Collection PNMSS/I-45 - Frederick J. Gingerich Papers

Gingerich, -- Frederick J., son of Joseph C. and Catherine Swartzendruber) Gingerich, was born Sept. 15, 1878 near Wellman, Iowa; passed away suddenly near Phoenix, Ariz., July 15, 1955; aged 76 y. 10 m. At the age of 15 he moved with his parents to Clarion, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. On Dec. 22, 1901, he was married to Katie Leichty, who preceded him in death on Dec. 5, 1953. To this union one son (Daniel Lyman) was born. Two girls were taken into the home and reared to maturity. In his youth he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church. He served the Lord and church faithfully and conscientiously. As a young man he served as Sunday-school teacher and superintendent. On Jan. 10, 1909, he was called and ordained to the Christian ministry at the East Union Church near Kalona, Iowa, which church he served until 1913, when he answered the call to serve as pastor of the West Fairview Church near Beaver Crossing, Nebr. In 1919 he with his family moved to Oregon and located near Canby. Here he served the Bethel congregation before and after its organization. He was ordained to the office of bishop on July 3, 1921. In this office he had oversight of various congregation from as far away as Los Angeles, Calif., and Phoenix, Ariz. His wide experiences and careful judgment made him a much-sought counselor and a valuable member of many committees and boards, locally and in the district. He put an unusual amount of energy and concern into the launching and building of Western Mennonite School. Due to his health, he spent a number of winters in Arizona. He had a strong desire to spend the summer there. As the weather became warmer, he felt greatly improved in health. He preached his last sermon on the evening of June 19. He attended the Sunnyslope congregation prayer meeting the evening before his death, which is believed was due to a heart attack. He gave his church work first place in his life, and endeavored to serve his Saviour acceptably. He leaves to mourn his departure his son (Daniel L., Canby, Oreg.), 4 grandsons, 3 great-grandsons, 2 foster daughters (Mrs. Marie Hamilton, Sheridan, Oreg., and Mrs. Frances Nofziger, Molalla, Oreg.), five brothers and one sister (Daniel, Turner, Mich.; Amos, Parnell, Iowa; Simon, Wayland, Iowa; Joseph, Dagmar, Mont.; Ezra, Quincy, Ill.; and Emma, Kalona, Iowa), and a host of relatives and friends. Memorial services were held at the Sunnyslope Church on July 17 with Bro. Melvin Ruth delivering the message. On July 19 funeral services were held at the Zion Church, Hubbard, Oreg., with N. A. Lind and Henry Wolfer in charge. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.