Amstutz, John L. (1848-1932)

The Mennonite obituary: 1932 Jan 28 p. 13

Birth date: 1848 Feb 2

text of obituary:

Amstutz. — A life which began in Canton Bern, Switzerland on February 2, 1848 terminated suddenly when John L. Amstutz peacefully fell asleep on Tuesday morning, January 5th, at his home in Kidron, Wayne county, Ohio.

His long pilgrimage of nearly 84 years was blessed with much success. Arriving from Switzerland as a young man, he devoted himself to farming, five miles south of Dalton, in which community he resided the remainder of his life. In his youth he united with the Sonnenberg congregation, transferring his membership to the Salem Mennonite church soon after its organization. Here he spent many happy years as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and chorister, ever willing to sacrifice for the welfare of his church. In his later years he joined the Kidron Tabernacle where he retained his membership until his death.

Mr. Amstutz’s outstanding work which brought him a host of friends and acquaintances was his position as secretary for the Sonnenberg Insurance Co. His work in this capacity extended over a period of 45 years of constant service. Handicapped by a limited education, Mr. Amstutz was unusually accurate and dependable. He took great pleasure in this work and only advancing age made him retire from this company about a year ago.

A few days before his death he accompanied other members of the family on a motor trip to Berne, Ind., to attend the wedding of a granddaughter on New Year's day. At Berne the sad news arrived of the sudden death of a grandson, Kenneth, son of Rev. J. E. Amstutz, of Trenton, Ohio. Attending the funeral at Trenton on Saturday and returning late that night, Mr. Amstutz was no doubt tired, but expressed his appreciation of the long trip, remarking that he would be ready for another one. His health seemed about as usual but on Tuesday morning when he did not respond to the call for breakfast, an investigation was made, and his lifeless body was found in bed.

He leaves to mourn his loss four sons, three daughters, one brother, twenty-four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife, nee Barbara Tschantz, to whom he was married October 24, 1872, preceded him fifteen years ago.

Complying with a request of the deceased some time ago, Rev. D. M. Hofer of Chicago, Ill., preached the funeral sermon in the German language, assisted by Rev. A. R. Keiser. Funeral services and interment were made at the Salem church and cemetery.