Stutzman, Andrew Jacob (1871-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jul 8 p. 9

Birth date: 1871 Jun 30

text of obituary:

ANDREW JACOB STUTZMAN

Andrew Jacob Stutzman was born near Middlebury, Ind. on June 30, 1871, and passed away at his home in Crystal Springs, Kans. June 20, 1954, age 82 years, 11 months and 20 days.

At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to McPherson county, Kans., locating near Inman. As a young man he professed faith in Christ and united with the Mennonite Church.

On Dec. 16, 1900, he was married to Fanny Troyer, who survives. Together they shared the sorrows and joys of life for over 53 years, celebrating their golden anniversary on Dec. 16, 1950.

To this union were born two sons and six daughters, all of whom survive. The children are Lucretia, Mrs. Perry Shank, Myerstown, Penna.; Jess, of Wichita, Kans.; Edna, at home; Ralph of Paris, France; Maude, Mrs. Jesse McFarland, Blackwell, Okla.; Dorothy, Mrs. Francis Yoder, Harper, Kans.; Ruth, Mrs. Norman Miller, Crystal Springs, Kans.; and Almeda, Mrs. Clarence Kauffman, Filer, Idaho. In addition to the children, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive.

In 1904 Bro. Stutzman and his family moved from McPherson county to Harper county, locating near Crystal Springs. Here he became a charter member of the Crystal Springs Mennonite church.

From the time of his marriage to 1936 he provided a livelihood for his family by farming. In 1936 he with his companion moved to an acreage in Crystal Springs. Here, still active and industrious, he continued to find employment.

In recent years his hearing was impaired which made it almost impossible for him to understand what was being said by his Sunday school teacher and minister. However, he continued faithful in church attendance. He always desired to be present and fill his place when possible.

He had been in failing health for the past year, and on June 15 suffered a stroke. Between this date and the time of his passing he bore his affliction with much patience. He felt his time was short and expressed his desire to exchange the scenes of earth for the scenes of eternity.

Funeral services were held at the Crystal Springs Mennonite church June 23, 1954, with Gideon G. Yoder in charge. Burial was made in the adjoining cemetery.