Gering, Jacob Peter (1864-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Mar 6 p. 6

Birth date: 1864 Nov 20

text of obituary:

JACOB PETER GERING

Jacob Peter Gering, son of Peter and Marie Reese Graber Gering, was born November 20, 1864, in southern Russia, and departed this life Feb. 16, 1947, at the Memorial hospital in Kingman, Kansas, having attained the age of 82 years, two months and 28 days.

In 1874 he came with his parents to America where they settled in northern part of Harvey county, seven miles northwest of Halstead. Here he spent his early life. He joined the Hopefield Mennonite church, at the age of 16. In the year 1886 he moved with his parents to Murdock, Kansas, where they were instrumental in building and operating a watermill to which people from far and near came to exchange their wheat for flour. He was noted for his honest dealings in business matters.

On March 23, 1892, he was united in marriage to Mary Kaufman, with whom he shared joys and sorrows of this world for 47 years. This union was blessed with three children; one infant son, who preceded him in death; one daughter, Helen; and a niece whom they loved and reared from infancy as their own. His helpmate preceded him in death on Dec. 12, 1938.

When the Bethany Mennonite church was organized in 1907, he and his wife were charter members and he remained a faithful member until the end. He was a good provider for his family, a staunch Christian and a defender of the faith of our fathers. During his illness and suffering he continually expressed his faith in Christ, his Redeemer.

He leaves to mourn his departure his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brown and grandson Harold; his niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Voran and family; three sisters, Mrs. John Vogt, Pretty Prairie, Mrs. Jonathan Stucky, Moundridge, and Mrs. Jacob P. Wedel, Garden Grove, Calif., besides a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services held on Feb. 19 were conducted by Rev. H. E. Miller, Rev. Lonnie smith, and Rev. P. P. Tschetter at the Bethany church.