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Elias, Gerhard (1852-1952)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Sep 4 p. 10
Birth date: 1852 Apr 9
text of obituary:
Manitoba Centenarian Called Away in Death
SERVICES FOR GERHARD ELIAS, 100, HELD AT WINKLER AUGUST 23
Winkler, Man. — Funeral services were held here Saturday, August 23, for Gerhard Elias, southern Manitoba’s only centenarian, who had passed away Wednesday in his 101st year.
The funeral services were held in the large Mennonite Brethren church with Rev. Abram Peters, Rudernerweide [sic Rudnerweide], a minister of the Sommerfelder Church officiating, and Rev. Peter Zacharias assisting. Burial was made in the Rosenbach cemetery north of Winkler. The pall-bearers were W. E. Elias, Jacob Janzen, George G. Elias, David Fehr, Herman Olfert, and George K. Elias.
The deceased was born in Russia on April 9, 1852. He joined his church in 1874 and married Maria Dueck in 1875. He and Mrs. Elias arrived in Canada that year and in 1876 he homesteaded at Kronsfeld, 12 miles south of Winkler. Four sons and five daughters were born to them. In 1928 Mrs. Elias passed away. In August of that year Mr. Elias married Mrs. Susanna Epp, who went to her reward in 1943. Since that time Mr. Elias had made his home with his children. The observation of his 100th birthday was held at the home of his son, W. M. Elias, Winkler, where the centenarian lived until his release August 20.
Aside from his children, Mr. Elias leaves to mourn his passing 53 grandchildren and 88 greatgrandchildren.