Toews, Henry E. (1880-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Feb 17 p. 3, 6

Birth date: 1880 Mar 8

text of obituary:

HENRY E. TOEWS

Henry E. Toews was born to Elder Heinrich and Sara Toews on March 8, 1880, on a farm near Buhler, Kansas. Here he spent his childhood and youth, and received his elementary education.

At the age of 21 he recognized the lost condition of his soul and sought forgiveness of his sins. He received the assurance of salvation and on June 16, 1901, was baptized by his father and received into the fellowship of the Bethel church near Inman, Kansas, to which he remained a faithful member until his recent Home-going. He has always been a willing helper in furthering the cause of the church.

On August 26, 1902, he entered holy matrimony with Justina Thiessen, with whom he was privileged to share joys and sorrows for a period of almost 27 years. For the first several years they lived on a farm near Buhler and then moved to Inman, where he has resided since. On August 26, 1927, they had the joy of celebrating their silver wedding anniversary, at which occasion the immediate relatives and friends gathered in their home to join them in their celebration. His beloved wife was taken from his side on June 18, 1929, whose departure left him very sad and lonely. She had proved to be a great encouragement and influence to him during the days of their joint pilgrimage.

The Lord gave him another beloved help-meet in the Sister Margaret Friesen of Jansen, Nebraska, who stood by him with love and assistance in every detail that confronted them. This marriage took place on January 5, 1930, in Jansen, Nebraska. For 11 years they were privileged to walk and labor together, and then she, too, was called to her heavenly Home, on January 26, 1941. Again he was left alone, grieving his loss deeply.

On May 21, 1941, the Lord so led that Mrs. Mary Reiswig was granted the joy to give him her hand as his life’s companion. Many have been the blessings which they have been privileged to share, as well as hardships which, together they brought to the Lord and found grace to solve. Through this marriage he had the joy of being called "father" by his wife's daughter and son-in-law. His grandchildren, too, were a constant joy to him, and especially in his closing days did he speak much of them, his last wish to his daughter being that she greet little Sandra upon her arrival home.

His life has been one of varied experiences, hard work and disappointments coming to him in their measure. But through all difficulties, he was given courage and determination to continue in helpfulness to others and striving to be faithful to his Lord. He was engaged in a hardware business, being established in a store for a number of years. Later he accepted the position as manager of the telephone system of Inman, which he sought faithfully to perform. In this responsible charge he was able to labor for a period of 35 years, until he was compelled to discontinue because of failing health. He has also carried on some farming during a number of years of his life.

His health had been comparatively good until about ten years ago, when a heart ailment became noticeable. He sought medical aid and was able, in a measure, to remain active. On November 30, 1948, his condition grew serious, and with other complications developing, it was felt advisable to take him to the Bethel hospital at Newton, where the best of care and medical assistance were given him. His condition improved slightly and he returned home, but again his condition was such that he had to re-enter the hospital, this time at Goessel, Kansas, where he spent the remainder of his sojourn here on earth, a period of 43 days. At times he rallied and had hopes of recovery, and yet he had a desire to go to his eternal Home, often expressing this wish.

The doctors had not anticipated his sudden passing. They had remarked to his daughter in the morning that his condition did not merit serious concern. Upon that statement she went home content, but had not yet arrived home when the call came that his soul had fled to its rest. He attained the age of 68 years 10 months and 19 days.

While on his sick bed he often quoted Scripture verses which were precious to him, and though he could not sing for weakness, the messages of hymns were precious to him, many of which he cited from memory. Shortly before his passing, he communed with the Lord in prayer, dwelling on the concern that the Lord might give grace for his entrance into his heavenly Home.

Often has he expressed his appreciation for the many visits of ministers and friends during his stay in the hospital. These were a source of encouragement and blessing to him. Though our hearts are pained at the thought of parting, we grieve not as those who have no hope, but we rejoice in the prospect of meeting him again, where we, together with him, shall join the hosts, praising and worshipping our Saviour and Lord.

He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife, Mrs. Henry E. Toews, Inman, Kansas; one daughter, Mrs. Elmer Buller, Buhler, Kansas and her husband; two grandchildren; one brother, Frank F. Toews, Inman, Kansas; three sisters, Mrs. A. P. Neufeld, Inman, Mrs. P. I. Nickel, Buhler, Mrs. P. D. Ediger, Dallas, Oregon; and a host of relatives and friends. — The Bereaved Family.