Schmidt, John P. (1880-1938)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 Mar 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1880 Feb 25

text of obituary:

John P. Schmidt

John P. Schmidt, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Wedel) Schmidt, was born February 25, 1880, at Halstead, Kans., where he grew to manhood. In 1899 he moved to Goltry, Oklahoma, where he obtained a farm one mile west of Goltry, which remained his home.

March 1, 1907, he was united in marriage to Miss Lena Bose, and to this union were born five daughters and one son.

In November 9, 1913, he was baptized by Rev. H. R. Voth, after which he and his wife both joined the Zoar Mennonite church of Goltry. He proved to be a faithful Christian worker in the church, as S.S. teacher, member of the church board, song leader, etc. he did this in his earnest, quiet way, never expecting any praise, but doing it for the glory of his Master.

On February 20, 1938, he contracted a bad coll [sic] in his throat, which finally resulted in pneumonia, from which he did not recover and passed away on march 5, at 3:30 a. m.

One of the last words he spoke were, quoting John 3:16 and concluded, "And I am so glad that He is mine and I am his."

He leaves to mourn, his dear wife, and the children: Malinda, Mrs. Edward Johnson of Ringwood, Oklahoma; Matilda, Mrs. Theodore Epp, Enid, Oklahoma; Celesta, Mrs. Henry Thomas, Ringwood, Oklahoma; Ervin, Elfreida and Elvera, who are still at home.

Four brothers, Jacob and Sam of Goltry; Ben of Meno, Oklahoma; Dan of Haywood, California. Three sisters, Eva, Mrs. Fred Bartell, Cherokee, Oklahoma; Mary, Mrs. Andrew Eck, Ringwood, Oklahoma; Susie, Mrs. Henry Smith, Ringwood, Oklahoma. Six grandchildren, one Uncle, Andrew Wedel, and many friends. His parents, two brothers, one sister and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

The funeral took place on march 9, at 1;30 p. m., at the home conducted by Rev. J. E. Epp. His text was Isa. 41: 10. The male quartet sang his favorite song, "The Riches of Love," and in conclusion a duet was sung in German, "Wo findet die Seele die Heimat der Ruh." At 2 o'clock Rev. J. B. Epp and Rev. J. W. Bergen conducted the services in the church. The male quartet opened with a song, "It is His will," after which Rev. Bergen continued with Scripture, prayer and a brief talk on Matt. 24: 44. A mixed quartet sang, "The Lord knows why." Rev. J. B. Epp spoke on Rev. 22.

Another of Mr. Schmidt's favorite songs, "What would we do without Jesus" was sung by the duet.

The Mennonite obituary: 1938 Apr 5 p. 14