Decker, Tobias (1876-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Mar 27 p. 10

Birth date: 1876 Jun 3

text of obituary:

TOBIAS DECKER

Tobias Decker, son of John and Elizabeth (Koehn) Decker, was born in Lonetree Township, McPherson County, Kansas on June 3, 1876, and departed this life March 10, 1958, at 10:00 p.m. at the age of 81 years, nine months and seven days.

As a young man he gave his heart to the Lord. He was baptized in 1897 by Rev. Peter Balzer and joined the Emmanuel Mennonite Church south of Galva, Kansas. He often related to his children how he memorized his catechism lesson in the corn field while picking corn.

On Jan. 8, 1899, he was united in holy matrimony to Mary Unruh. For the first five years of their married life they lived on a farm in the home community, from whence they moved to their present home in Marion County, four miles east of Roxbury. Here they reared their family of 11 children, six boys and five girls, and shared joy and sorrow for 42 years. Here they both joined the Friedenstahl Mennonite church and remained faithful members to the end. He loved the church and will be missed in the services.

Father was a good provider for the family and a hard working farmer. He dearly loved his family and was much concerned about their individual welfare. The Bible was his daily guide and he spent much time reading and meditating on the Word of God. The family altar was established in the Home and kept up daily, and it was there that the family learned to draw strength and comfort for the battles of life.

In July of 1946 our dear mother took ill and it pleased the Lord to take her to Glory on July 25. For the past ten years he had lived on the home place with his children, Elmer and Vernie Decker.

He leaves to mourn his unexpected and sudden departure his children: Carl, Elsie, Harry and Elmer of Durham, Kansas, LeeRoy of Galva, Lena, Clara and Alva of Newton. Preceding him in death were one son, Andrew, in childhood, and two daughters, Gertrude in 1954 and Emma in 1956. He also leaves to mourn his passing five sons-in-laws, Arnold Jantz, Tobias Schmidt, Albert Johnson, Allen Unruh, and Laurence [sic Lawrence] Unruh; five daughters-in-law, Elda, Mrs. Carl Decker, Susie, Mrs. Harry Decker, Alberta, Mrs. LeeRoy Decker, Francis, Mrs. Alva Decker, and Vernie, Mrs. Elmer Decker; 28 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (two grandchildren preceded him in death); five brothers, three sisters and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock in the Grand Central school, due to the muddy roads. The officiating ministers were Rev. Abe H. Peters and Rev. Harvey Jantz. The men's quartet of the church furnished special music. The final resting place is in Peace Valley Cemetery. — The Children.