Quenzer, Fred (1879-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Mar 18

text of obituary:

FRED QUENZER

Fred Quenzer, beloved husband and father, the son of Henry and Catherine (Hollenbach) Quenzer, was born in Dainback, Baden, Germany on March 18, 1879, and went to be with the Lord Nov. 30, 1957, at the age of 78 years, eight months and 12 days. He was orphaned at an early age as his mother died when he was six years old and his father when he was 10.

After completing his schooling at the age of 15, he was apprenticed in the upholsterer's trade, but a year later, in 1895, he came to America. He spent a year with his brother in MT. Vernon, Ind. From there he went to live with another brother who was a Methodist minister in Newton, Kansas. While there, he accepted Christ as his Savior. He was one of seven children, all of whom preceded him in death.

He was employed at Halstead, Kansas at the Chris Krehbiel Orphanage. In 1900 he came to San Jose, Calif. and in 1904 moved to Estrella, Calif. where he ranched for many years.

On Oct. 1, 1905, he was united in holy matrimony to Anna Dyck to whom were born five sons and four daughters. The Lord blessed this union of love and devotion for 52years and two months.

Father Quenzer lived an active life and often lent a helping hand to friends and neighbors. He was always much concerned about the spiritual welfare of the family. He had the privilege of visiting his brother and sister in Germany in 1936.

He retired from the ranching 1946 and moved to Paso Robles where he continued as an active member of the First Mennonite Church. On the fiftieth wedding anniversary of their marriage he and his wife were honored by a special celebration with many friends and relatives attending.

He enjoyed good health until May 12, 1954, when he suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. He often expressed his desire to go to his heavenly Home. On Sunday, Nov. 10, he entered the hospital where all was done to help him that could be done. He was brought home again Nov. 26, where he suffered another stroke and passed on to his eternal rest.

He is survived by his sorrowing widow, Anna, and nine children, Martha of the home, Karl of Maywood, Calif., George and Alert of Paso Robles, Ruth (Mrs. Louis) Claassen of Paso Robles, Rev. Paul Quenzer of Huron, So. D., Elizabeth of Paso Robles, Adolph of San Miguel, and Lydia (Mrs. Robert) Broeckel of La Crosse, Wash.; five daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, 17 grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 3,1957, at the First Mennonite church of Paso Robles, with Rev. Alfred Schwartz and Rev. M. J. Galle officiating. the text for the message was Romans12:12.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Jan 7 p. 13