Sawatzky, Peter P. (1880-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Apr 26 p. 9

Birth date: 1880 Aug 21

text of obituary:

PETER P. SAWATZKY

Peter P. Sawatzky, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Hoeppner) Sawatzky, was born August 21, 1880, in Morden Manitoba, Can. He passed away March 29, 1951, reaching the age of 70 years, seven months and eight days.

In 1884 at the age of four he emigrated with his parents to Lehigh, Kans. where he spent his youth and attended elementary school. He remained there until 1894 when he with his parents moved to Washita county, Oklahoma.

He was baptized and joined the Sychar Mennonite church on June 12, 1898, and in 1908 transferred his membership to the Herold Mennonite church of which he was a faithful member until the Lord took him home.

On Dec. 18, 1901, he was married to Katherine Lettkeman by Elder Michael Klassen. They lived together on the farm for nearly 49 years, the first five near Hydro in Caddo county and the remaining years in Washita county. In August 1950 they sold their farm and moved to Clinton, Okla.

To this union were born 12 children, one preceding him in death in infancy.

Six years ago he became ill and has suffered from countless ailments. He sought the help of several doctors and submitted to several operations which gave temporary relief. Throughout the time of illness he was hopeful, expecting to recover, but on March 15, 1951, he had a stroke which left him bedfast. He grew weaker and on March 27 he was taken to the Clinton hospital. He had no pain but steadily grew weaker. His last request before losing consciousness was that the Lord would take him Home. At 2:45 a.m. on March 28 he quietly and in peace moved out of his mortal body and into the presence of the Lord.

We remember him as a good father, one who tried to bring up his family in the fear of the Lord. He was faithful to his church, serving several years on the church board, and was faithful in attendance. We remember his quiet, yet positive testimony as a child of God. We remember his interest and concern for the soul welfare of others, his enjoyment of Gospel preaching and singing and his serving the Lord in giving out tracts.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife Katherine; eleven children, Bertha (Mrs. G. H. Bergen), Harvey and Albert, all of Clinton, Emma (Mrs. H. B. Hendrichs) of Arapahoe, Menno and Otto of Clinton, Martha (Mrs. Rudolph Unruh) of Meno, Alvin, Elmer, and Linda (Mrs. Irving Schmidt) of Clinton, Carl of Bessie; four sons-in-law, seven daughters-in-law, 48 grandchildren, three great grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Henry Dyck of British Columbia and Mrs. Anna Goosen of Dallas, Ore.; four brothers, John of Winton, Calif., Ben of Clinton, Frank of Dallas, Ore., Henry of Clinton. Two brothers, Jacob and George, preceded him in death. One sister, Elizabeth Nickel of Canada, his twin, passed away three years ago in the hospital while on a visit.

"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." Psalm 6:2.

Funeral services were conducted from the Herold Mennonite church on April 1 by Rev. Paul Dahlenburg, pastor, assisted by Rev. Richard Tschetter of Newton, Kans. The Herold Trio and the men's quartet sang several selections. He was laid to rest in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were A. J. Nickel, J. N. Wiebe, Ott Meyer, Alfred, Orval and Ernest Sawatzky.