Eigsti, John H. (1866-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1866 Apr 19

text of obituary:

JOHN H. EIGSTI

John H. Eigsti was born near Buda, Ill., on April 16, 1866, the son of Jacob Eigsti and Veronica Albrecht Eigsti. he attended public school, and the Mennonite Seminary at Halstead, Kansas. He made farming his vocation, retiring in 1919. He was baptized by Bishop Joseph Brcky in Willow Springs church at the age of 20 years.

His father gave the plot of ground to the congregation, which is now the present church grounds and cemetery. John served as a trustee and on the building committee in 1896. He also served on the church committee in 1901. He broke the ground for the new addition in June 1950. Through the years he was assigned other duties and responsibilities in the church, and was always faithful.

He was married Dec. 8, 1881, to Ida A. Smucker of Nappanee, ind. to this union were born: Carrie Gray of Kilmichael, Miss.; Vernon of Goshen, Ind.; Ira of Tiskilwa, Ill.; Alice Rocke of Graymount, Ill.; Wilmer of Hastings, Neb.; Fannie, deceased; Arlene Schwarzendruber of Peoria, Ill.; and Linus o Eugene, Oregon. There are 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

The family moved to a farm near Middlebury, Ind. in 1911. In 1919 he moved to Goshen, Ind., and made the final move to his Tiskilwa, Ill. residence in 1929. His wife passed away on Dec. 20, 1946.

He departed this life Feb. 15, 1955, in Sarasota, Florida of a cerebral hemorrhage. His brother William and sister Katie preceded him in death.

He was known for his deep interest in the spiritual welfare of his family, neighbors and friends. he always placed God first in all of his interests, and maintained a firm faith to the end.

The funeral services in the home and the church were in charge of the pastor, C. Warren Long. Psalm 91 and 23 were presented as a memorial meditation. By father’s request, the song “It Is Well With My Soul” was sung during the services. Interment was made in the Willow Springs cemetery. The funeral services were held at 10:30 a. m. at the church, following which 85 relatives ate lunch in the church basement.