Summer, Christian F. (1876-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 May 14 p. 9

Birth date: 1876 Jan 23

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN F. SUMMER

Christian F. Summer, son of Peter and Bena (Smith) Summer was born January 23, 1876, in Tazwell [sic Tazewell] county, near Washington, Illinois.

He spent his early life in Illinois. Later he came to Manson Iowa, to make that location his home. Here on December 15, 1907 he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Zehr. This union was blessed with four sons and two daughters, one son, Milo, dying in early childhood. Also preceding him in death were his wife, who died September 10, 1935, his parents and four brothers.

He enjoyed reasonably good health all his life until about a year and a half ago, when his general health began to break down. While spending the winter months of 1952 in Florida, he underwent surgery, after which he suffered pneumonia and was seriously ill. He was cared for with love, patience and skill by his two daughters, Luella and Ethel, during a period of some length. He recovered to a state of health that was quite encouraging and satisfactory, with the exception of a heart condition which required him to refrain from all strenuous physical exertion.

On February 19, he with his two daughters moved from the farm home to their new residence in Manson. Here on the evening of April 24, 1953, he was stricken with a heart attack, which caused swift and sudden death at the age of 77 years, three months and one day.

As a young man he united with the Mennonite Church and remained an earnest, loyal Christian until his death. His place in all church services, and in all duties assigned him there, were faithfully and conscientiously filled.

Since 1941 he had read the entire Bible through from cover to cover 14 times. He was reading it the 15th time when he passed away. During this time he memorized many portions of Scripture which were especially precious to him. His passing means to the church the loss of a faithful and useful member, to the family a kind and loving father, and to the community a helpful neighbor and friend.

He leaves to mourn his departure five children, Luella at home, Milton of Pomeroy, Iowa, Daniel of Mobile, Alabama, Ethel, also at home, and Chris F. Jr. of Manson; six grandchildren, Shelby, Ardis and Sharon Summer of Poneroy [sic Pomeroy], Iowa, Rodney Summer of Manson, Iowa, and Danny and Robert Summer of Mobile, Alabama; three brothers, John J. and Emanuel A., both of Washington, Illinois, and Benj. of Modesta [sic Modesto], California; and a sister Anna, Mrs. N. D. Hartzler of Goshen, Indiana, and a host of relatives and friends. — The children.