Becker, John (1870-1968)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Oct 17 p. 10

Birth date: 1870 Mar 3, S. Russia
Date of Death: 1968 Oct 14, Kansas

text of obituary:

Called by Death At Age 98

John Becker, 98, oldest member of the Newton First Mennonite Church and one of the oldest residents of this area, died Monday evening at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Dan Hein. The funeral will be held at the First Church at 10 a.m. Friday, with Rev. Arnold Epp and Rev. H. B. Schmidt officiating.

Mr. Becker was born in Russia and came to Marion County, Kansas with his parents in 1877 at the age of seven. The family settled one mile north of the Tabor Church.

Besides the daughter here, he leaves another daughter, Mrs. Hector Valencia of Ibague, Colombia; a son, Dr. Paul Becker of Denver; and four grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 Nov 14 p. 9

text of obituary:

JOHN BECKER

John Becker was born on March 3, 1870 at Gnadenfeld, Molotschna Colony, South Russia, and came to the United States with his parents in 1877. They settled in the Greenfield community near Goessel, Kan. In 1932 he with his family moved to Newton.

On Feb. 21, 1902 he was married to Eva B. Frey with whom he shared a happy married life for 58 years. To this union four children were born, of whom a son, the oldest child, died in 1906 in infancy. Since mother's death on Oct. 4, 1960 in Hillsboro, he shared his home with his daughter Erna and her husband Dan J. Hein.

Mr. Becker enjoyed nature and loved God's beautiful out-of-doors. He and mother traveled extensively during their first few years of married life, as well as later together with their children. He loved to travel, and was privileged to see and enjoy much of the beauty of our land. He also enjoyed his pictures and his hobby of photography, especially in his last years. He also looked forward to the time when he would be in a far better place, where there is peace and joy, and we sin no more. Often when parting times came, he would say, "If we don't see each other here any more, we shall meet again in heaven." This was his hope.

Dad was of a kind and generous nature, and loved to share of his possessions freely. He appreciated his relatives and friends and cherished their memory. He appreciated every act of kindness and love shown him.

He was baptized by Elder Jacob Buller in 1889 and became a member of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, later transferring his membership to the Tabor Mennonite Church after it was organized. After having lived in Newton for some time, he became a member of the First Mennonite Church of Newton, of which he was a member at the time of his death. He departed this life on Oct. 14, 1968 at the age of 98 years, seven months and 11 days.

Surviving him are two daughters, Erna and husband Dan J. Hein of Newton, Mary and husband Dr. Hector Valencia of Colombia, South America; one son, Dr. Paul Becker and wife Betsy of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1968 Nov 5 p. 690

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Melitopol, S. Russia/Goessel, Kansas
Son of Heinrich and Maria (Lange) Becker
m. Eva Frey 1902 February 21
Farmer, nurseryman -- Kansas, California, Colorado, Wyoming

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
Individual -- Newton, Kansas
With wife (wedding) -- 1902 Newton, Kansas (2 poses)
With Wife and wedding guests -- 1902 Goessel, Kansas
With wife and 3 children (2 copies)
Wife wife
With wife -- 1959
See Paul G. Schmidt (1886-1976) for family group
See David S. Unruh (1869-1946) for 1890s group photo

Sources:
Back of photos
Tabor Church Family Records p. 23
Wedel Sisters B-105
Grandma Online profile 31982
Find A Grave 10807836