Dester, Jacob S. (1858-1936)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1936 Jul 8 p. 5

Birth date: 1858 Oct 24

text of obituary:

LOCAL

. . .

— Dr. and Mrs. E. G. Kaufman of Bethel College were called to Deer Creek, Okla., last week because of the serious illness and death of Mrs. Kaufman's father, Jacob D. [sic S.] Dester. Mr. Dester died on Sunday night after an illness extending over a period of several years. He was 78 years of age. It was announced that the funeral services would be held at the Deer creek church on Tuesday afternoon.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1936 Jul 15 p. 3

text of obituary:

JACOB S. DESTER.

Jacob S. Dester, son of John and Katherina Rupp Dester, was born on October 24, 1858, near Franklin, Lee County, Iowa. Six years later the family moved to Washington County, Iowa. In 1871 he was baptized and became a member of the Mennonite Church of that place. In 1879 his father and three brothers died, leaving him to take responsibility for his mother and three sisters. In 1888 the family moved to Kansas.

On April 16, 1893, he was married to Louise F. Eberle, daughter of John C. and Agnes Krehbiel Eberle. In 1894 Mr. and Mrs. Dester moved to grant County, Oklahoma, where they bought a homestead right near the present site of Deer Creek. Here they lived for seven years and then moved to Deer Creek, where they have made their home up to the present time. for the past five years he had been in failing health but was not bedfast until a week before his passing away. He brought his age to 77 years, 8 months and 11 days.

He was one of the pioneer business men of Deer creek. He took an active part in the organization of most of the present time business houses of the town. In his business life as well as otherwise, he was unassuming and quiet.

He was an active and very faithful member of the Mennonite Church during his entire lifetime. He was one of the charter members of the Deer Creek Mennonite Church and at his death was the oldest member of the congregation. He served as trustee and deacon of the church for many years. For a number of years he also served as singing leader in the church. Religion for him was a matter of inner experience rather than outward expression. He dearly loved the Lord Christ and His Kingdom. He was deeply interested in Christian Education and Foreign Missions, and was always ready to do what he could to help those in distress anywhere.

His departure is mourned by his wife, Louis [sic Louise], five children: John of Long Beach, California, Mrs. Dr. E. G. Kaufman of Bethel College, Kans., Laura Ellen of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, Mrs. Dr. Lloyd E. Malm, of Okmulgee, Okla., and Dorothy Mae, living at home. All of these were at his bedside as he passed away peacefully on July 5 at 10:20 o'clock in the evening. The entire family will remember him as a sympathetic and understanding parent, ready to share their joys as well as their sorrows. he also leaves four grandchildren: John Morgan Dester, Gordon Dester Kaufman, Karolyn Louise Kaufman and Sonja Luise Malm. He also leaves many sorrowing relatives and friends, among them his two sisters, Mrs. Mary Krehbiel of Moundridge and Miss Anna Dester of Halstead, Kan., also Mrs. Dester's brother C. F. Eberle of McPherson, Kan., and two sisters, Mrs. Dan Krehbiel and Mrs. Charles Krehbiel of California.

Funeral services were conducted in his late home and in the Deer Creek Mennonite Church on Tuesday afternoon, July 7, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends. The pastor, A. S. Bechtel had charge of the services and was assisted by Rev. J. F. Moyer of Bethel College, Kans., and rev. W. Stumpky of Thomas, Okla. The latter was a longtime business associate with Mr. Dester. A male Quartet sang three very appropriate selections. there were many beautiful floral gifts. Interment was made in the Bayard cemetery south west of Deer Creek.

The Mennonite obituary: 1936 Jul 21 p. 13