Wedel, Elizabeth Unruh (1863-1927)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1927 Jul 21 p. 7

Birth date: 1863 Jan 6

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1927 Jul 13 p. 5

text of obituary:

Mrs. J. P. Wedel

Mother Wedel, maiden name Elizabeth Unruh, was born January 6, 1863 in Russia. In the year 1973 [sic 1873] she came to this country settling first near Newton, Kansas, and one year later moved with her parents to Pawnee Rock, Kansas. In the year 1891 she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and on the 10th of April of this year was baptized upon her confession of faith in Jesus. On the 3rd of May 1883 she was united in Holy Matrimony with Jacob P. Wedel her now bereaved husband. This union was blessed with 7 children, 4 sons and 3 daughters. One son, Tobias, preceded the mother in death, 1916. In the year of 1908 the family moved to Aberdeen, Idaho, in fact before the town was built, settling on a farm near the present town of Aberdeen. Later on they moved into the town and have lived there ever since. Mother Wedel has experienced the trials and hardships of the pioneer life, has seen the community grow up, has proven herself a friend to many a life. She is a charter member of the First Mennonite church and has been a faithful and loyal member of the same until her end. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ and with every opportunity offered would testify for Him in word and always in life. She had been troubled with pains of the stomach for a number of years. The last attack while in Lava Hot Springs lasting but hardly 2 days. During these hours of intense pains her constant prayer was, "Lord give me grace to endure." Early Tuesday morning, June 28, very quietly and without a struggle she passed away to her Saviour Jesus Christ. She leaves to mourn her departure, her bereaved husband, 3 sons, 3 daughters and a host of friends.

The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon, at 2 o'clock at the home, at which Mrs. J. L. Toevs and Miss Agatha Toevs sang the beautiful duet entitled "Ivory Palaces." Thereafter in the First Mennonite Church of which mother Wedel had been a faithful member, Rev. M. J. Galle, her pastor conducted the services both at the house and in the church. The church was crowded practically to its capacity with friends to prove their love and deep appreciation to the life and influence of mother Wedel and in deep sympathy to the entire family. — Aberdeen Times.

The Mennonite obituary: 1927 Jul 28 p. 7