Naffziger, Benjamin H. (1891-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Jan 30 p. 11

Birth date: 1891 Jul 11

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN H. NAFFZIGER

Benjamin H. Naffziger, son of Chris and Mary (Rich) Naffziger, was born near Wheatland, Mo. on July 11, 1891, and died at Crystal Springs, Kan. on Jan. 7, 1969 at the age of 77 years, five months and 27 days.

On Oct. 16, 1934 he was married to Lela Miller who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Leonard, presently serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, and his wife Ingrid, and Clifford and wife Shirley of Grand Island, Neb.; two granddaughters; two brothers, Joseph D. of Crystal Springs and C. Lee of Harper; and one sister, Minnie Swartzendruber, also of Harper.

He was baptized in 1908 by Bishop D. D. Miller as a member of the Crystal Springs Church, where he was a lifelong member and a regular attendant. During World War I he served as cook for two years at Camp Funston.

The Naffziger family, except the father Chris who died in Missouri, moved to Harper County in 1907, where the mother raised her family in the Crystal community. Her brother, Daniel Rich, joined the family and acted as a father to the growing children. They still speak of him as their kind bachelor uncle Dan.

After Ben was of age he engaged in farming and trucking. Eleven years ago he suffered a severe stroke which rendered him almost helpless. By painful therapy and self discipline, coupled with strong determination by himself and his companion who is a nurse, and with the blessing of the Lord, he recovered sufficiently to resume farming.

He died of a heart attack while visiting in the business office of his brother-in-law, Norman Miller in Crystal.

Funeral services were held at the Crystal Springs Church, Earl Buckwalter officiating, with interment in adjoining cemetery.