Unruh, Eskil M. (1923-2003)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2003 Dec 26 p. 2

Birth date: 1923

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2004 Jan 12 p. 8

text of obituary:

ESKIL UNRUH

Eskil Unruh, 80, of Goessel, Kan., died Dec. 25, 2003. He was born March 21, 1923, to Jacob S. and Sara Friesen Unruh at Goessel.

He received education at Sand Creek School and graduated from Goessel High School in 1942. He enjoyed classes in physics and had a special interest in airplanes.

After high school he settled down to help his father run the family farm, and he lived there the rest of his life until he entered Bethesda Home in July 2000. He stayed home during World War II on a farm deferment while many of his friends served in Civilian Public Service. He always had a vegetable garden and enjoyed growing strawberries, which he sold or shared. They operated a dairy for many years.

He was baptized on May 24, 1942, and became a member of Tabor Mennonite Church. He took his church membership and his devotion to God seriously and faithfully attended services.

He enjoyed and for a time sang in the church choir and in Mennonite Men’s Chorus. He took part in church and community choirs performing some of the well-known oratorios. One of his favorite vocal groups was the Russian Don Cossacks, with their wide range of voices. He got to hear them perform on stage and to see them do their fascinating dance routines.

He supported Mennonite Central Committee projects and Mennonite Men. He helped with the annual chicken barbecue and was cemetery sexton for many years.

He suffered from arthritis and back problems, and as he advanced in years he had difficulty walking. In July 2000 he experienced a debilitating fall and as a result entered Bethesda Home. He spent some time in the special care unit to cope with advancing Alzheimer’s disease. He never complained about being in a nursing home, and the staff enjoyed his cheerful attitude and sense of humor.

Survivors include a sister, Charlene Stoetzl, and a brother, Robert. Memorial services were held at Tabor Mennonite Church. Burial was in Tabor Mennonite Church Cemetery.