Enns, Gerald (1947-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Aug 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1947 Jul 23

text of obituary:

GERALD ENNS

Gerald Enns, son of John E. and Susan (Unruh) Enns, was born on July 23, 1947, in Reedley Calif. He was a normal healthy child and as the last born in out home, he brought us special joy and happiness. The Lord had blessed him with a pleasing personality and a ready smile, and he was as a ray of sunshine in our home.

On July 3, 1954, when nearing the age of seven years, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He was faithful in his prayer life and tithing as well as showing a special interest in God's word. A few years ago he gave his testimony to the church, telling of his personal salvation which he based upon the verse, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” He was baptized upon his confession of faith and received into the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church.

After being graduated from the 8th grade in the Reedley General Grant School, he enrolled in Immanauel Academy where he took a great deal of delight in his school experiences. He had special interest in athletic activities, excelling in the sport of tennis.

In the last year of his life he developed a special initiative in memorizing Bible verses through the work of The Navigators. The tokens of this he left in his own bed-room when he was taken to the hospital — an open Bible and Navigator verses spread out across the table.

He looked forward to earning his own money this summer. He was engaged in working with the fruit when he came home one day and complained of feeling ill. After consulting with the doctor he was submitted to an operation. Little did we think that he would not return to our home. Friday morning, July 27, 1962, he quietly slipped away to be with the Lord. He reached the age of 15 years and four days.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Enns; two brothers, Donald and Earl Enns; one sister, Marjorie, Mrs. Donald Schmidt; also his grandmothers, Mrs. D. M. Enns and Mrs. John Unruh.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church with Rev. Dan Friesen, Rev. Henry L. Janzen, and Rev. Waldo Wiebe officiating. — The Family.