Graber, Joe G. (1903-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Nov 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1903 Apr 27

text of obituary:

Board Pres. Fatally Injured

JOE G. GRABER KILLED INSTANTLY IN TRACTOR ACCIDENT ON FARM

Freeman, S. D. — An accident which shocked this entire community occured [sic] Saturday morning. November 13, when Joe G. Graber, 53, owner of Skylight Farm, two miles south and five miles east of Freeman, was instantly killed. Mr. Graber was president of the Freeman Jr. College board of directors.

He was working on the dam on his farm, and while in the process of moving a large rock into place by means of the manure lift on his tractor, the weight of the engine and the large rock caused the tractor to roll over at least twice, killing him instantly the first time over. As it came to rest the second time, the arm of his son Charles, age 11, who had been with him on the tractor, was caught underneath. The wrecker had to be called to release the boy. He was rushed to hospital where his crushed hand was treated. He returned after to be with his mother in hour of sorrow.

Had Varied Interests

Mr. Graber was the kind of citizen a community regrets losing. He had a variety of interests and many responsibilities. For quite a few years he was a member of the board of directors of Freeman Junior College, and on the night before the accident was elected to serve as president of that organization. He graduated from its academy in 1920, having finished the course in three years. He was always the school’s ardent supporter. Not only did he shoulder the responsibilities of work in the organization of the school, but his to number of hours or days of manual labor done on the property of the school.

Active in Church

He was a deacon of the Salem-Mennonite church, where he was a member all his life, and where the funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock. He was interested in music and was a member of several musical organizations. He was a member of the men’s chorus of his church. For many years he played first violin in the orchestra which accompanied the annual rendition of the Messiah. He played with a string quartet for many years.

His survivors include his wife Edna (Waltner), two sons, Joe, of Downey, Ill., Charles, at home; one daughter, Ellen (Mrs. Allen Ortman), also of Downey, Ill.; his mother, Mrs. Jacob G. Graber; one brother, Harold, Freeman; six sisters, Mary, with his mother; Adina (Mrs. Benj. P. Waltner), Freeman; Martha, (Mrs. Wm. Schrag) Madison; Emma (Mrs. And. Schrag) Sioux Falls; Alice (Mrs. Wesley Kaufman), and Lydia (Mrs. Dave C. Mueller), both of Freeman, and many relatives and friends.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Dec 9 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOE G. GRABER

Joe G. Graber, son of Jacob G. and Anna (Preheim) Graber, was born April 27, 1903, on a farm near Freeman, South Dakota. Here he grew to manhood and after established his own home one-half mile south of the old Homestead, where he resided in a radiantly happy, Christian family circle.

On June 8, 1919, he was baptized upon confession of his faith by Rev. Christ. Hege, and joined the Salem Mennonite church, where he remained an active and faithful member until his untimely death.

June 18, 1929, he was married to Edna P. Waltner with whom he shared life's blessings and adversities for 25 years and four months. To this union were born four children: Joseph Lyle, Ellen Marie, Frances Clair, who passed away at the age of one year, nine months, and Charles Calvin.

Joe was killed instantly in a tractor accident on his farm Nov. 13, 1954, at the age of 51 years, six months, and 16 days. he leaves to mourn his early departure his wife Edna; two sons, Joe, with his wife Dorothy, of Waukegan, Ill., and Charles of the home; one daughter, Ellen, with her husband Arlan Ortman of Reedley, Calif.; his aged mother, one brother, six sisters, besides a host of relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Frances, his father, and a sister, Lena.

Service was Joe's watchword and he spared neither time nor effort to be of service wherever and whenever opportunity presented itself. He was greatly concerned about the spiritual life the church and the spreading of the Gospel through missions and relief. His interest in Freeman Junior College was manifest by his tireless and sacrificial efforts to further the cause of Christian education. He was president of the Board of Directors of the college at the time of his death.

Joe lived a short but very active, happy, and useful life, and his influence for good will live on in the lives of those who knew him best.

"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord . . . that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." Rev. 14:13.