Unruh, Benjamin (1872-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Dec 13 p. 8

Birth date: 1872 Jan 12

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN UNRUH

Benjamin Unruh, son of Abraham and Maria Block Unruh, was born in South Russia on Jan. 12, 1872. He migrated to America in 1874 and came to Lancaster, Pa. where he stayed for two years, and then came to South Dakota where he grew to manhood.

God's first call came to him when two servants of the Lord visited his parents and asked him, “Benjamin, don't you want to give your heart to Jesus?” Benjamin said, “Yes.” God heard his promise and the Spirit dealt with him at the age of 16 when he, with a number of other young people, was baptized by Elder Benjamin Schmidt and was received into the Mennonite Church.

He endured the hardships of pioneer life but the blessings of the good years overcame the lean years. He was a faithful member of the church, serving as Sunday school teacher and church board member for many years. He and mother loved to tithe of their income and the Lord blessed them as they supported home and foreign missions.

On Jan. 13, 1897 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth [sic Elisabeth] Dirks. Together they shared the joys and sorrows of life for almost 62 years. This union was blessed with five children.

Two years ago he entered the home for the aged at Freeman, S. D. In April his health failed and he was taken to the Freeman Community Hospital where he received good care until his death on Nov. 14. He reached the age of 90 years, 10 months and two days. Mother preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 1958. Also preceding him in death were one daughter, Emma, a son-in-law Ruben Becker who died last March, and two grandchildren.

He leaves to mourn three daughters and one son, Esther, Mrs. Joseph Becker of Marion, S. D., Elsie, Mrs. Ruben Becker of Marion, Dorothy, Mrs. Arthur Graham of Daytona Beach, Fla., and John of Avon, S. D.; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Friedensberg Church at Avon on Nov. 17, 1962, with Rev. Herbert Peters, pastor, and Rev. Johnny Reimer of Marion officiating. — The Family.