Froese, Lena B. Johnson (1885-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 13 p. 9

Birth date: 1885 Mar 21

text of obituary:

MRS. LENA B. FROESE

Our mother, Lena Johnson Froese, was born March 21, 1885, in McPerson [sic McPherson] county, Kansas, and departed this life August 4, 1953, at the age of 68 years, four months, and 14 days.

She was baptized July 23, 1905, in the Hoffnungsau Mennonite church by Rev. Abraham Ratzlaff. She transferred her membership first to the Hebron church and later, on October 21, 1945, to the Buhler Mennonite church where she remained a faithful member until her death.

She was united in marriage to Peter B. Froese May 4, 1906, with whom she shared the joys and sorrows of married life for 46 years. Her husband and our father preceded her in death by a period of seven months when he departed this life most unexpectedly December 16, 1952. To this union were born one son and two daughters.

She was a kind and loving mother and grandmother and a good neighbor. It was her special desire to serve her Master through the many mission-minded activities in which she was constantly engaged. The packages which she mailed so regularly brought numerous letters of gratitude from the many thankful hearts across the sea who were cheered and strengthened by them.

She lived on a farm near Buhler, Kansas, until the spring of 1950 at which time she and father moved into their new home in Buhler where they were able to enjoy only two short years of retired life.

Her health was fair; however a small hernia which probably had been present for a period of years suddenly became infected and on Sunday afternoon, August 2, became acute, and caused an overwhelming condition of poisoning throughout her entire system. Within a few short hours she lapsed into a coma from which she never regained consciousness even though she was rushed to the Bethel hospital, Newton, Kansas, where she received the most excellent medical attention from an expert staff of physicians and surgeons, together with special nurses’ care. She went to her heavenly home at 11:15 p.m. August 4, only two days after the infection had become acute.

She leaves to mourn her departure three children, Dora and husband, John Zielke, of Buhler, Kansas, Alberta and husband, John Reimer of River Edge, New Jersey, and Harry and wife Mary of Los Angeles, Calif.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Miss Sarah Johnson of Buhler, Kansas, and one brother, Henry Johnson of Escondido, Calif. Two brothers preceded her in death.

The Mennonite obituary: 1953 Aug 25 p. 528