Shares stone with Eliza A.; Inscription "father"

Swartzendruber - Joseph L. Swartzendruber was born in Iowa Co., Iowa, April 19, 1870; died at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City, on his birthday, April 19, 1933; aged 63 years. He was the son of Joseph and Lydia (Kauffman) Swartzendruber, who were of the pioneer families of this part of Iowa, being the first Amish family that settled in Iowa county. He was one of a family of 16 children (8 boys and 8 girls), two of whom died in infancy, 7 boys and 7 girls growing up and having homes of their own. At present there are eight of them living and eight dead. Three of those living were too ill to be at the funeral. He united with the Mennonite church in his youth, being baptized and received into church fellowship by Bishop Christian Werye. He was one of the charter members of the West Union congregation, in which he was in full fellowship at the time of his death. He was united in marriage to Eliza Ann Wertz Nov. 19, 1896. To this union were born three daughters (Bertha, wife of Marion Yoder; Carrie at home, and Ollie, wife of Dwight Blossser) who with their mother mourn his unexpected departure. He also leaves 5 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 5 sisters. The remaining brothers and sisters are: Chris, Eli, and John, of Wellman, Iowa; Mrs. J.K. Yoder, Mrs. D.J. Miller and Mrs. John Y. Yoder of the home community; Mrs. J.A. Boller of Kalona, and Mrs. Wm. Eicher of Wayland, Iowa. He had been in failing health the last six weeks, having suffered from a complication of ailments which required that he be taken to the hospital where he had been for the last 18 days. He seemed to be improving, and the doctors and the family were quite hopeful for his recovery, when suddenly there developed a blood clot in his heart which caused instant death. He was a regular attendant at public worship, his place at church and Sunday school rarely being vacant when health permitted. He took an active interest in the various activities of the Church, being deeply concerned for its welfare. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, being much interested in the welfare of his children and grandchildren. He took much interest in reading his Bible, and especially during his last illness he found much consolation in meditating upon its promise.
http://mcusa-archives.org/mennobits/33/may33.html