Landes, John (1866-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Feb 13 p. 6

Birth date: 1866 Nov 22

text of obituary:

JOHN LANDES

John Landes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Heinrich Landes, was born at Albertshausen, Germany, November 22, 1866. Having received religious guidance and instruction, he was baptized in his youth in Germany. In 1892 he came to America and soon settled at Halstead, Kansas.

On February 26, 1893, he was married to Veronika Lichti at Halstead. After residing near Halstead for about five years, they moved to Lucien, Oklahoma, where they lived on a farm until 1944 when they again moved to Halstead. With each change of residence, he transferred his church membership, first from Halstead to the Mennonite church at Lucien; when this church discontinued, to Deer Creek, Oklahoma, and then back again to the First Mennonite church of Halstead.

Though quiet and unassuming, he had a courageous spirit within, which enabled him to face the trials and hardships of pioneer life. There were joys and sorrows along life's way, but he met them all with fortitude. One happy occasion was the observance of his golden wedding anniversary on February 26, 1943.

Although not in robust health for some time, his last illness came unexpectedly. He received the best of care in the Halstead hospital, but life's day came to a close on Friday, January 31, 1947, at 2:00 p. m. He attained the age of 80 years, two months and nine days.

He is survived by his wife; one brother, Mike Landes of Elkhart, Indiana; seven sons, Adolph of Chicago, Illinois, Albert of Upland, California, Otto of Davenport, Iowa, Walter of Watova, Oklahoma, Carl of Bunea Vista [sic Buena Vista], Colorado, John Jr. of Alton, Missouri, and Arthur of Yellow Springs, Ohio. Also 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Freda and Martha.

Memorial services were held in the First Mennonite church of Halstead on Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, February 3, with Rev. D. C. Wedel of Newton in charge. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Vogt and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Krehbiel sang, "The Old Rugged Cross" and "I Know Whom I Have Believed." Bearers were Carl Dettweller, John Ewy, Oscar Erdman, Fred Ortman, Fred Schowalter and Henry Klassen.

He was laid to rest in the family lot in the Halstead cemetery.