Jan Rene Springer

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Notes:

Obit: Published in Peoria Journal Star on Sept. 20, 2011

EUREKA - The Rev. Robert J. "Bob" Springer, 88, of Eureka died on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at 7:40 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka, Ill.

He was born July 4, 1923, in Saybrook, Ill., a son of Theodore A. and Leah L. (Naffziger) Springer, the oldest of six children. He married Eileen M. Zehr on Oct. 27, 1944, in Fisher, Ill. He is survived by his beloved wife; a son, Jon Randall (Anne) Springer of Tucson, Ariz.; and a daughter, Jan Rene Springer of Morton; three brothers, Paul (Aldie) Springer of Fisher, Wilfred (Darleen) of Dallas, Texas, and Merle (Joan) Springer of Austin, Texas; one sister, Irene (LeRoy) Bechler of Goshen, Ind.; two granddaughters, Sheila (Brennen) McElhaney and Rhonda (Ted) DuPar; one step granddaughter, Kerianne (Vincent) Newland; four great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Bob accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior at a young age and sought to follow and serve Him all his life. He graduated from the Bellflower Township High School, Bellflower, Ill.; completed a course of study at Goshen College, Goshen, Ind.; and was a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Ill. He was ordained in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He served in the Christian Education and Youth Ministries of Gibson City Bible Church, Gibson City, Ill. Also, he served as pastor of churches in Petersburg, Bethany, Farmer City and Peoria, Ill. He served as managing director of the Christian Center, an interdenominational youth and family center, in Peoria for 21 years.

The funeral will be Thursday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. The Rev. Kerry Frantz will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the East Bend Memorial Gardens in Fisher, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christian Center, 4100 Brandywine Drive, Peoria, Ill., or the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped of Morton.

Died:
Apostolic Christian Home

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Robert married Eileen Mary Zehr on 27 Oct 1944 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
At the home of her parents

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: East Bend Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Theodore, son of Valentine and Emelia (Unzicker) Springer, was born at Rantoul, Ill., on Dec. 3, 1897; died at Eureka, Ill., on May 20, 1983; aged 85 y. On Sept. 28, 1922, he was married to Leah L. Naffziger, who died on Jan. 12, 1982. The survivors include 5 sons, one daughter, 16 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers, and 3 sisters. He was a member of the East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, Ill., where funeral services were held on May 23, in charge of Paul O. King; interment at the East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Theodore married Leah L. Naffziger on 28 Sep 1922. Leah (daughter of John William Naffziger and Mary Nellie Springer) was born on 13 Apr 1902 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; died on 12 Jan 1982 in Olio Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: East Bend Mennonite Church

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Leah L., daughter of John and Mary (Springer) Naffziger, was born in Foosland, Ill., Apr. 13, 1902; died at Eureka, Ill., Jan. 12, 1982; aged 79 y. On Sept. 29, 1922, she was married to Theodore Springer, who survives. Also surviving are 5 sons (Robert, Paul, Wilfred, Myron, and Merle), one daughter (Irene Bechler), 16 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She was a member of East Bend Mennonite Church where funeral services were held on Jan. 15, in charge of Paul O. King; interment in East Bend Memorial Gardens.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Buried:
East Bend Memorial Gardens

Samuel married Esther Mae Teuscher on 12 Oct 1922 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Esther (daughter of John S. Teuscher and Mary Ann Roth) was born on 11 Oct 1902 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; died on 27 Mar 1997 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried on 31 Mar 1997 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“Mrs. Zehr was a charter member of Gibson City Bible Church. She was active in Child Evangelism Fellowship, Camp Good News near Washington and with her husband served for many years as a member of the board of directors of the State of Illinois Child Evangelism Fellowship. She was active in volunteer work, the Apartment Council and the Senior Choir of Maple Lawn.”

