Zerger, Chris J. (1883-1941)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Aug 20 p. 2

Birth date: 1883

text of obituary:

Chris J. Zerger

Chris J. Zerger, son of Joseph and Katherine Zerger, was born in McPherson county, Kansas, on February 2, 1883.

While still a boy, he moved to Oklahoma with his parents, where he spent his young manhood and received his education.

The Zerger family came to Monroe, Washington, in 1924, and have made their home here since that time.

About 11 years ago Mr. Zerger was hurt while working in a lumber mill, and suffered a number of years from this injury. About three years ago he was again hurt when lifting, but improved sufficiently to do his work. His death came suddenly about eight a.m. on Wednesday morning, July 23, 1941, from a heart ailment while at work in the pea harvest west of Snohomish, Washington. He reached the age of 58 years, 5 months, and 24 days.

Mr. Zerger’s whole life was spent in a struggle for a living, and honesty was the key word of his life. He was a faithful husband and a most considerate father. Although often misunderstood by others he held steadfastly to the principles of Christianity and to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. His greatest delight was to serve and to praise the Lord, and to be in the midst of such services. We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope, knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

On December 19, 1906, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Stucky. Their marriage was blessed with four children; the first, a daughter, passing away in early infancy. He is survived by his sorrowing widow, Elizabeth Zerger and three children: Mrs. Faye Kletke, Anna and Clifford Zerger all of Route 2, Monroe; and three grandchildren. Also surviving him are two sisters: Mrs. Mary Kliewer of Corn, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Carrie Kaufman of Basil, Kansas; one brother, Ed Zerger of Larned, Kansas.

One sister, Mrs. Francis Albrecht, preceded him in death 17 years ago. Many relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respect to him at the funeral services.

Funeral services were held at the Purdy and Whitfield chapel on Saturday afternoon on July 26, 1941. Interment was made in Monroe Memorial Park.

Pastor and Mrs. Manfred Askew of the Monroe Bethel Assembly, of which Mr. Zerger was a faithful member, were assisted in the service by Albert Galbraith of West Seattle, who spoke on Hebrews 12. Rev. James Andrew of Marysville, Wash., brought the closing words of comfort.

The songs sung by Mr. Zerger’s friends were all favorite hymns. Rev. Henry Verbarendse of Kirkland sang “Across the Great Divide: accompanied on the organ by his wife. Mrs. James Anderson sang “Sometimes we’ll Understand” and Rev. and Mrs. Martin Goering sang a duet in German “Der Herrliche Strom.” The closing song was sung by Mrs. Askew, “Beyond the Sunset.”