Graber, John K. (1904-1931)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1931 Aug 11 p. 14

Birth date: 1904

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Aug 5 p. 3

text of obituary:

Johnny K. Graber

Johnny K. Graber, son of Peter Jos. Graber was born near Marion, S. Dak. where he grew to manhood.

At the tender age of 16 years Johnny's father died, and he was forced to discontinue his education and take the responsibilities at the home as a full grown man.

He was baptized the 19. of Aug. 1924 at the Salem Zion church of which he remained a faithful member until death.

In spite of the many difficulties he continued his education and graduated from Freeman College with the class of 1926 and taught school the following year. As a student he was bright and industrious.

He became slightly sick at times and in 1927 took his first operation at Sioux city. His sickness was known as calitis [sic colitis]. He was a patient sufferer and endured many pains without complaining and took every thing in a good natured way. He was always jolly and always busy and looked into the future with joy and happiness in spite of his many disappointments.

He sought relief at Sioux City, Mitchell, Rochester and Halstead, Kansas spending many weeks in the hospitals and also taking treatments from local doctors. He had five operations in the Halstead hospital. Before going to Halstead he was operated three times.

Most of the time the last two years he spent at his sisters in Kansas.

On July 19, 1931 he went back to Halstead for his final operation. It was not a serious one but infection set in and on Friday July 24, 1931 at 7 P. M. he passed away. When he knew that his end was near he longed to see his home folks. They were called but when they arrived he was no more able to talk to them. He did not fear death for he was ready and willing to go. At the time of death he was 26 yrs., 8 mos., and 15 days.

He leaves to mourn his death, his mother, one brother and eight sisters, and many relatives and friends.