Busenitz, Gerhard A. (1914-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Sep 14 p. 8

Birth date: 1914 Feb 19

text of obituary:

Newton and Vicinity

. . .

• Funeral services for Gerhard A. Busenitz, 58, farmer of the McLains community southeast of Newton, were held Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 6, at the Emmaus Mennonite Church near Whitewater. His death on Sunday was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officiating at the services were Rev. L. R. Amstutz, the pastor, and Rev. Robert Suderman of Halstead. Mr. Busenitz spend his entire life on a farm in the McLains area. Surviving are his widow, Olga; two daughters, Delora of Omaha and Vera May of the home; four sons, Lauerie [sic Laverle] of Manhattan, Arvin, Elroy and Merle of the home; his mother, Mrs. G. F. Busenitz of Newton; and brothers Alfred and Karl, both of Route 5, Newton.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Oct 12 p. 11

text of obituary:

GERHARD BUSENITZ

The family and friends of Gerhard A. Busenitz were deeply saddened in his unexpected death. In such a time as this, we are thankful that we can commit all into the hands of our loving Father in heaven who knows and understands. We find comfort in the words of Nahum, Chapter 1, Verse 7. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him."

In recent years, Gerhard had been hospitalized a number of times and each time with the prayer for recovery but this was never fully realized. As a family, we wish to thank each one who has shown love, patience, and understanding to him in so many ways through these years of illness and also now to us who are left to mourn his passing.

Gerhard was a lifelong resident of the McLains area where he also received his elementary training. He later attended Hesston Academy, then known as Hesston College and Bible School. In 1942 Gerhard answered the call of Selective Service and gave nearly four years of his life in Alternate Service.

Gerhard was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ and became a member of the First Mennonite Church of Newton. he was the eldest son of Gerhard F. and Marie Busenitz, born Feb. 19, 1914 and passed away Sept. 3, 1972.

On May 31, 1946, Gerhard was married to Olga Wiebe of the Whitewater area. Soon after marriage, Gerhard transferred his membership to the Emmaus Mennonite Church where he remained a member till death. The 25th wedding anniversary was a time of joy for the family in May of 1971. Gerhard thoroughly enjoyed life in his chosen vocation of farming together with his family before his health failed.

The Lord blessed this home with six children. Laverele, a junior at Kansas State in Manhattan, Delora, a junior at Grace Bible institute, Omaha, and Arvin, Elroy, Merle, and Vera Mae of the home. Sorrowing in hope with his family are his mother, Mrs. G. F. Busenitz, two brothers Alfred and Karl, their families, relatives, and friends.