Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
This is the inside cover of a math notebook. It says "John Miller Book, April 30th 1845. John Miller ?? ?? ?? That is a lie for - it is not" I have yet to determine where John Miller fits into our ancestry, but John's mother's maiden name was Miller. The book is full of math calculations, done in pen and ink, presumably a school notebook.
Below that on a separate card is a certificate saying that John S. Detwiler was vaccinated for small pox on the 18th of July, 1924, or 1929. He was born in 1918, so he would be either 6 or 11. I found the card inside the math notebook.
This is an infants dress. It was amongst items that I assume Lois gathered from her mother Katie's house after her funeral, since it was with other related items. Whether or not it was Lois's, and what she meant by the note pinned to it, which says "Lois Burck dress 32 yr. old." is not known at this time.
+Burck+Obituary.jpg)
Katie (Widmer) Burck embroidery tools and sample
These items were among Katie Burcks memorial memorabilia. Presumably they were Katie's.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Harley and Katie Widmer Burck
Harley and Katie's wedding picture and 50th wedding anniversary in 1959
John’s Homegoing Celebration October 2, 1998
Written by Lois, presented by Jerry
Life, Death, Life Again
We would like to share a little of our Dad’s life story with you. John Samuel Detwiler was born on December 27, 1918 in Fayette, Pennsylvania during the height of a flu epidemic. With illness already in the family, Lorena Miller Detwiler, left her own home and husband, Elmer Jacob Detwiler, and stayed with an Aunt for the delivery and until the flu had passed. Making a living was difficult in those days. Our Grandpa Detwiler was a painter by trade and Grandma did domestic work in nearby New Wilmington, a college town in need of extra women to clean and do the wash. The family grew to include seven children, all educated through elementary and high school with many of them obtaining college educations. Dad’s family, our Aunts and Uncles, include: Bernice, and her husband Abner Schroeder, Esther and her husband Gordon Yoder, Delbert Detwiler, now deceased, and his wife Helen Joyce, Jean and her husband Dr John Mann. These all live in the Elkhart, Indiana area. Dale Detwiler and his wife Marcella, live in Tiskilwa, Illinois and Carl Detwiler and his wife Lynda, live in Houston, Texas.
Before Dad entered college he worked for a local dairyman milking cows by hand, bottling it, and delivering it fresh, via horse drawn wagon, to the doorsteps of customers in town. The suggestion of a college education actually came from a college recruiter who encouraged Dad to go to college. It was a big decision for a young country boy to go all the way to Goshen College. While in college, Dad worked at a milk condensing plant in order to finance his education. In 1943 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a year later with a Theology and Bible degree. Wanting to know his Lord even more, he later attended several semesters at Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago.
While at Goshen College, he met a young college student and post office worker, Lois Carolyn Burck from Albany, Oregon, our Mom, who he married on June 10, 1945. After college, and through Dad’s love of farming, he became acquainted with a family who was renting out farmland around Buda, Illinois where he eventually moved his young family. When the land was sold seven years later, the Detwilers, now with five children and twins about to be born, moved about 20 miles to the Annawan, Illinois area to farm more acreage consisting primarily of corn, soybeans, wheat, and to raise a few sheep. As the family grew, it became necessary for Dad to take on winter employment as a welder at the John Deere plant in Moline, Illinois and later at Pearson Bros in Galva, Illinois. In the fall of 1972, Dad sold his farming business and moved onto an 80 acre farm in Syracuse, Indiana. While there, Dad was employed as a general laborer in several production facilities and still enjoyed refinishing furniture, cutting wood, going to auctions, and tending to the sheep and lambs. Upon his retirement, the folks moved to Valparaiso, Indiana area in 1987 where Dad continued to work as a laborer at Valparaiso University then Beach Asphalt Company for seven more years.
Dad enjoyed relatively good health until nearly three years ago when diagnosed with Myloid-Displasia Syndrome, a fatal blood disease. As the disease and Dad’s weakness progressed, it became more and more obvious that a change in lifestyle would be needed. The country home near Valparaiso was sold and a condominium in Valparaiso was purchased. Moving was stressful for the folks but clearly of the Lord. As the needed transfusions followed transfusions, Dad’s weakness became debilitating, leading to severat falls which also contributed to his eventual death and Home-going Sunday, September 27, 1998 at the age of 79 years 9 months.
