Hege, Henry (1894-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Nov 4 p. 3

Birth date: 1894 Apr 1

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Dec 23 p. 8

text of obituary:

HENRY HEGE

Henry Hege was born April 1, 1894, in Reihne, Germany, the youngest of six children of Pastor and Mrs. Jacob Hege. He came to this country in 1910 living with relatives at Geary, Okla. for several years before continuing his education at Bethel College, Newton, Kan.

He was married in 1921 at Goessel, Kan. to Susie Voth, who survives him. Two sons born to the couple died in infancy. The three daughters who survive are Louella Duerksen of Corn, Okla., Donna Law of Jacksonville, Texas, and Margie Dugan of Richardson, Texas. Other survivors include nine grandchildren, one sister and one brother in Germany.

Henry Hege taught school in Kansas and South Dakota before deciding to follow his father into the ministry. After his ordination he taught and preached at Gotebo and in the Corn community. He returned to Geary, Okla.in 1953, serving the Geary Mennonite Church until his death.

Always active in General Conference and district conference work, he served as president of the Western District Conference, on the board of directors of Bethel College, and a member of various other conference boards and committees.

Henry Hege traveled widely, making two post-World War II trips to Europe to visit relatives and friends. He also read widely and did graduate work at Colorado University and Oklahoma University.

Thirty years of teaching deepened his love for and understanding of children and young people . In school and in church they were his great concern, and he loved to work with them and help them. He took great satisfaction in his role as founder of the Mennonite retreat for young people in Oklahoma.

Young and old alike responded to his keen mind, his warm heart, and his generous spirit. Though slowed by illness the last five years of his life, he continued to work as strength permitted. He was active in community service in Geary, such as the Ministerial Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups. He preached his final sermon to the Geary Mennonite congregation from a pulpit chair two weeks before his departure.