Ensz, John A. (1905-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jun 18 p. 2

Birth date: 1905 May 13

text of obituary:

Inman Minister Dies of Injuries

Inman, Kan. — Funeral services were conducted at the Zion Mennonite Church near here Wednesday forenoon for John A. Ensz, 65, a minister of the congregation who suffered fatal injuries in an accident on June 8.

Min. Ensz was walking along a township road near his home when struck by a car. He suffered head injuries and a compound leg fracture, and was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita where he died one week later, on Monday, June 15.

Surviving are his widow, Lena; seven sons and four daughters; three brothers, four sisters, and a number of grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jul 30 p. 11

text of obituary:

MIN. JOHN A. ENSZ

John A. Ensz, son of Abraham G. and Margaret (Klassen) Ensz, was born on May 13, 1905 near Inman, Kan. and departed from this life in the Wesley Hospital, Wichita, Kan., on June 15, 1970, reaching the age of 65 years, on month, and two days.

Father grew to manhood and received his education in the Inman community.

When 14 years of age, he was convicted of his unsaved condition. Yielding to the call of God, he repented and received forgiveness of his sins. At the age of 20, he reconsecrated his life. Upon this confession of his faith and peace with God, he was baptized by his father, Min. Abraham G. Ensz, on Feb. 28, 1926, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. He remained faithful until the Lord called him home.

On June 25, 1933 he married Lena Penner of Inman, where they established their home, sharing life's joys and sorrows for nearly 37 years. This union was blest with seven sons and four daughters.

On Jan. 1, 1935, father was ordained to the ministry by Min. Tobias Unruh. He was active in the work of the church at home and elsewhere, laboring for the welfare of God’s Kingdom and the saving of souls. He had a kind and friendly disposition, winning friends wherever he went. His ready smile, encouraging words, and his place in the pulpit will be greatly missed. He had a tender heart for everyone and often encouraged us to live close to the Master. In his last message to the Zion congregation on Sunday evening, June 7, he used the phrase, “should this be my last message” in speaking on Matthew 19:23-26.

He was a devoted husband and kind father. A farmer, he provided well for the material needs of his family.

Father enjoyed good health until the last several years. When he retired from the farm, he spent much time visiting and helping the children. His grandchildren were a special joy to him.

On June 8, 1970 father met with an accident while walking to the farm. He was struck by an automobile, suffering injuries from which he did not recover.

He leaves to mourn his sorrowing companion, Lena; seven sons, Raymond and wife Joan of Bancroft, S. D., Alva and wife Pearl of Walker, Mo., Norman and wife Pearl of Long Beach, Miss., Herbert and wife Jean of Barron, Wis., Melvin and wife Glenda of Inman, John of the home and Gene of Blacksburg, Va.; four daughters, Edna and husband Curtis Wiebe of Barron, Wis., Marlene and husband Virgil Wiebe of Conway, Kan., Frances of Huetamo, Mexico, and Lucille of the home; 14 grandchildren; three brothers, Isaac and Henry of Inman and Pete of Moundridge; four sisters, Mary, Mrs. I. W. Penner and Sarah, both of Iroquois, S. D., Justina, Mrs. A. L. Nikkel, of Inman; and Helen, Mrs. Albert Hiebert of Hillsboro, Kan.; also nieces and nephews and many friends and relatives.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on June 17 at the Zion Church near Inman, where a large number had gathered from far and near. Rev. A. R. Toews and Rev. Kenneth Smith were in charge. He was laid to rest in the nearby cemetery, with Rev. Clifford Mastre in charge. — The Family.