John Mark Ramseyer

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-226753

Other Events:

• Interesting: religion
• Occupation: minister
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203891

Notes:

If you tuned into Kitchener's CKCR radio on a Sunday afternoon in the early 1940s, chances were good you would hear the singing of 20 or so children from the village of Doon, a few kilometres south of the city.

The Happy Half Hour singers were led by Rev. Armand O. Ramseyer, their pastor at the Doon Gospel Tabernacle. Each show opened with the theme song, We're A Happy Lot of People Yes We Are.

Last week's "mystery" photo, snapped in about 1943, was often given to listeners who made a donation to the group, one of many church organizations broadcasting on CKCR at the time.

Last week we knew next to nothing about the photo, but readers had plenty of information. Most of the children in the picture are still living. So is the piano player, Ruth (Krogman) Schwindt, now in her 90s.

That's Rev. Ramseyer in the top left corner, beside his wife, Hilda, who played the violin and assisted with the ministry. Standing on the right in the front row are their three oldest children - Paul, Janet and Armand Jr. (Buddy).

Ramseyer, born in 1914, grew up on his parent's farm outside New Hamburg, one of 11 children and blessed with a good singing voice.
"When I think of him, a big smile comes on my face," Janet (Ramseyer) Pergola said by email from her home in Tampa, Fla.
As she tells the story, her dad was a young man working at the Merchants Rubber Co. in Kitchener (where he met his future wife, Hilda Weicker of Kitchener) when he became very ill with blood poisoning caused by a glue used to make rubber dinghies. At one point, when he wasn't expected to live, he vowed to God he would go into the ministry if he survived. And that's what happened.

In 1940 the Ramseyers moved to Doon where Armand had been invited to start a church. Doon Gospel Tabernacle members would later build a chapel \emdash today it's the Doon Chapel wedding venue at 1222 Doon Village Rd. \emdash but in the early 1940s the church was next door in a former general store. The Ramseyer family lived upstairs.

Every Sunday the Doon group travelled to Kitchener where The Happy Half Hour was broadcast live from the CKCR studio, then upstairs in the Waterloo Trust building at King and Ontario streets. In addition to the Ramseyers and Schwindt (Krogman), the children shown in the photo were: Eldon, Esther, Shirley and Helen Leis; Alice, Doris, Mary and Stella Bewick; Beryl, Faith and Grace Hosie; Ralph and Ruth Smith, plus Beatrice Seftel, Joyce Stewart and Isobel Sapsworth.
"They are all still living with the exception of my dad, my mom, my brother Buddy and Mary Bewick," Pergola said. "The youngest one is my brother Paul, who is 72."

Paul Ramseyer, now living near Wichita, Kan., charmed audiences because he could sing tenor parts as a three-year-old, she recalls. The Toronto Star wrote about the three Ramseyer children, calling them the country's youngest trio singing in three-part harmony.
The Happy Half Hour children also sang in area communities. Bernice (Yause) Ramseyer of Tavistock (her husband may be distantly related to the pastor's family) phoned to say she remembers seeing a performance at the Tavistock library in the 1940s. "They were cute kids," she said. Hilda (Merlau) Shiry remembers listening to The Happy Half Hour and saw the group perform at the Wellesley fellowship hall. "I still know the words of their theme song to this day," she said.

In 1945 the Ramseyers moved into Kitchener and Armand started a Waterloo church, which first met in a Masonic hall at 6 Princess St. W. (behind today's Huether Hotel), then in a roofed-over basement at 235 King St. N., just north of University Avenue. This hall was later the first home of the Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly, now at 395 King St. N.

Over time, The Happy Half Hour had many participants. Laverne Hurst of Kitchener married one of the Doon singers, Stella Bewick, and sang on the show for a time. He can recall "street meetings" Rev. Ramseyer held on an empty business lot on Arthur Street in Elmira, across the road from where Hurst's father, John, had a barbershop. Other readers recalled that Ramseyer also held outdoor "revival" meetings off Spring Valley Road in Kitchener, near today's Woodside National Historic Park.

In 1954 the Ramseyers and most of their six children moved south to the first of several U.S. church posts Armand took on, first in Lynn, Mass., then Bay City, Mich., then Aberdeen, Wash., and then, in 1965, to the Open Bible Chapel in Concord, Calif. Over the years he wrote a few books and got a master's degree in theology.

While The Happy Half Hour children were well known to CKCR listeners, it never went to their heads, Pergola said.
"My dad kept us humble, and my mother, too. . . We were part of the ministry and their mission in song was to uplift spirits." Her father had a second radio ministry in Aberdeen, but never ventured into TV, Pergola said. "Our family travelled quite a bit and we all harmonized in the car," her sister, Beth (Ramseyer) Whitworth, wrote by email from her home in California. "I think all of us loved to sing."

Rev. Ramseyer was just 62 when he died in 1976. Hilda Ramseyer died in California in 2002. Her remains were returned to Kitchener for internment at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. A tribute headstone for Armand was also installed, carrying the words Keep On The Firing Line, the title of a favourite Christian song.

According to an online history at the website of the Canadian Communications Foundation, CKCR radio is a direct forerunner of today's 570 News Radio (CKGL-AM) and 96.7 CHYM FM.

Guelph Mercury Friday, February 22, 2013

Armand — Hilda E. Weicker. Hilda (daughter of William Weicker and Emma E. Jungblut) was born 21 Jul 1913, Edmonton, , Alberta, Canada; died 7 Aug 2002, Concord, Contra Costa, California, United States; was buried , Saint Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Hilda E. Ramseyer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-203899

Notes:

Obituary for Hilda Ramseyer

Joyfully went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, August 7, 2002 while preparing her famous scones at home in Concord, California. She was 89 years of age.

Hilda (nee Weicker) was the beloved wife of the late Armand (1976) Survived by sons, Bud of La Salette, Ontario, Paul of Rose Hill, Kansas, Tim of Peterculter, Scotland, and daughters, Janet Pergola of Tampa, Florida, Beth Whitworth of Concord, California and their families. Daughter of William and Emma Weicker; predeceased by her son, John and brothers, Erhardt, Sam, Carl and Bill and sister Florence.

Although born in Edmonton, Alberta, Hilda grew up, married and raised her family in Waterloo County. She and Armand immigrated to the United States in 1954 after a successful church ministry in both Doon and Waterloo. A highlight of their ministry was their popular radio broadcast, "The Happy Hour' which aired on CKCR during the 40's and 50's.

A memorial service will be held at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. (749-8467) on Thursday, August 15, 2002 at 6:00 pm with her children gathering to celebrate her life with family and friends.

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14328446
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-33795
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Agricultural Laborer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Death of Joseph L. Ramseyer

A prominent and well known resident of this community passed away early on Tuesday morning when Mr. Joseph L. Ramseyer was called by death at the age of 58 years. He had been seriously ill for some weeks and the news of his death, though expected, caused deep grief among a large number of friends. The deceased was a son of the late Peter Ramseyer and resided on the farm all his life. He was a kindly and friendly neighbor and his cheerful spirit made him a host of friends. He was a devout christian throughout his life's career and took art active part in all matters pertaining to his church. There are left in deep bereavement his sorrowing widow, who before her marriage was Mary Roth, and a family of ten children. The children are: Jeremiah, William and Edna, of Kitchener, (Ada) Mrs. Nelson Litwiller, Missionary at Pehuajo, Argentine Republic, South America, and Aaron, Mahlon, Anna May, Armand, Reta and Dorcas at home. One daughter, Nancy, died about three years ago in India where she held a missionary post, and another daughter died several years ago at the age of seven years. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from his late home to the Pentecostal Tabernacle at Kitchener where the funeral service was held after which the earthy remains of the departed were laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery. The funeral was attended by a large circle of sorrowing relatives and friends. The sympathy of the whole community is extended to the bereaved ones in their sad loss.

New Hamburg Independent, January 24, 1930

______________


In Memoriam. Died In Wilmot, on Tuesday, January 21st, 1930, Joseph L. Ramseyer Aged: 58 years, 8 months and 22 days. Funeral Will take place from his late residence on Thursday, January 23rd, at 1.45 o'clock p.m., to the Pentecostal Tabernacle, Kitchener, at 3 o'clock, thence to Woodland Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation. All is over, hands are folded On a calm and peaceful breast; All is over, suffering ended, Now dear father is at rest.

Funeral Card

Joseph married Mary Roth 13 Jun 1912, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Daniel S. Roth and Rebecca Schwartzentruber) was born 21 Nov 1887, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 12 May 1961; was buried , Woodland Cem., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Ramseyer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77677
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-226061

Notes:

William Weicker, 62, died suddenly Friday evening at his home, 281 Wellington street. He was employed at the Anthes-Baetz Furniture Co. Born in East Zorra, Mr. Weicker resided in Edmonton, Alta., for some time. He was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran church and Sunday school. He was married at Sebastopol on Oct. 16, 1906.

Besides his wife, there survive four sons, Ehrhardt and Samuel of Kitchener, William, with the R.C.A.F. at Toronto and Carl at home, two daughters, Florence Weicker, Reg. N., at home, and Mrs. Armand Ramseyer of Doon, a brother, Austin Weicker of Tavistock, four sisters, Mrs. Charles Ruland of Ayton, Mrs. Simon Iutzi of East Zorra, Mrs. Herbert Stuermer of Regina, Sask., and Mrs. George Currah of Maplewood, Ont. Four grandchildren also survive. Two sisters and a brother predeceased him.

Waterloo Chronicle, 6 Dec 1940, p. 3

William married Emma E. Jungblut 16 Oct 1906, Sebastopol, South Easthope Twp., Perth Co., Ontario. Emma was born 2 Aug 1878, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; died 15 Jun 1969, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Church Membership: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Name: Emma E. Weicker
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-226062
• Residence: 1969, 281 Wellington St. N., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

MRS. WILLIAM WEICKER

Mrs. William Weicker of 281 Wellington St. N., died Tuesday at K-W Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 90. The former Emma E. Jungblut, she was born Aug. 2, 1878 on the 165h line, East Zorra Township, and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Werner Jungblut. Mrs. Weicker was a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and the Dorcas Group Lutheran Church Women. She was predeceased by her husband; two sons, four brothers and seven sisters. Surviving are two sons, Ehrhardt and Samuel, both of Kitchener; two daughters, Sister Florence Weicker, Kitchener, and Mrs. Armand (Hilda) Ramseyer, Concord, Calif.; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The body will be at the Schreiter-Sandrock Funeral Home after 7 p.m. Wednesday until noon Friday when removal will be made to St. Matthew's Church for the service at 2 p.m. with Rev. F.W Zinck officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Lutheran cemetery. Donations to the organ fund of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church will be accepted as expressions of sympathy.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Record 27 Jun 1968

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-217831
• Residence: 1867, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Occupation: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Peter married Anna Litwiller 24 Sep 1867, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anna (daughter of Rev. Peter Litwiller and Elizabeth Lichti, daughter of Rev. Peter Litwiller and Elizabeth Lichti) was born 26 May 1850, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 11 Jul 1915; was buried , Riverside Cem., Elkton, Huron, Michigan, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anna Ramseyer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-217832
• Residence: 1852, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Amish
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1867, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77674
• Occupation: 1885, East Zorra Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Occupation: 1901, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer
• Occupation: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Laborer, Odd Jobs
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Death of Daniel S. Roth

The death took place at Baden on Tuesday of this week of Mr. Daniel S. Roth at the age of 65 years. The deceased was a former resident of New Hamburg and was a kindly friend and neighbor. Possessed of a cheerful and friendly disposition he had many friends who deeply regret his passing. He was a faithful member of the Amish-Mennonite Church. He leaves to mourn their loss, three daughters, Mrs. Joseph Ramseyer, of Snyder's Road, Mrs. Jos. Schwartzentruber, Zurich, Miss Sarah, at home, and Michael, near Petersburg. The funeral will take place from his late home to Steinmann's A.M. Church and Cemetery.

Kitchener Daily Record 14 Mar 1929

Daniel married Rebecca Schwartzentruber 8 Dec 1885, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Rebecca (daughter of Michael Schwartzentruber and Barbara, daughter of Michael O. Schwartzentruber and Barbara M. Erb) was born 14 Oct 1863, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 12 Jan 1920, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Steinmann Mennonite Cemetery, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Rebecca Roth
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77675
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1881, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite
• Residence: 1911, Baden, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mennonite

Notes:

Roth. - Rebecca Swartzendruber, wife of Daniel S. Roth, was born Oct. 14, 1863; dies at Baden, Ont. Jan. 12, 1920; aged 57 y. 2 m. 22 d. She lived in matrimony over 34 years and was mother to 5 sons and 5 daughters. She leaves husband, 1 son, and three daughters. Funeral services conducted by C. Litwiller, C. Gascho, D. H. Steinman, and M. H. Shantz. Texts, Rev. 14: 13 and Rom. 8: 1-14.

"Well, the delightful day has come
When my dear Lord hath brought me home,
And I can see his face.
There with my Savior, Brother, Friend,
A blest eternity I'll spend,
Triumphant in His grace."

Gospel Herald - Volume XII, Number 45 - February 5, 1920, p. 847