Waltner, Marie Schrag (1862-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Apr 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1862 May 25

text of obituary:

MARIE SCHRAG WALTNER

Marie Schrag Waltner, oldest child of Joseph and Kathrine Miller Schrag, [sic Katharina Mueller Schrag] was born May 25, 1862, in Russia. In 1874, at the age of 12 years she migrated with her parents to America, settling in Turner County, near Marion, South Dakota. Mother's opportunities for education were limited, however, she learned to read German at home, and in later years she also could read a little English.

She was baptized on the confession of her faith in the Jacob Miller home, and became a member of the Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, of which she remained a faithful member until death.

On Oct. 19, 1880, she was united in marriage to Jacob J. J. Waltner. Many were the trials of pioneer life, but God was their refuge and strength. This union was blessed with nine children: Jonathan, Julius, Rosa, Marie, Anna, Lena, Albert, Lewis and Katie. The four oldest children preceded both parents in death, Julius and Marie in infancy, and Rosa at the age of 30 years. Jonathan died at the age of 23 years after a brief illness of spinal meningitis. Anna also contracted the same disease at the age of 17 years, and thus suffered the loss of her hearing.

Mother's deepest sorrow came through the loss of her life's companion on Dec. 22, 1921. They shared joys and sorrows together for a little over 41 years. Mother had a deep concern and love for her children and missions, upholding them in prayer continually.

Two brothers and six sisters preceded her in death: Anna, Mrs. John J. Graber, Kathrine, John, Freni, Mrs. Peter J. P. Graber, Kathrine [sic Katherina}, Mrs. Peter Goerz [sic Goertz], Jonathan, Lizzie and Sarah, Mrs. John D. Kaufman. Jonathan died in Jerusalem on the way home from the mission field. Two brothers, Elias and Joe, and two sisters, Lena, Mrs. Ben C. Garber of Freeman and Regina, Mrs. Dan Boese of Marion mourn her departure.

After father's death mother remained in her home until 1949. Then she spent three winters in the Salem Mennonite Home in Freeman. On Feb. 14, 1955, while staying at the home of one of her children she had the misfortune to break her hip and become bedfast until death. For almost two years mother stayed in the Freeman Hospital, then she was taken to a nursing home in Sioux Falls where she received loving care for the last two years. She died there on March 26, 1959, reaching the ripe old age of 96 years, 10 months and one day.

She leaves to mourn her death five children: Anna, Mrs. Ellis Surber of Parker, Lena, Mrs. Jonathan J. Graber of Freeman, Albert, Lewis and Katie, Mrs. Carl Miller of Marion; two daughter-in-laws [sic], three sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 May 5 p. 287