Boeckner, John M. (1866-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Nov 23 p. 1

Birth date: 1866 Aug 26

text of obituary:

News of General Interest

. . .

— At Moundridge, Kansas, three pioneers of the community were called away in death during the past week. Sunday, Nov. 12, J. M. Boeckner, 79, and Mrs. H. S. Schmidt, 79, died at the Mercy Hospital, where they were patients, while death came to Mrs. Sam Reusser, 71, on Monday. Funeral services for Mr. Boeckner were held at the Meridian church, for Mrs. Schmidt at the West Zion church and for Mrs. Reusser at the First Mennonite Church of Christian.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Nov 30 p. 3

text of obituary:

JOHN M. BOECKNER

John M. Boeckner was born near Mt. Forest, Ontario, Canada, August 26, 1866. He died in the Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, Kansas, November 12, 1944, at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 17 days.

When twelve years of age he with his parents moved on a farm near Plymouth, Nebraska, where he grew to manhood. On January 6, 1898, he was married to Sarah Yost of Swanton, Nebraska. They shared both joys and sorrows for over 46 years. To this union five children were born, two sons and three daughters. In 1902 he and his wife were converted to Christ and joined the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite of which he remained a faithful and active member to his end.

Out of deep concern for his family's welfare he moved to his last home on earth, near Moundridge, Kansas.

Father Boeckner was of a kind Christian spirit, finding many fields of service for his master, whom he loved and served in a humble, consistent and Christlike way. Although of a quite [sic] disposition his deeds spoke louder than his words.

On April 19, 1921, he was chosen by the church and ordained to the office of deacon, in which office he found many avenues of service. He made many friends and showed boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He was a good support to the ministry and the poor, as well as the different missions of the church, finding pleasure in service while sharing his blessings with others.

Father was a good neighbor, a kind and loving husband and father, as well as a loving Christina brother.

In the going home of this good man, we have lost a good neighbor. The family has lost a good father, and the church a faithful laborer and brother. But we wish to humbly bow to the divine wisdom, believing it is better to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.

He leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved wife, two sons, and two daughters: Mrs. George Dyck of Hesston, Aaron, Dan and Mrs. F. H. Wenger of Moundridge; two sisters, Mrs. N. C. Roth, Plymonth [sic Plymouth], Nebraska, and Mrs. David G. Roth of Albany, Oregon. There are also 35 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. They mourn, but not as those who have no hope.

One daughter, Verena, and one grandchild preceded him in death.