Wedel, Alvin (1910-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Jun 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1910 Aug 17

text of obituary:

ALVIN WEDEL

Alvin Wedel, son of Jacob and Susie (Buller) Wedel was born Aug. 17, 1910 in McPherson county, Kansas, and departed this life in the Halstead hospital at 10:25 a.m., on May 3, 1960, reaching the age of 49 years.

He received his education and grew to manhood in McPherson county. At the age of 16 years he felt the need of a Savior, and upon true repentance and confession of faith he was baptized and united with the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 3, 1927, where he remained a faithful member to the end.

On Aug. 23, 1936 he was united in matrimony to Amanda Koehn at the Lonetree church by the late minister Jesse Johnson. Sharing joys and sorrows of life for 23 years, this union was blest with eight children, one daughter, Laura Lee, preceding him in death at the age of four years.

They started their home in the Durham, Kan. community, where they lived for about three years. In 1939 they moved to the Burns area, where he made his living by farming and carpentering until the time of his death.

He was concerned for the spiritual welfare of his family, and in the promotion of God's kingdom. He was helpful in organizing the congregation in this community and took an active part in Sunday school work throughout his life. During the construction of our new church building he spent much time and effort serving unselfishly as chairman of the building committee. On April 16, 1953 he was ordained as deacon by Min. Albert Unruh, in which work he also served the church faithfully.

Father had a generous and loving disposition, always taking the way of peace and love, making many friends wherever he went. He was always ready to help those who were in need, often sacrificing time and comfort to help others. He left his family a good example to follow, since he always tried to be content, not seeking for wealth in this life, but striving for that home in heaven.

He enjoyed good health until about four months ago, from which time he suffered a general decline. but the Lord drew very near, giving witness and blessing, and he spoke of God's goodness and love. Especially the night before his passing he gave real assurance of going home to meet his Savior.

He leaves to cherish precious memories of him, his beloved companion, three sons and four daughters: Melvin and wife Rose of Newton, Kan., Viola and husband Jerry Koehn of Denver, Colo., Bernice, Linda, Carl, Wauneta and Jakey of the home. Also surviving are one grandson, his mother, five brothers, and three sisters: Alpha and wife Eva, Orpha and Mrs. Ella Becker of Galva, Kan., Frieda and husband Jesse Becker of Gypsum, Kan., Martha and husband Elton Koehn of Halstead, Kan., Milford and wife Jean, Marvin and wife Lois of Newton, Brinton and wife Ariene of Tonganoxie, Kan., and many relatives and friends. his father, one brother, one brother-in-law, a sister-in-law and his mother-in-law preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held in the Eden Mennonite church, Burns, May 7, 1960, with opening remarks and prayer by Min. Carl Dirks and the message by Min. Frank Unruh. Min. Frank Wenger conducted the graveside services in the church cemetery. — The family.