Krebill, Friedrich H. (1849-1928)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1928 Nov 29 p. 7

Birth date: 1849 Feb 1

text of obituary:

Krebill. — Donnellson. — Friedrich H. Krebill war geboren am 1 Februar 1849 in Ashland Co., Ohio, wo er seine Kindheit verlebte. Acht Jahre alt kam er mit seinen Eltern nach Lee Co., Iowa, wo sie sich auf einer Farm 2½ Meilen nordwest von Donnellson, Iowa, ansiedelten. Im Alter von 14 Jahren wurde er getauft und als Glied in die Zions-Mennonitengemeinde aufgenommen, deren treues und tätiges Glied er bis zu seinem Tode blieb. Im Jahre 1871 verheiratete er sich mit Elizabeth Rings. Sie zogen auf eine Farm west von Dover, später auf eine andere west von Franklin.

Im Jahre 1882 starb nach längerer Krankreit seine Gattin. Von den 6 Kindern waren drei der Mutter im Tode voran gegangen. Eine Tochter von 16 Jahren starb 1897.

Im Jahre 1883 verheiratete er sich wieder mit Elizabeth Rings, einer Cousine seiner ersten Frau. Diese Ehe wurde mit 7 Kindern gesegnet, von denen eins in der Kindheit starb. Sie zogen bald auf den alten Heimplatz nordwest von Donnellson, wo sie wohnen blieben bis sie 1916 nach Donnellson zogen. Er starb am 31 Oktober 1928 im Alter von 79 Jahren und 9 Monaten. Er hinterläßt seine treue Gattin, 4 Söhne u. 3 Töchter, auch 27 Enkelkinder, einen Bruder u. zwei Schwestern. Br. Krebill war ein tätiges Glied der Gemeinde und Sonntagschule, welch letzterer er viele Jahre als Superintendent und Lehrer diente. Er war mehrere Jahre ein Glied der Schulbehörde von Bluffton Cellege [sic], auch war er einmal Vertreter seines Distrikts in der Gesetzgebung seines Staates. Das Leichenbegängnis wurde von der Kirche der Zions-Mennonitengemeinde, Donnellson, Iowa, gehalten. Seine Söhne und Schwiegersöhne trugen den Sarg. Br. J. E. Kaufman hielt de Leichenrede.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Nov 28 p. 4

text of obituary:

ONE OF OUR FIRST CORRESPONDENTS PASSES AWAY

Donnellson, Iowa,

Nov. 19, 1928

Mennonite Weekly Review,

Newton, Kansas.

Dear Folks:

I am enclosing a clipping from our local paper giving an account of the death of Father.

I intended to notify you sooner but have neglected it until today. He has been your Correspondent from Donnellson, Iowa for a number of years. Will appreciate it if you will mention in your paper next issue any part or all of the Obituary.

Very truly yours,

A.. D. Krebill.

(The Editor of the paper suggests that it would be fine for the above writer to consider that the mantle of his father has fallen upon him and we expect to enroll him as one of our regular correspondents.)

F. H. Krebill

Frederick H. Krebill was born February 1, 1849, in Ashland county, Ohio, where he spent his childhood days. At the age of eight years he came with hi parents to Lee county, Iowa, where they settled on a farm 2½ miles northwest of Donnellson.

At the age of 14, he was baptized and confirmed and taken in as a member of the Mennonite church, to which he remained faithful and active member until death.

He remained on the farm with his parents until he was 21. In the year 1871 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rings, and established their home on a farm about ½ mile west of Dover where they lived for a number of years. Their next home was on a farm west on Franklin where his brother Joseph now lives.

In the year 1882, after a lingering illness, his helpmate was called to her heavenly reward. Of their six children, three preceded their mother in death. Mr. Krebill, then was left with three small children, two sons and a daughter, to mourn the loss of a beloved wife and mother. Clara, the daughter, passed away in 1897 at the age of 16 years.

