Wipf, Shirley Ann (1948-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jul 7 p. 1

Birth date: 1948 Feb 25

text of obituary:

LITTLE GIRL KILLED, TWO INJURED IN SOUTH DAKOTA CRASH

Freeman, S. D. — A car-truck crash on Highway 81 west of Dolton June 22 claimed the life of Shirley Wipf, seven-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eli R. Wipf of Bridgewater, and injured two other persons, one critically.

Funeral services for the little girl were held July 2 at the Neu Hutterthal church, Rev. Albert Ewert, officiating.

Shirley had been visiting Mrs. Lawrence Axemaker of Dolton, her teacher during the past year, and was riding in the car with Mrs. Axemaker when it was hit by the truck at an intersection. Mrs. Axemaker was critically injured and the truck driver had minor injuries.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Jul 28 p. 10

text of obituary:

Shirley Ann Wipf

Shirley Ann, the dearly beloved daughter of Eli B. and Elise (nee Tschetter) Wipf, was born Feb. 25, 1948, on a farm near Freeman. She died on June 22, 1955. She departed to be with her Lord at the very early age of seven years, three months and 27 days.

She was a very sweet little girl and brought much joy into our home. She entered elementary school last September. She was much interested in her school work. She continually strived to do better. She was always willing to share with others and would rather give than receive. She enjoyed going to Sunday School and daily vacation Bible school. She loved to sing and one of her greatest ambitions was to become a pianist.

On Wednesday afternoon her parents took her to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Axmaker for a visit. During the course of the afternoon she, and Mrs. Axemaker, her last year’s school teacher, went to Dolton for groceries. On the way home as they were attempting to cross Highway 81 they met at the intersection with a truck driving south on this highway which resulted in a very serious accident and it pleased our dear Lord to take Shirley home to be with Him. We of course cannot understand the reason for this but we must confess with Job, “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.” Job 1:21.

In her early departure she leaves to mourn her deeply bereaved parents and three-year-old brother Dennis; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul P. Tschetter and Mr. and Mrs. Elias A. Wipf; 22 aunts and uncles (her uncle Melvin being in service in Korea and unable to see her), 24 cousins and a large host of friends.