Epp, Abraham Friesen (1899-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 May 21 p. 1

Birth date: 1899 Jul 18

text of obituary:

Abe Epp of Hutchinson Called Away in Death Thursday, May 15

STROKE RESULTS IN DEATH OF FORMER ASSISTANT EDITOR OF MENNONITE REVIEW

Abe Epp, 41, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Epp of Hutchinson, who was assistant editor of the Mennonite Weekly review during 1925 and 1926, died in a Hutchinson hospital, last Thursday evening at 6:38 P. M.

Death was the result of a stroke which he suffered Friday, May 8, and which followed several weeks of illness from rheumatic fever.

Mr. Epp was a former student of Bethel College. He also made many friends inNewton during the time of his employment with different business firms here.

In 1925 he accepted a position with the Herald Publishing Co., becoming assistant editor of the Mennonite Weekly review. He continued in this position until January 1, 1927. In the spring of 1928 he left on a summer's vacation trip to Alaska and upon his return again held a variety of positions, the last being with the Montgomery Ward store in Hutchinson.

Funeral services, held at the First Mennonite church in Hutchinson last Sunday afternoon, were largely attended. Ministers who participated in the services were Rev. C. H. Dirks, Rev. Jac. Regier Jr., Rev. J. E. Entz of Newton, and Rev. frank Pankratz. Interment was made in the Burrton cemetery.

Mr. Epp is survived by his parents and one brother, Cornelius, and many relatives and friends. To the so deeply bereaved parents and brother the Review extends sincere and heartfelt sympathies.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 May 21 p. 2

text of obituary:

Abe Epp

Abraham Friesen Epp, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Epp, was born July 18, 1899, one mile southwest of Inman, Kansas. He passed away May 15, 1941, at 6:38 P. M., having reached the age of only 41 years 9 months and 28 days.

In June 1916, desiring a closer fellowship with god, he made his decision for Christ and for an fruitful and useful life, was baptized by Elder H. P. Krehbiel and became a member of the Burrton Mennonite Church.

Some 20 years ago he became very ill with inflammatory rheumatism and as a result he suffered the following years with leakage of the heart. About a year ago he became ill with the flu, from which time he steadily declined in what was already poor health because of his heart ailment.

On Jan. 3, 1941, he came home sick from his place of work at Montgomery Ward in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Three times he tried to work again, till April 5, when he came home about 8 P. M., very sick. Sunday all day he suffered much. Monday, April 7, under Dr. Fernie's advice he was taken to the hospital, where he had the best of care. But after a few days he begged to be taken home to be nursed by is mother, to have her tender and sympathetic care and also have the help of his father. Having been 10 days in the hospital he made up his mind to call an ambulance and came home.

With the help of a special nurse, it was thought he was slowly improving. On May 9, 4:30 P. M., he suddenly suffered a stroke, from which he did not rally and died May 15, at 6:38 P. M.

He attended the Burrton high school, Bethel College and specialized in voice at Bethany College, Lindsborg. Some time during his last term at Bethany he realized his health would not permit him to fulfill his ambitions in his chosen field of vocal music, which he loved. So he decided to give it up for other work.

In between his college years he taught school near Elbing and southeast of Buhler.

At one time he was editor of the Mennonite Weekly Review, newton, Kansas. After this he journeyed to Alaska, where his health seemed to be some better. But he thought it best to return to the States to be closer to the home.

For several years he was interested n farming in western Kansas. During the last years he was employed at Montgomery Ward at Hutchinson, first in the shoe department and later in the furniture section of the store.

He leaves to mourn his early departure, his mother and father; one brother, one sister-in-law, two nephews and one niece; many relatives and friends, who will cherish fond and tender memories.

Abe was not given to complaining. He made many friends in his quiet way, wherever he went and to know him was to love him.

At one time during his illness and suffering he said to his brother, "Don't say goodbye," foreshadowing the fact that one could be separated in body from loved ones, but not in spirit.

Funeral services were held at the home, 530 East First, Hutchinson, Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 P. M. and at the church at 2:30 P. M. The church was packed with relatives and friends. Rev. C. H. Dirks, local Mennonite pastor, had charge of the services and delivered the message. Rev. J. E. Entz, Newton, and Rev. J. J. Regier, Burrton, assisted in the church. Rev. Frank Pankratz, Burrton, offered the closing prayer at the grave on the family lot at the Burrton cemetery. Miss Florence Krehbiel's fine touch on the piano, the harmonious rendition of appropriate songs at the home and church by the Hutchinson Mennonite quartet and at the Burrton cemetery by the Burrton Mennonite men's quartet were much appreciated.

We thank all friends for their many contributions in help and sympathy during Abe's sickness. Also for the beautiful floral offerings around his casket. We will miss his tender presence and his pleasant smile. — The Family.