Toews, Abraham F. (1893-1977)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1977 Feb 24 p. 11

Birth date: 1893 Mar 16

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM F. TOEWS

Abraham F. Toews, son of Abraham and Mary (Friesen) Toews, was born on March 16, 1893, in Reno County near Buhler, Kan. When he was a young boy his parents moved to a farm in the West Eagle School District where he acquired his education and grew to manhood. He died at Pleasant View Convalescent Hospital, Reedley, Calif., on Feb. 1, 1977, reaching the age of 83.

In the fall of 1909 he came under conviction of his lost condition without Christ as his Saviour. He was baptized by Rev. John Esau on Dec. 5, 1909 and joined the Zoar KMB Church.

On May 28, 1919 he was married to Helena Thiessen by Rev. john Esau. Two children, Imogene and Wilfred, were taken into the home and brought up in the fear of the Lord. In 1936 dad and mother were elected and ordained by the church to the office of deacon in which he served for 27 years. He was always punctual in church attendance and was faithful as long as his health permitted.

On Sept. 17, 1961, his wife Helena (Thiessen) Toews died. On Oct. 4, 1962 he married Anna (Klassen) Toews and together they joined the Zion M. B. church of Dinuba, Calif.

On Dec. 8, 1977 [sic 1976?], he suffered his first stroke and from then on his health failed rapidly. He was cared for at home until the last week when he was placed in Pleasant View Convalescent Hospital.

Preceding him in death were his first wife and one granddaughter. he is survived by his loving wife, Ann; a son Wilfred and wife Tyda of Champaign, Ill.; a daughter, Imogene, and husband Leonard Thiessen of Dinuba, Calif.; his stepchildren, Bernice and husband Don Friend, of Medicine Lodge, Kan., Leonard Klassen and wife Rosalie of Marion, Kan., Elmer Klassen of Frankfurt, Germany, Doris and husband Ken Schultz of Kinshasa, Zaire, seven grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Marie Loepp and Mrs. Helen Pauls, both of Inman, Kan.; and three brothers, Kornelius of Sun City, Ariz. and George and Henry, both of Inman. These and a host of friends remain to praise the Lord in loving memory. — The Family.