Schmidt, John H. (1862-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Nov 27 p. 3

Birth date: 1862

text of obituary:

JOHN H. SCHMIDT

John H. Schmidt, the son of Henry and Helena Buller Schmidt, was born in Poland, Russia, on December 15, 1862.

When but a boy of 12 his parents came to America and made their home near Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. Later they moved to Kansas and made their home near Moundridge. Here he was also baptized and accepted into what is now the Emmanuel church, on October 28, 1883.

On December 14, 1884, he was married to Susanne Neufeld, with whom he shared joy and sorrow for over 53 years. They moved to Ringwood, Oklahoma in February 1896, where they lived and became charter members of the New Hopedale church. Here he made his home till after his beloved wife was taken from his side. Three years ago he had to leave his home on account of old age and health to live with his daughter Katherine, Mrs. Jacob Letkeman.

His wife died nine years ago, and his daughter, Mrs. Lena Loe, seven years ago. Two sons died in infancy.

He leaves to mourn his death one son, Hans, of Covington, Okla.; two daughters, Mrs. Katherine Letkeman of Weatherford, Okla.,and Mrs. Edwin Cain and family of Enid, Okla.; one brother, David, of California; two sisters, Mrs. Adam Unruh, Durham, Kansas, and Mrs. John Unruh of Enid, Okla.; and also 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was always a kind and loving father. As he lay ill the last three months of his life his constant prayer was that he might soon be relieved of his earthly life and be at home with God.

He enjoyed having his daughter sing to him, and a few hours before he died he still repeated the words of familiar songs with her as she sang to him. It was a pleasure to read the Bible to him while he was bedfast and to her him repeat with us the more familiar passages of Scripture. He died at 12:10 a.m. Monday morning, Nov. 10, 1947, at the age of 84 years 10 months and 24 days.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest frm their labours: and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13.

The funeral took place Friday, Nov. 14. He was buried in the cemetery of the New Hopedale church. Rev. H. U. Schmidt and Rev. A. J. Unruh spoke words of comfort.