Wipf, Sam Z. (1868-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Jun 18 p. 10

Birth date: 1868 Apr 13

text of obituary:

SAM Z. WIPF

Sam Z. Wipf was born in the village of Hutterthal, South Russia, on April 13, 1868, and passed away at his home near Bridgewater, S. D. May 31, 1953 at 1:15 p.m., attaining the age of 85 years one month and 11 days.

At the age of 10 with his parents and one sister and one brother, he came to America and homesteaded in Hutchinson county, S. D. which was his home until the time of his death with the exception of one year in the city of Bridgewater.

When he was 14 his father died leaving the responsibilities and management of the farm on his shoulders.

On Nov. 17, 1889, he married Anna Hofer and together they shared the joys and sorrows of pioneer life on the prairies for over 63 years. To this union seven children were born, two of whom died in infancy.

Seeing the need of a personal Saviour, together with his wife he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1925 they were baptized by Elder D. W. Tschetter and united with the Salem K.M.B. church where he did what he could for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.

He always enjoyed good health and was up and around until the morning of May 28. While he was still sleeping a cerebral hemorrhage paralyzed the right side of his body and left him speechless. His mind was clear to the last and by nodding his head and motioning with his left hand, indicated his desire to go to his heavenly home and without pain or struggle he quietly passed away.

He leaves to mourn his departure his dear wife; four sons, Sam of Freeman, Joe of Bridgewater, Dave of Minneapolis, and Zack of Brookings; one daughter, Anna (Mrs. Otto C. Schrag) of Bridgewater; four daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. His parents, two brothers, two sisters, one daughter-in-law and two children preceded him in death.