Flaming, John (1863-1942)

Revision as of 10:09, 17 October 2013

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1942 Mar 24 p. 14

Birth date: 1863 Mar 28

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Feb 12 p. 5

text of obituary:

Rev. John Flaming was born in Shardau, South Russia, March 28, 1863. His parents were Andre Flaming and Helen Unruh Flaming. In the 1874, he emigrated with his parents to America. Here they settled at first near Peabody, Ks.

Later they moved onto a farm near Inman, Ks. In 1880, he found the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior and in company with25 other young souls he was baptized by rev. D. Gaeddert and was taken into the Hoffnungsau church.

In the year 1884, on Jan. 24, he entered the holy state of matrimony with Maria Enns. More than 54 years were they permitted to share the joys and sorrows of married life. The union was blessed with 13 children, of which four preceded him in death.

In August, 1893, the family moved to Oklahoma where they settled on a homestead one mile west and one mile south of Corn. Later they moved to a farm 3½ miles north of Corn. Here he lived until Nov. 14, 1929, when he decided to leave the farm and moved to a small house one mile north of the Bergthal church. This remained his home until death took his beloved wife in July 15, 1938. After that he went to live with his children, where he received filial care and love.

On Sept. 7, 1940, he suffered a light stroke, after which his health gradually began to fail. On January 23, 1942, he was taken to the Gaede Hospital in Weatherford. Here he quietly passed away at 3:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 4, 1942.

He reached the age of 78 years, 10 months, and seven days. he leaves to mourn his death nine children: Two daughters, Marie, Mrs. H. N. Kroeker; and Lydia, Mrs. G. N. Kroeker, both of Corn, Oklahoma; 7 sons: P. J., Weatherford; H. B., Corn; John W., Parlier, Calif.; Ernest B., Reedley, Calif.; and Fred, Alvin, Clarence of Weatherford; 24 grandchildren, of which 4 have died, and 2 great grandchildren; one brother, Rev. Peter Flaming living in Buhler, Kans. Six sisters preceded him in death. Besides his immediate family he leaves to mourn his departure a host of other relatives and friends.

A sturdy oak has fallen, a fruitful tree has gone the way of all flesh. In truth was Rev. Flaming a sturdy oak which had struck its roots deeper and deeper into his faith in his merciful God no matter how the storms might howl around his head and threaten to dislodge him.

When we read the short life sketch he has left us, we must say: Here truly was a soul that trusted in God, that saw its way clearly and then went that way no matter what the odds or difficulties.

Though rather unschooled, he nevertheless did a noble work as a minister and elder of the Berthal church. If the walls could only speak, they would tell of many a sound Gospel truth which was fearlessly proclaimed to the world by this itnrepid leader. he was a servant of God for 32 years and

The Mennonite obituary: 1942 Mar 24 p. 12