Ewert, Eldon O. (1927-1996)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1997 Jan 23 p. 11

Birth date: 1927 Apr 21

text of obituary:

ELDON O. EWERT

Eldon Ewert was born on a farm at Dolton, S. D., April 21, 1927. His parents were Henry J. and Lena Tiahrt Ewert. He died at Newton (Kan.) Medical Center on Dec. 26, 1996, at age 69.

He graduated from Freeman Academy in 1947. In 1968 he moved with his parents to Freeman, S. D. There he mowed lawns, shoveled snow and worked at Freeman Junior College and Academy, gathering and processing information in the alumni office. He also looked after the needs of his mother the last five years of her life. His father died in 1969. In 1980, after his mother's death, he moved to Newton. He worked in the dietary department at Bethel Deaconess Hospital until his retirement in 1992.

He was baptized June 4, 1944, by Jacob A. Tieszen and received into the membership of Bethel Mennonite Church of Marion, S. D. Upon moving to Freeman he transferred his membership to Salem Mennonite Church and in 1980 joined Faith Mennonite Church in Newton.

While in high school, to complete a class project, he collected pictures of the General Conference Mennonite church in the Northern District. This began a lifelong process of updating and expanding the picture collection. He also zealously collected bulletins from many churches and programs of special church activities. He had great interest in the work and programs of the General Conference Mennonite Church and in personally knowing church workers and leadership persons.

Eldon was a member of the Lions Clubs in Freeman and Newton. Last year he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions International in recognition for being the top ticket salesperson for the club's pancake and Mexican dinner fund-raising events over the years.

Eldon is survived by his brothers, Marvin of Newton and Milton of Modesto, Calif. He was preceded in death by a sister, Othielia Fransen.