Enns, Henry H. (1872-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Sep 10 p. 9

Birth date: 1872 May 12

text of obituary:

HENRY H. ENNS

Henry H. Enns, son of Henry and Katherine Penner Enns, was born on May 12, 1872, in Margenau, South Russia. In 1879 he moved with his parents to America but returned to his homeland a year later and received his education. Then in 1899 he again came to America and resided at Inman, Kansas. In 1940 he and his family homesteaded at Hooker, Oklahoma where he resided until his death.

On October 9, 1901, he was united in holy matrimony with Katy Balzer, with whom he was permitted to share joys and sorrows until October 13, 1940, a period of 39 years and three days. This union was blessed with 12 children, six sons and six daughters.

In 1909 he realized his lost condition, found forgiveness of his sins and was baptized October 17 and accepted as a member of the Mennonite Brethren church at Hooker, Oklahoma, of which he was a member at the time of his death.

He enjoyed good health through the years until about a year ago when he had a stroke. On April 7 he had another stroke from which he remained a semi-invalid and was taken care of in his home. On August 15 he had another stroke and was taken to the hospital. On the morning of August 16 he went into a coma from which he never regained consciousness. He went to his heavenly home on August 18 at 3:30 p.m. reaching the age of 81 years, three months and six days.

His life was characterized by a deep religious faith. He maintained this faith in the home as well as in various church activities.

He spent many pleasant hours singing. Some of his favorite songs were "Jerusalem” and “There is Power in the Blood.”

He leaves to mourn his departure six sons and six daughters: Nick of Tulsa, Henry of Toute, Wash., Katie, Martha and John of the home, Ernest of Hooker, Pete of Blaine, Wash., Leonard of Liberal, Kansas, Elizabeth and Edna (Mrs. John Cosby) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Esther of Reedley, Calif., Linda (Mrs. Kenneth Schmidt) of Glasgow, Montana ; two sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, one brother, D. H. Enns of Reedley, Calif., one uncle, P. W. Enns of Newton, Kansas, and a large number of other relatives and friends.

The last few weeks there was only one desire in his mind, to go home to be with his Lord. He has overcome and thanks be to God, his suffering is ended. His is now to enjoy through all eternity peace and rest. Every remembrance of him will be cherished. We sorrow not as those who have no hope for we have the blessed assurance of meeting again in that bright and happy land where pain and sorrow will be no more.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 23. At the home, Rev. Elmo Warkentin read Psalm 90 and the M. B. male quartet sang two selections. Rev. Schimnowsky officiated at the Hooker M. B. church. The male quartet sang three selections, and Rev. Frank Kemendo, pastor of the First Nazarene church, read Psalm 46, led in prayer, and read the obituary. Rev. Schimnowsky gave the sermon, based on II Timothy 4:6-8 and other portions of Scripture. All of the children were present except one son, Pete of Blaine, Wash.

Interment was made in the M. B. cemetery beside his wife.