Garber, C. J. (1875-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1974 Sep 5 p. 11

Birth date: 1875 May 17

text of obituary:

C. J. GARBER

C. J. Garber, son of David and Elizabeth (Hoover) Garber, was born at Bronson, Mich. on May 17, 1875, and died at Lakeview Rest Home, Heron Lake, Minn., on June 23, 1974, reaching the age of 99.

When a young man he and his brother Leonard went to Cullom, Ill. where they found sisters and were married. He and Cora Catherine Grove were married on Oct. 10, 1893 at Cullom. In 1895 they moved to a farm near Alpha, Minn. where they spent 66 years of married happiness together. Cora died in January 1961.

In 1907 C. J. was ordained to be pastor of the Alpha Mennonite Church. He served his charge faithfully through the years. In later years his son-in-law, Noah Landis, was ordained to help in the care of the church. He loved singing, and often while preaching, if he thought of a song fitting his sermon, he would lead out with the congregation joining in. He had a great concern for others all through his life, and in later years often mentioned those not in the fold.

This union was blessed with three sons and three daughters. Lewis, Ethel and Emma preceded him in death. Remaining are Frank and wife Christina of Hesston, Kan., Charles and wife Hildagarde of Blooming Prairie, Minn., and Mary, Mrs. Harold L. Ely of Hesston; two sons-in-law, Noah Landis and wife Katie of Hesston and Truman Johnson of Alpha; one daughter-in-law, Olive, Mrs. Lewis Garber of Hubbard, Ore.; 34 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was laid to rest June 26, 1974 in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, Minn., with Rev. Elmer Wyse officiating.