Wedell, Henry B. (1888-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 14 p. 10

Birth date: 1888 Jan. 31

text of obituary:

HENRY B. WEDELL

Henry B. Wedell was born Jan. 31, 1888, in Marion county, near Goessel, Kans. His mother passed away when he was eight days old and he was raised by his aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Franzen.

He attended the South Springfield district school in his childhood and in 1908 graduated from a commercial course at Bethel College, Newton, Kansas. He also attended the university in Seattle, Wash.

In 1912 he moved to Minidoka, Idaho, where he homesteaded. In 1917 he was drafted into the Army and became a veteran of the First World War. It was while in training in the Army that he became ill and remained ill most of the rest of his life.

In 1924 he took up work in the Fresno General hospital in Fresno, Calif. as an orderly and held that post faithfully for about seven years.

In 1931 he moved to Lodi, Calif. and went into the fruit picking and shipping business, and in the winter time he and his partner, Bob Ruggiero, operated an olive press.

Mr. Wedell was faithful to his work and will long be remembered as a peace-loving neighbor, business man, and a citizen of Lodi. Wherever he went, he soon won a host of friends. He was a member of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church, Goessel, Kans. He was never married.

He suffered from rheumatic heart fever the last years of his life. His death was caused by bronchial pneumonia and he departed this life march 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the San Joaquin County General hospital at the age of 67 years, one month and 23 days.

Four sisters and four brothers preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his passing one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Nipkau, and one brother, Cornelius B. Wedel, both of Lodi; besides nephews and nieces and a host of relatives and friends.

Interment was made at the Cherokee Lane Cemetery near Lodi. Rev. Walter F. Ratzlaff of the First Church of God officiated at the funeral services, held at 2:00 p. m. March 28, 1955.