Gerber.-Joel P., son of Peter M. and Elizabeth (Moser) Gerber, was born near Dalton, O., July 27, 1873; died at the home of his son (George), Oct. 10, 1939; aged 66 y. 2 m. 13 d. March 22, 1900, he entered the bond of holy matrimony with Sarah Amstutz. They moved to Benville and engaged in farming, where he resided on the same farm to the time of his death. Mrs. Gerber preceded him in death Sept. 23, 1931. March 21, 1893, be accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Sonnenberg Mennonite Church and later became a charter member of the Kidron Mennonite Church where he remained a faithful member until he was called home beyond. He is survived by 1 son (George), 1 daughter (Verena, Mrs. Clinton Sprunger), 5 grandchildren, 1 sister (Lydia, Mrs. Jacob P. Gerber), 5 brothers (Daniel P., Levi, Peter P., Elias P., and Noah P. Gerber) and a large number of relatives and friends. Four sisters and 2 brothers preceded him in death. He was very patient through all his illness and frequently began singing the praise of his Redeemer whom he rejoiced to meet, and often prayed that the Lord would soon take him home. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends, and went about his work in a cheerful way. He will be missed in the home by his family, and by the many friends which his cheerful disposition won to him. Funeral services were conducted from the home by Bros. A. S. Rosenberger and Allen Bixler and at the Kidron Church by Bros. A. J. Steiner and Isaac Zuercher. Text, II Tim. 4:6-8. His remains were laid to rest beside his wife in the Kidron Cemetery.

"Silent is the voice of father,
Vacant always is his chair,
And how sad the room without him
For there is no father there"

Gospel Herald - November 2, 1939 - Vol. XXXII, No 31