His children, many of their spouses, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren are here today to celebrate both his life, and his promotion to Heaven. His oldest son, John, is here with his sons Joshua and Joel from Escondido, California. Tim and his wife, RaeJean, live in Elgin, Illinois with daughter Kristina and an older daughter, Rachel, who lives in Texas. Lorena lives in Monroe, Wisconsin with husband Dave Koning while their children Matt, Kris, Robin, and Brad are living in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin along with their spouses and children. Lewis lives in Fillmore, California with wife Kathy and three daughters Charissa, Melissa, and Anna Marie. Jerry lives in Mexico, Missouri with wife Diana and children Jill, Julie, and Michael. Willa lives with husband Mike Nuppnau and boys Ryan, Kevin, and Johnny in Valparaiso, Indiana. Wilma lives in Chesterton, Indiana with husband Ken Willard and daughters Amber and Anna.
Dad and Mom both lived to enjoy their seven children, their sons and daughters in law, twenty grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. They were also able to visit Alaska, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Europe (with Sounds of Hope) several times together over the years.
As a family, we can proudly say our Dad was a great man who provided us an example of Christian character and living. He was baptized as a young boy in Pennsylvania and continued in his faith and practice all 79 years of his life. He was active in churches wherever he lived, having private and family worship regularly and completing yet another reading of the entire Bible with Mom this past September. He participated in teaching and leadership roles in the church, was a disciplinarian to his family by teaching and desiring only God’s best for us, and dedicated each of his children to the Lord He was literally able to “walk where Jesus walked” with son John in the Holy Land and spoke of that experience often. Now he is living and walking in Glory with his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The pain is gone and a new song is on his lips. Dad loved music. In fact, he selected not only the songs we will hear and sing today but also the people providing and leading us as we worship our God in both word and in song to celebrate John’s mortal life and death on Earth, followed by eternal life in Heaven.
We, John’s family, thank you for being an important part of his life and your interest in his illness, for your many prayers and acts of kindness. The praying hands on his coffin are symbolic of his life of worship and in appreciation of your many prayers. Prayers for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great~grandchildren flowed from his heart and lips literally until his death. Just as the aging Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, Dad could have rightfully claimed the words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
God’s blessing on you all.
Amen.
Written by Lois, presented by Jerry
Life, Death, Life Again
We would like to share a little of our Dad’s life story with you. John Samuel Detwiler was born on December 27, 1918 in Fayette, Pennsylvania during the height of a flu epidemic. With illness already in the family, Lorena Miller Detwiler, left her own home and husband, Elmer Jacob Detwiler, and stayed with an Aunt for the delivery and until the flu had passed. Making a living was difficult in those days. Our Grandpa Detwiler was a painter by trade and Grandma did domestic work in nearby New Wilmington, a college town in need of extra women to clean and do the wash. The family grew to include seven children, all educated through elementary and high school with many of them obtaining college educations. Dad’s family, our Aunts and Uncles, include: Bernice, and her husband Abner Schroeder, Esther and her husband Gordon Yoder, Delbert Detwiler, now deceased, and his wife Helen Joyce, Jean and her husband Dr John Mann. These all live in the Elkhart, Indiana area. Dale Detwiler and his wife Marcella, live in Tiskilwa, Illinois and Carl Detwiler and his wife Lynda, live in Houston, Texas.
Before Dad entered college he worked for a local dairyman milking cows by hand, bottling it, and delivering it fresh, via horse drawn wagon, to the doorsteps of customers in town. The suggestion of a college education actually came from a college recruiter who encouraged Dad to go to college. It was a big decision for a young country boy to go all the way to Goshen College. While in college, Dad worked at a milk condensing plant in order to finance his education. In 1943 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a year later with a Theology and Bible degree. Wanting to know his Lord even more, he later attended several semesters at Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago.
While at Goshen College, he met a young college student and post office worker, Lois Carolyn Burck from Albany, Oregon, our Mom, who he married on June 10, 1945. After college, and through Dad’s love of farming, he became acquainted with a family who was renting out farmland around Buda, Illinois where he eventually moved his young family. When the land was sold seven years later, the Detwilers, now with five children and twins about to be born, moved about 20 miles to the Annawan, Illinois area to farm more acreage consisting primarily of corn, soybeans, wheat, and to raise a few sheep. As the family grew, it became necessary for Dad to take on winter employment as a welder at the John Deere plant in Moline, Illinois and later at Pearson Bros in Galva, Illinois. In the fall of 1972, Dad sold his farming business and moved onto an 80 acre farm in Syracuse, Indiana. While there, Dad was employed as a general laborer in several production facilities and still enjoyed refinishing furniture, cutting wood, going to auctions, and tending to the sheep and lambs. Upon his retirement, the folks moved to Valparaiso, Indiana area in 1987 where Dad continued to work as a laborer at Valparaiso University then Beach Asphalt Company for seven more years.
