Deckert, Eldon L. (1918-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jul 15 p. 1

Birth date: 1918

text of obituary:

MAN ILL 14 YEARS DIES IN FAMILY HOME

AT RICHEY, MONTANA

Richey, Montana. — Fourteen years of suffering, 11 of them spent in bed and six in a state of complete helplessness, came to an end here for Eldon Deckert when he was called away in death two weeks ago.

He suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1941.

His wife is the former Sylvia Graber of Richey. They have one daughter.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Aug 5 p. 9

text of obituary:

ELDON L. DECKERT

Eldon L. Deckert, son of Henry P. and Lizzie (Albrecht) Deckert, was born March 1, 1918, at the parental home, Richey, Montana.

His early youth was spent on the farm with his parents brothers and sisters.

He was baptized and received as a member of the Bethlehem Mennonite church, Bloomfield, Montana on Oct. 18, 1931, by Rev. J. F. Sawatzky. Realizing that not all was well between himself and the Lord he experienced his personal salvation under the ministry of Rev. Steele in the summer of 1939.

Eldon was married to Sylvia Graber of Richey, Montana on Nov. 10, 1941. to this union was born one daughter, Judith Julaine. Judy was a great inspiration to her daddy and gave him much pride and joy during his years of suffering.

Eldon was always cheerful and loved to sing. He sang in the various music organizations in the community and was also a member of a male quartet for a number of years.

Eldon was in generally good health in his youthful years. Around 1940 he began to complain of ill health and in the fall of 1941 his illness was diagnosed as multiple sclerosis. His condition gradually became worse so he had to be in bed. He was ill for about 41 years [sic 14]; nearly 11 of these years were spent in bed on his back, and the last six years he was completely helpless and these years were spent in the General hospital in Glendive, Montana. He tried many means of receiving physical help, but the Lord saw fit that he should suffer that others may be strengthened through his suffering.

Eldon went home to be with the Lord on June 28, 1954, at 3:30 a.m. at the hospital in Glendive. He reached the age of 36 years, three months and 27 days. One brother and one sister-in-law preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his departure his daughter Judy of Seattle, Wash. (who was unable to attend the funeral), his parents, three brothers, Lloyd, who is at present in New York State receiving treatment for the same illness Eldon died of, Waldo and wife Olga of Richey, Algy and wife Delilah of Hillsboro, Kansas; one sister, DeDora and husband Archie Kliewer of Moundridge, Kansas; five nephews, one neice [sic], seven uncles, 10 aunts, plus a host of other relatives and friends.

“If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom. 8:17, 18.

Funeral services were held on July 1, 1954, at 1:30 p.m. at the parents’ home, and 2:30 p.m. at the Bethlehem Mennonite church. Rev. George Dick, the pastor, and Rev. Leonard Harder of Glendive officiating. A ladies trio, Karen Holzworth, Elise Senner and Marguerite Schultz, sang in the home and at church. A men’s quartet composed of Charles Senner, Melvin Schwartz, Les Unruh and Delmer Senner sang at the church and at the grave-side services. Pall bearers were Raymond Senner, Ed Deckert, Albert Deckert, Ellis Decker, Lawrence Baese and Jerome Graber. Interment was made in the church cemetery.