Riffel, John G. (1876-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituaries: 1962 Apr 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Oct 14

text of obituary:

JOHN G. RIFFEL

John G. Riffel, son of Gerhard and Katherine (Goertzen) Riffel, was born Oct. 14, 1876, in the Kuben province of Russia. He migrated with his parents to America at the age of seven years, locating in Buhler, Kansas.

At the age of 17, while Rev. Peter Wedel was holding evangelistic services, he felt his need of a Savior. while working in the corn field one day he surrendered his life to Christ Jesus and received Him as his personal Savior, which flooded his heart with great joy. He was baptized by Elder Abram Schellenberg and received as a member of the Ebenezer M. B. Church at Buhler, Kansas.

On May 11, 1899, he was married to Agatha Hiebert in Buhler. In 1906 we moved to Canada where we were engaged in farming. In 1920, we returned to the United States and made our home in Orland, Calif., where we lived until 1959, when we entered the Home for the Aged in Reedley, Calif.

This marriage was blessed with 10 children, three preceding him in death. Left to mourn his departure are his wife; seven children, Bertha, Mrs. Paris of Woodland, Calif., Katherine, Mrs. Esau of Dallas, Oregon, Hilda, Mrs. Fisk of El Cerrito, Calif. a returned missionary from China, Rev. Arthur Riffel of Los Altos, Calif., Arnold Riffel of Carmichal, Calif., ordained missionary for extension work, Albert Riffel of Orland, Calif., and Rev. Herman Riffel of Detroit, Michigan; three sons-in-law and four daughters-in-law; 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Three of the grandchildren couples are serving as missionaries in foreign fields, Vernon Reimers in Colombia, Arlo Heinrichs in Brazil, and Willard Reimers in Japan. Besides the immediate family there are four brothers and three sisters and many relatives and friends.

He had always enjoyed good health until March 15 at 10:00 p.m. when he became suddenly sick and at 6:00 on Friday morning, March 16, he passed away. He reached the age of 85 years five months and two days.

The memorial service was held March 19 at the Mennonite Brethren Church, Reedley, Calif. with Rev. Dan Friesen, Rev. J. P. Siemens and Rev. David Letkeman officiating.