Steubner, Julius (1903-1931)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Nov 4 p. 4

Birth date: 1903

text of obituary:

A Tragedy at Harbin, China

Late Tuesday afternoon, August 11, the heads of three families, Peter Krumberg, 49 years old, his son Peter Krumberg, Jr., 31 and Julius Stuebner, 28, — all in the prime of manhood — were in a terrible manner called out of this life.

In home or refugees No. 3 in Harbin, China, the sewerage leading from the home had become obstructed and on the day on which the tragedy occurred was entirely out of order, with stench and sewage entering the house. The proprietor of the home, whose duty it was to keep the system in proper working order, was immediately notified and had also agreed to repair the system within the next few days. Since, however, the stench became worse, Father Krumberg, who for a whole year had served as caretaker of the premises, decided that the manhold on the grounds should be opened as the outlet to the main channel might be obstructed and the trouble could then easily be remedied.

The manhole was opened and Julius Stuebner, who just recently had been appointed caretaker, attempted to descend by means of a ladder. He, however, came up immediately and reported that anyone going to the bottom would suffocate. He made a second attempt, but without any success. P. Krumberg asserted that he had been in the pit sometime ago and urged Stuebner to make another attempt. This Stuebner refused to do. Krumberg himself then stepped on the ladder and had not descended very far, when he fell over backward into the slimy mass below. The accumulated gasses in the pit had asphixiated [sic] him. Without considering the great danger Stuebner, who had stood nearby, immediately went into the pit, attempting to extricate Krumberg. However, because of the slime below having become agitated, the gasses were intensified, so that also Stuebner immediately fell down.

Peter Krumberg, son of the first victim, had just returned from work and was now at the supper-table with his family. Hearing the calls of those outside, he realized that his father must have fallen into the pit. He rushed out of the room, and before any one could detain him, had gone down the ladder.

Peter Krumberg was a strong, healthy man, who had often faced death while journeying through the mountains to Manchuria. By the help of God and through his strength and courage his life was always spared, but this time his strength was insufficient. On the last step of the ladder his grip failed him and he became the third victim of this tragedy.

The fire department was immediately notified, but all attempts to remove the bodies before nightfall were unsuccessful. Early the following morning we ourselves started the work and after long and difficult attempts we succeeded in extricating the bodies. It would be hard to describe the appearance of the bodies after they were removed.

The Krumberg families had formerly lived in Samara, Russia, and later in the Amur. They fled from Russia, crossing the Amur river and arrived in Harbin March 2, 1930. Peter P. Krumberg leaves his wife Katharina, 49 years of age, daughters Luise, 16, Lydia, 13, and one son Ferdinand, 11. Peter P. Krumberg is survived by his wife Olga, 25, son Ferdinand 4, daughter Katharina, 3, and Rosalie, aged 3 months. Mrs. Stuebner with her two-year old daughter Ericka survives her husband.

Interment of the bodies was mdde in the Lutheran cemetery August 13, the funeral sermon being held by Pastor Kastler. A child, which had died of pneumonia on the preceding day, was also interred at this time. (Translated by M. S.)