Schmidt, Abraham J. (1886-1940)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1940 Aug 27 p. 14

Birth date: 1886 Jun 6

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jul 24 p. 5

text of obituary:

LOCAL NEWS

. . .

— Abe Schmidt, one of the well known farmers living three miles north of Walton, died early Monday morning at the Bethel Hospital. mr. Schmidt, a strong, robust man, was brought to the hospital at the beginning of last week seriously ill from an infection on his leg. The infection resulted from a small wound which appeared negligible at first but soon developed into blood poisoning which was beyond the doctor's help. Previous to his sickness, Mr. Schmidt had been able to run his combine and finish his harvest. He is survived by his deeply sorrowing wife and three sons and two daughters. The funeral is to take place Thursday afternoon at the Tabor church, where he was a member.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Jul 31 p. 3

text of obituary:

A. J. Schmidt

A. J. Schmidt, son of Jacob A. and Anna (Unruh) Schmidt, was born June 6, 1886, at Greenfield, Goessel, Kansas, and was called to his heavenly home July 22, 1940, at 1:20 A. M.

His boyhood days were spent in the little village of Greenfield. He attended the Greenfield school one year and then the Sand Creek school for several years.

When he was 19 years old his mother died and he shifted for himself. He learned the carpenter's trade and was in that profession eight years. Next he took up farm work and practiced carpentry as a side line.

On June 11, 1906, he was baptized by Rev. Peter Balzer and joined the Alexanderwohl church. When the Tabor church was organized he became its member and was a member there at the time of his death. It has been his joy and privilege to help build the church and remodel it later.

On April 24, 1913, he was united in holy matrimony with Sara K. Schmidt. He then made his home in the Heimbaugh district for a short time and then moved to his farm three miles north of Walton, where he has lived 22 years.

With his wife he celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary two years ago. He was privileged to serve as deacon of the Tabor church for one year and about 4 months. He became sick from blood poisoning July 11, was taken to the Bethel Hospital July 14, had an attack of pleurisy on July 16, and died of pneumonia on July 22.

Many prayers have been sent up to the heavenly father in his behalf. Nurses and doctors have given him their best attention but it was the Father's wish to call him Home.

We know he was prepared to meet his Lord because he held close communion with Him. The day he was taken to the hospital he was heart praying, "When I stand on Jordan's banks, O God, forsake me not."

Saturday night before his death he remarked, "Let's pray all night."

During the 54 years of his life he has made many friends. He has been a kind and loving father. we will miss his footsteps, his smile, his kind words, his advice, his love, and we shall not forget him.

He has read his Bible often and the verse, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness," has been his guide on the way. This verse was quoted at his baptism, his marriage, his silver wedding and when he was ordained as deacon. While serving as deacon it was his desire to serve faithfully.

Often he regretted that he did not have enough time to visit the sick, the old, and the poor people. He has left his work here and passed from time into eternity.

"As God leads, we are content,
He will take care,
All things by His will are sent,
That we must bear,
To Him we take our fear
Our wishes, while we're here,
The way will all seem clear
When we are there."

He has left to mourn his death, his wife, his children, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Schmidt; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Goossen; Arthur Eldo and Evelyn; 3 brothers, 1 sister, 5 brothers-in-law, 10 sisters-in-law, and a host of friends.

Four sisters and two brothers have preceded him in death. Eva died in Russia; Jacob in Lincoln, Nebraska; Henry No. 1, Anna, Katie, and Helena in Kansas.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, July 25, at the tabor Mennonite church. Rev. J. J. Vogt spoke first in English on text Matthew 17, 8, emphasizing "Jesus only"; Rev. P. H. Richert, text in German, Matthew 25: 21; Rev. C. Frey, 2 Sam. 1: 26. A quartet sang fitting numbers, and an octet, members of his Sunday School class, sang "Wenn ich am Ufer des Jordan's steh." Rev. C. C. Wedel prayed at the gave.

The Mennonite obituary: 1940 Aug 6 p. 13