Reiff, Vernon E. (1890-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Feb 16 p. 8

Birth date: 1890 Jul 28

text of obituary:

VERNON E. REIFF

Vernon E. Reiff, 70, died suddenly Saturday evening, Jan. 28, at his home in Elkhart, Ind. He had been failing in health for the past three years.

Mr. Reiff was born July 28, 1890, in Newton, Kansas. He was married to Zaidee Brenneman at Peabody, Kansas on Feb. 11, 1912.

Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Virginia Reiff, at home, and Mrs. Roman Stutzman, Kansas City, Mo.; one grandchild, Ronald Lee; five brothers, Nathan E. of Elkhart, Jacob C. of ElCerrito, Calif., Tilman E. of Dallas, Tex., Irvin C. of Chicago, and David of Spokane, Wash.; and one sister, Mrs. Rufus Horst of Kansas City, Kansas.

Mr. Reiff, with his family, came to Elkhart in March 1919 to serve as assistant treasurer of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities. After the death of G. L. Bender, he was elected general treasurer and served in this capacity for years. Devotion to his task and his vision for service played a significant part in the development of the mission program of the church.

His Christian testimony as a layman in the church was expressed in various avenues. While Sunday school superintendent, he was especially interested in the promotion of the Gospel through the Home Department and the Cradle Roll.

He was founder of the Elkhart Paint and Wallpaper Company and was associated with the corporation until his retirement in 1956.

Mr. Reiff was an active member of the Belmont Mennonite Church and a faithful Christian until his death.