Jantz, Joe T. (1887-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jun 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Apr 28

text of obituary:

JOE T. JANTZ

Joe T. Jantz, son of Tobe Jantz and Susie Unruh Jantz, was born April 28, 1887, in McPherson county, Kansas. Here he received his elementary training and also grew to manhood.

On January 17, 1911, he came to Oklahoma to take unto himself his young bride, Ida Wedel. They established their first home in Kansas. Four years later, in March of 1915, Bro. and Sister Jantz moved to Oklahoma, settling on a farm north of Meno. His entire life was spent on the farm until April 3, 1951, when they moved to Meno in retirement because of Bro. Jantz’ ill health.

To Bro. and Sister Jantz were born eight children, all living. They are: Dessie, Mrs. Barney Jantzen of Watonga, Okla.; Ella, Mrs. J. L. Payne of Enid, Okla.; Minnie, Mrs. Dale Headrick. Meno, Okla.; Ruby, Mrs. J. W. Randolph. Corpus Christi, Texas; Lee, Enid, Okla.; Clayton of the home; Emaline, Mrs. Melvin Smith, Newton, Kansas; and Bernice, Mrs. Olin Unruh of Katy, Texas.

Today, those who remain to share the sorrow of his passing are his widow, Mrs. Ida Jantz, and the children; four brothers, Peter, Jacob, Jonas, residing in Kansas, and Fred residing in New Mexico; plus a host of relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were one sister, Eva, and four brothers, Henry, Isaac, Frank and John.

On May 6, 1951, he was baptized on the profession of his faith in the Lord Jesus and received into the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno, Okla. At that time he was already too ill to attend service, therefore baptism was administered to him in his home in bed.

Bro. Jantz could boast a life of almost perfect health, never having been seriously ill till his health began failing in the fall of the year 1950. He sought the help of various doctors who diagnosed his illness as internal cancer for which none could prescribe a cure. Though bedfast for seven weeks, he was a good patient, asking for very little and never complaining of pain. He frequently expressed the desire that he might get well, but if the Lord had planned differently, he was willing and ready to go. The Lord has seen fit to take him. He breathed his last on Thursday morning, June 14, 1951, at 12:45 at the age of 64 years, one month and 17 days.

The funeral was held Sunday, June 17, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. Arnold Epp in charge.

The Mennonite obituary: 1951 Aug 14 p. 515