Dyck, Henry (1866-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Nov 5 p. 3

Birth date: 1866 Apr 4

text of obituary:

Henry Dyck

Henry Dyck was born in Elbing, West Prussia on April 4, 1866, to Frank and Maria Dyck. In 1875, at the age of nine, he came to this country with his uncle, Isbrand Remple, who settled near Mr. Pleasant, Iowa, and later in Beatrice, Nebraska. It was here that Henry was baptized in 1882.

In Beatrice on Dec. 15, 1887, he married Maria Elizabeth Albert. This devoted couple spent nearly 53 happy years together, celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1937. To this union were born nine children.

In the fall of 1902 they moved to Adams county, Washington, and settled near Schrag, living on this place until 1939 when they made their home with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Franz. Father Dyck continued to live here after the passing of Mother Dyck in June, 1940, visiting his other children frequently.

He was charter member of the Menno Mennonite church and served as deacon for many years, being a regular attendant at divine worship until the very last. He was also active in community affairs having served as both school clerk and director in his district.

His health had been failing him for some time but he had had a happy visit with his sons and other relatives in Colfax when a turn for the worse came just 24 hours before his death.

He went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 2, 1942, at the St. Ignatius Hospital in Colfax, Washington, at the age of 76 years, 5 months, 28 days.

Surviving him are: Two brothers, Abraham and Peter Dyck of Paso Robles, California; seven children, Justine (Mrs. Joe Schrag) of Moses Lake; Anna (Mrs. William Claassen), Gerhardt, and Henry of Colfax; Frank, and Agatha (Mrs. Julius Franz) of Schrag; and Helen (Mrs. Ed. Schrag) of Menno; and 24 grandchildren, 12 boys and 12 girls.

His desire had been that he might never be a burden to others and he never was, for everywhere he went he helped to lighten burdens rather than to make them heavier. His Christian spirit and helpful ways will be missed greatly by his many friends and loved ones but he will always live on in the hearts and lives of those who felt his kindly influence.

For Father Dyck the momentary shadows of the dark valley have dispersed and his life has opened upon the glorious sunrise of heaven's morn and that Light which no more goes down.

Life's labor done, as sinks the clay

Light from its load the spirit flies,
While heaven and earth combine to say

"How blest the righteous when he dies!"

The Mennonite obituary: 1942 Nov 17 p. 26