Holdeman, Conrad (1861-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Feb 23 p. 5

Birth date: 1861 Dec 21

text of obituary:

— Conrad Holdeman, a resident of Harvey county for many years, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 15, at the home of his son Oliver Holdeman northeast of Hesston. He was 88 years of age. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Meridian church. Mr. Holdeman is survived by eleven children and a number of grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Mar 2 p. 3

text of obituary:

MIN. CONRAD HOLDEMAN

Conrad Holdeman was born Dec. 21, 1861 in Elkhart county, Ind., and departed from this life Feb. 15, 1950, at his home near Hesston, Kans. at the ripe old age of 89 years, one month and 25 days.

In 1872 at the age of eleven years he with his parents moved to Kansas, locating on a farm in McPherson county, one-fourth mile south of the present home, where he grew to manhood.

In 1886 he was united in marriage with Sarepta Ferguson, the daughter of a nearby neighbor. Several years later they became convicted of their lost condition and turned to the Lord, receiving peace and pardon. Upon their confession of faith they were baptized Feb. 9, 1890, joining the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, and remaining loyal to the end.

In March of 1910 he was ordained into the ministry, serving the Meridian congregation nearly 40 years. However, the last several years he only occasionally spoke in public services due to advancing age and gradually failing health and strength. He was a steadfast Christian father and minister, often admonishing in behalf of the “strait and narrow way that leadeth unto life" and exhorting us “to strive to enter in at the strait gate” and that we should "observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.

It was his delight to read and meditate upon the Scriptures and other sound literature, having read the Bible through scores of times. He was not only devoted to his Savior and the Word but was devoted to and concerned about the church and the salvation of souls, at home and abroad.

When the home-going time drew near one could discern, as before, no fear of death, but a great longing to leave this world and be present with the Lord, for through a living faith he looked beyond with full assurance,

He suffered little pain as his strength was ebbing away. His earthly life closed with comparatively little serious illness and he died in a quiet and peaceful manner. His wife passed to her reward in the fall of 1941; thus our parents were blessed with a long wedded life of over 55 years. He was also preceded by one son in childhood, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Titus Holdeman.

He leaves eleven children: Sarah, Mrs. E. M. Jantz, Walton: Titus of Billings, Okla.; Mildred, Mrs. Chas. L. Holdeman, Harrison, Ark.; Emma, Mrs. Charles Rodgers, Newton; Elizabeth, Mrs. Harvey Yost, Greensburg; Alfred of Newton; Lucretia, Mrs. P. G. Hiebert, Hillsboro; Frank W. of Hesston; Gertrude, Mrs. A. Y. Boeckner, Moundridge; Irene, Mrs. Ivan Eicher, Ithaca, Mich.; Oliver of Hesston: 64 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Feb. 19 at the Meridian church, where a large gathering assembled to pay their last respects. Services in the home were in charge of Rev. Milford Wenger, who read Psa. 46:1-3, and at the church opening remarks from Pro. 27:1, Job. 5:26. Psa. 48:14 were made by Rev. Harry Wenger. Rev. Frank Wenger brought the message, reading for his text Num. 25:10. Psa. 116:15, I Peter 5:1-4. Interment was made in the Meridian cemetery.