Flickner, Jonathan P. (1882-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jun 17 p. 9

Birth date: 1882 Oct 26

text of obituary:

JONATHAN P. FLICKNER

Jonathan P. Flickner, son of Peter A. and Maria Goering Flickner, was born Oct. 26, 1882, near Moundridge, Kans. Here he spent his childhood and youth, assisting his parents with the many farm duties. These early days were the "horse and buggy” days and conditions were quite different from country life as we know it today.

During the winter months in his youth he attended Mound District school and also the German Bible school in the spring. He also attended Bethel academy one term.

The parents, believing in church, took him to services regularly. After instructeion in catechism, he was baptized on April 25, 1897, by Rev. J. B. Baer and was admitted as a member of the Hoffnungsfeld-Eden Mennonite church, which is now the Eden church. Here he remained a faithful member until his death. During his earlier years he was active in Singing Society, in Sunday school and other church activities, serving on the board of trustees for a number of years.

April 29, 1904, Mr. Flickner was united in wedlock with Amalia Wedel, also from this community, by his uncle, Rev. C. J. Goering. Nine children were born into this family, all of whom were privileged to attend their father’s burial. The children are: Viola, Mrs. Pete Zerger; Herbert and wife Elma; Linda, Mrs. Willard L. Kaufman; Hilda, Mrs. Dave C. Stucky; Frieda, whose husband Herman G. Vogts died June 24, 1953; Martha, Mrs. Paul Wedel; Elda, Mrs. Mike Janzen; Maurine, Mrs. Marion Vogts; and Jonas Jr. and wife Helen. All reside in this community except the Janzen family who live in South Dakota.

August 19, 1939, the father and his family were deeply grieved when the wife and mother was suddenly called away by death.

Mr. Flickner had been in robust health until approximately a year ago. Seldom had he been bedfast. Even in his last week he did not believe that he was critically ill. On April 27 he entered the Bethel hospital and was under nurses’ and doctors’ tender care. It was soon learned that his condition was critical and in the afternoon of May 3 he quietly fell asleep.

He reached the age of 71 years, six months and seven days. He leaves to mourn his departure two sons, seven daughters, six sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, 28 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, ten brothers-in-law, eight sisters-in-law, and many relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife; two sons-in-law, Harold Niehage, former husband of Frieda, and Herman Vogts; one grandson, Brian Flickner, son of Junior and Helen; his parents, two brothers and two sisters.