Schwartz, Joe (1872-1938)

The Mennonite obituary: 3 Jan 1939 p. 9

Birth date: 1872 Dec 23

text of obituary:

JOE SCHWARTZ, the son of Jacob and Maria (Graber) Schwartz, was born Dec. 23, 1872, at Okleck, Russia. The family migrated to America in 1874 and settled on a farm east of Freeman, S. D.

Here he received his training in a Christian home, the Mennonite Church and such schools as were within reach of those early settlers. He learned to know and love his Savior early, was baptized upon confession of his faith in Christ Jesus by Rev. C. Kaufman and received into the Salem-Zion congregation. He married Miss Julia Graber Jan. 28, 1897. Two children were born to this union. The eldest of which, Tilda, preceded the father to the heavenly home at the age of 11 years.

Through ten years of his life he served his Master in taking care of the house of worship for the congregation, of which he remained a faithful member to the end of his days on earth. He loved to sing the praises of the Lord and had stored in his heart many spiritual songs which he loved to sing even in the days when pain and trials rushed in and the closing of his earthly time came into view for him. Even to the last he sang of the faith and hope that lived in his soul. He died after nearly 4 months of suffering, Dec. 8th at 3 p.m.

His age was 65 years, 11 months and 15 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, his son Fred and his family, three brothers and three sisters with many relatives and friends.

Rev. John J. Schrag and Rev. A. P. Waltner spoke words of divine comfort to the family in the home on Sunday, Dec. 11. In the Salem-Zion Church Mr. Schwartz’s nephew, Rev. Walter Gering of Moundridge, Kans. and the pastor of the congregation brought messages from the Word, and a quartet of men under the leadership of Elias Schrag sang three selections of song to the large gathering of sympathizing friends who had gathered for the funeral.