Dad enjoyed relatively good health until nearly three years ago when diagnosed with Myloid-Displasia Syndrome, a fatal blood disease. As the disease and Dad’s weakness progressed, it became more and more obvious that a change in lifestyle would be needed. The country home near Valparaiso was sold and a condominium in Valparaiso was purchased. Moving was stressful for the folks but clearly of the Lord. As the needed transfusions followed transfusions, Dad’s weakness became debilitating, leading to severat falls which also contributed to his eventual death and Home-going Sunday, September 27, 1998 at the age of 79 years 9 months.
His children, many of their spouses, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren are here today to celebrate both his life, and his promotion to Heaven. His oldest son, John, is here with his sons Joshua and Joel from Escondido, California. Tim and his wife, RaeJean, live in Elgin, Illinois with daughter Kristina and an older daughter, Rachel, who lives in Texas. Lorena lives in Monroe, Wisconsin with husband Dave Koning while their children Matt, Kris, Robin, and Brad are living in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin along with their spouses and children. Lewis lives in Fillmore, California with wife Kathy and three daughters Charissa, Melissa, and Anna Marie. Jerry lives in Mexico, Missouri with wife Diana and children Jill, Julie, and Michael. Willa lives with husband Mike Nuppnau and boys Ryan, Kevin, and Johnny in Valparaiso, Indiana. Wilma lives in Chesterton, Indiana with husband Ken Willard and daughters Amber and Anna.
Dad and Mom both lived to enjoy their seven children, their sons and daughters in law, twenty grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. They were also able to visit Alaska, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Europe (with Sounds of Hope) several times together over the years.
As a family, we can proudly say our Dad was a great man who provided us an example of Christian character and living. He was baptized as a young boy in Pennsylvania and continued in his faith and practice all 79 years of his life. He was active in churches wherever he lived, having private and family worship regularly and completing yet another reading of the entire Bible with Mom this past September. He participated in teaching and leadership roles in the church, was a disciplinarian to his family by teaching and desiring only God’s best for us, and dedicated each of his children to the Lord He was literally able to “walk where Jesus walked” with son John in the Holy Land and spoke of that experience often. Now he is living and walking in Glory with his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The pain is gone and a new song is on his lips. Dad loved music. In fact, he selected not only the songs we will hear and sing today but also the people providing and leading us as we worship our God in both word and in song to celebrate John’s mortal life and death on Earth, followed by eternal life in Heaven.
We, John’s family, thank you for being an important part of his life and your interest in his illness, for your many prayers and acts of kindness. The praying hands on his coffin are symbolic of his life of worship and in appreciation of your many prayers. Prayers for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great~grandchildren flowed from his heart and lips literally until his death. Just as the aging Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, Dad could have rightfully claimed the words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
God’s blessing on you all.
Amen.
Jerry's Letter RE John's Memorial
October4, 1998
Dear Mom, Brothers, and Sisters
As you requested, enclosed is a copy of the eulogy Mom put together for Dad’s funeral. Forgive me for breaking down before getting through it at either service. We at least came close the second service! Yes, I embellished and edited a few items from the original, but Mom gave me the prerogative to do so, and the accuracy has been retained. Mom, any reason you hadn’t included living in Sheffield or Oregon right after marriage or was it simply an oversight? And what about the church Dad pastored? I’m sure there were many more items that could have been included but time would not allow. Should we consider some sort of memory book of Dad? Also do one for Mom to enjoy while she’s still here to enjoy it and fill in the memory voids we might have? With e-mail, it would be fairly simple to submit and edit into a document those memories we have I might do something for myself anyway but I’d be happy to compile your memories if anyone has some Ideas about it. Let me know. Mom - I don’t know where your energy and stamina came from but the Lord Himself. Thank you for the ultimate example of love for another by caring for Dad in some most difficult circumstances. The love you showed Dad, and all of us, is beyond our verbalization or comprehension except in our understanding of Christian love. Many times I’ve wondered if 1 could care for my spouse in that setting or if I would be as good a patient under the circumstances Dad was in. I don’t always like the answers to my own questions.
