Editing Goertzen, Linda (1963-1973)

''Mennonite Brethren Herald'' obituary: 1973 Jul 13 p. 31

Birth date: 1963 Jul 27

text of obituary:

<center><h3>LINDA GOERTZEN</h3></center>

"Lindie" Goertzen, as she was affectionately called, had two specific prayers
answered this spring. One was that she
might visit Disneyland in Florida. This wish
was granted in February when she and her
mother flew there for a few days. Itwas
first and also the last trip in a plane for the
young girl. Linda died on June 10, 1973, at
the age of 9 years; on that day she took her
final flight to heaven.
When Linda was one day old it was
learned that she had cystic fibrosis. This
affliction prevents a person from deriving
any nutrient value from the food he eats.
Since the pancreas is missing a gene which
produces enzymes, Linda had to swallow as
many as 47 enzyme pills to help her digest
her food. At night she had to sleep under a
mist tent. She needed a great deal of
personal attention because of her physical
limitations, and this was readily granted
because she was such a special person. Her
parents knew she was but a temporary gift
of God.
Those who knew her were amazed at her
cheerfulness and brightness. She was clever
in school, obedient and loving at home; and
she had many friends and relatives who
were very impressed with her life.
Linda's father, Frank Goertzen, suffered a
stroke about five years ago and since that
time has been unable to swallow even a
drop of water. Tlu:ough these years he and
his young daughter were a great comfort-to
each other in their afflictions.
After the Florida trip she had one more
prayer: that she might die before July when
Pastor Neufeld would leave us. That prayer was also granted. Her funeral was on June
13 with Rev. J. Neufeld, whome she loved
dearly, officiating. His text, John 3:16, was
Linda's favourite verse. Left to mourn are
her parents, 1 brother and his wife, 1 sister
and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John
Wall.
Many have prayed for the Goertzen
family. They have been an example in their
patience and humble submission to the will
of God.

[[Category:Mennonite Brethren Herald obituaries]]