Nightengale, Andrew J. (1881-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Feb 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1881 Feb 15

text of obituary:

ANDREW J. NIGHTENGALE

Andrew John Nightengale, son of John and Helena Nightengale was born February 15, 1881, at Ostrog, Russia, and departed this life February 1, 1952, in the Trinity hospital in Dodge City, Kans. at the age of 70 years, 11 months and 15 days.

He grew to manhood in Russia where he experienced many hardships of life. He availed himself of every opportunity to procure an education, but due to circumstances the cultural training that he received in Russia was limited. However, being talented he learned to read, write and converse in seven different languages

At the age of 18 years he felt the need of a Saviour and upon the confession of his faith in his Lord, he was baptized by Bishop John Schartner and united with the First Mennonite church.

On November 12, 1900 he was united in marriage to Mary Wedel. They resided in Russia until 1909 when they emigrated to America, settling in Marion county, Kansas. In 1913 they moved to Gray county, Kans., where he resided until his death.

This union was blessed with 14 children, of whom seven preceded him in death. In 1935, after 35 years of joy and sorrow, his beloved companion and our mother was taken from him through death, leaving him a widower with a family to care for.

On July 16, 1939, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Matilda Willems of Hillsboro, Kans.

His life was not always strewn with flowers, He had his struggles and failings, yet always striving, often in tears and in much prayer, that when the summons should come from on high that he would be found ready to meet his God. He always felt a great concern for the spiritual welfare of his children, admonishing us to seek the kingdom of Heaven first. He considered the family altar very important in every home.

He enjoyed reasonably good health until about six weeks ago, when his health began to decline. He visualized his departing from this life and began setting his house in order, earnestly seeking God’s face. He sought medical aid but to no avail. On January 27, he permitted his family to take him to the hospital. After four days of suffering, God graciously called him home where there will be no more pain. While in the hospital he expressed his peace and that he was prepared to meet his God.

He leaves his bereaved companion; five sons, Emanuel and Rudolph of Dodge City, Albin and Jonas of Wichita, Ewald of Jetmore; two daughters, Bertha, (Mrs. David Penner) of Inman, Kans. and Lillian (Mrs. Henry Voth) of Montezuma, Kans.; five daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, one stepdaughter, Mrs. Everett Saunders, and one stepson, Marlen Willems, both of San Francisco, Calif., 14 grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, and a host of relatives and friends. Seven children and one grandchild preceded him in death.

We mourn but not as those who have no hope, for he has left us full assurance of his eternal Salvation.

Funeral services were held Feb. 4 at 2:00 p. m. in the Methodist church, Montezuma, Kans. with Rev. Homer Sperling and Clarence R. Gerig in charge. Burial was in the Ebenfeld Mennonite cemetery.