Died:
Maple Lawn Homes

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By J.A. Heiser

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Valentine, son of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Springer, was born in Alsace Lorraine, France, March 15, 1869; died at Fisher, Ill., Dec. 3, 1961; aged 92 y. 8 m. 18 d. On Oct. 3, 1895, he was married to Emillia K. Unzicker, who survives. Also surviving are 10 children (George, Theodore, Mary--Mrs. Lester Weaver, Mrs. Clara Naffziger, Dora--Mrs. Elmer Oyer, Elmer, Victor, Raymond, Clarence, and Ervin), 33 grandchildren, and 36 great- grandchildren. One son preceded him in death. He was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held Dec. 6, in charge of J. Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Valentine married Emelia (Millie) Katherine Unzicker on 3 Oct 1895 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Emelia (daughter of August K. Unzicker and Elizabeth Birky) was born on 21 Jul 1874 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 19 May 1964 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Springer, Emelia K., daughter of August and Elizabeth (Birkey) Unzicker, was born at Morton, Ill., July 21, 1874; died at Fisher, Ill., May 19, 1964; aged 89 y. 9 m. 28 d. On Oct. 3, 1895, she was married to Valentine Springer, who died Dec. 3, 1961. Surviving are 10 children (Theodore, George, Elmer, Victor, Ervin, Clarence, Raymond, Mary - Mrs. Lester Weaver, Mrs. Clara Naffziger, and Dora - Mrs. Elmer Oyer), 2 sisters (Mrs. Andy UIlrich and Mrs. Lena Heppard), one brother (Julius), 32 grandchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the East Bend Church, where funeral services were held May 22, in charge of J. Alton Horst and Ivan Birkey.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
By Bishop Peter Zehr

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald March 30, 1939 - Vol. XXXI, No.52 - pages 1107, 1108

Naffziger.-John William, son of Peter J. and Magdalena Naffziger, was born Oct. 20, 1854, near Metamora, Ill.; died at his home in Foosland, Ill., Jan. 20, 1939, from complications of old age; aged 84 y. 3 m. In February, 1856, he moved with his parents to Panola, Ill., and in 1870 removed with his parents to Hopedale, Ill. In May, 1876, he made his vow with God and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. In 1902 they moved to Fisher, where he transferred his membership to the East Bend Mennonite Church where he remained faithful to the end. On March 7, 1882, he was united it marriage to Mary Springer. To this union 9 children were born (Lena L., at home; Alphia P. of Rockwell City, Iowa; Reuben J. of Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Mrs. Fannie Birkey, Jesse D., and Mrs. Leah Springer all of Foosland, Ill.). Levi W. passed away at 6 weeks of age and 1 son died in infancy. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers. He leaves his sorrowing wife, 3 sons, 4 daughters, 20 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; also 2 brothers (Sam and Henry of Michigan) and 2 sisters (Mrs. Kate Kauffman and Mrs. Amos Litwiller of Hopedale), and a host of other relatives and friends. He was a kind and loving husband and father, much concerned about the welfare of the Church. Funeral services were held Jan. 23 in the home by Bro. Harold Zehr and at the East Bend Mennonite Church by Bros. Samuel Zehr and J. A. Heiser. Texts, Psa. 116:15; II Tim. 4:7. Interment in the East Bend Cemetery.

"Father, dear, your wish is granted,
Sorrow, pain and grief are o'er;
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
Over on the peaceful shore."

