Krehbiel, Flora E. Franz (1905-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Sep 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1905 May 1

text of obituary:

MRS. FLORA E. FRANZ KREHBIEL

Mrs. Flora E. Franz Krehbiel of 35 Eymann Ave., Reedley, Calif., daughter of the late Dr. Ernest and Lea Neuenschwander Franz, was born in the Swiss settlement of Berne, Ind. May 1, 1905, being the youngest of a family of nine. She passed away to be with her heavenly father August 29, 1958.

She received her elementary and secondary education in the public schools of Berne. She had a great interest in her school work, receiving the salutatorian award in her senior year of high school. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bluffton College in 1928, after which she taught in the secondary schools of Ohio.

She was baptized upon her confession of faith that Jesus Christ was her Savior on July 25, 1920, by Rev. P. R. Schroeder and was received as a member in the First Mennonite Church of Berne. At home, school or church, whatever she did she did heartily.

She found her life mate, Walter Krehbiel, while attending Bluffton College. They were married June 29, 1932, in the home of Walter's parents, Rev. and Mrs. H. J. Krehbiel at Reedley. Rev. Krehbiel officiated at the wedding. To this union were born three children.

The couple established a tourist court at Three Rivers, Calif. Later, in1943, they moved to the Reedley community. Here she was very active in the church, teaching in the Bible school and Sunday school and helping in many other organizations. She was thoughtful of others and did many deeds not known to the public. She also gave her time as a librarian in the county library. She was devoted to her Lord and had a great desire that others might also accept him as their Savior.

About a year and a half ago she underwent surgery for cancer. Last New Year's Eve when she attended the communion service at the church, she fell and broke her hip. From this she never recovered.

Her passing seems untimely to us and she felt that she was especially needed by her youngest son, Timothy. but she realized that God was calling her and through assurance and suffering had a great desire to depart to be with the Lord.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, Walter; three children, Franz Josef, Mary and Timothy; five sisters, Elfriede, Mrs. W. A. Howe of Bluffton, Ohio, Ilma, Mrs. W. E. Geiser of Dover, Ohio, Irlene, wife of Dr. F. D. Whitesell, professor at Northern Baptist Seminary, Chicago, Ill., Ernestine Franz of Chicago, Agnes, wife of Dr. C. R. McDonald, Baptist minister at Detroit, Mich.; one brother, Gerhard Franz, New York, N. Y.; plus many friends and relatives.

On the day of her passing she said, “Don't cry, let us be joyous, for this is the will of the Lord.”

Rev. Aaron Epp officiated at the funeral services, held at 10:00 a. m. Sept. 2 in the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Burial was made in the Reedley cemetery.