The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 52, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 December 1985 — Page 3

Hospital Notes

KCH MONDAY, DEC. 16 Admissions Jeanenne Boyer, Syracuse R. Maxine Yoder, Syracuse Phillip M. Shafer, Leesburg Dismissals Millard S. Kirkwood, Syracuse Debra L. Delgado and infant daughter, Leesburg Luella C. Mullins, Syracuse

Obituaries

Joanna Gross Syracuse Resident Joanna Gross, 52, r 3 Syracuse, died at her home Friday, Dec. 20, of natural causes. Mrs. Gross was born in Anderson on April 7,1933, and lived for 20 years in Syracuse moving from South Bend. Survivors include two sons, Michael, Lakeville, and Dallas, Syracuse; one sister, Sandra Adams, Syracuse; and two

Mennonite dies on Titanic

By RUSSELL KRABILL Guest Feature Writer Annie C. Funk, a Mennonite missionary to India, was one of the 2,207 passengers on the ocean liner, Titanic, when it received its mortal wound on the night of April 15,1912. The ship was on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City when she struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The three and one-block long ship was considered “unsinkable.” It had a double bottom and 16 water tight compartments. When a lady on board asked a deck hand whether the Titanic was indeed unsinkable, he replied, “Yes lady. God, himself, could not sink this ship.” The overconfident crew had received warnings of icebergs in the area but ignored them. Suddenly the passengers felt a slight jolt. An iceberg had ripped a huge gash in the underbelly of the ship. Two and one-half hours later it sank beneath the waves, taking with it 1,503 persons. Annie Funk was among the casualties. The rest of the passengers were saved in lifeboats. The general location of the accident has been known all along, but it was not until recently, 73 years later, that the exact location of the ship was discovered. It was found about 500 miles south of Newfoundland, sitting upright on the floor of the Atlantic, 13,000 feet below the surface of the water. A group of scientists, using sophisticated equipment, discovered the great ship in remarkable preservation. Who was Annie C. Funk and why was she a passenger on this luxury liner, along with “Seven Titanic passengers worth half a billion?” Annie Funk was a General Conference Mennonite woman who went to Janjgir, India, as a missionary in 1906 at the age of 32. She was born on April 12,1874, the daughter of James B. and Susanna Clemmer Funk. She grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania, in the beautiful Butter Valley, about three miles from the Hereferd Mennonite Church, located at Bally in Berks County. Here her uncle, Christian Clemmer, served as an elder for many years. When she was about 14 years of age, she made a public confession of Christ and was bap-

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TUESDAY, DEC. 17 Dismissals Infant boy Smallwood, Cromwell WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 Dismissals Jeanenne Boyer and infant daughter, Syracuse Phillip M. Shafer, Leesburg THURSDAY, DEC. 19 Dismissals R. Maxine Yoder, Syracuse

grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, in Syracuse Cemetery. Harris Funeral Home, SR 13S, Syracuse, was in charge of arrangements. Duane W. VanCuren World War II Navy Veteran Duane W. VanCuren, 59, r 1

tized by Rev. C. A. van der Smissen. Annie was a rather retiring person but was active in the church. She taught a Sunday school class and helped start a Junior C.E. society. She attended the West Chester State Normal School where she took a teacher’s course. After that, she went to Northfield where she spent several years in Moody Training School, With this preparation she went south to assist in a mission among the black people at Chattanooga, Tenn. She then accepted a call to come to Patterson, N.J., to serve as house secretary at the Young Women’s Christian Association. Before she left for India, her associates at Patterson, as an expression of their appreciation, presented her with a folding organ for use on the mission field. When Annie was approached by the secretary of the mission board regarding her interest in serving in India, she wrote: “Several years ago I promised the Lord that if the way would open to go to the foreign field, I would do my duty. Ever since I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior and to realize what He did for me, I longed to give the message. Now the door is open wide enough for me to do my duty to the extent of ‘being willing to go.’ She accordingly set sail for India in November of 1906. When someone remarked to her concerning the dangers of the voyage, she replied, “Our heavenly Father is as near to us on sea as on land. My trust is in Him and I have no fear.” Annie’s strong physical constitution adapted itself well to the rigors of the hot climate of India. Furthermore, her dedication and unselfish service endeared her to the people and her ministry was fruitful. It was nearly six years later, in the spring of 1912, that Annie received a disturbing cable gram from her pastor in Pennsylvania informing her that her mother was very ill and that she was to return home at once. After hastily packing, she took the train to bom bay. On March 19, 1912, she sailed for England on the SS Persian. Arriving in England, she I discovered that the SS Haverford, on which she was booked,

