Boese, Joseph Reuben (1915-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 Nov 12 p. 5

Birth date: 195 Apr 19

text of obituary:

JOSEPH REUBEN BOESE

Joseph Reuben Boese, son of Abram M. and Emma Boese, was born April 19, 1915, near Vona, Colo. He spent his boyhood on the home place. He attended grade school near the home and then went to Vona high school, completing his education in May, 1933.

On August 28, 1932, he was baptized upon his confession of faith by Rev. J. R. Duerksen and became a member of the Mennonite church near Von, Colo., of which he remained a faithful member to the end.

Joseph spent the last three years of his life working in Iowa, until a heart condition developed which became serious about two months ago.

On Oct. 4 he entered the State Universal Hospital of Iowa City, Iowa. His mother and sister Kathryn were with him the last three days and when he passed away on the evening of Oct. 24. It was just one day less than 9 years since his Father departed this life. Joseph reached the age of 27 years, 6 months and 5 days.

He leaves to mourn his early departure, his mother of Vona, one brother, Andrew Boese, Camp Wallace, Texas; four sisters, Clara Boese of Vona, Colo., Mrs. Kathryn Harris of Vona, Colo., Mrs. Kathryn Harris [sic Helen Kindsvater} of Coldwater, Kansas; Mrs. Mamie Voigt, Tyndall, S. D.; 4 nieces, 3 nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were conducted at the Mennonite church at Vona, thursday, Oct. 29, at 2 o'clock, by Rev. John H. Epp, pastor of the Mennonite church at Mingo, Kansas, and Rev. George Thompson, pastor of the Von Babtist [sic] church. Mr. Frankfather, Mr. Carlstedt, Mrs. Amelia Howell and Mrs. Myrtle Dennis sang in the church, "Blessed Assurance" and "Jesus, I Come" and at the grave "Rock of Ages" and "Nearer My God to Thee." Pallbearers were Howard Hartman, Billy Harris, Howard Biglow, Leander Becker, Hugh Deakin and Wilbert Becker.

Just 9 years ago, on Oct. 29, 1933, at 2 P. M., the family emt in the same church to pay their last respects to Joe's father, Mr. Abram M. Boese.

     I can not say, and I will not say,
That he is dead. He's just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand

He has wondered [sic] into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be Since he lingers there
And you — O you who the wildest yearn
Think of him — Faring on as dear
In the Love of there as in the Love of here.
Think of him still as the same, I say,
He is not dead — He is just away.