Engbrecht, John H. (1899-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Mar 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1899 Apr 3

text of obituary:

JOHN H. ENGBRECHT

John H. Engbrecht, son of Rev. Dietrich and Anna Wiens Engbrecht, was born April 3, 1899, on a farm near Dolton, S. D.

When he was four years old his mother died, and his father married again. His stepmother faithfully mothered him and the rest of the family. John attended the local school and helped his parents on the farm.

He, with the rest of the family, regularly attended the Bethesda Mennonite Church and Sunday school. John realized his need for a Saviour and on June 16, 1918, on his confession of faith, he was baptized by Rev. Derk Tieszen and admitted into the membership of the Bethesda Church, of which he remained a member until his death. For many years he served as janitor of the church and also as Sunday school teacher.

On Sept. 5,1918, he was married to Anna Willems. For almost 40 years they shared the joys and sorrows of life. This union was blessed with five sons and one daughter.

They farmed in various places in the community. Because of failing health, Mr. and Mrs. Engbrecht moved to Marion in 1948.

In recent years his sickness became more serious and he had to go to the hospital on several occasions. During the last year he underwent three operations at Sioux Valley Hospital but never regained his health or strength. Friday evening, Jan. 31, he was taken to the Freeman hospital where he departed this life. Feb. 2 at 9:20 a.m. He reached the age of 58 years, nine months and 29 days.

Shortly before he died he testified that he knew his sins were forgiven and that they were under the blood of Christ.

He leaves to mourn his departure: his wife Anna Willems Engbrecht; six children, John W., Clarence, Arthur and Virgil of Marion, Alvin of Sioux Falls, and Ardis, Mrs. Robert Nelsen, on Madison; one son-in-law and four daughters-in-law; ten grandchildren; three brothers and three sisters; and many friends and relatives.

One brother and three sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Feb. 5, at 1:15 p.m. at the Walter Funeral Chapel and at 2:00 o'clock at the Bethesda Mennonite Church, Rev. T. A. Vander Smissen [sic Van der Smissen] officiating. Music was given by the Bethesda Church men's quartet and the Church of God mixed quartet. Mrs. Theo. Hofer was organist. He was laid to rest in the Ortman Cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Mar 11 p. 159