Brandenberger, Ezra John "Ed" (1918-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Jul 12 p 7

Birth date: 1918 Oct 26

text of obituary:

Father of Five Drowns On Family Outing in East

Fort Wayne, Ind. — Tragedy struck a Fort Wayne family on June 29, the last day of what had been a happy vacation at Ocean City, New Jersey, when Ed Brandenberger, 43, drowned.

He, his wife, and 11-year-old daughter were floating near the shore on a small raft when they felt it was pulling them out to sea. They abandoned it and tried to swim back, but were unable to do so because of the strong undertow. The wife and daughter were rescued, but the father's body was not found until the next day.

Brandenberger was employed by his brother, D. J. Brandenberger, a general contractor. He was an active member in the First Mennonite Church where his passing leaves a vacancy as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, usher, missions delegate, and chorister.

Ezra John (Ed) Brandenberger was born Oct. 26, 1918 to John J. and Leah Graber Brandenberger, RFD, New Haven, Ind. On June 9, 1945 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Clemens of Lansdale, Pa., whom he met while in Civilian Public Service at Norristown, Pa.

Surviving are his wife; five children, Danna [Donna?] 15, Jon [Jan?] 13, Sheryl 11, Mary Kay 7, and Denise 3, all at home; his parents; five brothers, Enos, Elmer, and Rev. Martin of RFD, New Haven and D. J. and Joseph, Fort Wayne; and two sisters, Mrs. Enos Steury, New Haven, and Mrs. Ruben Steury, Grabill.

Funeral services and interment were at the Calvary Mennonite Church near Lansdale, Pa. on July 2 in charge of Pastor John R. Smucker of Fort Wayne, assisted by Rev. Arthur Mailes. A memorial service was conducted July 7 at the First Mennonite Church, Ft. Wayne, by Bishops Paul M. Miller of Goshen and D. A. Yoder of Elkhart, and Pastor John R. Smucker.