Willems, Henry D. (1875-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Oct 12 p. 5

Birth date: 1875 Feb 27

text of obituary:

Newton And Vicinity

. . .

— J. C. Willems of Inman stopped here Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 4, on the way home from Wichita, to give the Review a further report on the tragic death of his father, Henry D. Willems, which occurred Monday noon, Oct. 2. Mr. and Mrs. Willems had retired from farming and were living in their comfortable new home which they built some years ago near their children. Mr. Willems had been working with the heater, getting it ready for winter. Around noon he went out, evidently to put something away in the loft of the garage directly adjoining the house. Upon his failure to return at mealtime, Mother Willems went to search for him and also telephoned their children, thinking that perhaps he might be there. The children came to help in the search and were greatly shocked to to [sic] find their father's lifeless body behind the car in the garage. Death had evidently come instantly as result of a fractured skull which Mr. Willems suffered when he struck the cement floor in his fall. Funeral services were held in the Zoar Mennonite church southwest of Inman Friday afternoon, Oct. 6. Mr. Willems was widely known through his outstanding service rendered in various capacities to his church and community. He was 69 years of age and still in good health. The review extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Oct 19 p. 3

text of obituary:

HENRY D. WILLEMS

Henry D. Willems, was born in South Russia on Feb. 27, 1875. He came to the United States with his parents, Jacob K. Willems, when he was four years old. They settled close to Buhler in Reno Co., Kansas. He spent his youth with his parents and with them made many pioneer experiences. His education consisted mostly of a few years of German school and thorough Bible study.

In his 16th year he realized his lost condition and through repentance and faith received forgiveness of his sins. he was baptized in June, 1891, by Elder Jacob Klassen and received into the Zoar church. He remained a faithful member until his unexpected and sudden departure.

He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Klassen on July 12, 1886. To this union was born 7 sons and 4 daughters. Two daughters and one grandchild preceded him in death.

In 1887 he became seriously ill with typhoid fever. he endured three weeks of intense suffering. This was the only serious ailment that he had in his life time.

His severest testings came when he realized there was no remedy for the condition of the invalid daughter, Margaret.

A time of joy came in 1921 when we celebrated our silver wedding anniversary.

Our father enjoyed to labor in material things. He was deeply interested in church activities and served as Sunday School teacher for many years. He enjoyed contributing in different ways towards charitable enterprises and missions, especially foreign missions.

On Monday morning October 2 he went about his work as usual. Around 11 o'clock he was putting away some things in the loft of his garage. Indications are that he fell when climbing down. He died instantly from a fractured skull.

We sorrow, yet not without hope. He reached the age of 69 years, 7 months and 9 days. he leaves to mourn his departure his deeply bereaved wife, 7 sons, 2 daughters, 7 daughters-in-law, 2 sons-in-law, 28 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 3 sisters and many friends. — The family.

Mrs. Elizabeth Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob H. Willems, and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron H. Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Friesen, Mr. and Mrs. Ben H. Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Dave H. Willems, Mr. and Mrs. Elia T. Klassen.

I cannot say and I will not say
   That he is dead — He is just away;
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
   He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
   It needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you — oh you,m who the wildest yearn
   For the old step and the glad return
Think of him faring on, as dear
   In the love of there as the love of here
Think of hm still as the same, I say:
   He is not dead — he is just away.