Stucky, Jacob H. (1870-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jul 21 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 May 14

text of obituary:

JACOB H. STUCKY

Jacob H. Stucky was born on May 14, 1870, in Volhynia Province of South Russia. He departed this life suddenly on June 27, 1955 in McPherson, Kansas, having attained the age of 85 years and one month.

He emigrated to America in 1874, the youngest son of Elder Jacob Stucky, who led his congregation from the Russian Ukraine to a new life near Moundridge, Kansas. On Nov. 21, 1886, he was baptized by his father upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. By this act he became a member of the Hopefield Mennonite church, where he remained an active and faithful member until his death, except for a seven year period during which time he held membership in the Monroe, Wash. church. He was especially interested in the music of the church, and spent many hours singing praises to God.

He was married to Helena Kaufman on Jan. 13, 1889, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life for nearly 59 years, when she preceded him in death on Nov. 8, 1947. Eleven children were born to this union, of which eight grew to maturity and mourn their father’s death. They are: Anna, Mrs. D. J. Stucky of Moundridge; Sophia, Mrs. Bernie Schmidt of Stanford, Mont.; Martha, Mrs. J. L. Stucky of McPherson; Lena, Mrs. A. G. Lennon of Seattle, Wash.; Emma, Mrs. Jacob Daum of Elyria; Edward of Snohomish, Wash.; Phillip of Seattle, Wash.; and Marie of McPherson. In addition, his survivors include five sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends who mourn his departure.

During his lifetime, Mr. Stucky and his family lived in several communities. During the early years of his marriage, the family lived in Stafford county as well as the Moundridge community. They later resided in Montana and Washington state. In 1927 the family returned to Elyria, where he continued to be following his wife’s death, living in silent devotion to her memory. For the past two years he had made his home in McPherson.

During these years of changing environment he maintained a steadfast faith and trust in his Saviour, and was resolute in his insistence upon Christian living on the part of his family. He was a man of strong convictions, and his relationships were marked by integrity and frankness. These qualities brought him respect not only by his family but by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. His vocational pursuits included both farming and retail business, and he operated both in a way which reflected his devotion to God. He impressed all who knew him by his devotion to his wife, especially during her years of declining health. He mourned for her in a loyal devotion since her death nearly eight years ago.

Throughout his life he enjoyed relatively good health, and his death occurred suddenly following a heart attack early Monday, June 27. He had enjoyed a pleasant Sunday with his children, and was living in happy anticipation of a visit from his sons. He spent the morning of his last day at a church service, and he lay down to his final rest secure in his relationship with his Lord. His regular attendance at church is exemplary of a well ordered and disciplined Christian life. His death fulfills a frequently-stated desire to join his beloved companion on earth in Life Everlasting.

The Mennonite obituary: 1955 Aug 2 p. 480