Emal, Esther Helen Claassen (1923-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jan 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1923 Oct 21

text of obituary:

ESTHER EMAL

Esther Helen Emal, nee Claassen, was born Oct. 21, 1923, in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away at the Mennonite hospital in Beatrice, Nebr., on Jan. 2, 1945, at the age of 21 years, 2 months, and 12 days. The parents took her up into their home as their child at the age 15 months. She brought much joy and sunshine into the childless home.

She received her education in the local public schools and the Mennonite Bible Academy. At the age seven years the mother was called away through death, which loss she also felt very keenly. In 1936 God gave her another mother. In 1939 the family was blessed with the coming of a little sister, Betty, for whom Esther would do everything possible to please her.

At the age of 18 Esther was baptised by her pastor, Rev. Walter H. Dyck, and joined the Mennonite church. On December 25, 1943, she was married to Willard J. Emal. This union was blessed with a daughter.

She is survived by her husband, an infant daughter, Constance Jean, her parents, a sister, and many relatives and friends.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 6, from the Harmon Johnson Funeral Home, Beatrice, Nebraska.

Rev. Walter H. Dyck officiated. The opening song, “Rock of Ages” was sung by the Fellowship Quartet. Rev. Dyck read the Scripture lesson and gave a challenging message based on the words, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” (Eccl. 12:1) “Remember Me” was the closing selection by the quartet.

Interment in the church cemetery. The quartet sang, “Abide with Me” and Rev. Dyck spoke the committal prayer and benediction.

Members of the Fellowship Quartet were Edward Claassen, Theodore Jantzen, Walter Schmidt, and Edgar Wiebe, accompanied by Helen Ruth Jantzen.