Deckert, Benjamin P. (1867-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Nov 7 p. 3

Birth date: 1867 Sep 26

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN P. DECKERT

Benjamin P. Deckert, son of Peter and Susanna Unruh Deckert, was born Sept. 26, 1867, in Karlswalde, Russia, and died August 24, 1946, in the Sioux Valley hospital, Sioux Falls, S. Dak., at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 26 days. The cause of his death was heart and kidney trouble.

He came to South Dakota with his parents in 1874. He was baptized by Elder Frederick Schartner April 18, 1886, upon his confession of faith in Christ Jesus.

He entered the holy bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Unruh, October 28, 1892. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Abram Willems. This union was dissolved by the death of his wife Sept. 13, 1900, after having shared the joys and sorrows of their married life for seven years, ten months and 14 days. Five sons were born to this union.

The deceased later became a member of the Bethel church at Dolton, and while he lived at Dolton he took an active part in the religious activities of the church. For a few years he made his home in Kansas, then moved to Winner, S. Dak., where he homesteaded and farmed for about 20 years.

About three years ago he gave up farming and lived with his children, most of the time with his son Alexander. He was apparently in fairly good health until early summer of this year when at times he made the remark that he was not so well.

Early in August he became very ill and on the 15th was taken to the hospital, where everything possible was done for him. here he passed away on the 24th of August. It can truly be said of him that he loved his Bible and his Savior Jesus Christ. We believe that he now serves Him in perfection whom he had dearly loved.

His death is mourned by four brothers, two sisters and four sons: Isaac of Glendine, Mont., Carl of Fulton, S. Dak., Frank of Peabody, Kansas, and Alexander of Marion S. Dak. His youngest son, Albert, died in Oklahoma in the fall of 1931. Besides these he is mourned by his four daughters-in-law, 25 grandchildren three great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.