Unrau, Jacob B. (1877-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jul 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1877 Mar 30

text of obituary:

. . .

— Jacob B. Unrau, 83, long-time resident of the Goessel community, died at Mercy Hospital in Moundridge on July 14, having been taken to the hospital from the Schmidt Nursing Home. Funeral services were held at the Alexanderwohl church Monday forenoon, Rev. P. A. Wedel officiating. Born in South Russia, Mr. Unrau came to this country with his parents at the age of three months. For many years he farmed near Goessel. Survivors include five daughters, two sons, one brother, 25 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Aug 11 p. 8

text of obituary:

JACOB B. UNRAU

Our father and grandfather, Jacob B. Unrau, son of Rev. Peter and Helena Balzer Unrau, was born on March 30, 1877 in Friedensruh, South Russia. At the age of three months he came to the United States with his parents and shared with them the hardships of pioneer days.

On May 24, 1896, as a young man, he was baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Jacob Buller and joined the fellowship of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church at Goessel, Kansas, of which he remained a faithful member until his death.

Father received his education at the Hochfeld School which was near the parental home. Later he attended Bethel College.

On June 8, 1899 he was united in holy matrimony to our mother, Maria Banman. She preceded father in death on Jan. 8, 1940. This union, which lasted almost 40 years, was blessed with nine children, six daughters and three sons. One infant son, Ezra, and one daughter, Helen, Mrs. Albert Pankratz, preceded him in death.

Our father's occupation was that of a farmer. He liked his work and was always a conscientious worker. He was always ready to help those who were in need, often sacrificing time and comfort to help others.

He loved music, and singing the many songs he knew was another way of expressing his faith in God. He used his singing ability to serve the Lord and for many years was a chorister in the church.

He enjoyed good health until about three years ago, from which time he suffered a general decline. The last two and one half years he was bedfast at the Schmidt Nursing Home in Moundridge, Kansas. On July 16 he entered Mercy Hospital with pneumonia and complications. In spite of tender, loving care, he passed to his eternal reward on July 14, 1960 at the age of 83 years and three months.

He leaves to cherish precious memories of him five daughters and two sons, Bertha and husband Frank J. Schmidt of Dallas, Ore., Eva and husband Jacob P. Nikkel of North Newton, Kan., Rufus and wife Mathilda of Lehigh, Kan., Jacob of Canton, Kan., Marie, of Canton, Kan., Velda and husband Melvin Gaeddert of Buhler, Kan., Norma and husband Leslie Schrag of Moundridge, Kan.; one son-in-law, Albert Pankratz of Goessel; 22 grandchildren (seven preceded him); 35 great-grandchildren; and one brother, H. B. Unrau of Goessel.

We mourn the loss of him but are comforted in the blessed hope that he is now in the presence of the Lord and is resting from his labors. — The Family.