Janzen, Mary Knaak (1876-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Mar 15 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Mar 31

text of obituary:

MRS. PETER C. JANZEN

Our dear mother, Mrs. Mary Knaak Janzen, was born to Cornelius and Justina (Rade) Knaak near Hillsboro, Kansas, on March31, 1876, and passed away on Feb. 8, 1956, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and eight days.

She was reared in a Christian home and received her education in the Bruderthal school. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized by Rev. Jacob Ehrlich on Feb. 26, 1892, and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church, Marion, Kansas. Later she transferred her membership to the Hillsboro M. B. Church.

She was married to Peter C. Janzen on March 12, 1895. Her husband and our father passed away on Nov. 1, 1933. Three daughters were born to this union, Laura, Esther and Emma. Their first home was on a farm north of Canada, Kansas, after which they lived on a farm a few miles north of Hillsboro. For five years our parents lived on a farm southeast of Syracuse, Kansas, and after a short residence in Colorado they again made their home on a farm northeast of Hillsboro. Since September, 1919, the parental home has been in Hillsboro.

Mother's life was one of service to her family and to others. For many years she worked as a seamstress and did much sewing for others, also for those who were poor and unable to pay. We will remember her for the many loving deeds to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We and all her loved ones will miss her greatly.

For the last 10 years or so she had suffered from a weak heart which also contributed to her death. On Dec. 29 she became seriously ill and entered the Salem Hospital, where she passed away quietly and peacefully Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, at 6 o'clock.

Her husband, five brothers, one sister and one great-granddaughter preceded her in death. Among those remaining to cherish her memory are her children. Laura, Mrs. Harold W. Patten and husband of Los Angeles, Esther, Mrs. S. R. Funk and husband of Hillsboro, Emma, Mrs. H. W. Schroeder and husband of Hillsboro; three granddaughters and six grandsons; 26 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. John J. Janzen of Marion, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Paul Knaak of Hillsboro, and other relatives and many friends.