Yoder, Abner G. (1879-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Jul 16 p. 1

Birth date: 1879 Oct 4

BISHOP A. G. YODER OF WELLMAN, IOWA, LAID TO REST LAST WEEK

Wellman, Iowa, July 9. — Rev. Abner G. Yoder, 62, passed away at his home about midnight Monday, after an illness of several weeks. He had been suffering with a heart ailment and kidney trouble.

Rev. Yoder, who at the time of his death was Bishop of West Union Mennonite Church, had just returned about a month ago from a trip to Oregon and Washington, in the interest of the church, and was taken seriously ill a few days later.

Rev. Yoder was born in the Sharon neighborhood October 4, 1879, and had lived his entire life in this community.

Funeral services will be held today, Thursday , at the West Union Mennonite Church w, with burial in the West Union Cemetery. Ministers in charge of the services are Simon Gingerich of Wayland; Chris Yoder; Daniel Kauffman of Scottdale, Pa.; and John Y. Swartzendruber of Kalona. — Wellman Advance.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Jul 23 p. 1, 5

text of obituary:

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS JOIN CONGREGATION IN FINAL RITES FOR BISHOP ABNER G. YODER, AT WELLMAN, IA.

Wellman, Ia. — Bishop Abner G. Yoder, widely known minister of the West Union Mennonite congregation here, was laid to his final resting place Thursday forenoon, July 9, in the cemetery of the church which he served so faithfully for many years. A large crowd of friends and neighbors joined with the congregation in attending the funeral.

Memorial services at the family home were conducted by ministers W. Guengerich and Amos Gingerich. The following ministers took part in the services at the church, — Simon Gingerich, Wayland, Ia., J. M Krieder, Palmyra, Mo., Nelson Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo., P. J. Blosser, South English, Ia., Chris Yoder, Wellman, Ia., and Bishops John Y. Swartzendruber, Kalona, Ia., and Daniel Kauffman, Scottdfale, Pa.

Bishop D. J. Fisher conducted the committal services at the grave.

"We have been called together at this time," said the Minister Simon Gingerich in opening the services, "to pay our last tribute to one who served you in this community, and one who has served the church, Abner G. Yoder." Chris Yoder, co-minister of West Union church, read a message of comfort from the Scriptures, while Nelson Kauffman, Hannibal, Mo., led in prayer.

In his sermon on 2 Tim. 4, 6 - 8, bishop John T. Swartzendruber said: "Brother Yoder preached without fear or favor of man. . . . I trust that we realize and appreciate the efforts he has put forth for the community and the church."

Speaking of the departed church leader's work in the conference, Bishop Daniel Kauffman referred to his "church-wide vision. The church recognized this and called him to official life . . . The important thing is that we keep the faith, and may the Lord help the rest of us to be true and faithful."

The following brief review of Bishop Yoder's life was read by Simon Gingerich.

Abner G. Yoder, oldest son of Gideon A. and Mattie Miller Yoder, was born in Johnson county, Iowa, October 4, 1879, and departed this life in the Mercy Hospital at Iowa City, Iowa, July 6, 1942, at the age of 62 years, nine months and two days. His ancestors emigrated from Switzerland in the year 1742 and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania; this year of 1942 being the 200th year that his ancestry settled in America.

On December 4, 1902, he was united in marriage to Mary Gingerich. He leaves his companion and four children, Edwin, Oren and Katie of Parnell, Iowa, and Gideon of Harper, Kansas, three grandsons, and three brothers, Arthur and Dave of Wellman, Iowa, and Willis of Kalona, Iowa. One infant grandson preceded him in death in 1937.

In his early twenties he was converted and received into fellowship with the believers in the West Union congregation by Bishop Christian Wery. It immediately became evident that he was a servant called of the Lord, and to this tasks he remained zealous unto the end.

In 1906 he became the first superintendent of the Daytonville Mission Sunday School. For about ten years after his ordination he often drove to Daytonville with horse and buddy to preach the Gospel.

On May 2, 1909, he was ordained to the office of Deacon and commissioned to preach by the voice of the church for the West Union congregation, by Bishop Christian Wery and Bishop Andrew Schrock. The same day his predecessor, Br. J. K. Yoder, was advanced to the office of Bishop. For sixteen years they labored together as deacon and bishop. In December 21, 1924 he was chosen bishop by lot and ordained by Bishop Daniel Kauffman of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. When he was ordained to the capacity of bishop he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who had been bishops in this community.

Bro. Yoder served in the church in many different channels. In addition to local service he took an active part in evangelistic work. For many years he served as chairman of the Mennonite Children's Home at Kansas City, Kansas, and also as treasurer of the General Sunday School Committee. Since entering the ministry he served on various boards and committees from time to time. In 1937 he preached the General Conference sermon at Turner, Ore., and in 1939 served as moderator of General Conference at Allensville, Pennsylvania. At the time of his death he was moderator of the Iowa-Nebraska Conference as well as a member of the General Problems Committee of General Conference.

His was a busy life. He answered calls whenever possible. During his recent illness he made mention of the fact that one reason he wished to recover was to enjoy his grandsons, as he had not had time, as he desired, to enjoy his sons when they were small.

On June 20, he became seriously ill. Before June 26, he greatly desired to recover, and he spoke of his interest in matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God. he also asked forgiveness of God for shortcomings and mistakes and expressed his regret for not having done more for the Lord. On June 26, he called the entire family, including the grandchildren, and revealed the majority of his funeral plans including the choice af [sic] pall bearers. He also unburdened his heart regarding a number of other important matters, after which the family knelt at his bedside and his son Gideon, who is also a minster offered a prayer asking God for mercy and resignation for both his father and the family. this service shall long be a cherished memory of those present. Bro. Yoder's death was caused by congestive heart failure.

Shortly before his death he urged those at his bedside to immediately go and tell the story of Salvation.