Thiessen, Carol Jean Schmidt (1937-1969)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Aug 28 p. 8

Birth date: 1937 Dec 2

text of obituary:

. . .

• Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the West Zion Church in Moundridge for Mrs. Harvey Thiessen, 31, of Hesston. Rev. Marvin Zehr, the pastor, officiated. Mrs. Thiessen, the former Carol Jean Schmidt of Buhler, died Aug. 21 at Bethel Hospital after an extended illness. She formerly taught school. Survivors in addition to her husband include a daughter, Julie, and so, Murray, of the home; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin R. Schmidt of Buhler; one brother and one sister.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1969 Oct 16 p. 15

text of obituary:

MRS. HARVEY THIESSEN

Carol Jean Thiessen, oldest of three children, was born at Hutchinson, Kan. on Dec. 2, 1937 to Irvin and Lydia (Martens) Schmidt. She was called to her heavenly home on Aug. 19, 1969, living a short, full life of 31 years, eight months, and 17 days.

Carol Jean spent her childhood days near Buhler, Kan. and attended Willis Grade School. She was graduated from Buhler High School and from Bethel College, North Newton.

On June 6, 1954, she was baptized in the Hoffnungsau Church by Rev. Albert Gaeddert, and in 1962 she transferred her membership to the West Zion Church in Moundridge.

On Aug. 2, 1959, Carol was married to Harvey Thiessen of Buhler. They enjoyed ten wonderful years together. To this union were born two children, Julie and Murray.

Carol's experience teaching Bible school among the Indians in Oklahoma and two months of voluntary service at Rosthern, Sask. led her to the teaching profession. She taught four years in the Hesston Grade School. As a Sunday school teacher and Christian homemaker, she showed her love for the church.

Carol enjoyed good health until May of 1966 when cancer was discovered. Three months later, after two major surgeries, she regained her health for two more years. In July 1968 cancer of the bone and of the liver was discovered. After a week's stay at the M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas, she and her family gained new hope. Carol then enjoyed fairly good health until May 1 of this year when she began a series of radium treatments which brought her in and out of the hospital.

July 10 marked the beginning of her last stay in the hospital. On Aug. 2, Harvey and Carol's 10th wedding anniversary, she gained enough strength to attend her brother's wedding. If her suffering was great, she bravely endured it. We remember our wife and mother as one who thoroughly enjoyed life and had a great desire to continue living. Her radiant smile was an encouragement to many.

Those who mourn her departure are: her beloved husband, Harvey, and their children, Julie Renee and Murray Delon of Hesston; her parents, one sister, Virginia, and one brother, Gordon and wife Carol, all of Buhler; and many other relatives and friends.

Carol Jean's presence among us will be greatly missed, but there remain with us fond memories of her active and devoted Christian life.