Gerig, Henry W. (1915-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jan 22 p. 1

Birth date: 1915

text of obituary:

Three Lives Lost in Automobile Tragedy In Vicinity of Pratum, Ore.

HENRY W. GERIG AMONG VICTIMS AS CAR PLUNGES DOWN 40 FT. EMBANKMENT

Pratum, Ore., January 16. — Saturday afternoon, Henry w. Gerig and four other men started away from the railroad camp where they were working, to spend the week-end at their homes near Salem. They were working near the summit of the Cascades, 51 miles southeast of Eugene.

The more or less hilly mountain road, — the new Willamette highway — was slippery and slick and when they were going around a hill, Henry lost control of his car and went down over a 40 ft. bank into swiftly running, knee-deep water of Salt Creek. He was picked up by passersby and died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. l The left side of the frontal bone was badly fractured so that he never regained consciousness.

Two of the men were pinned down in the water and were drowned. The fourth is in a hospital, while the fifth one was not hurt or injured.

Henry, 26 years of age, a son of Joe Gerigs, was baptized several years ago by Rev. J. M. Franz and admitted into the fellowship of Emmanuel Mennonite church at this place.

The funeral was held Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 2:30 o'clock p.m., Rev. Dan J. Unruh officiating. His message was based on Prov. 27: 1 and James 4: 14.

Our young men's quartet: Grover Welty, Henry Beutler, Ralph and Edgar Nafziger brought timely messages in song. Christine (Loganbill) Herr accompanied on the piano. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful! The attendance was exceptionally large. Rev. Homer A. Leisys and Abr. Rempels and daughter of Dallas were present. — D. J. Steiner.