Jantz, Benjamin P. (1847-1933)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1933 Jan 31 p. 13

Birth date: 1847 May 11

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1933 Jan 25 p. 4

text of obituary:

B. P. Jantz

Benjamin P. Jantz, the son of Peter and Kathrina Jantz, was born in Poland, Russia, May 11, 1947. He was baptized by Elder Tobias Unruh May 25, 1869, and taken into the church. November 26, 1869, he was married to Helena Koehn, who preceded him in death on October 13, 1928. In 1874, with his family he came to America and settled down in Lancaster Co., Penn., where they lived for four years. Then they moved to near Moundridge, Kansas, and lived there for about 10 years, when again they moved to Butler Co., Kans. Having spent four years here he for the last time moved and then to his present home near Meno, Okla.

Here they spent the pioneer years and with his family went though many hardships. His home also was one of the first ones to open the doors for the early settlers for religious services.

Since the death of his beloved wife his health has been failing very fast, but he was very well taken care of by his daughter, Mrs. Peter Unruh. About a week before his death he became ill from the flu which went over into pneumonia, and caused his death January 11, 1933. He attained the ripe old age of 85 years and 8 months. He leaves to mourn his loss 7 sons, Tobias, Jacob, Henry, Benjamin, John, David and Andrew and their wives; 4 daughters and three sons-in-law, Mrs. Susanna Schmidt, Mrs. Caroline Jantz, Mrs. Katharine Schultz (er [sic] husband also preceded him in death) and Mrs. Elizabeth Unruh. One son preceded him in fancy [sic]. Besides the above he leaves 64 grandchildren (7 dead), 24 great grandchildren (1 dead), 1 brother, 3 sisters and many other friends and relatives.

"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for they shall rest from their labors."

Funeral was held Sunday, Jan. 15, 1933. Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff preached in English and Rev. H. U. Schmidt in German.