Orendorff, Joseph (1880-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Nov 18 p. 11

Birth date: 1881 Apr 10

text of obituary:

JOSEPH ORENDORFF

Joseph Orendorff, a retired farmer of Flanagan, Ill., died recently at the age of 84 years, five months and eight days. He had been ill for some time. Funeral services were held at the Waldo Mennonite Church with Rev. Earl Sears and Rev. J. D. Hartzler officiating. Burial was in the Waldo cemetery.

Joseph Orendorff, a son of Joseph and Barbara Steinman Orendorff, was born in Waldo township on April 10, 1881. On Dec. 12, 1905, he was united in marriage to Katie Beller at the home of her parents, south of Graymont, Ill. He farmed in Henry county, Illinois and until retiring in 1946, farmed one-half mile east and two miles south of Flanagan. Mr. and Mrs. Orendorff observed their golden wedding anniversary Dec. 12, 1955.

He was a conscientious, serious man and was a good farmer. He was instrumental in obtaining the Flanagan high school building, serving on the first board of the then new high school district and later was clerk of the board for several years. He was a highly respected gentleman and his decisions in public life were never questioned by any who knew him. He maintained his interest In the community until his last illness. He was a member of the Waldo Mennonite Church and took an active part in the affairs of the congregation.

Surviving are his widow, two sons, Dale of Gridley, and Lyle of Flanagan; one daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Mae) Imhoff, Roanoke; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. James Posar, Sr., of Hesston, Kan.

He was preceded in death by two brothers in infancy and one grandchild.