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Kandel, William E. (1889-1959)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jul 9 p. 1
Birth date: 1889
text of obituary:
Fishing Trip Ends In Death of Farmer
RETIRED FARMER OF BERLIN, O. DROWNS AFTER BOAT OVERTURNS
Sugarcreek, Ohio. — Funeral services were held at the Martins Creek Mennonite Church July 2 for William Kandel, 70, who was accidentally drowned while on a fishing trip.
Mr. Kandel, a retired farmer and his companion, Melvin Miller, had gone fishing on a pond northwest of Berlin Monday evening, Mr. Kandel was making a final cast when the boat upset. Although a swimmer, he was unable to reach shore.
Mr. Miller, who could not swim held on to the overturned boat and was rescued by Andy Weaver, who came to his aid in another boat.
The body of Mr. Kandel was not recovered until the following day. He is survived by his widow, three daughters and two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jul 30 p.9
text of obituary:
Graphic, Firsthand Account Of Tragedy In Holmes Co., Ohio
MELVIN S. MILLER DESCRIBES ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN DEATH OF WILL E. KANDEL
Berlin, Ohio. — On June 29 near the end of a hot summer day, a tragedy occurred that will be long remembered by the writer.
Will E. Kandel and I were in a small boat that we had often used before, on the Miller pond about a mile north of the Martins Creek Church, and about three miles northwest of Berlin. The boat suddenly started to let in water very fast and in a few seconds went under.
We were 90 feet from shore in water that was about 15 feet deep. Brother Will and I struggled for life and after the boat disappeared I didn't hear a word from Will. I went down with the boat, struck bottom and then managed to get back on top of the water. I swam a short distance even though swimming with clothes on is quite difficult. I soon discovered that the overturned boat was afloat again at my side, so I leaned on it to the extent that my head was above water.
Clinging to the overturned boat, I saw Will about 20 feet shoreward and floating on his back, but not for long. He changed his position and looked straight at me. Something seemed to overcome him and he went under. I called for help and prayed!
Andrew Weaver of Benton and his son were on the other side of the dam and heard our call. About 30 minutes after our boat went down they were rowing over toward us in another boat.
Weaver was afraid I might in desperation seize the side of their boat and cause danger to them. So I tried to be as calm as I could, seeing they were drawing near. Albert Miller, who lives on the Miller farm, told them to row the boat so the back end of the boat could be reached by me. I clung to the iron handle outside on the back end of the boat and they rowed to shore as I trailed in the water behind. I was nearly exhausted on reaching land but thanked the Lord for sparing me.
But it was a great shock to know that one of my closest friends was still in the water. His body was found the next morning. Perhaps he had a heart attack, God only knows. He is with the Lord now!
Many of his friends in Pinecraft, Florida will miss him next winter. He was also a good help in our Sunday school class at the Martins Creek Church. The Brunk revival meetings were in progress nearby and Will and his wife were regular attendants. At the prayer meetings he had the period from 3:00 to 3:30 a.m. He told me he always got awake several minutes before three.
Will Kandel was laid to rest in Martins Creek Cemetery on July 2. He was nearly 71 years old. More than 700 people attended the funeral services. — Melvin S. Miller.