Thierstein, John R. (1867-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 May 14 p. 1

Birth date: 1867 Jul 22

text of obituary:

Dr. J. R. Thierstein, Editor of Mennonite, Called Away in Death

DIED AT BETHEL HOSPITAL THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 8, AFTER LINGERING ILLNESS

Dr. J. R. Thierstein, editor of The Mennonite, official organ of the General Conference of the Mennonite Church of N. A., was called away in death Thursday evening, May 8, at about 8:30 o'clock at the Bethel Hospital. Death followed after several weeks of serious illness at the Bethel hospital because of tuberculosis of the hip-bone.

Funeral services were held at the College chapel and at the Emmaus church at Whitewater, Monday afternoon. At both places the services were largely attended. Ministers participating in the services were Rev. J. N. Smucker, Dr. E. G. Kaufman, Dr. A. Warkentin, and Rev. J. C. Kaufman.

Dr. Thierstein's was an active life, during which he became widely known as president of freeman College and professor of modern languages at Bluffton and Bethel Colleges, and during the past few years as editor of The Mennonite and as chairman of teh General conference Board of Publication. During the past year and one-half he also devoted much time to the preparation of the new Mennonite Hymnary, which has been published recently.

He was born at Bowil, Bern, Switzerland, July 22, 1867, but came to American [sic] in his youth and here completed his grade and high school education. Later he returned to Switzerland to attend the University of Bern, where he received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1910.

On October 2, 1895, he married Margaret M. Dirks of Hesston, who now survives to cherish his memory and mourn his departure. One son, Frederick Novalis adopted while Dr. and Mrs. Thierstein were in Switzerland, preceded him in death in 1926.

For years Dr. Thierstein held positions in various conferences, but his main interest lay in the teaching of modern languages. He retired from active teaching several years ago.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one brother, Christ Thierstein of Whitewater.

The Mennonite obituary: 1941 May 13 p. 1
The Mennonite obituary: 1941 May 20 p. 6