Zielke, Abe A. (1894-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 13 Aug 1959 p. 8

Birth date: 1894 May 1

ABE A. ZIELKE

Abe A. Zielke was born in Harvey County, Kan. to Mr. and Mrs. Abram Zielke on May 1, 1894 and went to be with the Lord on Thursday evening, July 30. He reached the age of 65 years, two months and 30 days.

In his early youth he moved with his parents to Corn, Okla. where they remained until he was 16. His parents then returned to Kansas and settled on a farm at Cold Water [sic Coldwater].

At the age of seven, rheumatic fever made its first attack on him. It seemed that at intervals of seven years, the attack recurred until permanent damage was done to the heart. Yet he was still able to be active most of the time, even carrying on of his farm duties.

In the spring of 1916, during a series of special services with Rev. G. P. Schultz, he sensed his need for salvation and accepted Christ as his personal Savior. In the same year he was baptized by Rev. Schultz and joined the membership of the E.M.B. church at Meade, Kan.

On Sept. 3, 1918 he was united in marriage to Helen Warkentin. His love for others and especially children was evident. He welcomed into the home children who needed parental care. Caroline and Ruby Enns were taken into the home at the death of their mother. Caroline, now Mrs. Nick Franzen, being older, remained only a short time, but Ruby, 2 years of age, remained in the home until her preparation for foreign missionary service. Evelyn Zielke, a niece, was also taken in for a short period of time. Their prayers were answered on Jan. 3, 1933 when their son Vernie was born.

He was eager to read good books and often found enjoyment in music. A helping hand was always ready for the needy and even strangers. Ever since his conversion, he had a pronounced interest in the work of the Lord, especially that of his own church and the missionary endeavors.

In 1955 the family moved to Lincoln, Neb. New friends were made and physical health seemed to return. But early this year, health again seemed to disappear. On May 1 the family moved back to Meade where a residence was purchased. On Sunday, July 19, he attended the farewell service of Ruby and never thought that it would be his last appearance in this sanctuary. On July 23 he was taken to the Meade hospital and a week later at about 9:15 p.m. he quietly slipped away to be with his Maker. Both parents, one sister, Lena, Mrs. Abe Nikkel; and one brother, Jake, have preceded him in death.

Those remaining to mourn his departure are his wife Helen, one foster daughter, Ruby Enns; one son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Vernie Zielke and grandson Gregory; five brothers; Henry of Dalhart, Tex., John of Dodge City, Pete of Yakima, Wash., Dave of Inman, George of Meade; three sisters, Susie, Mrs. Clause [sic Klaas] Huebert of Los Angeles; Sara [sic Sarah], Mrs. Henry J. Warkentin of Meade; and Bertha, Mrs. John W. Harder and a host of friends.