Willa & Wilma ~ You did great organizing the food and flowers and all the other details the rest of us will never know about. Thanks for making yourselves and families available the past months as help was needed in so many forms. In many ways I’m somewhat envious of your access to the folks and each other but realize that’s not where God put me but rather where He put you. We should make the most of what we have and where we have it. Thanks to your spouses, too, for allowing you to be available to help. Love your kiddos!
Rebo - It was great seeing and talking with you and your growing family, great they all sacrificed the time and effort to come. Dad would be smiling about that! You have a great bunch! I love ‘em all, even the Papa-bear!
Timald - Your decision to go to Valpo Sunday morning of Dad’s death was possibly, in retrospect, one of the most meaningful decisions of your life. Whatyou experienced those few hours will be etched in your brain and mind’s eye the rest of your life. Experiences many of us can only wonder about, maybe not even conceive of. I count it such a blessing to have, like you, been able to spend a few hours with Mom and Dad, just days before Dad went to heaven. How I wish I could have been there to see him go! There were two specific incidents that I thought would have been truly perfect for Dad to breath his last and be greeted by the Lord. I know God’s timing is perfect and mine isn’t, but these were near- perfect! The first was Wednesday evening, September 23 when Harlan and Evelyn Steffen came to talk with us. Wilma, Willa & Mike, Mom, Steffens, and I talked about some basic funeral arrangements and ultimately struggled with the question of whether Dad was capable of deciding about a next transfusion, should that decision need tohe made. We wanted Harlan to let Dad know that it would really be OK with all of us if he decided to stop the transfusions, that he should not be holding back for our sakes. Mom asked if Harlan and I would go talk with Dad about it Harlan is so good at these things Dad responded to Harlan’s questions about assurance of his salvation, about what heaven would be like, how he’s looking forward to heaven, how his family loves him and how it really is OK with the family if God calls him home. Dad was with us through the conversation, slow in speech but fully aware of it. Finally, Harlan asked Dad if he wanted to pray before we left his room. Dad, like several times I observed earlier, would begin to pray and get to about the middle of a sentence and drift off momentarily Harlan continued the prayer, a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for Dad’s life and testimony As Harlan closed, Dad also said ‘Amen’ and was still The angels and Dad were ready to go, how perfect an ending, but the Lord had more for Dad and for us yet to come. The second incident was Thursday late morning. Harlan, the evening before, had mentioned Dad’s interest in what heaven was like. I had read aloud to Dad Revelation 21 and 22, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. ..“ and his eyes kept focused on mine throughout the reading. He asked what amethyst looked like, responded positively to my comments “Won’t that be great?”, “Can you imagine?”, and “I’m ready, aren’t you?” so I know his mind wasstill with me. After we prayed together, he asked if I would get Mom. She and Peg were finishing lunch. Mom came in, leaned over his bed, “Yes, John?” and Dad began to tell Mom how he loved her but hadn’t always verbalized it very well. His sentences had long pauses as he looked at her but were complete and from his heart. Mom verbally expressed her love to Dad in like manner. After another short pause of looking at each other, Dad puckered his weak lips, they kissed, and hugged as Mom leaned over the bed. What a moment, what an expression of love verbally and nonverbally. Lord, take Dad home! After a moment, Mom kissed his forehead, Dad’s eyes were closed, and the angels were ready again to take him home. But He had still more for Dad to do. Those were moments of blessing for me, but I know both Wilma and Willa, Tim, Ed & Sharon, Mom, and others had their own moments with Dad after I did that were equally precious to them before Dad’s work was done. Each of our memories live on, through the funeral and burial, even beyond, whether family member or acquaintance, to shape us into who and what we are. Really, our testimony, our witness, our memory is never gone. John - I’m glad you and the boys could come. We didn’t have much time to talk but I don’t think much verbalization was needed. Your eyes and expressions told your thoughts pretty clearly. Dad’s prayers for all his kids were quite specific as I heard and participated in those prayers numerous times, whether in person or on the phone with Dad. God answers prayers in His way and time, and certainly not always as we humanly wish, but they do get answered and Dad now rests peacefully in that assurance. God will guide us as we allow Him to, but allows us to wander if we so choose. After all, He is our Heavenly Father. I hope to meet your wife and family someday. The principles for a Godly marriage are pretty clearly spelled out in the Bible and well worth following. ]=Q~A - I don’t know how or what to say, other than I am so sorry you were unable to attend. I only know for me, the void, the vacuum created by not participating in these services for Dad could never really be filled in any other way. Be thankful for a loving, forgiving, merciful God who gives grace to His own but also be mindful of God as Judge. May His will be done in all our lives. Again, we all make choices along the way and reap the outcomes. To all of you, thanks for the memories of the past several weeks. We share a common blood source and that makes us a genetic family. Beyond that, “family” is ‘what we choose to make of it. Do you know the song, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood, joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this world, I’m a part of the family, the family of God.” If we can honestly make that claim, we’ll truly be a family and see Dad again, never to part! “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Love to you all.
