Petker, Anna Regier (1888-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Oct 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1888 Apr 7

text of obituary:

MRS. HENRY G. PETKER

Our loving wife and mother Anna Regier Petker, daughter of John M. and Anna Regier, was born on April 7, 1888, in Henderson, Neb. Here she attended rural school and helped her parents in the farm work. As a teenage girl , she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized along with 80 others and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On March 17, 1910. she was united in holy matrimony with Henry G. Petker. Through this act she willingly and gladly assumed the responsibility of one little daughter, Goldie. This union, which lasted 51 years, five months, and 15 days, was blessed with eight children, four of whom passed away in infancy.

They made their first home on a farm near Henderson, and in 1917 moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana. After eight years of pioneer work in Louisiana, the family moved to Reedley, Calif. in 1923.

Our mother was a tenderhearted soul who prayed much for her children and grandchildren. She always assumed her part in the difficult struggles of making a livelihood during the depression years.

Until about a year ago she enjoyed comparatively good health. Last October she had a stroke from which she never fully recovered. However, she was well enough to be up and around until Monday evening, Sept. 11, when she suddenly took ill and we took her to the Reedley hospital. Here she quietly passed away Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 12. 1961. She reached the age of 73 years, five months, and five days.

Those who remain to mourn her departing are her husband of Reedley; one daughter, Goldie, Mrs. Wm. Martens of Reedley; four sons, John of San Francisco, Norman of Planada, Calif., Menno of Reedley, and Walter of San Francisco; one sister, Mrs. Marie Regier of Los Angeles; one brother Peter Regier of Dinuba; one son-in-law, three daughters-in-law, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church on Sept. 15 with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. G. B. Huebert officiating. — The Family.