Graber, Anna Preheim (1872-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Feb 11 p. 10

Birth date: 1872 Aug 2

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA GRABER

Anna Preheim Graber, oldest daughter of Peter and Barbara Strausz Preheim, was born in the village of Horodishtch [sic Horodisch], South Russia, on August 2, 1872. At the age of two, in the year 1874, she migrated with her parent to the United States where they founded a home on the prairies in Childstown township, Turner county, near what is now Freeman, South Dakota. On this farm mother grew to womanhood and experienced all the privations and hardships of the early pioneers.

On July 18, 1886 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. Christian Kaufman and accepted as a member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite church. When the Salem church was organized in 1908 she transferred her membership to this congregation where she remained a faithful member until her death.

She was joined in marriage to Jacob G. Graber on May 27, 1897, and together they established their home on a farm near her parental home, where they shared life's joys and sorrows for almost 60 years. This union was broken when father passed away on August 18, 1950. Mother remained in the home with her daughter Marie until the infirmities of old age and complications made her practically helpless. For the last three years of her life she was cared for in the homes of her children, which she greatly appreciated.

Mother's prayers and longings to be released from all suffering and pain were realized on Jan. 29, 1960, when she quietly and peacefully slipped away to be with her Lord, at the home of her son Harold. She reached the age of 87 years, five months and 27 days.

Those left to mourn her departure are one son Harold with his wife Mary; six daughters, Adina (Mrs. Ben P. Waltner), Marie Martha (Mrs. William Schrag, Emma (Mrs. Andrew Schrag), Lydia (Mrs. David Mueller) and Alice (Mrs. Wesley Kaufman); one daughter-in-law, Edna, wife of the late Joseph G. Graber; five sons-in-law, 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; one sister Frances (Mrs. Christ. Lehman); three brothers, Peter, Jacob and Henry; five sisters-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.

Preceding her in death were her husband; one daughter Lena at age 3; one son Joseph, at age 51; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held in the Salem Mennonite church on Feb. 1, 1960, conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. Herbert Fretz.