Friedrich Grenz Obituary

          Friedrich Grenz was born Jan 17, 1845 in Guldendorf, South Russia and passed away early in the morning, Dec 7 the home of his youngest son, Friedrich, in the vicinity of Kulm.  He dame to America in 1875 and settled in the vicinity of Menino, South Dakota.  After 18 years filled with exhausting struggle, in 1893 he came with "pilgrim's staff" in hand to the Antelope district where the Berlin congregation is now active, and is a credit to the region.  But he did not remain here either for old age advanced, the work became harder, and tired, he sought rest.  He found it in Ashley.  Here for 19 years in a quiet haven he lived in sweet harmony with his wife.  The Evangelical Church was the church of his choice.  He enjoyed attending worship services as long as his strength permitted. The Bible was his guide from early youth to old age.  In storm and bad weather and hours of deep trial he could still sing songs of triumph.

           On Dec 17, 1870, he gave his hand for life to Katharina Heckenlaible in Johannesthal, South Russia.  To this successful marriage 11 children were born, 8 daughters and 3 sons of whom 5 preceded him in death.  As dear and valuable as his home in Ashley was, the dearest on earth, yet he looked higher and said, "now I will go home."  He has conquered through the blood of the lamb.  He is home.  The yearning has ceased.

           His life is ended after 85 years, 11 months and 21 days.  He leaves behind his bereaved wife, and children:  Rosina Huether, Ashley; John, Medicine Hat, Canada:  Gottlieb, Fredonia;  Paulina Elhard, Medicine Hat, Canada;  Friedrich, Fredonia;  Carolina Schmierer, Ellendale; 45 Grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and one brother.  May the Lord send a happy reunion.  He rests now in the Berlin churchyard until the resurrection morning.

Ashley Tribune Dec 17, 1931 (translated from German) in Grenz van Guldendorf book, page 75

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1888-1988 Ashley, North Dakota, "A Century of Pulling Together" page 289:

          In 1875, Mr. Grenz and his wife and two small children immigrated to America.   Their first stop was Menno, S. Dakota.  Here they farmed for 19 years.  On August 26, 1894, Frederick Grenz and his family journeyed to North Dakota in a covered wagon to a farm which he had purchased about 15 miles northeast of Ashley.  The journey took about two weeks.  Prairie chickens, which they shot along the way, often provided dinner for the family.  They lived on the farm for 18 years.  In 1911, they sold the farm to their youngest son Fred and his wife Maria. Frederick and Katherina bought a home in Ashley and retired there.  When they were no longer able to care for themselves, they moved in to a small house which had been built for them on their youngest son's farm (Fred Grenz) about 29 miles northeast of Ashley.  Both are laid to rest at the Berlin Baptist Church cemetery about 18 miles northeast of Ashley.