Lehman, Katharine Barbara Funck (1877-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Dec 14 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Jan 11

text of obituary:

KATHARINE B. LEHMAN

Katherine Barbara Lehman was born Jan. 11, 1877 in Beltersrot, Germany. Her parents were John Funck and Christina Rumald. She passed away Nov. 22, 1961, reaching the age of 84 years, 10 months, and 11 days.

When still a small girl the family emigrated to America, where they settled near Halstead, Kan. Here she grew to womanhood, being occupied in the mission and orphanage work of the Christian Krehbiel farm. In 1897 she was baptized upon her confession of faith by Rev. Krehbiel and became a member of the Mennonite church. In the spring of 1899 she came to Geary, Okla. where she worked for several families in the Mennonite community. She joined the First Mennonite Church of Geary, and remained a faithful member till her death.

On Dec. 25, 1902 she was married to Walter H. Lehman. For 56 years they were privileged to partake of the joys and sorrows of married life. The union was blessed with five children. Two sons died in infancy; one daughter, Freda, died in 1943.

Katie, as she was known to her many friends, was one of the rapidly dwindling group of pioneer women, who came here when this country was barely opened to settlement. Hard work and many disappointments were part of her life. But she found strength and joy in her firm belief in the ever-present love and mercy of God; the Church and the Bible were the holy ground on which she stood.

The passing of her husband in 1958 seemed to rob her of the joy of living. Both her physical and mental strength waned rapidly.

She leaves to mourn her death, two sons, Herman of the home and Robert, Buena Park, Calif.; two daughters-in-law; Helen, Mrs. Herman Lehman, in whose home mother spent the last years of her life; and Anita, Mrs. Robert Lehman; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, and a large circle of relatives and friends. The children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1961 Dec 5 p. 783