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 Dismissals Carol Smallwood, Cromwell SUNDAY, DEC. 22 Admissions Robin M. Cox, Syracuse Goshen TUESDAY, DEC. 17 Admissions Gregory Sawyer, 712 Baltimore, Syracuse

Warsaw, died Monday, Dec. 23, at 4 p.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn., following an extended illness. He was born on April 29,1926, in Warsaw, to Wayne and Thelma (Archer) VanCuren. On November 8,1947, he married the former Virginia Pionski. She survives. VanCuren lived in the WarsawNorth Webster area all his life and retired from Torrington Bearings, South Bend. He was a

was delayed for six or more days because of a coal strike. Since she was anxious to get home, her travel agent, Thomas Cook and Sons, suggested that by paying an extra fare she could secure second class passage on the new SS Titanic. Not knowing her change of plans, her friends back home were baffled to see her name listed in the papers with the other 1,500 Titanic casualties. They were sure that it must be another Annie Funk because she was to come on the SS Haverford. It was not until later that the mystery was solved. She had written a note from the Titanic, which was sent back to land by the pilot boat: “I had to get out a few more gold pieces (to pay for passage on the Titanic) but I gladly did that to get home six days earlier and will let my people know from New York.” The Titanic set sail from the Southampton harbor on April 10, 1912. We do not know the details of her voyage. We do know that she spent her 38th birthday on the Titanic. We can speculate that she found some Christian friends on board. It would be interesting to know how she spent the two and one-half hours after the accident. Books have been written giving the details as to how various passengers responded. At the end, there were prayers and Christian hymns. We can be sure that Annie participated in these. The ship carried 2,207 people, but had life boats for only 1,178. There is an unconfirmed story, which was to have appeared in a British newspaper, that Annie gave up her place in a life boat to a woman with children. When Annie’s friends heard this story they said it was just like Annie to do something like that. The church members back in

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Dismissals Dorothy L McKibbin, Lakeland Loving Care, Milford Kimberly S. Spitler, r 5 box 108, Syracuse WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 Admissions Donna Clark, r 2 box 368, Syracuse Denise L. Rhodes, P. 0. Box 187, North Webster

member of the Leesburg Masonic Lodge and Warsaw American Legion. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Additional survivors include his mother, Thelma Sparks, Warsaw; one daughter, Mrs. Dan (Linda) Darr, North Webster; two sons, Wayne VanCuren, Cromwell, and Steven VanCuren, North Webster; six grandchildren; two sisters, Marcele Mathys, Claypool, and Miriam Ring, Warsaw; and two step-

Pennsylvania were shocked when they learned of Annie’s tragic passing. There were numerous memorial services held for her. Interestingly, Annie’s mother had improved enough so that she could attend the memorial service in the home church. The impact of her life and Lakeland local Gladys Leamon, Milford, will enjoy a visit on Christmas Day from her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith, who will be coming to Milford from Columbia City. Weather service loses death suit . A federal district judge has ■ awarded $1.25 million to the families of three lobstermen who drowned in a storm the National Weather Service failed to predict, reports National Wildlife magazine. The judge ruled earlier the agency was liable in the deaths because it had neglected to repair a weather buoy.

Former Nappanee man murdered in his southern California home

Delbert (“Sonny”) Culp, aged about 45 years, was fatally stabbed and beaten in his Chula Vista, Calif, home sometime late Friday night. Chula Vista is located south of San Diego. Culp’s wife, Virginia, was severely beaten and tied up by the intruders. The home of Delbert and Virginia Culp was broken into two times, once about two months ago and again about a month ago. It was suspected that the intruders who had murdered “Son-

Dismissals Marilyn Y. Green, r 1, Leesburg Robert F. Worthington, 99 E. Shore Drive, Syracuse THURSDAY, DEC. 19 Admissions Logina A. Wright, P. O. Box 56, Milford Ruby L. Elson, r 1 box 388, Syracuse Michael Simmons, 640 Ave. of Fourth of July, Syracuse

brothers, Marshall Sparks and Dan Sparks, both of Warsaw. One sister preceded him in death. Friends may call from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, in Harris Funeral Home, SR 13S, Syracuse. Masonic services will be conducted at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, in the funeral home with Rev. Chester Reed officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military graveside rites.

death were powerfully felt throughout the whole church. In an article in the May 2,1912, issue of “The Mennonite,” sketching the life of Annie Funk, A. S. Shelly concluded with the following appeal: “A vacancy in the ranks of the Master’s army of laborers has occurred. How shall it be filled? Who will step forward into the breech?” One of the persons who often told how she responded to this challenge, was Martha Rose Burkhalter of Berne. She was 23-years-old at the time. Five years later Martha went to India as a missionary to carry on the work which Annie had begun. In 1908, Annie had founded a girl’s school at Janjgir, India, which was later named Funk Memorial School. Martha Burkhalter was principal of this school for nine years. In fact, she gave most of her life to missionary work in India. Only eternity will reveal the wide influence Annie C. Funk will have had in history. Meanwhile her body is entombed in the bottom of the ocean awaiting her Master’s resurrection call.

