)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Nov 22 p. 5

Birth date: 1911 Aug 22

text of obituary:

Elvin Miller

Elvin Miller, only son of John M. and Lydia Waltner Miller, was born August 22, 1911, in Norway township, So. Dakota, and passed away on November 9, 1939, at 11:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart hospital in Yankton, having reached the age of 28 years, 3 months and 18 days.

After undergoing two operations, one for appendicitis on October 27 and the second for the removal of an infected kidney on November 4, his condition became worse last Monday, and he suffered intensely almost until the end.

In childhood a lingering ear trouble began and it was only about two years ago that this was cured.

He tried to live an upright life, pleasing to God and parents from his childhood on. On June 4, 1927, he was baptized by Rev. W. S. Gottshall and received into membership in the Salem Mennonite church and tried faithfully to fulfill his duties as a member. He had a special interest for music, being for many years a member of the church choir and men's chorus.

On June 6, 1934, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Alston, formerly of Noble, Iowa. This union was blessed with two children, Lorene, 2 years old, and Lilah Mae, a little over two months old. For the last 3 years he was farming the home place in Norway township. He leaves to mourn his early and unexpected departure, his wife and two small children, his mother and father and sister Violet, his grandparents, John J. Waltners, 6 uncles and aunts from his father's side, besides many relatives and a host of friends, young and old.

The funeral was held at the Salem Mennonite church, Sunday afternoon, November 12. A loud speaker was necessary to take care of the large number of people that could not get into the church. Bro. A. P. Waltner brought words of comfort at the house and Br. P. R. Schroeder at the church. The text selected by the mother of Elvin was Psalm 16:8.

The Mennonite obituary: 28 Nov 1939 p. 13