In 1883 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Rings, a cousin of his first wife. This union was blessed with seven children, sone of whom died in infancy. Soon after their marriage they moved to the old home place northwest of Donnellson where they made their home until Mr. Krebill retired from active farm work. In 1916 they moved to Donnellson where he spent the remainder of his days, passing out of this life on Wednesday morning, October 31, 1928, at 9:30 o'clock, at the age of 78 years and 9 months.

Surviving Mr. Krebill are his faithful wife and children, Albert D., Edwin J., Mrs. Lottie Lowenberg, Otto C., Emma L., and Mrs. Lizzie M. Neff all of Donnellson; also Elmer of Rothiemay, Mont., and Wm. F. of Davenport. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren; one brother, Joseph, and two sisters, Mrs. Jacob A. Krehbiel of Donnellson and Mrs. Amanda Krehbiel of Cooperton, Okla. His parents, brother William, and two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Seyb and Mrs. Charlotte Webber preceded him in death.

Mr. Krebill was an active member in church and Sunday school, which latter he served as superintendent and teacher for many years. He also served for several years on the board of directors of Bluffton college. He was always ready and willing to help in all community affairs, serving as state representative from this district and always taking an active part in Red Cross work. Never did he fail to have a kind word for everyone with whom he came in contact. By nature he was self-sacrificing and always endeavoring to do something for someone else in his cheerfulness, helpfulness and goodwill.

His true religious life, and influence, will ever be stepping stones to a better and higher endeavor to live lives consistent to the memory of a devoted husband, a true-hearted father and grandfather; a real friend and a worthy neighbor of our community.

He spent and was spent

For truth and for right;

He gave up his best--

He fought the good fight.

Funeral services were held from the home and from the Zion Mennonite church Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. E. Kaufman. Pallbearers were: A. D. Krebill, E. J. Krebill, O. C. Krebill, Wm. Krebill, sons, and A. B. Lowenberg and B. J. Neff, sons-in-law of the deceased. Interment was in the Mennonite cemetery.

A Tribute to the Life Work of the Late F. H. Krebill

E. C. Lynn, Lee County Superintendent of Schools, and for many years a close friend of Mr. Krebill and co-worker with him in many community projects, very kindly wrote the following summarized account embracing many of the important things the late F. H. Krebill helped do for his community.

In the passing of Mr. F. H. Krebill, Donnellson and the surrounding neighborhood has lost a very valuable citizen. The span of his life covers so many years of usefulness, and the service he rendered was put forth with so little of the spirit of egotism that the community is apt to fail to grasp the real significance of his life of service. When we consider his long and useful life, the thoughtful person cannot help but ask, "Who can fill his place in the ranks of useful men in our community?"

Mr. Krebill was a good citizen. He was a good and progressive farmer. He was a good justice of the peace -- township trustee -- township clerk -- and town clerk. He served with credit in the 34th Iowa general assembly as a representative from this district, and he had much satisfaction in the results of the high school tuition law which he helped to frame and which opened the doors of the high schools in this state to many a farm boy and farm girl.

F. H. Krebill was the last of the original organizers of the Lee county fair. He served as director and treasurer for many years and as he grew older his interest did not waver. When the fair was recently reorganized, he was the first subscriber for stock and at the last annual program he took his usual pleasure in managing the exhibits in the art hall.

In 1906, when the Lee county farmers' institute was organized, Mr. Krebill was again in the front ranks. He helped make the organization, and for the 14 years of its existence, served as a member of its executive committee.

When the World War came on, and Lee county was asked by the federal government to organize a farm bureau, Mr. Krebill's was one of the first three names on the required petition, and he has been a steadfast member of that organization up to the time of his death.

As to relief work and Red Cross work, we all know the part he has taken so well that it is not necessary to recount these activities.

Possibly no one came nearer summing up the life of Mr. Krebill than did Mr. J. J. Tigert, Commissioner of Education of the United States, who after having been entertained at the Krebill home, remarked, "I have been well fed and well entertained in a real America home. I have gained a new vision of retired farmers. I now know that a man can grow old and retire from active business without losing interest in his community with its young people, its schools and its churches."

The Mennonite obituary: 1928 Dec 6 p. 6