Unruh, David B. (1883-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Mar 26 p. 6

Birth date: 1883 Oct 17

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services were held lat Sunday afternoon at the West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge for David B. Unruh, 75, who died at Mercy Hospital there March 19. Rev. Harris Waltner, the pastor, officiated. A native of the Moundridge community, Mr. Unruh was well known there as a carpenter. He remained active until last October when he suffered a stroke of paralysis while at work.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Apr 2 p. 8

text of obituary:

DAVID B. UNRUH

David B. Unruh, son of Benjamin and Helena Wedel Unruh, was born on a farm north of Moundridge, Kansas on Oct. 17, 1883. On Nov. 25, 1906, he was united in marriage to Rachel Wedel in the Emmanuel Mennonite Church near Moundridge. Together they shared the common experiences of life for 32 years. They were blessed with two sons, Reuben and Raymond.

During most of his lifetime Dave lived on a farm north of Moundridge. He was a farmer but also a carpenter. Together with his sons, he helped construct many homes and other buildings many homes and other buildings in the community. In 1946 he moved to Moundridge and continued his work as a carpenter.

Dave was active in community interests. For nearly 25 years he served on the school board of the South Union School. He also served as a district officer of the Mennonite Hilfs-Plan for over 30 years. He was interested in others and often contributed his labors to friends and community projects.

He was interested in the work of the church. On May 27, 1901, he made his confession of faith and was baptized by Rev. Peter Balzer in the Emmanuel Mennonite Church. On Jan. 9, 1949, he united with the West Zion Mennonite Church in Moundridge where he actively served until his death.

Dave loved his family and he will be remembered as a good companion and father. His grandchildren were a source of great delight to him.

On the morning of Oct. 27, 1958 he was busy at his work of building when he suffered a severe stroke which partially paralyzed him. He convalesced in the Mercy Hospital where for a time he slowly regained his strength. Early this year, however, he suffered a series of recurring shocks which made him very weak. Gradually his strength waned and on Thursday afternoon, March 19, he quietly passed on to his eternal Home. He reached the age of 75 years, five months and two days.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rachel; two sons and their wives, Reuben and Tena and Raymond and Stella, both of Galva; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Peter B. of Moundridge and Herman B. of Pratt; one sister, Mrs. Frank Rudiger of Galva; and many other relatives, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Caroline and Mary (Mrs. Tobe Decker), and one brother, John.

During the long days of his illness he was often discouraged and distressed, yet he was submissive to God. With his wife at his bedside he often expressed the prayer, “Lord, thy will be done.”

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, March 22, in the West Zion Mennonite Church, Rev. Harris Waltner officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 Apr 14 p. 237