Thiessen, Peter (1859-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Sep 6 p. 3

Birth date: 1859 Nov 23

text of obituary:

PETER THIESSEN

Peter Thiessen was born November 23, 1859, in Sparrau, South Russia, where his parents had migrated from Germany.

At the age of 12 he had the misfortune of losing his mother, Helen Loewen Thiessen.

At the age of 14 he immigrated to America with his father, Gerhard Thiessen, seven brothers and four sisters. The family homesteaded near Buhler, Reno county, Kansas, in 1874. With an unshaken pioneer spirit, faith in America, and trust in God the family became respected and prosperous citizens in the Buhler and Inman communities to which they contributed their full measure.

At the age of 23, upon confession of his faith, he was baptized and confirmed to membership in the Zoar church near Inman, Kansas, where he remained a loyal member to the end.

At the age of 25 he was united in holy matrimony with Katharina Wipf. To this happy union were born six sons and five daughters. Two sons died in infancy. Our beloved mother preceded father in death 40 years ago on June 26, 1905. George, the oldest son, departed May 17, 1833.

Father was blessed with good health up to May 28 of this year when his physical condition failed. On June 11 he became bedfast, after which he gradually succumbed to his illness and on the morning of August 28, at six minutes before 7:00 o'clock, his spirit was committed into the hands of his Maker. He passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jacob J. Klassen, Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 85 years, nine months and four days.

He leaves to mourn his children, Elias W. Thiessen, Mrs. J. C. Willems, Mrs. J. E. Pauls and Mrs. I. C. Willems, all of Inman; Mrs. Jacob J. Klassen of Wichita, Pete W. Thissen, Henry W. Thiessen, and Miss Helen W. Thiessen of Hutchinson, four daughters-in-law, four sons-in-law, 29 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rev. Cornelius Thiessen of Inman, Aaron Thiessen of Hutchinson; a sister, Mrs. John M. Rempel, Saskatchewan, Canada, and a host of friends.

As a family, we have suffered a grievous and irreparable loss, but through his love and devotion to Christ and His word, he has kindled in our hearts eternal hope. His life was not a bed of roses. it had its full share of sacrifice and sorrow but it was tempered with those Christian characteristics that gave him strength to overcome. His armour was patience, diligence, and prayer. His delight was in the Law of the Lord and in the manifestations of His handiwork. His last message for his friend and acquaintances was, "If they ask about me tell them that I believe in Christ and His saving Grace." His last message for his family was, "1st Corinthians, Chapter 13." "In my Father's House are many Mansions" . . . and thus has come to rest:

A true friend
A faithful brother
A devoted Christian and
A loving father.

The Peter Thiessen family

Funeral services were held at the Zoar Mennonite church southwest of Inman at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, August 31, with Rev. D. C. Pauls, pastor of the church, and Rev. Estil Schale of Wichita officiating.

Special music was given by a mixed octet and by P. E. Klassen, who sang a solo, "God Understands." Burial took place in the cemetery at the church.