Richert, David P. (1868-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Sep 13 p. 9

Birth date: 1868

text of obituary:

DAVID P. RICHERT

David P. Richert, son of Peter and Mathilda Richert, was born July 25, 1868, in Karolswalde, Poland. In 1874, as a young boy, he and his parents came to America in search of religious freedom, settling in McPherson Co., Kansas.

On November 30, 1890, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Eck, by elder Johann Ratzlaff. To Bro. and Sister Richert were born five children, all of whom are living: Lena, Mrs. John Johnson, Ringwood, Okla.; Mathilda, Mrs. David P. Decker, Menno, Okla.; Martha, Mrs. I. J. Schmidt, Newton, Kans.; Peter, Durham, Kans.; Ben, Enid, Okla.

Those who remain to share in the sorrow of his passing are his bereaved widow and children, 12 grandchildren, five great, great grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. David Eck of Newton, Kans. and one brother, Henry of Tampa, Kans. Preceding him in death were one grandchild, one great grandchild, and numerous brothers and sisters.

After spending some 33 years in Kansas, he with his family moved to Oklahoma, settling on a farm north of Ringwood. Here they spent many more happy years sharing the joys and sorrows of life. In the fall of 1942 they suspended farming operations and moved to Meno in retirement.

When they moved to Oklahoma he became a member of the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno. He retained his membership here till the end. As long as his health permitted, he was faithful and regular in church attendance. As a boy he began teaching Sunday school, which he continued until old age forced him to leave his post. He was a fervent believer in the power of prayer and found great joy in upholding the Church and its leaders in prayer, especially after he could no longer attend service.

On August 6, he suffered a serious stroke after which he spoke no more. His condition kept becoming worse. On Monday, August 27, 1951, at about 5:40 p.m. at the age of 83 years, one month and two days he quietly and peacefully slipped away to be with the Lord.

Funeral was held Thursday, August 29, 1951, at 2 p.m. at the New Hopedale Mennonite church, led by Rev. Arnold A. Epp.