Jantz, Jacob L. (1878-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jul 11 p. 5

Birth date: 1878 Jan 1

text of obituary:

LOCAL NEWS

— Relatives here have received word of the death of Jac. L. Jantz, 62, a well known farmer at Durham, on Tuesday morning, June 10. Mr. Jantz died at his home after a long illness. Funeral services will be held at the Friedenstal church Friday afternoon. Mr. Jantz is survived by his wife and several children.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Jul 2 p. 5

text of obituary:

Jacob L. Jantz

Jacob L. Jantz, husband and father, was born January 1, 1878, near Moundridge in McPherson County, Kansas, and died June 10, 1941, at 3:25 Tuesday morning. He reached the age of 63 years, 5 months and 10 days.

He was the son of Henry and Anna Base Jantz. His parents, one sister and two brothers preceded him in death.

At the age of 22 years he was baptized by Elder John Gerbrandt and joined the Friedenstal Church. He was united in marriage to Lena Unruh October 14, 1900, in the old Bell Top schoolhouse.

To this union were born 8 children, one preceding him in death, Artho, at the age of 24 years. Those who remain to mourn his departure are: His devoted companion, who ministered to his needs very faithfully day and night; four sons, Arnold, Edwin, Harvey and Adam; three daughters, Elda, Linda and Elma; three sons-in-law, Carl Decker, Peta Richert and Edwin Funk; four daughters-in-law, Emma Decker Jantz, Elva Unruh Jantz, Gladys Groening Jantz, and Ethelyn Ewert Jantz; 11 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 7 sisters, many nieces and nephews, a host of friends and neighbors.

Father has been ill for many years, being severely ill the last three years and suffered intensely the last two months. during the last year 12 doctors were consulted who pronounced his illness a complex condition and incurable, which proved to be cancer.

During his illness he became concerned about his relationship with God, which had been sorely neglected, and began to seek peace and assurance for his soul. He grasped the truth on Feb. 9, 1941, on Sunday afternoon and believed God's Word and came into possession of an experience of personal salvation. He was anxious to do all the will of the Lord, whom he had learned to love. But it seemed like his temptations were very hard during his suffering and he seemingly did not retain his experience.

In the last days of his life he again took a new hold on God. He confessed that he had often failed, but sated definitely that all of his sins were forgiven. He suggested that the family should hold together, upholding mother in prayer, and all strive to follow him into the great beyond. This has been a great comfort to the family.

During the last days in his intense suffering he often prayed and expressed a great desire to be relieved of his suffering. After clasping his hands he moved into the mansion that has been prepared for him, where there is no more pain and suffering but constant joy in the presence of a Risen Saviour.

Father spent most of his life on a farm four miles east of Roxbury, Kansas. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, very much devoted to his home duties and the welfare of his family. Our loss is his gain.

Dearest father, since you've left us
      How we miss your face so dear;
Often while our hearts are bleeding
      We should call thee to our side.
But, we know that God has called you
     And with Him you now abide.
When the day is just beginning,
     That is when we miss your face.
It was then we gathered 'round you
     And learned of God's redeeming grace.
We are glad we had you father.
     But when God calls we cannot stay
Here, on earth with those who love us
     E're our spirits have flown away.
So dear father, as we journey
     May our lives some soul inspire,
May we all be true to Jesus
     'Till we hear God say, "Come higher," — The Mother and Children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1941 Aug 12 p. 14