Voth, Reinhard D. (1907-1995)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2 Mar 1995 p. 10

Birth date: 1907

text of obituary:

REINHARD D. VOTH

Reinhard D. Voth was born on a farm in Marion County, Kan., July 9, 1907, to Jacob R. and Elizabeth Pankratz Voth.

He attended Bethel College in North Newton in 1934-35. Due to the Depression he did not continue but stayed at home to help with the farming. He continued to farm with his brother Randolf.

He married Hilda Ediger on Aug. 25, 1938. Their life was enriched by two daughters, Judy and Kathy. Due to the Depression he accepted a position with the Marion County Highway Department in 1946 and continued until retirement in 1972. Due to the need of experienced workers he was rehired until 1980. He felt this work was a service to others, especially during inclement weather.

After the death of Hilda's mother in 1978 they felt free to leave Kansas and do voluntary service. They served in Akron, Pa., for eight weeks. In 1980 when Hilda retired from teaching they offered their services to Bethel College, where they worked for 10 years.

Reinhard accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized May 26, 1924, and became a member [of] Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church of Goessel. His special interest in the church was music. He served on the Goessel City Council, which led to Goessel's incorporation. He was a volunteer fireman.

Reinhard and Hilda moved to Kidron Bethel Retirement Home in North Newton in 1990. Reinhard died Feb. 16, 1995, at Kidron Bethel at the age of 87.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda; two daughters, Judy Regehr and husband David, and Kathy Cullen and husband Michael; three grandchildren; one stepgranddaughter; and two brothers, Alvin and Randolf. He was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

Services were held at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. Burial was in the Alexanderwohl Cemetery. A memorial was established for Alexanderwohl's scholarship fund.