Dick, John B. (1889-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Aug 10 p. 8

Birth date: 1889 Nov 16

text of obituary:

REV. JOHN B. DICK

Rev. John B. Dick, son of John and Margaret Barkman Dick, was born Now. [sic] 16, 1889 in South Russia. Here he spent his childhood days with his godly parents, pursuing agricultural work. At the age of 17, he was led to the saving knowledge in Christ Jesus by his devoted mother. He was baptized and accepted in the Mennonite Brethren Church for fellowship.

At the age of 20, he came to the United States and at first settled on a farm with the Dave Bushman family in Oklahoma. Here he worked hard to pay for his fare from Russia. After this he came to Hillsboro, Kan. and on Sept. 14, 1911, he was united in marriage to Helen Wiebe. They settled on a farm near Gnadenau in Marion County. This union, which lasted 49 years, 10 months, and seven days, was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter.

He dedicated his life to the Lord for full time service. The Gnadenau church recognized this dedication and in 1919 elected him to serve as a lay minister. After a few years of service in this work, the church voted to ordain him. In 1923 he was officially ordained as a minister of the Gospel by Rev. John J. Friesen. during the following years he spent much time as an evangelist pointing souls to the cross. He attended Tabor College for several years and for nine years he taught German Bible school in his home community.

In 1937 the family moved to Reedley, Calif., where they have lived since that time. In Reedley he was active in the church council and served as Sunday school teacher.

In the last month of his life he had the privilege of visiting his home community of Hillsboro, Kan. Since his return he felt somewhat weak and spent a few days in the hospital. The last days of his life he was happy and rejoicing in his home. Friday afternoon (July 21, 1961), he was relaxing in his favorite chair, just talking and rejoicing with his life's companion. It was under these conditions that the call suddenly came at 2:30 p.m., and he was ushered into eternity without saying a personal good-bye. He reached the age of 71 years, eight months, and five days.

Those who mourn his sudden departure are, his life's companion, Mrs. Helen Dick of Reedley; one son, Roland of Fresno, one daughter, Olga, Mrs. Bud Kliewer of Reedley; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Voth of Russia; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, and four grandchildren, and many personal friends and relatives.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. Dan Friesen officiating. — The Family.