Unruh, Henry P. (1866-1936)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1936 Jul 14 p. 14

Birth date: 1866 Nov 28

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1836 Jun 17 p. 5

text of obituary:

LOCAL

. . .

— Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff received word Tuesday that his brother-in-law, H. P. Unruh of Meno, Okla., had died. Mr. Unruh was in his 70th year and had not been in good health for some time. Rev. and Mrs. Ratzlaff plan to go to Meno to attend the funeral which will be held at the New Hopedale church on Friday. Mrs. Unruh is a sister of Rev. Ratzlaff.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1 Jul 1936 p. 5

text of obituary:

Henry P. Unruh

Henry P. Unruh, son of Peter and Karolina (Koehn) Unruh, was born November 18, 1866, in Russia-Poland, in the village Antinofka.

At the age of four years his mother died.

In the year 1874 when many of the Mennonites emigrated from Russia, his family also came to America and settled in Lone Tree township, McPherson county, Kansas. here he grew to manhood and received his Christian education and instruction in the catechism class. He was baptized with a class of 27 converts on July 25, 1887, by the Rev. Johann Ratzlaff, elder of the Canton, (now Emmanuel) Mennonite Church north of Moundridge, Kansas.

On June 1, 1890, he was joined in holy matrimony with Mary Ratzlaff, daughter of Johann and Katharina (Unruh) Ratzlaff. The Rev. Dietrich Gaeddert, elder of the Hoffnungsau church, officiated at the wedding ceremony.

They then lived on a farm in Kansas until the spring of 1895, when in March they moved to Oklahoma with others of the immediate family. They located on a quarter section of land near what now is Meno. They started their pioneer life here in a sod house, later in a small frame building, and finally could build the large home that marks the many blessings of God and their labor and toil together. They lived together for 31 years on this one place, sharing the joy and sorow [sic] that was granted them. Of this blessing they were permitted to give for the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God, in and through the local church and congregation.

Many have found a sincere hospitality in their home, especially on occasions of conferences and conventions.

When in the spring of 1895 the New Hopedale Church was organized he was one of the first 10 members to help in its organization. When ever an office was entrusted to him in the church, he tried to conscientiously fulfill his duty as an charge in the vineyard of God. He has laid out many a grave at the church cemetery, of which he has been the sexton for at least 30 years and where now the open grave awaits his body.

About two years ago symptoms of sickness developed in his body and he began to look for help. But his condition slowly grew worse, in spite of all the aid he sought. During this last winter he has probably suffered more than even his immediate loved ones fully realized. His last 12 days of sickness in bed and especially the last four days were days of suffering so that even his nurse, Sister Margaret Jane, said, "This is beyond the stage of help." It was her great privilege to nurse her uncle on the last three days of his life and to be at his death-bed until he passed out of sorrow and pain.

On Tuesday, June 16, about 1 o'clock he peacefully succumbed to myocarditis, or heart trouble. A peaceful and joyous expression came over his face as his woes of life had ended. we assuredly hope that he is in joy and gladness with God in Glory.

He attained the age of 69 years, 6 months and 18 days. he lived in a joyous marriage of 64 years and 15 days.

He leaves to mourn his departure especially his dear, loving wife who is deeply grieved, Mr. and Mrs. Esley C. Unruh and son, Junior, 3 brothers: David B., Meno, John P., Ringwood, and Jacob P., of Carnegie; all of Oklahoma; and 2 sisters, Susie (Mrs. David A. Wedel), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Gustav D. Koehn) of Meno, Oklahoma. One sister, Lena (Mrs. Jacob A. Eck) and one brother, C. P. Unruh, preceded him in death a few years ago.

Many close relatives and a host of friends mourn at his funeral with the living hope to see him in Glory with God in eternity.

He understood the voice of the Spirit in that he arranged before hand how and by whom his funeral should be conducted, and that he would soon be called away from this life to the life of his reward.

Funeral services were held from the Newhopedale Mennonite Church, Friday afternoon, June 19, 1936. Rev. H. U. Schmidt, elder of the church, led the following services: Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff served at the home; Rev. John Lichti made the introduction for the church; Rev. J. H. Epp and Rev. A. J. Dyck both preached in the English language and the dear old uncle Rev. Abraham Ratzlaff, made closing remarks and led in prayer. Rev. H.U. Schmidt officiated at the grave and a men's quartet sang several appropriate hymns.