Kleinsasser, Andrew A. (1878-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 May 7 p. 9

Birth date: 1878 Jan 11

text of obituary:

ANDREW A. KLEINSASSER

Andrew A. Kleinsasser was born January 11, 1878, in Hutchinson county, South Dakota, to Andrew and Anna Kleinsasser. His father passed away before he was born. Later his mother married John Z. Kleinsasser, a brother of his father. He lived with his family on a farm south of Emery, S. D., where he received his schooling.

He was married to Susana Stahl on September 24, 1902 in the Baptist church at Bridgewater, S. D. Immediately after their marriage they moved to their new home in Beadle county where they lived for seven and one-half years. during the first year his father-in-law was killed. In the spring of 1910 he moved with his family to Dinuba, Calif. with nine other families, where they lived for six years. Within four months father’s mother and sister were killed in a train collision. In 1916 they again moved back to Beadle county to their present home where they lived for 36 years.

he was baptized on confession of faith in Christ on May 29, 1904 and became a charter member of the Bethel church. He also helped to organize the Zion Mennonite church in Dinuba, Calif., where he was a charter member. Father served as Sunday school teacher and was active in the church choir for many years.

He had good health nearly all his life until three years ago when he underwent serious surgery three times within 14 months, but god saw fit to raise him up each time. He died suddenly at his home Sunday afternoon while doing the evening chores. He attended the morning services the day of his death. The church and the work of the Lord were always given first place in his life.

Surviving are his widow and five children: Mrs. Jake Pullman, Dinuba, Calif., Adena Kleinsasser at home, Andrew Kleinsasser, Huron, S. D., Rev. Zack Kleinsasser, Ree Heights, South Dakota, and Rev. Albert Kleinsasser, Watertown, S. D. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, six brothers and three sisters, John A. Kleinsasser, Dinuba, Calif., Dave Kleinsasser, Bakersfield, Calif., Jake Kleinsasser, Oakland, Calif., Joe Kleinsasser, Glendale, Calif., Mrs. Jake Hofer, Mrs. J. P. D. Hofer and Mrs. Paul Hofer, all of Dinuba, Calif. three children and one granddaughter preceded him in death.