Zehr, Christian L. (1893-1986)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 19 Feb 1987 p. 11

Birth date: 1893

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN L. ZEHR

Christian L. Zehr was born to Christian Y. and Barbara Lichti Zehr on Dec. 24, 1893, near Thurman, Colo., and died Dec. 23, 1986, at the Geneva (Neb.) Hospital at the age of one day less than 93 years. His parents were natives of Ontario.

The eldest of three children, he moved with his parents to Longmont in 1895 and to Shickley, Neb,, in 1904. His public school education included two years of high school.

As a young man he worked in his father's blacksmith shop, but for most of his life he was a farmer. He moved to Shickley upon his retirement in 1962. Then for 20 years he worked in his son-in-law's retail lumber and building supply business.

He was married to Lydia Rediger of Milford, Neb., on Jan. 29, 1922. Three children blessed the home.

In his youth he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and united with the Salem Mennonite Church near Shickley.

His quiet, uncomplaining disposition never disclosed the sorrows and loneliness he experienced or his physical limitations during his latter months.

He is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Eunice and Norris Sintek of Lincoln and Bernette and Merlin Erb of Shickley; one granddaughter; two step-granddaughters; one niece; three great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by a son, Dellas, in 1930; his wife in 1943; a sister, Nancy; and a brother, Aaron.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 26, 1986, at Salem Mennonite Church with Lee Schlegel and Wilton Detweiler officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Transcribed by Ralph Shetler, Oregon