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

John married Mary Nellie Springer on 7 Mar 1882 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Johann Springer and Elizabeth Nafziger) was born on 25 May 1862 in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 13 Oct 1950 in Foosland, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Naffziger. --- Mary N., daughter of John and Elizabeth Springer, was born May 25, 1862, near Hopedale, Tazewell Co., Ill.; passed away Oct. 13, 1950, at the home of her daughter (Mrs. John S. Birky) near Foosland, Ill.; aged 88 y. 4 m. 18 d. At the age of fourteen she received Christ as her Saviour and united with the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill., transferring when they moved in 1902 to a farm near Fisher. She remained a faithful member until death. On March 7, 1882, she was united in marriage to John W. Naffziger. To this union were born 9 children . Her husband, one daughter (Lena), 2 sons, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, and on granddaughter, preceded her in death. Surviving are 3 sons and 3 daughters (Alphia, Rockwell City, Iowa; Mrs. Elmira Oyer, Foosland, Ill.; Reuben, Pocahontas, Iowa; Mrs. Fannie Birky, Foosland, Ill.; Jesse, Foosland; Mrs. Leah Spring, Saybrook, Ill.), 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one brother (David V. Springer), and a large number of other relatives and friends. She was a kind and loving mother, much concerned about the spiritual welfare of her family and the church. Funeral services were conducted at the East Bend Mennonite Church Oct. 15, with Harold Zehr in charge, assisted by J. A. Heiser.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer And Deacon
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1856, Tazewell Co., IL
• Baptism: 2 Feb 1886, Goodfield, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1889, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• PURC: 18 Apr 1891, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Ordained: Jun 1906, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald, April 1943:
" Samuel S., son of Peter and Elizabeth (Oyer) Zehr, was born near Goodfield, Ill., Feb. 24, 1870; departed this life March 31, 1943, at the home of his son, Sam M., near Fisher; aged 73 y. 1 m. 7 d. He had been in failing health for the past 18 months and for the last 10 months has been bedfast. He lived in this vicinity for the past 53 years. In his early youth he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and united with the Mennonite church, of which he was a faithful and consistent member until the time of his death. He was united in marriage to Lena Unzicker Sept. 27, 1892, who preceded him in death March 1, 1939. He was the youngest of a family of thirteen, one sister Pheobe Zehr, Manson, Iowa, surviving him; also three sons (Aaron E., Foosland; Sam M., Fisher; and Albert R., Foosland) and six grandchildren. He was ordained to the office of deacon June 1906 at the East Bend Mennonite Church in which capacity he served in the Church, also assisting in the ministry until his health failed and he asked to be relieved from this responsibility. Funeral services were conducted at the home of his son by Bro. Harold Zehr, and at the East Bend Mennonite Church by Bro. J.A. Heiser. Text, Job 14:15. Burial in the East Bend Cemetery. The room is quiet, all is still; the place is vacant, 'tis God's will. Soon long you have waited for your rest, our blessed Lord knows what is best."

(Read at East Bend Mennonite Centennial)
“I am Deacon Samuel Zehr. I was born in Tazewell County in 1870 and am the youngest of 13 children, but mother and father had to part with six children before they were two years old. Only seven of us became adults. Father was Peter Zehr, mother was Elizabeth Oyer. Mother was born in Lorraine, France and came to America when she was two years old with her parents and eleven brothers and sisters.

“Father and Mother met near East Peoria where they were married. A little later, Father bought a farm near the Mackinaw River where I was born. We lived near the rocky ford of the river and our house stood on a high hill overlooking the valley. I loved to play along that river. I would set some fishing lines at night and the next morning I would usually find some nice catfish. I would stay close to home at night, frightened at the sound of the prairie wolves howling in the woods nearby. Our farm lay where three counties met. I lived in Tazewell County. On my way to school I would walk past Uncle Jake Zehr’s farm in Woodford County, to the schoolhouse where I got my limited education in McLean County.

“The many Amish Mennonites in the area were all part of the Mackinaw Meeting District. Later, it became three groups; the North Danvers Church, the Roanoke Church, and the Goodfield Church. We were part of the Goodfield Church and my Uncle Jacob Zehr was bishop.

“I’ll never forget the year 1886. In April my Father died and we buried him in the Slabtown Cemetery on that high hill. Also, my sisters Phoebe and Mary, and brother David were married, leaving Mother and me alone in the family home. And that year I made the most important decision of my life. I accepted Christ as my Savior and was baptized at the Goodfield church by my Uncle Jacob.

“In 1889, brother Peter who lived near us, decided to move to Champaign County to start a new church. Mother and I felt still more lonely and soon I became interested in Champaign County as well. Sister Mary, who had married Joseph Beacher, had moved to East Bend Township too, so now mother was also ready to move. In 1891 I found 80 acres of land that I could buy for $42.50 an acre. I had to borrow $1500 to purchase the land from Morris Lateer. There was no house on the land so I moved a small house from nearby and started living there.

