Seibel, Konrad (1863-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jun 30 p. 3, 6

Birth date: 1863 Mar 20

text of obituary:

KONRAD SEIBEL

Konrad Seibel, son of Konrad and Elizabeth (Bambacher [sic Baumbach]) Seibel, was born in the village of Demesch (Herrndank), peninsula Crimea (Krim) Russia, on March 20, 1863. His mother passed away when he was 16 years old and his father a few years later.

On October 3, 1880, he was married to Elizabeth Bechthold. Born to this union were eleven children. Conrad and the twin sister to Carrie died as infants and Maria Seibel Bechthold died at the age of 38 years. His wife preceded him in death March 8, 1942.

The Seibel family left the old country in 1893 and came to the United States in the same year, settling at Wittenberg, South Dakota. In the next year the family moved to Burlington, Colo., taking up a homestead. On account of drought, crop failure and homesickness for the old country, the family returned first to South Dakota and later to the home country (Russia), remaining there for eight years. In 1903 they returned to the U.S.A., settling at McClusky, North Dakota. In 1922 the family came to Booker, Texas and have lived there since with the exception of 1929-34 when they were settled at Dalhart, Texas. For the last years he lived with his youngest son, George K.

Bro. Seibel and wife were converted by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in 1885 in Russia. He was a sincere Christian and a faithful father, loving the fellowship of true Christians. He believed and practiced what the good old Bible says: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved and thy house. We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved." As it was the desire of Bro. and Sister Seibel to become members of the Mennonite Brethren church at McCluster [sic McClusky], North Dak., they decided to receive the symbol of another baptism.

During the last few years Bro. Seibel lived a quiet and godly life, enjoying his Bible and the reading of the "Zionsbote" and "Der Kirchenbote," attending the services of the Emanuel Congregational church of Darrouzett, Texas. In him was a strong desire to go to the better beyond.

On April 12, 1949, he became ill seriously. On his sickbed he was thankful for every word and deed bringing him comfort. He remembered gladly his 86th birthday, Sunday March 20, when some of his children were present and surprised him. His age caused some heart ailment. Although physicians' aid was obtained and the best care given to him by day and night, he had to suffer much. Nevertheless he was patient and not dissatisfied. June 17 before midnight the moment came when he could go home. His pilgrimage was 86 years, two months and 27 days.

The morning of June 21 funeral services were held at the Methodist church of Booker, Texas. Officiating were his present pastor, Rev. Robert Dobeck of the Emmanuel Congregational church, Darrouzett, Texas, and Rev. Wayne Parrish, pastor of the Christian church of Booker, Texas.

A trio delivered the songs, among them “Laszt mich geh’n,” which Brother Seibel had appointed. According to his desire the text for the address in the German language was: Offenbarung St. John’s, (Rev.) 14:13.

He is survived by his eight children and their families and many relatives. The children are: Katherine, Mrs. Henry Schafer, Lodi, Calif.; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Schlickenmaier of Bismarck, North Dak.; Carrie, Mrs. Henry Gimbel of Brush, Colo.: Charlotte, Mrs. G. J. Gramm of McCluster [sic McClusky], No. Dak.; Lydia, Mrs. John Steinwandt of Lodi, Calif., Henry K. Seibel of Velva, North Dak.; George K. Seibel of Booker, Texas; Alvina, Mrs. Henry Mathis of Canadian, Texas.

To this circle belong 54 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. One grandson, Beni Gimbel of Brush, Colo. and one nephew, George Seibel and wife of Bowden, North Dakota, could be present at the funeral.

Interment was made at the Heart cemetery of Booker, Texas. Pallbearers: Chris Meller, Julius Pshigoda, Fred Buxman Sr., Conrad Bechthold, Fred and Gottfried Jergenson.