Amstutz, Levi Erenst (1878-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1878 Apr 28

text of obituary:

LEVI ERNEST AMSTUTZ

Levi Ernest Amstutz, son of John L. and Barbara Tschantz Amstutz was born near Kidron, Ohio on April 28, 1878, and entered life eternal and triumphant on his birthday, April 28, 1960, at the age of 82.

He attended the elementary schools of the Kidron district. On Oct. 6, 1893 he was baptized into the fellowship of Salem Mennonite church by Rev. Joel Lehman. He remained a faithful and loyal member of this congregation until his death, a period of 67 years.

Dec. 5, 1907 he was married to Ida E. Sprunger of Berne, Ind. After nearly 43 years of a full life together, she died on June 28, 1950, leaving a void and a loneliness which the community shared with the bereaved family.

Surviving Levi are his children: Adrian of Long Beach, Calif., Ruth (Mrs. E. W. Slaughter) of Newtown Square, Pa., and Laverne of Pittsburg [sic Pittsburgh], Pa. Five grandchildren also mourn his departure.

In addition to his immediate family he leaves one brother, Rev. John E. Amstutz of Middletown, Ohio and three sisters, Susan (Mrs. Cornelius Sprunger) of Orrville, Martha (Mrs. A. W. Sommer) and Miss Hulda, both of Kidron.

Preceding him in death in addition to his wife were a son, John Lyman, his parents and three brothers.

Most of Levi's life was spent in farming near Kidron. He also assisted frequently with the operation of the Kidron Telephone Company office during the quarter century his wife was in charge of the office. For many long years he was a faithful and devoted employee of the Kidron Auction Co. Employment for brief periods in Berne, Ind. and in Orrville — at the Ohio Wood Preserving Co. and the J. M. Smucker Co. — were also part of his experience. Only during the last three years of his life was he away from Kidron. During this period his daughter Ruth cared for him in her Pennsylvania home.

Primary among his many and varied interests were his Lord, his church and his family. He served for many years as one or the other of the several treasurers of his church and particularly enjoyed a long, unbroken sequence of attendance at Middle District Conference sessions as well as at several General Conference conventions.

A lover of music, he sang well until his voice weakened, and was pleased and proud that his children and grandchildren carried on the family's musical traditions.

His interest in public affairs was evidenced by many decades of service on the election board of his precinct. Not the least of his loyalties was to the Kidron Auction Co. While at work there, he could give full expression to his love for peoples and to his friendly trait of fellowship through conversation.

His family will cherish memories of a fond father and grandfather whose interest in the activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren was intense and unflagging. One of his deepest concerns was for their spiritual welfare, and for their devotion to the risen Christ and the church. All of them will miss sharing their hopes and aspirations and joys with him.

The Mennonite obituary: 1960 May 24 p. 355

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Married Ida Eva Sprunger (1881-1950) 1907 December 6

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
With wife and 3 children -- 1926 (2 copies)

Sources:
Find A Grave, buried in Salem Mennonite Church Cemetery, Kidron, Ohio