ny” Culp originally intended to burglarize the home. Culp was the son of Roy and Lucille Culp, of 602 East Market Street, Nappanee, and were well known in the Nappanee and Syracuse areas. Lucille Culp worked for many years at Penn Controls in Goshen. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Culp flew to Chula Vista early Sunday to be with their daughter-in-law, and to plan final arrangements. The murdered man is a nephew to Lester R. Lung, of 128 North Shore Drive, Syracuse.

Dismissals Gregory L. Sawyer, 712 Baltimore St., Syracuse Mrs. Jeffrey L. Spitler and infant son, Kyle Jeffrey, r 3 box 634, Syracuse Jayson B. Vore, r 3 box 638, Syracuse FRIDAY, DEC. 20 Admissions Justin R. Doss, P.O. Box 59, Milford Charles P. Towriss, r 1 box 412, North Webster Dismissals Rita K. Doss, P.O. Box 59, Milford Logina A. Wright, P.O. Box 56, Milford Donna M. Clark, r 2 box 368, Syracuse SATURDAY, DEC. 21 Dismissals Roy Miller, r 4 box 42, Syracuse Eva I. Simison, 113 W. Portland Michael D. Simmons, 640 Ave. of Fourth of July, Syracuse SUNDAY, DEC. 22 Dismissals Mrs. Vincent L. Rhodes and infant daughter, Aubrey Denae, P.O. Box 187, North Webster INFANT DOSS TRANSFERRED Justin Doss, one-day-old son of Charles and Rita Doss, P.O. Box 59, Milford, was transferred on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from Goshen Hospital to South Bend Memorial Hospital. Births HAMMAN, Ryne Daniel Mr. and Mrs. Rod (Sherrill) Hamman, r 1 box 310, Etna Green, are the parents of a son, Ryne Daniel, born Friday, Dec. 20, at 2:16 a.m., in Koscuisko Community Hospital. He weighed five pounds, ounces and measured inches long. He is the Hammans’ first child. Maternal grandparents are Bob and Sally Wise of Milford and paternal grandparents are Bob and Nancy Hamman of Plymouth, formerly of Syracuse. Maternal great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joe.Stouder of Nappanee and Charlotte Wise of Milford. Paternal greatgrandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wilder of Remington. KIRKDORFFER son Mr. and Mrs. James (Phyllis) Kirkdorffer, 72531CR19, Milford, are the parents of a son born Sunday, Dec. 22, at Goshen Hospital. SPITLER, Kyle Jeffrey Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey (Michele) Spitler, r 3 box 634, Syracuse, are the parents of a son, Kyle Jeffrey, born Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 1:21

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Wed.. December 25.1985 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL

a.m., in Goshen Hospital. He weighed seven pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Kyle Jeffrey has one sister, Brandi, four. Maternal grandparents are Miriam and Dick Rouch of Bristol and Maury Miller of Goshen. Paternal grandparents are Jack and Connie Spitler of Syracuse. Maternal greatgrandparents are Wanda and Herbert Bare of Goshen and paternal great-grandparents are Clara Spitler of Everett, Washington; Dorias Kline of Syracuse; and Francis Conrad of Albion. RHODES, Aubrey Denae Mr. and Mrs. Vincent (Denise) Rhodes, P. O. Box 187, North Webster, are the parents of a daughter, Aubrey Denae, born Thursday, Dec. 19, at Goshen Hospital. Syracuse EMS Michelle Lauridsen, 17, r 1 box 979 Cromwell, was taken to Goshen Hospital after she became ill. The EMS was called

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to Enchanted Hills at 6:53 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Rubby Leson, 51, r 1 box 3B Syracuse, was taken to Goshen Hospital after falling in her home and suffering pain to her knee. The EMS was called at 2:16 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. James Fackler, 48, 15769 US 6 Syracuse, was taken to Goshen Hospital Saturday, Dec. 21, after getting his left hand caught in a com picker. The EMS was called at 7:03 p.m. Card Os Thanks WE THANK YOU Our deepest thanks to the Syracuse Fire Department, the Milford Fire Department and our friends and neighbors. Your help was greatly appreciated on December 7 when our home burned and since that time. Thanks again for all you have done for us. Brenda Miller. Melissa Miller and Matthew Miller

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