Former Bluffton Mayor Dies Friday

BLUFFTON, May 20 - Christian D. Amstutz, 88, former Bluffton mayor and councilman, died at 7:20 a.m. today in Bluffton Community hospital.

Mr. Amstutz was born Aug. 5, 1860, in Richland twp., Allen Co., and was a former school teacher, singing school teacher, organist and choir director. In his earlier years, he served as mayor of Bluffton and was a Democratic leader.

Last October, he and his wife, Fannie Bixel Amstutz, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Up to three years ago, Mr. Amstutz sang for 45 continuous years in the Bluffton community presentation of "The Messiah". He was a member of the First Mennonite church.

Surviving are his widow; three daughters, Edith, at home; Agnes, Sunmount, N.Y., and Mrs. W. R. Althaus, Lewisburg; three grandchildren; two brothers, Ephraim and U. S. Amstutz, both of Bluffton.

The body will remain in Diller funeral home here until services at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the First Mennonite church. The Rev. J. N. Smucker will officiate with burial in Ebenezer cemetery, two miles west of here.

(published in The Lima News, Thursday, May 19, 1949)

Former Bluffton Mayor Dies Friday

BLUFFTON, May 20 - Christian D. Amstutz, 88, former Bluffton mayor and councilman, died at 7:20 a.m. today in Bluffton Community hospital.

Mr. Amstutz was born Aug. 5, 1860, in Richland twp., Allen Co., and was a former school teacher, singing school teacher, organist and choir director. In his earlier years, he served as mayor of Bluffton and was a Democratic leader.

Last October, he and his wife, Fannie Bixel Amstutz, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Up to three years ago, Mr. Amstutz sang for 45 continuous years in the Bluffton community presentation of "The Messiah". He was a member of the First Mennonite church.

Surviving are his widow; three daughters, Edith, at home; Agnes, Sunmount, N.Y., and Mrs. W. R. Althaus, Lewisburg; three grandchildren; two brothers, Ephraim and U. S. Amstutz, both of Bluffton.

The body will remain in Diller funeral home here until services at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the First Mennonite church. The Rev. J. N. Smucker will officiate with burial in Ebenezer cemetery, two miles west of here.

(published in The Lima News, Thursday, May 19, 1949)