Krehbiel, Bernhard Peter (1873-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Dec 26 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Mar 17

text of obituary:

BERNHARD P. KREHBIEL

Bernhard Peter Krehbiel, son of Rev. Christian and Mrs. Susan Ruth-Krehbiel, was born on March 17, 1873, at Summerfield, Illinois. In March, 1879, the family removed to Halstead, Kansas, where Bernhard grew up on a farm adjoining the town. Here he attended public schools and a few summers the church parochial school, and later, also for a short time, he was a student there at the Mennonite Preparatory school, a forerunner of Bethel College.

On June 22, 1890, he was baptized by his father and joined the First Mennonite church in Halstead and for many years was an active member, serving in various offices, such as Sunday school superintendent and deacon.

On his father’s farm which for ten years housed an Indian Industrial Mission school and later a Mennonite orphan home, Bernhard was an active assistant to his parents.

On October 22, 1903, he was united in marriage to Kate Goerz, oldest daughter of the Rev. David Goerz, and they resided on a farm adjoining Halstead until 1932, when they moved to Newton, their present home. Here they joined the Bethel College Mennonite church, of which he was a member at his passing.

Soon after coming to Newton, Bernhard accepted a position in the Goerz Flour Mills Co., now the American Flours, Inc., of which he was a share holder, and where he was employed since then. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, he went to work as usual but became ill before noon and a fellow employee brought him to his home. A doctor was summoned and he had the patient brought to the hospital.

The ailment did not seem serious, but at about four o’clock he suffered a heart attack and in a few minutes breathed his last here on earth to be with his Lord forever.

Having been ill but little in life, his sudden departure at the age of 75 years, nine months and one day was a severe shock to his family and his many friends.

Bernhard, a man of few words, was a lover of flowers and shrubbery and all things beautif8ul as evidenced by his home surroundings.

Besides his devoted wife and two adopted children, Arthur and wife Sarah, and Helen and her husband Juston Lemon; two sisters, Mrs. Rudolph A. Goerz of Newton, and Mrs. Katherine A. Ewert of Madison, Conn.; and four brothers, C. E. of Newton, Edward B. New York City, and Paul G. and Lucas P. of Halstead, many friends mourn his passing. Four older brothers: John W. of Moundridge; Henry P. of Newton, Jacob S. of Geary, Okla., and Daniel R. of Moundridge; and one sister, Mrs. Susie Ringelman of Geary, Okla., and 3 younger brothers and one sister have preceded him.

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145: 18.

Funeral Services were held at the First Mennonite church on Friday, December 20, at 2:00 o’clock with Rev. Lester Hostetler and Rev. J. H. Langenwalter officiating. A Male octet fro Bethel College sang, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “Abide with Me.” Sister Helen Marie Bartsch was at the organ and Miss Louise Entz at the piano. Casket bearers were J. J. Siemens, J. E. Regier, Oscar Erdman, Carl Haury, Elden Smurr and E. W. Kidder. Interment was made in the family lot in the Halstead cemetery by Rex M. Moody of the Moody’s Funeral Home.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Dec 26 p. 5

text of obituary:

. . . Funeral services for B. P. Krehbiel, a resident of Newton since 1932 and an employee of the American Flours, Inc., milling company, who died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 18, were held at the First Mennonite church last Friday afternoon. Officiating ministers were Rev. Lester Hostetler, North Newton, and Dr. J. H. Langenwalter of Wichita. Besides his wife and two children, several brothers and sisters survive.

The Mennonite obituary: 1947 Jan 14 p. 12