“I was interested in a young lady I saw at church. Her parents had died so she and her brother, originally from Germany, came to America to live with their aunt, Mrs. Daniel Grieser and family. I asked Rev. Grieser to ask Lena Unzicker if she’d marry me and was joyful when she accepted. We were married in the Grieser home on September 17, 1892 by bishop Christian Nafziger of Hopedale and we started housekeeping on my farm.

“It was in 1896 that my mother died. She was the second burial in the East Bend Cemetery.

“Our Amish Mennonite settlement grew very fast. In 1892, eleven families moved into the community and in 1895 we built our first church house. Later, I served as Sunday School superintendent and also as chorister. One song I led very often was, “Jesus, Jesus”--in German of course. In 1906 the church choose me to serve as deacon and I took this new responsibility very seriously. Among my duties as deacon, I was to visit the sick, look after the welfare of the widows and needy, and talk to those who lived their Christian lives carelessly.

“I was in charge of the Alms Fund. The money for this fund was given during communion as a special offering for the poor and needy. Although I was only a deacon, I took my regular turn at preaching. One reason for this was that the English language was needed for the benefit of the young people who were learning English in school. I was able to preach in English, so this was a need I could fill. I served with seven of East Bend’s ministers and we loved each other very much.

“One event at East Bend that was an exciting time for me was when the Western District Amish Mennonite Conference was held at the church in September of 1909. About 600 people came, some from as far away as Oregon. The Illinois Central Railroad used a special car to accommodate the Amish Mennonite travelers. One hundred guests came to the depot at Foosland on the first day, and fifty to fisher. We furnished transportation, food, and lodging for all of them. We used two tents on the church grounds, one for the meetings and one for the meals. It was a very busy time, all the traveling to and from church was by horse and buggy.

“One of the last things I helped with during my preaching days was to help organize the Christian Workers Band. We were wanting to help our young people become more involved in church work, so in 1938, J.A. Heiser, Dr. Troyer, Harold Zehr, and I met in the Troyer home with a committee of young people. This was the beginning of the Extension Committee, the Industrial Committee, and so on.

“Lena and I were blessed with three sons born into our family--Aaron, Albert, and Samuel, Jr. We had many good times together with many happy memories. However, it was a sad day for US when Aaron was called to serve in the Army. He went as Conscientious Objector, the way we had been taught. On his discharge papers it says he was a Conscientious Objector who had done no military duty and who had refused to wear a uniform. He left home on Sept. 6, 1918, and served four months.

“I remember very clearly buying my first car. Of course our young sons couldn’t understand my decision to leave the car in the shed that first Sunday for fear of offending someone. In 1936, Lena and I moved to Fisher to live. After she died in 1939, I went to live with my sons. My son Bert and wife Bertha lived on the farm I bought and in the house I moved. I did not ever regret my work in the church. It gave me great satisfaction to serve in God’s Kingdom in this way. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 107:31, “Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

Birth:
near Goodfield. On a farm near Mackinaw.

Residence:
Home near Mackinaw River

Baptism:
by his uncle, Bishop Jacob Zehr

PURC:
Eighty acres two miles west of East Bend Mennonite Church, purchased at the cost of $1500. A small house was moved to the land for their home. The original land deed to War of 1812 veteran Sidney Quinn, was signed by President Franklin Pierce.

Ordained:
Deacon, East Bend Mennonite Church, by Peter Zehr. He was the only person to be ordained a deacon in this particular church.

Died:
at home of son Samuel

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Samuel married Magdalena A. (Lena) Unzicker on 27 Sep 1892 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. Magdalena (daughter of Christian Unzicker and Maria Gungerich (Gingerich)) was born on 11 Aug 1870 in Possing, Bavaria, GR; died on 1 Mar 1939 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1886

Notes:

Lena’s parents died in Germany and she (along with her brother and cousin) came to America at age of 16 with her uncle and aunt (the Daniel Grieser family ) in 1886. Since Lena had her schooling in German, she never really learned to read and write in English. Lena lived with the Grieser family and worked for others doing housework.

