Rempel, Gerhard G. (1874-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jan 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1874 Apr 11

text of obituary:

GERHARD G. REMPEL

Gerhard G. Rempel passed away Jan. 2, 1961 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Wiebe of Polk Station, Ore. He was born in Crimea, South Russia, on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1874. His twin sister died at birth.

He emigrated from Russia with his parents at the age of one year, to Mountain Lake, Minn. In 1884 he moved with his parents to northern California. Twelve years later he moved to Oregon to live in the Dallas area.

On May 12, 1901, he was united in marriage with Margaretha Peters, also of Dallas, Ore. They made their home at Oak Crest farm near Perrylake for 43 years, from 1901 to 1944. From there they moved to Polk Station when he retired from active farming, living with their daughter Helena until his wife preceded him in death in 1949. He then lived in the homes of his children until his death.

In his early youth while living in California, he yielded his heart to the Lord and was born again by the Spirit of God. On Sunday, May 30, 1896 he was baptized in the Polk Station School House by Rev. S. F. Sprunger of Berne, Ind. and became a charter member of the Zion Mennonite church near Polk Station which was then organized. Later he and his entire family transferred their membership to the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, of which he was a member until his death. He was active in the church and the Lord's work at home and abroad, being interested in mission enterprise.

He ended his earthly pilgrimage Jan. 2, 1961 at the age of 86 years, eight months and 20 days. Surviving are one son, David Rempel, Dallas, Ore.; three daughters, Mrs. Otto Wiebe and Mrs. Lucas Nazarenus of Dallas, and Mrs. Nathan Nazarenus of Williams, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. The family sorrows not as others which have no hope, knowing to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.