Oyer, John P. (1858-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Sep 5 p. 1

Birth date: 1858 Feb 27

text of obituary:

DEATH CLAIMS 99-YEAR-OLD MICHIGAN RESIDENT, MARRIED 75 YEARS

St. Johns Mich. — Following funeral services held at the Bethel Mennonite Church here Aug. 22, the aged John P. Oyer was laid to rest in the Washington Township Cemetery. He died Aug 19 at the age of 99.

Born near Peoria, Ill. on Feb. 27, 1858, he was married to Mary Smith on Jan. 15, 1880. They completed 75 years of married life before her death in 1955.

Preceding the parents in death were Noah Oyer, former dean of Goshen College, and Daniel S. Oyer, who was pastor and bishop of the Bethel congregation. Two sons and three daughters survive.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Sep 12 p. 8, 10

text of obituary:

JOHN P. OYER

John P. Oyer, son of Joseph and Anna (nee Schmidt) Oyer, was born Feb. 27,1858, near Peoria, Ill. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour uniting with the Waldo Mennonite Church near Flanangan [sic Flanagan], Ill.

On Jan. 15, 1880, he was united in marriage to Mary Smith, daughter of Peter and Barbara (Neuhauser) Smith, at Meadows, Ill. Several years later they moved to Woodford County, Ill., transferring their membership to the Metamora Mennonite Church.

In 1921 they located on the present home-site near St. Johns, Mich., with the Bethel congregation near Ashley, Mich., as their church home.

To this union were born seven sons and four daughters. Three sons died in infancy. Of those who grew to maturity, Noah was the first to break the family circle, having passed away in February, 1931, while serving as dean of Goshen College. In May, 1951 Emma passed on after nearly forty years with the Mennonite Home Mission in Chicago. In Sept., 1954, Daniel S., who had been pastor and bishop of Bethel Church, also joined those who had gone on before. Mother passed away May 27, 1955, four months after their 75th wedding anniversary.

Father was predeceased also by his two brothers, Christian and Peter, and a sister Fannie Gering. Surviving are two sons, Edward H. of Eureka, Ill. and Elmer J. of Fisher, Ill.; three daughters Lydia and Edna at the home, and Esther (Mrs. Cyril Smith) also of St. Johns.

Father enjoyed remarkably good health until past 90 years old, when the infirmities of old age became increasingly evident. For the past six years he was unable to attend church services, but was up and about the house until within the past year. Having a good appetite, he always enjoyed his meals, and planning his diet was no problem except when indisposed by slight illness, which was not a frequent occurrence. In November 1956 he suffered an acute chest condition from which he never fully recovered. After another illness the following July, bordering on pneumonia, he became bedfast and passed away Aug. 19, 1957, at the age of 99 years, five months, and 23 days.

Funeral services were held Aug. 22 at the Bethel Church with John M. Landis in charge, assisted by J. Kore Zook. Psalm 91 was read, emphasizing the theme of the Christian's satisfying portion. (Psa. 91: 14 — 16; Psalm 17: 15). The burial service took place at the Washington Twp. cemetery.