Jerry
Dear Mom, Brothers, and Sisters
As you requested, enclosed is a copy of the eulogy Mom put together for Dad’s funeral. Forgive me for breaking down before getting through it at either service. We at least came close the second service! Yes, I embellished and edited a few items from the original, but Mom gave me the prerogative to do so, and the accuracy has been retained. Mom, any reason you hadn’t included living in Sheffield or Oregon right after marriage or was it simply an oversight? And what about the church Dad pastored? I’m sure there were many more items that could have been included but time would not allow. Should we consider some sort of memory book of Dad? Also do one for Mom to enjoy while she’s still here to enjoy it and fill in the memory voids we might have? With e-mail, it would be fairly simple to submit and edit into a document those memories we have I might do something for myself anyway but I’d be happy to compile your memories if anyone has some Ideas about it. Let me know. Mom - I don’t know where your energy and stamina came from but the Lord Himself. Thank you for the ultimate example of love for another by caring for Dad in some most difficult circumstances. The love you showed Dad, and all of us, is beyond our verbalization or comprehension except in our understanding of Christian love. Many times I’ve wondered if 1 could care for my spouse in that setting or if I would be as good a patient under the circumstances Dad was in. I don’t always like the answers to my own questions.
Willa & Wilma ~ You did great organizing the food and flowers and all the other details the rest of us will never know about. Thanks for making yourselves and families available the past months as help was needed in so many forms. In many ways I’m somewhat envious of your access to the folks and each other but realize that’s not where God put me but rather where He put you. We should make the most of what we have and where we have it. Thanks to your spouses, too, for allowing you to be available to help. Love your kiddos!
Rebo - It was great seeing and talking with you and your growing family, great they all sacrificed the time and effort to come. Dad would be smiling about that! You have a great bunch! I love ‘em all, even the Papa-bear!
Timald - Your decision to go to Valpo Sunday morning of Dad’s death was possibly, in retrospect, one of the most meaningful decisions of your life. Whatyou experienced those few hours will be etched in your brain and mind’s eye the rest of your life. Experiences many of us can only wonder about, maybe not even conceive of. I count it such a blessing to have, like you, been able to spend a few hours with Mom and Dad, just days before Dad went to heaven. How I wish I could have been there to see him go! There were two specific incidents that I thought would have been truly perfect for Dad to breath his last and be greeted by the Lord. I know God’s timing is perfect and mine isn’t, but these were near- perfect! The first was Wednesday evening, September 23 when Harlan and Evelyn Steffen came to talk with us. Wilma, Willa & Mike, Mom, Steffens, and I talked about some basic funeral arrangements and ultimately struggled with the question of whether Dad was capable of deciding about a next transfusion, should that decision need tohe made. We wanted Harlan to let Dad know that it would really be OK with all of us if he decided to stop the transfusions, that he should not be holding back for our sakes. Mom asked if Harlan and I would go talk with Dad about it Harlan is so good at these things Dad responded to Harlan’s questions about assurance of his salvation, about what heaven would be like, how he’s looking forward to heaven, how his family loves him and how it really is OK with the family if God calls him home. Dad was with us through the conversation, slow in speech but fully aware of it. Finally, Harlan asked Dad if he wanted to pray before we left his room. Dad, like several times I observed earlier, would begin to pray and get to about the middle of a sentence and drift off momentarily Harlan continued the prayer, a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for Dad’s life and testimony As Harlan closed, Dad also said ‘Amen’ and was still The angels and Dad were ready to go, how perfect an ending, but the Lord had more for Dad and for us yet to come. The second incident was Thursday late morning. Harlan, the evening before, had mentioned Dad’s interest in what heaven was like. I had read aloud to Dad Revelation 21 and 22, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. ..