Berg, John W. (1871-1934)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Aug 22 p. 4

Birth date: 1871 Aug 4

text of obituary:

LOCAL

. . .

— John W. Berg who lived in the Hesston community for a number of years passed away at his home at Buhler last Thursday. Heart trouble together with other complications caused his death. He reached the age of 63 years and is survived by his sorrowing wife and two daughters. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite brethren church Saturday afternoon. The obituary of Mr. berg will appear in the Review next week.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Aug 29 p. 2

text of obituary:

John W. Berg

My loving husband, John W. Berg, was born in the village of Tigerweide, South Russia, on Aug. 4, 1871. When he was 10 years old his parents moved with him to Asia. In 1886 his parents and family immigrated to America and settled in the state of Kansas at Emmenthal near Goessel.

He was converted in his youth, and joined the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church and was baptized by Rev. Jacob Buller. He was joined in matrimony to Mary Buller on Oct. 21, 1897. Two daughters were born to them, both of which are living and deeply mourn his early death.

He and his wife both loved the Lord and searched the Word of God, as a result of which they came to the conviction that they wish to also follow the Master in baptism. Consequently they were bapaised [sic baptized] by immersion by Rev. J. S. Foth on Aug. 25, 1912, and became members of the Mennonite Brethren church in Goessel, Kansas.

Although his dear wife suffered of tuberculosis for nine years, he was able to bring much sunshine into his home due to his hopeful disposition and his unrelenting confidence in his Redeemer. In his early years he was blessed with a strong body, and he greatly enjoyed working hard. On Nov. 29, 1923, a deep sorrow came into his life when his loving wife passed into her eternal Home. This wedded life had lasted 26 years.

Faithfully he endeavored to continue his work on the farm. On Dec. 14, 1924, he was joined in matrimony to me, Mary Nickel. He again proved to be a true husband and father that loved his home and found great enjoyment in music and in singing of beautiful songs.

On Sept. 19, 1925, a son was born to us. However, he was not privileged to live and had to be laid into the grave on Sept. 20.

In 1928 he became very ill, as a result of which he had to undergo an operation. This operation was not successful and as other complications set in, he was forced to submit to a major operation the next year. This operation was successful in a way, and through much prayer and God's help he slowly recovered and was relatively well for several years.

He was always concerned about the welfare of his family in material as well as spiritual things. The family altar he never neglected. He loved to be at peace with all people, and was to us an example of many Christina virtues.

Recently a critical heart trouble developed, and he was advised by physicians to suspend all work to seek rest. Consequently we were obliged to leave our farm at Hesston and move to our home in Buhler. He was very glad in the anticipation that they would live close to the House of the Lord, where he might take part in its services. However, this happiness lasted only a short while. His illness had developed into dropsy of the heart, and his condition become so serious that he felt that his end was nearing. The constant heat was detrimental to him. As his breathing became more difficult and his cough more irritable, constantly disturbing his rest, he said to us: "In Heaven our rest will not be interrupted. Here we are always disturbed." Although he wished to live and be with his family, he often spoke of dying.

On August 14 he expressed the wish that both daughters came home so he could see them once more, and he added that he would die on the following day. This wish was granted but the youngest daughter did not arrive in time to speak with him.

On Thursday afternoon, August 16, at 10 minutes after 3 o'clock he passed away to his eternal home, where he now realizes what he so often sang here on earth:

"E'er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I'll sing Thy power to save, When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave."

He has attained the age of 63 years and 12 days. He has lived with me in his second wedlock 9 years, 8 months, and 2 days. He leaves to mourn his bereaved wife, two daughters, one sister, four brothers, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a large circle of friends. Though we deeply grieve, we hope to see him in heaven to which he has gone before.

May the Lord recompense all of those who have prayed for us and have helped us in our illness.

The bereaved wife, Mary Berg, and daughters: Anna Berg and Sarah Berg.