Voth, John H. (1864-1935)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1935 May 8 p. 5

Birth date: 1864 Jul 27

text of obituary:

John H. Voth

Our father, John H. Voth, was born on July 27, 1864, in the village of Waldheim, South Russia, the son of Henry and Anna Voth. He departed this life on May 3, 1935, at 1:45 P. M. at the age of 70 years, 9 months and 7 days. The cause of his death was heart trouble. (Myocardites)

At the age of four years he lost his father and at the age of 15 his mother, while an older brother Henry passed away at an interval of only six weeks. Soon after the death of his mother in 1879 he, with brother Cornelius and sister Susanna, came to America with their uncle John Voth. They made their home on a pioneer farm in Marion county. The sister, Susanna Voth Richert, preceded him in death. The brother Cornelius is still living.

During the early years in America, father worked for a living at his uncle's home and later as a farm hand at various other places. Early in life he sought and found his Savior. I 1882 he was baptized by the Elder Jacob Buller and received membership in the Alexanderwohl church. When the Tabor church was organized he joined this congregation and remained a loyal member until his death.

On December 18, 1884, he was united in marriage to our mother, nee Aganetha Janzen, who survives him. For fifty years, 4 months, and 16 days they shared the joys and sorrows of life. In gratefulness for the many blessings from God they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary shortly before Christmas 1934.

Eight children were born to this union, five daughters and three sons. One of these daughters parted this life immediately at birth. He leaves to mourn his death his wife, four daughters, three sons, three daughters-in-law, his brother Cornelius and his family; 23 grandchildren and many relatives and friends. In Russia he had two half-brothers, with whom he frequently exchanged letters until a few years ago no reply could be obtained from them. Whether these are still living we do not know.

He lived an active life. Thru faithfulness, fragility and God's blessing he succeeded in making a comfortable living so that he always owned his home and could for ten years live in quiet retirement. He lived in Marion county, Kansas, nearly all of his life. Only the last ten years he lived at his home near the Bethel College campus.

He was a willing worker in the Kingdom of God. In the early years before the Tabor congregation was organized he served as a leader and teacher of the Sunday School at Sand creek school. In the Tabor church he served as trustee and as a Sunday school teacher for a number of years. He also served in the capacities as member of school board, road overseer, etc., as opportunity came.

Father was seldom seriously ill. However, during the last several years he suffered from Hernia which gave him much trouble. About a year ago heart trouble developed which no amount of medical nor loving care of his helpmate seemed able to heal. This disease caused much suffering by shortage of breath, insomnia and finally a general weakened condition.

He was fully aware that he would pass away suddenly, and that he prepared himself for such an event is seen by his frequent reference to that possibility. Even during the forenoon of his last day of his life he spoke to mother about the possibility of his sudden death. During the morning devotional prayer he said, "And if I should sooner or later be called from this life, I pray Lord for Thy grace and acceptance."

He was up and about and fully conscious until the last hour of his life. He partook of his noonday meal as usual. After the meal was finished he sat for a while with mother at the table. Mother then went out to do some small chores, and when she returned a few minutes later she found him in the adjoining room on the floor breathing heavily. Being unable alone to help him, she secured help from nearby neighbors. When father had been placed on the couch his spirit departed this life to to be with Jesus.

How gladly would we have helped mother and father in this his last hour. But his end came so suddenly that none of his children could be at his side when he passed away. However, there is comfort in the conviction that he has gone to be with his Savior in whom he believed and where we shall see him again.

We are grateful for the many expressions of sympathy and floral offerings. May God preserve us our loving memories of father whom He has taken to be with Him.

Mother and children.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1935 May 8 p. 6

text of obituary:

LOCAL

. . .

— The children and close relatives of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Voth living near the Bethel College campus were deeply shocked last Thursday afternoon when they were informed by telephone that Mr. Voth had passed away suddenly. although Mr. Voth was in advanced years and not in the best of health, his departure nevertheless came bery unexpectedly. the complete account of his death is given in the obituary which appears elsewhere in this issue. A large gathering was present at the funeral services held at the Tabor church Monday afternoon.