“ and his eyes kept focused on mine throughout the reading. He asked what amethyst looked like, responded positively to my comments “Won’t that be great?”, “Can you imagine?”, and “I’m ready, aren’t you?” so I know his mind wasstill with me. After we prayed together, he asked if I would get Mom. She and Peg were finishing lunch. Mom came in, leaned over his bed, “Yes, John?” and Dad began to tell Mom how he loved her but hadn’t always verbalized it very well. His sentences had long pauses as he looked at her but were complete and from his heart. Mom verbally expressed her love to Dad in like manner. After another short pause of looking at each other, Dad puckered his weak lips, they kissed, and hugged as Mom leaned over the bed. What a moment, what an expression of love verbally and nonverbally. Lord, take Dad home! After a moment, Mom kissed his forehead, Dad’s eyes were closed, and the angels were ready again to take him home. But He had still more for Dad to do. Those were moments of blessing for me, but I know both Wilma and Willa, Tim, Ed & Sharon, Mom, and others had their own moments with Dad after I did that were equally precious to them before Dad’s work was done. Each of our memories live on, through the funeral and burial, even beyond, whether family member or acquaintance, to shape us into who and what we are. Really, our testimony, our witness, our memory is never gone. John - I’m glad you and the boys could come. We didn’t have much time to talk but I don’t think much verbalization was needed. Your eyes and expressions told your thoughts pretty clearly. Dad’s prayers for all his kids were quite specific as I heard and participated in those prayers numerous times, whether in person or on the phone with Dad. God answers prayers in His way and time, and certainly not always as we humanly wish, but they do get answered and Dad now rests peacefully in that assurance. God will guide us as we allow Him to, but allows us to wander if we so choose. After all, He is our Heavenly Father. I hope to meet your wife and family someday. The principles for a Godly marriage are pretty clearly spelled out in the Bible and well worth following. ]=Q~A - I don’t know how or what to say, other than I am so sorry you were unable to attend. I only know for me, the void, the vacuum created by not participating in these services for Dad could never really be filled in any other way. Be thankful for a loving, forgiving, merciful God who gives grace to His own but also be mindful of God as Judge. May His will be done in all our lives. Again, we all make choices along the way and reap the outcomes. To all of you, thanks for the memories of the past several weeks. We share a common blood source and that makes us a genetic family. Beyond that, “family” is ‘what we choose to make of it. Do you know the song, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood, joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this world, I’m a part of the family, the family of God.” If we can honestly make that claim, we’ll truly be a family and see Dad again, never to part! “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Love to you all.
Jerry
JOHN S. DETWILER
Written by Esther Yoder (sister)
John Samuel Detwiler was born December 27, 1918, the second child and first son of Elmer Jacob and Lorena Miller Detwiler. He was named for his grandfathers, John Detwiler and Samuel Miller. The family was living with Emma Detwiler, John's grandmother in Fayette, Pa., a small western Pennsylvania town in Lawrence County. John's grandfather had died August 1, 1916, It was during this time in 1918, when the great influenza epidemic broke out. John's dad Elmer and his Uncle Joe, who also lived with Grandma Emma Detwiler, were already sick in bed with the flu. Dr. Barr, the family physician, ordered John's mother to leave the family and stay away from the flu patients in order to protect herself and her unborn baby. So Mother Detwiler
moved just two doors north to live with her Aunt Nancy Miller, a single lady who was always available for emergencies. It was while Mother Detwiler was staying with Aunt Nancy that John was born. As soon as the family recuperated from the flu, the family was reunited at Grandma Detwilers.
A few months later, the Elmer Detwiler family, which included two year old sister Bernice and baby John, moved to their own home just across the road from Aunt Nancy and still close to Grandma Emma Detwiler.
As the years passed, the family moved three times and finally settled on a 50-acre farm of their own on the Pulaski Road, 2 miles west of New Wilmington. By 1935, the family had grown to 7 children, 4. boys and 3 girls.
