Eitzen, Elisabeth Wiens (1873-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Oct 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1873 Jun 7

text of obituary:

MRS. ELISABETH EITZEN

Elisabeth Eitzen, daughter of Peter and Elisabeth Wiens, was born on June 7, 1873, in the Crimea, South Russia. When she was one year old the family migrated to America, settling at Ebenfeld near Hillsboro, Kan., where she spent her early years.

At the age of 19, through the ministry of the Word, she was led to a knowledge of sins forgiven and peace with God. Upon the confession of faith, she was baptized by Rev. Dietrich Klassen and affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church of Ebenfeld.

That same year in October 1892, she was united in marriage with Daniel C. Eitzen with whom she lived for 63 years. They were entrusted with five sons and six daughters, of whom one son died in infancy. Remaining to honor her memory are: John D. Eitzen, Mrs. Agnes Reimer, Peter D. Eitzen, Mrs. Lydia Martens, and Mrs. Mary Wiens, all of Reedley, Calif., Mrs. Hulda Berg of Fowler, Calif., William D. Eitzen of La Mirada, Calif., and Hanna Eitzen of Reedley; 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Soon after their marriage father ran in a claim in the Cherokee Strip, where subsequently they made their home near Fairview, Okla., and where father was called to the ministry. They came to Santa Anna, Calif. in 1911, and moved to Reedley two years later. From 1918 to 1934 father served as pastor of the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church. During all these years mother was a devoted wife and faithful companion in the work of the Lord. Those who have found her home a haven of hospitality are impossible to number.

The final eight and one-half months of care for her failing body seem brief in retrospect. She died on Sept. 6, 1964, reaching the age of 91 years and three months.

The memorial service was held in the Mennonite Brethren Church of Reedley with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. J. B. Toews officiating.