Schmidt, John W. (1878-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Jul 15 p. 1

Birth date: 1878 Dec 24

text of obituary:

JOHN W. SCHMIDT

John W. Schmidt, son of Jacob P. Schmidt, was born at Franklin Center, Iowa, on December 24, 1878. He came with his parents to Goessel, Kansas. At the age of 14, both his father and mother passed away less than thrity [sic] days apart, leaving him and his youngest brother orphans. He found a good place of employment at Bernard Friesen's and at the age of 21 went to Oklahoma, where his two brothers already had established themselves in farming.

At the age of 24, he confessed the Lord as his personal Savior in baptism and became a member of the First Mennonite church, Cordell, Okla. He was united in marriage to Marie Pankratz on April 7, 1901. To this union six children were born, 5 sons and 1 daughter.

In 1936, he with his wife and two sons moved to Reedley, Calif., where he decided to spend his remaining years, because of bad health. He and his family joined the First Mennonite Church at Reedley, where as at his previous church home, he was a faithful member.

On July 24, 1942, he became seriously ill and had to be taken to a Fresno Hospital where he stayed until his passing day, which was on ma2rch 30, 1943. On April 5, 1943, he was laid to rest at the Reedley cemetery, having reached the age of 65 years, 3 months and 6 days.

Those surviving are his wife, Marie, and the following children: Herman of Port Chicago, Calif.; Mrs. Matilda Harms of Reedley, Calif.; Adolph of Clinton, Okla.; John Theodore, and Otto of Reedley, Calif., one son-in-law, five daughter-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, and two brothers, Jacob J. Schmidt, Bessie, Okla.; Gerhard J. Schmidt, Bakersfield, Calif., and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Sent in by G. J. Schmidt upon request of wife and children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1943 Aug 10 p. 13