Johnson, John J. (1867-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Mar 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1867 Aug 18

text of obituary:

JOHN J. JOHNSON

John J. Johnson, son of Johann and Helena Koehn Jansen [sic Jantz], was born on August 18, 1867, in Kunghof, Waldheim, Russia. The early years of his life were spent in the old country. He came to the United States in the great migration of 1874 with his parents. Their first home was the immigrant house near Florence, Kans. From there they moved on a farm near Moundridge, Kans.

On March 6, 1886, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Elder Johann Ratzlaff and received into the Emmanuel Mennonite church of Moundridge.

On September 16, 1894, he was united in marriage to Sarah Ratzlaff, daughter of Elder Johann Ratzlaff. To Bro. and Sister Johnson was born one son, Ben J. Johnson. They took into their home also a homeless girl, Marie Pankratz.

Today those who remain to share in the sorrow of the passing of Bro. Johnson are his bereaved widow; his son Ben and wife of Meno; his foster child, Mrs. Marie Pankratz Coulter and husband and two sons; three grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. David Eck, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Johnson of Meno, and Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Eilers of Tampa, Kans.; five great grandchildren; and one brother, Jacob J. Jantz of Enid, Okla. One grandchild, Mrs. Malinda Johnson Koehn, preceded him in death in 1940. There are many other relatives and friends that share in the sorrow.

In 1901 Bro. and Sister Johnson bought a farm two miles east of Meno and lived them until they retired to Meno in 1922.

In 1901 Bro. Johnson joined the New Hopedale Mennonite church and remained a faithful member, serving for many years as Sunday school superintendent and Sunday school teacher. He believed in the power of prayer and was faithful in upholding the church and its activities before the Throne of Grace.

He enjoyed comparatively good health throughout his life, so much so that even the last morning of his earthly life he was permitted to attend the worship service in the church. On January 22, 1950, at the age of 82 years, five months and 44 days, he was called to his heavenly home.

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Feb 28 p. 139

Note: Born Johann J. Jantz, changed surname to Johnson.