Knepp, John (1865-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Nov 9 p. 2

Birth date: 1865

text of obituary:

HAD MADE HIS OWN COFFIN

Wellman, Iowa. — The John Knepp funeral on October 23 was one of the largest ever held for an elderly person here. He died October 20. His twin brother, Jake, died four years ago. Bro Knepp's age was 79 years, seven months and two days.

An unusual feature of the funeral was that he had made his own coffin about eight years ago, as he had also made many coffins for the church people. A number of years ago he had asked L. J. Miller, also a cabinet maker, to finish the coffin when the summons came. It was entirely finished except for handles, lining and waxing.

The large crowd at the funeral was evidence of the high respect in which he was held. Ministers in charge were Bishop Elmer G. Swartzendruber and Albert Miller.