Hann, Erich (1895-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Dec 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1895 Jul 4

text of obituary:

ERICH HANN

Erich Hann was born July 4, 1895 in Chortiza, South Russia, oldest son of Heinrich and Katharina Friesen Hann. He had four brothers and three sisters, of whom one sister preceded him in death just recently. He received his educational training in the village school and later helped his father on his vegetable farm.

At the age of 17 he was baptized by Rev. Daniel Isaak. During the First World War he helped to build bridges, since at that time Mennonites were not forced to do active military service.

On June 24, 1920 he was united in marriage to Agatha Grunau. To this union were born three sons and two daughters, Theodore, Frieda, Abraham, Heinrich and Dorothy. He owned a farm which he lost during the Russian revolution. After that he served as post office clerk. This he continued even when he came to Germany in the Second World War.

In 1943 he fled to Germany. The family fled from one refugee camp to another, till they remained in Bavaria. There he hauled wood out of the forest or tilled the fields of the farmers.

After the war, representatives of the MCC succeeded in persuading him and his family to emigrate to America. His daughter Frieda and her family emigrated in 1956. The Bethel church of Inman, Kan. became their sponsor.

Later the family of the departed came to America also, with the Bethel church as their sponsor. At first they lived in Inman where they found many friends and a new home. Then they left for California, where his mother-in-law and sister-in-law found a home.

Since 1954 the departed was not able to work and needed medical help. The last six months of his life he spent in the Schmidt Nursing Home at Moundridge. On Nov. 29, 1960 he suffered a stroke and passed away the next morning, reaching the age of 65 years, four months and 26 days.

Surviving him to mourn his passing are his wife, two daughters Dorothy and Frieda and her husband Harold Obermelt; one son, Heinrich, five grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Dec. 3 in the Bethel Mennonite church, Inman, Kan.