Claassen, Gertrude Toews (1850-1943)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1943 Feb 23 p. 14

Birth date: 1850 Feb 1

text of obituary:

Mutter Gertrude Claassen, geb. Toews, wurde geboren am 1. Februar 1850 in Altmünsterberg bei Marienburg, Westpreußen. Ihre Eltern waren Jacob und Sarah Toews, geb. Reimer. Ihre Schulbildung erhielt sie in der Münsterberger Dorfschule. Auf das Bekenntnis ihres Glaubens wurde sie 1867 getauft von dem damaligen Aeltesten Gerhard Penner und wurde somit Glied der Heubudener Gemeinde. Am 3. Juni 1869 trat sie in den heiligen Ehestand mit Johann Claassen. Hierauf übernahmen de [sic die] Eltern die Wirtschaft von Mutters Eltern, bis sie im Jahre 1881 die Wirtschaft verkauften, und wegen Gewissensfreiheit nach Amerika zogen, wo sie noch in dem selben Jahr im Herbst auf die Farm zogen, auf welcher die liebe Mutter bis zuletzt mit einigen von ihren Kindern gewohnt hat, welche sie in ihrem Alter treu verpflegt haben. Am 31. Mai 1886 führte der Herr sie einen schweren Weg, indem er den lieben Gatten von ihrer Seite nahm. Aber auf Gottes Hilfe und Beistand gestützt hat sie stets versucht ihre Familie in Liebe und Treue zu versorgen. Bei ihrem vorgerückten hohen Alter machten sich die Beschwerden immer mehr bemerkbar, bis der liebe Gott sie am 5. Februar morgens still und friedlich heimnahm. Sie ist alt geworden 93 Jahre und 4 Tage. Ihr Dahinscheiden wird betrauert von 5 Söhnen, 3 Töchtern, 3 Schwiegertöchtern, 21 Großkindern, 13 Urgroßkindern, sowie eine Schwägerin und viele Freunde.

Alles wohl, wie der Herr mich führt ist’s gut,
Er hält mich in treuer Hut. Alles wohl.
Alles wohl, nichts ist alles Erdenleid
Gegen jene Herrlichkeit. Alles wohl.
Alles wohl. Dort vor Gottes Himmelsthron,
Wartet mein die Lebenskron, Alles wohl.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Feb 18 p. 4

text of obituary:

Mrs. Gertrude Claassen

Mother Gertrude Claassen, nee Toews, was born on February 1, 1850, at Altmuensterberg, near Marienburg, West Prussia. Her parents were Jacob and Sarah Toews, nee Reimer.

She received her education in the village school. She was baptised on the confession of her faith in 1867 by Elder Gerhard Penner and joined with the Heubuden Mennonite church. On June 3, 1869, she joined with Johann Claassen in holy matrimony, and with him, farmed an estate of her mother's parents.

In 1881 this estate was sold and they settled on a farm west of Beatrice. It was on May 31,1886, that the father taken from the family. Relying on the Lord's help and guidance she did her best n rearing and providing for her own. During the past 56 years she remained on the home place with members of the family who faithfully cared for her, especially during the later years of her life.

On the morning of Feb. 5 she passed away to be with her Lord, having reached the advanced age of 93 years and 4 days. Mourning her departure are 5 sons, 3 daughters, 3 daughters-in-law, 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law and many relatives and friends.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Funeral services were held February 9. Rev. Walter H. Dyck officiated at the home. Martha Thimm, Mrs. Jacob Wiebe, Edgar Hamm, and Jacob Wiebe, accompanied by Miss Emilia Tiahrt, sang several appropriate selections.

Further services were held at the First Mennonite church, Beatrice, Nebraska. "Es ist Volbracht," was the opening song sung by the congregation. Rev. Cornelius Penner spoke on Psalm 23. Song "Lass Mich Gehen," by the quartet. John 19:27 was the text upon which the pastor, Rev. Walter H. Dyck, based his message. The closing song "Abide With me," was sung by the quartet.

Interment was in the church cemetery.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1943 May 11 p. 12

text of obituary:

GERTRUDE CLAASSEN, nee Toews, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Toews, nee Reimer, was born on February 1, 1850, at Altmuensterberg, near Marienberg, West Prussia. She died February 5, 1943. She was baptized in 1867 by Elder Gerhard Penner and joined the Heubuden Mennonite Church. In 1869 she was married to Johann Claassen. When the estate they farmed was solsd they migrated to Beatrice, Nebraska, where she settled with her husband on a farm on which she remained the rest of her life.