Froese, Cornelius P. (1871-1939)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1939 Jul 11 p. 13

Birth date: 1871 Jun 23

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Jul 5 p. 5

text of obituary:

Cornelius P. Froese

Cornelius P. Froese was born June 23, 1871, in South Russia. In 1875 he with his parents and the rest of the family came to America and settled near Buhler. he received his elementary education in Reno Co. and later attended college at Salina, Kansas.

Upon his confession of faith, he received holy baptism on September 13, 1891, by Rev. Bernhard Buhler and joined the Hebron church. Later, he taught school for a few years and then was in the creamery business in Pretty Prairie. On November 23, 1897, he was joined in holy matrimony with Anna Stucky. Their home was blessed with two children, Arthur and harry. They moved to Buhler where the mother died February 10, 1907. harry preceded her in death, in childhood.

In 1908 he was married to Hulda Voth and this marriage was blessed with two children, Eldon and Florence. For 10 years he was Postmaster at Buhler and then was engaged as an automobile dealer. He was then employed by the State of Kansas for 8 years.

Soon after he retired, his health began to fail. Asthma took such a strong hold on him and it continued the rest of his life. In 1937 he underwent a major operation at Halstead which proved to be successful but left him in a very weak condition. When we were in hopes of his recovery, hardening of the arteries set in and again there was a struggle for life. he often expressed his wish that someday he would be well again. This wish was expressed one week before his death. Even though he desired to live, his mind was taken up with thoughts of heavenly things and he often wondered whom he would meet there. Always concerned about his family, his greatest desire was that we would someday meet.

In lieu of the fact that his illness was of a serious nature, he was more or less contented and patient and always a loving father. Although his illness confined him to his bed the last year, he was never in pain even untill [sic] his death.

On June 15 he became critically ill and soon was in a coma. Three days before his 68th birthday, on Tuesday, June 20, 1939, at 4:26 p.m. he was called to his heavenly home.

Although his earthly home was dear to him,he left it for a better home which was prepared for him. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife; 2 sons, Arthur of Reedley, Cal., and Eldon of Buhler; 1 daughter, Mrs. Dave Ediger and three grandchildren; five brothers, Abraham, David, Bernhard, Peter and Jacob; two sisters, Mrs. P. H. Adrian and Mrs. Adolf Janzen of Orland, Cal., and other relatives and friends.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
     And make our courage faint and fall?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive,
     The rose still grows beyond the wall,

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
     Just as it did in the days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
     Just as it will for evermore.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. T. A. van der Smissen of the Hebron church.

The bereaved family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1939 Jul 11 p. 14