Unruh, Andrew H. (1866-1940)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Sep 18 p. 2

Birth date: 1866 Jan 17

text of obituary:

Andrew H. Unruh

Andrew Unruh, son of Heinrich and Kathryn Unruh, was born at Kalswalde, Russia, January 17, 1866.

His parents received their passports on October 15, 1874, and with their family undertook the voyage to America, arriving in central Kansas on December 25, 1874. There they lived through the hard pioneer days. After a few years they acquired land near Pawnee Rock, Kansas. When the deceased was 14 years old he lost his father and it fell to his lot to help provide for the family. He received an education in the common schools of Kansas.

As a young man he was converted, baptized and received into the Bergthal Mennonite church near Pawnee Rock. On November 8, 1890, he was joined in matrimony with Helena Schartner of Dolton, South Dakota. this union was blessed with 10 children and lasted 21 years, 3 months and 21 days.

His wife departed from her family on February 25, 1921. A few years after the death of his wife he retired from farming and lived among his children in western Kansas. His declining years were spent with his children Dedan and Marie Unruh in Oklahoma.

His health began to fail in December, 1939. In January this year he suffered a stroke. Because of his strong body he revived quickly. In May he again became sickly. When he sought the doctor’s aid his ailment was classified as heart dropsy in the advanced stage. On June 26 he entered the Carnegie hospital. There the doctors and nurses gave him loving care, for which he was grateful. On July 6 his case was classed as incurable and on his desire he was brought back home on July 7. From then on he lost strength rapidly, and was bedfast and helpless four days. His suffering was very great but he bore it patiently. His end came on August 14. He left a family of 3 sons, 7 daughters; 2 daughters-in-law, 7 sons-in-law; 30 grandchildren; one sister and a host of other relatives and friends.

He reminded his family in his last days not to wait with their repentance until they faced their sickbed. In his passing he left a big ray of hope for his family to cherish.

He reached the age of 74 years.

Rev. Henry Hege of Corn, Okla., a dear friend of the family had charge of the services. For opening services he read Psalm 46. Following this he preached a beautiful and uplifting sermon based on Genesis 48, 21.

A mixed quartet sang fitting numbers for the occasion.

The body was laid to rest in the Greenfield Mennonite cemetery. A large attendance was present.