Lichti, Ernest (1873-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 May 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Nov 22

text of obituary:

ERNEST LICHTI

Ernest Lichti of Reedley, Calif., son of John and Christine Lichti, was born in Eisenberg, Germany on Nov. 22, 1873. He died at the Fresno General Hospital May 13, 1957, at 11:30 p.m. to be with his heavenly Father whom he loved and worshiped through Jesus Christ. He attained the age of 83 and one half years.

At the age of thirteen he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin at Monsheim, Germany by the Rev. Ellenberger. As a young boy he came with his brother John to America in 1890 and settled at Halstead, Kansas. From here he moved to Paso Robles in 1904.

On Sept. 27, 1906, he entered holy wedlock with Louise Pflaumer at the hands of the Rev. John K. Lichti. their livelihood was made through farming. In 1921 they moved to Reedley, and he was employed in the Western Lumber Co. for a few years until he entered the grocery business. They had been called to move to Reedle [sic Reedley] because of the death of his brother Otto who left six children to be cared for. They, as it were, gave up their own home life and gave these children a real family experience. This has served as a great demonstration of Christian action in the time of need.

They joined the First Mennonite Church of Reedley April 5,1925, where they remained faithful members until death. Mrs. Lichti preceded him in death June 22, 1944, leaving him to spend his last years by himself. Bro. Lichti was very faithful and regular in attendance at all the church services.

He retired from his work in the store in the fall of 195t2. He enjoyed good health until he took sick the last of April with a cerebral thrombosis.

He leaves to remember his fruitful life: six foster children, Otto and Adele (Mrs. Herman Schmidt) of Port Chicago, Calif., Ted of Pittsburg, Calif., Robert of Concord, Calif., Gertrude, Mrs. Archie Cathey, Coalinga, Calif. and Elsie, Mrs. Al Tiffin, Portland, Oregon; two brothers, John of Sanger, Calif., and Chris of Paso Robles, Calif.; one sisters [sic], Mrs. Elisabeth Hertzler of Germany, many other relatives and friends.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Rev. Aaron J. Epp, the pastor, used Rev. 2:10 for the meditation. Ernest H. Lichti, a nephew, sang two hymns, "Wonderful Peace" and "Hark, Hark My Soul." Mrs. Arthur Krehbiel served as organist.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Jun 4 p. 367