At the time of John's birth, Dad Detwiler, Pap as we all lovingly called him, was working as a laborer on the railroad. Over the next several years, he worked as a farmer, a house painter, and for several months worked at the steel mills in Youngstown, Ohio, driving 30 miles from where we lived. The farm on the Pulaski Road was the home where parents and all 7 children lived, the last 3 children having been born there. The parents and 3 of the 7 children remained on this farm until 1952 when they sold the property and moved to Goshen, Indiana.
John received his elementary education in one-room schools as did all rural children at that time. He walked to and from school each school day unless he was lucky enough to catch a ride with Pap who was making a trip to town and driving past the school. He attended Poverty Point and Neshannock Schools. Poverty Point has become an all-Amish school and Neshannock is now a retail cheese and craft shop. The original school building has been preserved with additions necessary for the store. The school yard where John and many other children played and spent many happy recess times, is now a cheese-making plant. The milk is provided by Amish farmers who refuse to modernize their barns into bulk-tank sales. They pour the milk into 10 and 20 gallon cans and have it hauled to the cheese plant.
John was a farm boy and can tell you about toting those filled -milk cans. After milking the cows by hand, straining the milk into those large cans, it needed to be carried several hundred yards to the milk house to cool. Then came the task of washing the milking utensils by hand of course. Each morning the filled cans of milk were again carried several hundred yards near the road in front of the house, to be picked up by truck and transported to a processing plant in New Wilmington.
John always helped with bigger farm jobs--feeding cows, pigs and chickens, plowing, harrowing, sowing and harvesting grain all by horse-drawn machinery. Cutting and shocking wheat and oats, hauling it to the barn on horse-drawn wagons and throwing the sheaves into the threshing machine were part of his responsibilities. Great care was practiced to avoid the large belt connecting the threshing machine and the large oil-pulled tractor.
John attended and graduated from New Wilmington High School in 1936. He walked the 2.2 miles to and from school and always had chores to do after he got home.
After high school graduation, John worked at various jobs one of which was on a dairy farm several miles from the family home.
In the summer of 1939, Prof. John. Umble from Goshen College visited the family and was especially interested in John. After a snack of home-made bread fresh from the oven and home-made apple butter, Prof. Umble left but had persuaded John and his parents that John should apply for admission to Goshen College.
In the fall of 1939, John entered Goshen College and graduated in 1943 with a B.A. degree. He then enrolled for further study and in 1944 graduated with a TH.B degree. John's attendance at Goshen College undoubtedly influenced 4 other Detwiler siblings to attend the college, 3 of whom graduated.
While at Goshen, John met, fell in love with and married Lois Burck from Albany, Oregon. The happy family you see here this evening is an indication of that good relationship.
My memory fails me in recalling many events with John during our growing-up years. Perhaps, since he was my big brother, 4 years older, I unkowingly ignored him many times. I'm sure we argued and fought as normal kids do. However, I do recall a few happenings.
In one large farmhouse where we lived, we had a large fire‑place in the living room. We had a dining room chair that for some unknown reason, no longer had a seat. During winter evenings, we would have a fire in the fireplace, place the blanket over the chair and sit in it with our bottoms hanging half-way to the floor.
Another remembrance is as a first grader, trying to keep up with John and Bernice as we walked to school. I usually ran part of the 2 miles in order to arrive at school the same time they did.
At another time while John was working on the dairy farm, he came home while I was washing the milking utensils. He suggested I use a brush instead of a cloth to wash the cans. I thought this suggestion absurd--we never used anything but a cloth. Today, I seldom wash dishes without a brush!
So--Lois, this is your husband; kids--this is your dad; grandchildren--this is your grandpa, and this is my big brother as I recall our growing-up years.
Written by Esther Yoder
December, 1988
Written by Esther Yoder (sister)
John Samuel Detwiler was born December 27, 1918, the second child and first son of Elmer Jacob and Lorena Miller Detwiler. He was named for his grandfathers, John Detwiler and Samuel Miller. The family was living with Emma Detwiler, John's grandmother in Fayette, Pa., a small western Pennsylvania town in Lawrence County. John's grandfather had died August 1, 1916, It was during this time in 1918, when the great influenza epidemic broke out. John's dad Elmer and his Uncle Joe, who also lived with Grandma Emma Detwiler, were already sick in bed with the flu. Dr. Barr, the family physician, ordered John's mother to leave the family and stay away from the flu patients in order to protect herself and her unborn baby. So Mother Detwiler
moved just two doors north to live with her Aunt Nancy Miller, a single lady who was always available for emergencies. It was while Mother Detwiler was staying with Aunt Nancy that John was born. As soon as the family recuperated from the flu, the family was reunited at Grandma Detwilers.
