Gingerich, John (1877-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 May 27 p. 3

Birth date: 1877 Mar 15

text of obituary:

JOHN GINGERICH

John Gingerich, son of Joseph and Veronica Goldsmith Gingerich, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, March 15, 1877, and died at his home in the village of Joetown, northwest of Kalona, Iowa on May 18, 1948, having reached the age of 71 years two months and three days.

Having had several strokes previously, he had a severe one on May 26, 1941, which confined him to his bed for almost seven years. On Saturday evening, May 15, another severe stroke left him unconscious, in which condition he remained during his last three days.

In youth he became a member of the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite church, of which congregation he was a faithful member at the time of his death. For many years he taught children's classes in the Sunday School and also served as sexton of the church cemetery.

He was united in marriage to Lydia Reber on November 15, 1900, To this union were born five children: Melvin, of Goshen, Indiana; Ralph of Wellman, Iowa; Mary (Mrs. Chris Marner) and Fanny (Mrs. Herman Smucker) of Kalona, Iowa; and Alta (Mrs. William Kauffman) of Bay Port, Michigan. Surviving him are his companion, his five children, and thirteen grandchildren. One grandson, Loren Gingerich, preceded him in death. Two brothers, Solomon of Kalona, and Otto of Wellman, Iowa, also survive him.

During the past seven years, hundreds of his neighbors and friends came to visit with him. He remained cheerful in spite of his affliction, thoroughly enjoyed the company of those who called upon him, and as a result many were given new courage by his inspiring example.

Funeral services were held at the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite church Thursday afternoon, May 20, in charge of Bishop John Y. Swartzendruber. Interment was made in the Lower Deer Creek cemetery.