Block, David D. (1902-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 May 17 p. 28

Birth date: 1902 Jan 06

text of obituary:

DAVID D. BLOCK

David Block was the youngest son of his parents, David and Elizabeth Block (nee Vogt), born January 6, 1902 in Nickolaipol, Borissow, Russia. His parents later moved to Udatschnaja.

Here he spent his childhood and took seven years of elementary school. It was here, also, that he became aware, through the message of a visiting missionary, of the fact that he was sinner and needed forgiveness.

Later he attended high school. In the post-war years, he fulfilled his civil service, from 1922 to 1924. In 1925 he immigrated to Canada, finding a temporary home in Laird, Saskatchewan with his sister Anna (Mrs. E. Nickel).

The years passed, and in February, 1937 he found forgiveness of sins and became a child of God. While looking for work in Virgil, Ont., he was baptized upon confession of faith into the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church.

The desire for Biblical knowledge grew in him, so he worked during the summers in Ontario and attended the Winkler Bible School in Manitoba during the winters. After he completed his studies there he attended the Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, where he graduated in 1947.

Between February of 1949 and June of 1953 he served with MCC in Europe. He married Helen Unruh May 31, 1958 in the South End Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg with Rev. A. H. Unruh delivering the message and Rev. J. D. Neufeld performing the ceremony.

Mr. Block undertook his church work as adult Sunday school teacher, church secretary and other obligations with much joy. He was especially concerned about the growth of the church and the salvation of lost souls.

His death is mourned by his wife, Helen Block; his nieces, Miss Anna Block and Mrs. Elizabeth Martens with her family in Winnipeg; Eliza Speizer and family in Laird, Sask., a brother-in-law E. Nickel and his wife; and Elizabeth, also of Laird, as well as many friends and relatives.