A niece of Mrs. Daniel Grieser.

Birth:
(or Wetterfeld)

Immigration:
At age 16, with brother Jacob

Died:
(May 1?)

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Services by J. A. Heiser.

Notes:

Marriage index gives date as 6 Sep 1892.

Married:
Daniel Grieser’s home, by Bishop Christian Nafziger of Hopedale. “Samuel wore a black tie for his wedding, but he never wore it again. George Grieser was 15 years old at the time and he recallls the wedding. At that time, it was customary to pass out cigars following a wedding. The cigars were given out, and he thought that he was old enough to try one. This resulted in one pretty uncomfortable boy!”

Notes:

Obit:
Teuscher - John S. Teuscher was born near Eureka, Ill., Dec. 4, 1875; died April 30, 1935; aged 59 y. 4 m. 27 d. His death was due to pneumonia and complications, following an accident in which he sustained a broken back about 10 weeks ago. He was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Champaign, Ill., where every effort failed to save his life. He suffered a great deal during this time, but bore it all patiently. He was fully resigned to the will of the Lord, often expressing his desire to go to his eternal home. On Mar. 9, 1897, he was united in marriage with Mary Roth of Morton, Ill. To this union were born 7 children 2 of whom preceded him in death. He leaves his loving companion and the following children: Mrs. S.M. Zehr and Daniel of Fisher, Ill.; Freda, Clara, and Melvin at home; 2 grandchildren, 3 brothers - Jacob of Upland, Calif.; William of Pigeon, Mich.; and Henry of Milford, Neb.; also a host of other relatives and friends. One sister (Mrs. John Stalter of Gridley, Ill.) preceded him in death. In his youth he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and united with the Mennonite Church, to which he was faithful until death. As a Christian he was much interested in the work of the Church and Sunday school, seldom being absent. He filled the office of church trustee for 25 years, up to the time of his death. He will be greatly missed in the home, Church, and community. Funeral services were held at the East Bend Mennonite Church, with Bros. A.H. Leaman of Chicago, Ill., and J.A. Heiser of Fisher, Ill., in charge. Interment in East Bend Cemetery.
"Some morning bright we'll meet again
On heaven's happy shore;
Yes, in that land where comes no night
We'll meet to part no more."

Moved to Champaign County in the 1890s to help form the church in the Fisher area.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery. Funeral by A. H. Leaman and J.A. Heiser.

John married Mary Ann Roth on 9 Mar 1897. Mary (daughter of Daniel K. Roth and Catherine Ropp) was born on 29 Sep 1875 in Morton, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 28 Mar 1959 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL; was buried on 1 Apr 1959 in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit:
Teuscher, Mary, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Roth; born Sept. 29, 1875, Morton, Ill.; died of complications due to age on March 28, 1959, at Gibson City, Ill.; aged 83 y. 5 m. 27 d. Married to John Teuscher, who died April 30, 1935. Surviving are 2 sons and 3 daughters (Daniel, Melvin, Mrs. Esther Zehr, Mrs. Fred Oyer, and Mrs. Clara Heiser), 2 brothers and one sister (D. K. Roth, Gibson City, Samuel and Amelia Roth, Morton, Ill.). She was a member of the East Bend Church. Funeral services on April 1 at the Gibson City Bible Church were in charge of J. A. Heiser and Leslie Gamble; interment in the East Bend Cemetery.


Mary Roth married John Teuscher. They farmed on land that Mary's father had purchased near the East Bend Mennonite Church north of Fisher, Illinois. Members of this church included several families that were descendants of Elizabeth Eiman's sisters. (Elizabeth Eiman was Mary's great-grandmother.) Good land and hard work gave them a very successful farming operation. They had seven children: Alma, Lester, Esther, Daniel, Freda, Clara, and Melvin. Alma died in infancy and Lester at the age of seventeen years. After John's death in an accident at the grain elevator in Fisher, Mary and Clara [Freda] moved to Fisher. John died in 1935 at the age of fifty-nine. Mary died in 1959--age eighty-three.

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery