Daniel was an older brother to my grandmother, Maria Eitzen Loewen. He lived in Suvorovka, Orenburg. He and an older sister lived with their parents, however, they had both died by 1915. Presumably, Daniel and his sister, Anna, continued to reside in the family residence.

Daniel was an avid outdoorsman and favourite uncle to those who lived nearby, including my father and his siblings, who lived in the neighbouring village of Pretoria.

Daniel died in 1924, at the age of 50. Considering their comfortable economic status, it is assumed that Daniel may likely have died of typhus, which, at the time, was widespread and taking the lives of many Mennonites.

No doubt, his death would have deeply affected his family, especially those who lived nearby and in regular contact with him, including my grandmother. An entry in one of her journals bears witness to the fact. A copy of the poem, written by a sibling (likely Anna), and sung at Daniel’s funeral, was hand-written into her primary journal.

The following is the poem referenced above.