|
who was the father of the well-known
theologian author and our relative, Stanley Grenz. So it
appears that the Nathan family and the Grenz family had known
each other for years.
In 1919 at the age of 81 years, our immigrant ancestor, Samuel
Grenz was called home to heaven to his final reward. He
apparently died at home of "myocardial degeneration", which in
plain English, means, heart failure. We can see that he
had a long, full life, and that he and his ancestors have left
us with a rich heritage of belief in God, hard work, courage,
persistence in life's trials and the determination to be able,
with God's help, to follow our dreams.
Samuel's obituary was published in the Sendbote on Nov. 19,
1919. Translated from the German, it reads:
| Our brother in the Lord, was born in Gueltendorf
(sic), Russia on Oct. 5, 1838 and died on the 25th of
October 1919 from heart failure. In his youth, he
married Christine Lutz, with whom he was married for
about 40 years. This marriage produced 12
children, of which 9 are still living. 10 1/2 years
ago, he married Katharine Natan (sic), who cared for him
during his grave illness until his blessed end. He
was saved and baptized in his youth in Russia, came with
his family to America 34 years ago, and settled first in
Eureka, South Dakota. For 15 years he has made his
home here in Lodi, and was one of the founders of the
church. Old and tired of living he longed for his
home in the heavenly home. His longing has been
fulfilled. Lodi, California
G. Schunke |
Samuel, his two wives, his daughter Lidia and
her husband are all buried in the old Lodi City Cemetery.
In October of 1919 when his father passed away, Fred Grenz
Sr., the grandpa that many of you may remember, had been
farming near Napoleon for about 17 years. He was married
and 8 of his 9 children had already been born. Grandpa
was also a man of great faith and courage who displayed the
commendable qualities demonstrated in the lives of our Grenz
ancestors.
|
