Preheim, John P. (1874-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jun 25 p. 9

Birth date: 1874 Dec 6

text of obituary:

JOHN P. PREHEIM

John P. Preheim, son of Peter and Barbara Strausz Preheim, was born at Yankton, S. D. on Dec. 6, 1874, the same year his parents came from Russia to find a new home in this country. He therefore experienced some of the hardships of those pioneer days. He was privileged to receive the education available at that time, which was very limited.

On June 5, 1892, he was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior by Rev. Christian Kaufman and thereby became a member of the Salem church, now Salem-Zion church. Later he became a charter member of the Salem church and remained a member to the end of his life.

On Feb. 7, 1906, he was married to Mrs. Mary (Graber) Preheim and soon afterward established his home in Childstown township, Turner county. Together they shared the joys and sorrows of life for 45 years. His wife passed away March 28, 1951.

About 25 years ago he experienced a spiritual blessing which enriched his life greatly.

He enjoyed good health throughout the greater part of his life, with the exception of a period in his twenties when he was afflicted with severe rheumatism for several months and was in bed for six weeks. In his declining years he had to undergo several operations and received medical treatment, but he always recuperated.

About two months ago he had a light stroke which impaired his speech greatly, and from then on his condition weakened from day to day until the night of May 28, when he became helpless and passed away peacefully on May 30, reaching the age of 78 years, six months and seven days.

For over a year he had made his home with his daughter Esther and son-in-law Ben E. Schrag, in whose home he died.

He leaves to mourn his passing three sons and their wives, one step-son and wife, two daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, one great grandchild, four step-grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters, two brothers-in-law, and four sisters-in-law.

The remaining children are: Simon and wife Ada of Moundridge, Kansas, Edna and husband Elmer Gering of Freeman, Esther and husband Ben E. Schrag of Freeman, Alfred and wife Ferne of Portland, Oregon, Peter and wife Lorraine of Freeman, John (a stepson) and wife Martha of Freeman.

Preceding him in death were his wife, one son Albert, who died in infancy, his parents, one brother, three sisters, two brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.