A few months later, the Elmer Detwiler family, which included two year old sister Bernice and baby John, moved to their own home just across the road from Aunt Nancy and still close to Grandma Emma Detwiler.
As the years passed, the family moved three times and finally settled on a 50-acre farm of their own on the Pulaski Road, 2 miles west of New Wilmington. By 1935, the family had grown to 7 children, 4. boys and 3 girls.
At the time of John's birth, Dad Detwiler, Pap as we all lovingly called him, was working as a laborer on the railroad. Over the next several years, he worked as a farmer, a house painter, and for several months worked at the steel mills in Youngstown, Ohio, driving 30 miles from where we lived. The farm on the Pulaski Road was the home where parents and all 7 children lived, the last 3 children having been born there. The parents and 3 of the 7 children remained on this farm until 1952 when they sold the property and moved to Goshen, Indiana.
John received his elementary education in one-room schools as did all rural children at that time. He walked to and from school each school day unless he was lucky enough to catch a ride with Pap who was making a trip to town and driving past the school. He attended Poverty Point and Neshannock Schools. Poverty Point has become an all-Amish school and Neshannock is now a retail cheese and craft shop. The original school building has been preserved with additions necessary for the store. The school yard where John and many other children played and spent many happy recess times, is now a cheese-making plant. The milk is provided by Amish farmers who refuse to modernize their barns into bulk-tank sales. They pour the milk into 10 and 20 gallon cans and have it hauled to the cheese plant.
John was a farm boy and can tell you about toting those filled -milk cans. After milking the cows by hand, straining the milk into those large cans, it needed to be carried several hundred yards to the milk house to cool. Then came the task of washing the milking utensils by hand of course. Each morning the filled cans of milk were again carried several hundred yards near the road in front of the house, to be picked up by truck and transported to a processing plant in New Wilmington.
John always helped with bigger farm jobs--feeding cows, pigs and chickens, plowing, harrowing, sowing and harvesting grain all by horse-drawn machinery. Cutting and shocking wheat and oats, hauling it to the barn on horse-drawn wagons and throwing the sheaves into the threshing machine were part of his responsibilities. Great care was practiced to avoid the large belt connecting the threshing machine and the large oil-pulled tractor.
John attended and graduated from New Wilmington High School in 1936. He walked the 2.2 miles to and from school and always had chores to do after he got home.
After high school graduation, John worked at various jobs one of which was on a dairy farm several miles from the family home.
In the summer of 1939, Prof. John. Umble from Goshen College visited the family and was especially interested in John. After a snack of home-made bread fresh from the oven and home-made apple butter, Prof. Umble left but had persuaded John and his parents that John should apply for admission to Goshen College.
In the fall of 1939, John entered Goshen College and graduated in 1943 with a B.A. degree. He then enrolled for further study and in 1944 graduated with a TH.B degree. John's attendance at Goshen College undoubtedly influenced 4 other Detwiler siblings to attend the college, 3 of whom graduated.
While at Goshen, John met, fell in love with and married Lois Burck from Albany, Oregon. The happy family you see here this evening is an indication of that good relationship.
My memory fails me in recalling many events with John during our growing-up years. Perhaps, since he was my big brother, 4 years older, I unkowingly ignored him many times. I'm sure we argued and fought as normal kids do. However, I do recall a few happenings.
In one large farmhouse where we lived, we had a large fire‑place in the living room. We had a dining room chair that for some unknown reason, no longer had a seat. During winter evenings, we would have a fire in the fireplace, place the blanket over the chair and sit in it with our bottoms hanging half-way to the floor.
Another remembrance is as a first grader, trying to keep up with John and Bernice as we walked to school. I usually ran part of the 2 miles in order to arrive at school the same time they did.
At another time while John was working on the dairy farm, he came home while I was washing the milking utensils. He suggested I use a brush instead of a cloth to wash the cans. I thought this suggestion absurd--we never used anything but a cloth. Today, I seldom wash dishes without a brush!
So--Lois, this is your husband; kids--this is your dad; grandchildren--this is your grandpa, and this is my big brother as I recall our growing-up years.
Written by Esther Yoder
December, 1988
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