Gerbrand, Henry B. (1885-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 May 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1885 Apr 18

text of obituary:

HENRY B. GERBRAND

Henry B. Gerbrand was born to Bernhard and Katharina Penner Gerbrand on April 18, 1885 in Reno County, Kansas

He spent his childhood on a farm east of Buhler, and received his elementary education at the Hill and Buhler schools. Later he attended the academy at Hillsboro under H. D. Penner.

As a young man, he accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour. Upon his confession of faith he was baptized on May 19, 1906 by Rev. A. M. Martens and was received into the membership of the Hebron Mennonite church. To this fellowship he loyally devoted his strength, time and service until his life's end.

In 1908 he began his career in the Buhler State Bank where he continued for 33 years. He then was associated with the Farmers Alliance Insurance Co. of McPherson, Kan. until 1947. Following this he joined with the newly organized Big Chief Manufacturing Co. in Moundridge, Kan. He remained with this company in its move to Hutchinson and continued in the capacity of secretary-treasurer of the company until his retirement in 1959.

On May 23, 1912 Henry Gerbrand and Katherine Wall were united in marriage. To this union two daughters were born, Mildred and Doris.

He keenly felt his civic responsibilities and supported many community projects.

He served the Hebron Mennonite church in various capacities. The Sunday school was one of his deep concerns, especially while superintendent and teacher. Appreciating fine church music, he had a special interest in developing young musicians to assist in the music of the Sunday school and worship services. Participating in the church choirs was also a life-long interest. In 1957 he was elected central treasurer of the church and held this office until failing eyesight prevented him from continuing this service.

Anticipating eye surgery, he felt it necessary to improve his general health, so on Feb. 15, 1960 he entered the Bethel Deaconess hospital for observation, submitting to exploratory surgery on March 4. A non-functioning gall bladder was removed. The tissue test later revealed the presence of Hodgkins disease. Recent medical discoveries were of no avail in the treatment of this condition and he passed away on Monday evening, April 25, 1960, at the age of 75 years and seven days.

Dad's great concern during his illness was the congregation, and prayer for all those in need of God's saving grace. On the last Sunday afternoon several dear friends sang for him. All present were deeply moved when he unexpectedly joined the singing, in whispering the song, “Ich Weiss Einen Strom.” We know Dad loved his Lord and that he is now a part of that great heavenly fellowship.

Those who remain to mourn are his wife, Katherine; two daughters, Mildred and her husband Elmer Ediger of North Newton and their children, Elaine, Carol, and Mark; and Doris and her husband, Melvin Siemens of Leoti and their children, Stanford, Marguerite, and Rosalyn; two sisters, Mrs. Kate Regier of North Newton and Mrs. D. P. Dick of Buhler; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law, and many relatives and friends. His parents, two sisters and four brothers preceded him in death, three of whom died in infancy.

Funeral services were conducted on April 29, 1960 at the Hebron Mennonite church with Rev. O'Ray Graber and Rev. Waldo Kaufman officiating. He was laid to rest in the Buhler cemetery, Buhler, Kansas.