Hartzler, Amandus Peter (1889-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Apr 3 p. 8

Birth date: 1889 Jun 14

text of obituary:

A. P. HARTZLER

Amandus Peter Hartzler was born near Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri on June 14, 1889 and departed this life to be with Christ on March 10, 1952 at St. Francis hospital, Wichita, Kansas, having attained the age of 62 years, 9 months, and 10 days.

When but a lad, 14 years of age be [sic] came to a realization of his need of the Lord Jesus Christ, and received Him as his personal Saviour. He was baptized in the Grand River, and throughout the years continued to live a life consistent with the faith he professed. He loved to read his Bible and was unusually faithful in church attendance. The importance of these things he often impressed upon others.

In his heart was a concern for the salvation of the lost, and he would often stop in the midst of the many activities of his busy life, to exhort some fellow being to trust the Lord Jesus Christ. A family altar was an established part of the home life, and many were the prayers that ascended to God for his loved ones.

During the last few months when his body was gradually growing weaker, the peace of God filled his heart, his Bible was his constant companion, and his spirit seemed to grow stronger in faith. Many who visited him to bring comfort and encouragement were themselves encouraged by his triumphant testimony.

In 1914 he was united in marriage to Barbara Widmer, and this union was blessed with three children, Ellis, Elmer and Marion. In 1923 he passed through the sorrow of losing his wife, just a few days after their birth of their youngest son. On June 1, 1924, he was united in marriage to Lavina Balmer and this union was also blessed with three children, Marvin, Sanford, and Orpha Jean.

In 1927 he left Kansas City, Missouri, where he had been superintendent of a Children's Home, and came to Wichita, Kansas. Here he engaged in carpentry, and later started the dairy business in which he continued until the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife, Lavina; four sons, and one daughter, Ellis of Kalona, Iowa, Marion of Kansas City, Kansas, Marvin of Atwood, Kansas, and Sanford and Orpha Jean, both living at home in Wichita. One son, Elmer, preceded him in death in September 1943.

Many relatives and a host of friends mourn his departure, yet they sorrow not as those who have no hope, for they know that for him it is “absent from the body and present with the Lord.”