Dalke, Bernhard (1864-1928)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Nov 21 p. 7

Birth date: 1864 Feb 24

text of obituary:

Bernhard Dalke

Bernhard Dalke was born Feb. 24, 1864 in the village of Friedensruh in South Russia. When a boy of seven years he lost his father through death. A second marriage of his mother provided him with a father.

In the year 1877 at the age of thirteen he, with his parents migrated to America. On a farm near Goessel, Kan. they established their pioneer home. Since his parents were poor, he was compelled to work hard among strangers for his daily bread. However, through toil and thrift he has been able to earn a livelihood for himself and his family.

In the year 1890 he was converted and through baptism by the Elder Jacob A. Wiebe united with the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church.

March 6, 1891, he was united in holy matrimony with Katherine Harms. Twelve children were born to this union of which two passed away in infancy.

He was of a sturdy nature hardly ever complaining of any pain or illness. Except for an attack of typhoid fever several years ago, he has never been sick throughout his life.

Thursday morning Nov. 1, he arose as usual and took up the routine of the day's work. In the afternoon he attended the funeral services of Brother H. M. Hiebert. After the funeral and some shopping in town he turned home, and resumed his work outside among the stock. After some time he came into the house and took a chair. While engaged in a general conversation a sudden moan arrested the attention of the family. He was dying. They managed to bed him on a sofa, but his spirit had gone to its reward. The cause of his death was pronounced hemorrhage of the brain.

He obtained the age of 64 years, 8 months and 8 days. He had been married 37 years and 8 months.

He leaves to mourn his too sudden departure 10 children, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.