Mendel, Gerald Glenn (1935-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 May 16 p. 5

Birth date: 1935 Oct 21

text of obituary:

Neighbors Aid South Dakota Family

Freeman, S. D. — The Salem K. M. B. congregation was saddened recently by the death of Jerry Mendel, 21-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Mendel who passed away in Sioux Valley Hospital May 5. Death was due to a tumor on the brain. Funeral services were conducted at the Salem church on May 8, Rev. J. j. Kleinsasser in charge.

While the young man was in the hospital, 16 neighbors gathered at the Mendel farm and plowed the corn land in preparation for planting, as an expression of brotherly aid and concern.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 May 30 p. 8

text of obituary:

GERALD GLENN MENDEL

Gerald Glenn Mendel, born to Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Mendel on Oct. 21, 1935, passed away May 5, 1957, at 10 p.m. in the Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux City, S.D., reaching the age of 21 years, six months, 15 days.

In the early part of April, God had seen fit to allow Jerry to become critically ill with a severe headache. he sought the aid of several doctors, little realizing the gravity of his illness. A neurologist at the Sioux Valley Hospital, after an operation, diagnosed his illness as cancer of the brain. From the beginning his parents took him before the throne of God and prayed for his recovery, nevertheless we could say “Thy will be done if it please Thee otherwise.” After the lengthy operation and weeks of hovering between life and death he finally succumbed.

Jerry loved life and we are sure he had no desire to die but God in his infinite wisdom and knowledge planned differently – how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33).

Accepting Christ as his personal Saviour in his youth at a revival meeting conducted by Rev. Paul H. Glanzer, he was baptized on the confession of his faith a short time later. We knew him as a boy with convictions and one who stayed true to his Lord throughout his young life. When asked about his soul condition on his sick bed one day he answered, “I’m always ready.”

He liked to associate with people and loved his church and Christian friends. The choir and young people’s activities were always enjoyed to the utmost. Jerry attended grade school in the country and the Freeman College Academy for four years. He had planned to make farming his career. We found him always an industrious, obedient son and a loving brother.

Now it seems our hearts are broken and we sorrow, but not as those without hope, for in eternity all questions will be answered and there will be a glad reunion.

He leaves to mourn his early departure his grief stricken parents; two brothers, Dennis and Michael; one sister-in-law Thelma; a nephew Lynn and niece Denise; two grandmothers, 18 uncles and aunts, many cousins and a host of friends. Twenty-one years of pleasant memories are ours.

Funeral services were conducted at the Salem K.M.B. Church near Bridgewater, S.D. on May 8. Pastor Kleinsasser officiated, assisted by Rev. John S. Mendel of Chicago. A male quartet sang two numbers.