Becker, Adam (1852-1932)

Latest revision as of 14:10, 7 July 2015

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1932 Aug 23 p. 13

Birth date: 1852 Jan 6

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1932 Aug 24 p. 2

text of obituary:

Adam Becker, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Thomas) Becker, was born January 6, 1852, in Antonofka, Wolhinien, Russia, reaching the age of 80 years, 7 months, and 27 days.

He was baptized August 13, 1869, by Elder Tobias Unruh. In 1870, on November 20, he was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Unruh.

In 1874 they emigrated to America, spending their first winter amid many hardships at Florence, Kansas. in the spring they moved to their pioneer home near Moundridge, Kansas, where they resided until 1898. the spirit of the pioneer and of coping with difficulties seemed a part of him. when the Cherokee Strip opened in 1898 he with many others made the "run" and with his wife and family has resided on the claim which was settled 39 years ago.

In the new home he and his wife immediately affiliated himself with the church which he helped organize, holding the first services in their home. He was appointed as one of its first deacons, having been ordained as one in the church at Moundridge, Kansas, which he also helped organize. He continued to be an active member in church and school work until his health failed in 1922, after a siege of the flu.

For almost 62 years the joys and sorrows of life were shard by him and his faithful companion. To this union were born 13 children of which 5 preceded him, 4 in their infancy and the oldest son in 1915.

He is survived by his widow, 4 sons: Cornelius, David and Bennie all of Meno, Okla., and Bernard of Halstead, Kansas; 4 daughters: Mrs. Ben Johnson of Bloomfield, Mont., Mrs. Anna Ratzlaff and sister Eva of Meno, Okla., and Mollie Becker of Newton, Kansas; 2 sons-in-law: Mr. Ben Johnson of Bloomfield, Mont., Mr. Ben Ratzlaff of Meno, Okla.; 3 daughters-in-law: Mrs. Bernard Becker, Halstead, Kansas, Mrs. David Becker of Meno, Okla., and Mrs. Martha Becker of Newton, Kansas; 26 grandchilren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 sisters: Mrs. Ben Eck, Mrs. Helena Buller; and 1 brother, Mr. P. K. Becker and a host of other relatives and friends.

With a look of peace and joy he departed quietly at 4:45 P. M., Aug. 3, 1932, after an illness of creeping paralysis for almost 11 years. During most of this period he was entirely helpless, and speechless during the last seven years, but his mind remained keen and alert until the very end.

Funeral services were held in the home, at which place Rev. F. D. Koehn served, and at the New Hopedale Mennonite church at Meno. The services were largely attended. Music at the church was rendered by the Men's choir. Using Joh. 14:1-2 as text, Rev. H. U. Schmidt spoke in the English language, while Rev. J. B. Epp spoke in German.