Mueller, John C. (1877-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Dec 6 p. 6

Birth date: 1877 jun 30

text of obituary:

. . .

— Rev. and Mrs. S. J. Goering of North Newton spent part of last week at Freeman, S. D. where they attended the funeral of Mrs. Goering’s brother, John C. Mueller. The funeral of Mr. Mueller, a long-time member of the General Conference emergency relief board, was held at the Salem-Zion church, with Willard Claassen officiating. Another funeral at the same church was that of Edward J. B. Waltner. Both of the deceased had suffered severe strokes several weeks ago.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Dec 20 p. 9

text of obituary:

JOHN C. MUELLER

John C. Mueller, only son of Rev. Christian Mueller and Anna Schrag Mueller, was born on the homestead farm of his father in Childstown township, Turner county, Freeman, South Dakota, June 30, 1877, and died, resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus, November 25, 1951, at 7:20 o’clock in the evening at the age of 74 years, four months, and 25 days.

Mr. Mueller grew to manhood in this community, experiencing the hardships and privations of pioneer life. In the home he received a fundamental Christian training by his parents and was influenced for the good by the many ministers and missionaries that visited in their home.

He received his elementary training in the rural schools of this community in the winter months of 1884-1892. These educational opportunities however were very much limited at that time. Later he attended Bethel Academy, Newton, Kansas, 1893-1895, and Dakota Weslyan [sic Wesleyan], Mitchell, South Dakota, 1897-1898. Before he settled down to farming, he taught school several years in our rural community.

He was baptized by Rev. J. B. Baer, itinerant missionary of the General Conference at that time, October 20, 1895, upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, and was received into the membership of the Salem-Zion Mennonite church. Later, when the Salem church was organized, he transferred his membership to the newly organized church thus becoming one of her charter members. He was always profoundly interested in the welfare of the church, of which he remained a faithful active member until death. He was a regular attendant and served at various times as Sunday School teacher, deacon, secretary, and treasurer. At the time of his death, he was the treasurer of the church.

He was united in marriage with Miss Caroline P. Miller, May 25, 1899. He faithfully shared the many blessings and sorrows of their matrimonial life with her for 52 years and six months. After their marriage he took over the farm of his parents, but since he was the only son in the family, his parents continued to make their home with them until they were called to their heavenly home. This union was blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters. One son and the two daughters preceded him in death in their early youth.

Their married life was a blessed and a happy one. Their home was a place in which many Christian workers as well as other people from far and near found a hospitable reception. After the marriage of their children, they moved to Freeman, November 11, 1930, where his physical life also came to a close in death. Here also he made himself useful wherever he could and spent much time in reading and secretarial work.

He was also interested in secular enterprises and organizations that make life more agreeable and meaningful. He therefore quite often assumed in them duties and responsibilities, which he conscientiously administered for the welfare of humanity.

In our conferences he proved himself an active member. He has served in various offices and committees in our Northern District Conference and was the secretary of the Emergency Relief Board of the General Conference from 1920-1950. For 12 years he was the president of the Mennonite Aid Plan. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Freeman Junior College for many years and served as president of the Board from 1924-1930. His interest in Christian education and Christian work always was a keen one.

The morning of November 2, 1951, he suffered a stroke which paralyzed his right side and deprived him of his speech. All medical aid that was applied did not produce any visible improvement. Pneumonia set in November 23, and two days later, November 25, at 7:20 p.m. his soul departed from the body to be henceforth with the Lord.

He is mourned by his beloved wife, Caroline Mueller; his two sons, Noa and David; his two daughters-in-law, Ida and Lydia; five grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Anna Preheim, Mrs. Caroline Waltner, Mrs. Lena A. Graber, Mrs. Mary Miller and her husband, Ben P., all of this community; one brother-in-law, John J. Waltner; and a large host of relatives and friends. Both of his parents and two of his sisters, Katie (Mrs. John J. Waltner), and Lizzie (Mrs. Andrew J. Miller) preceded him in death.

His life has been a busy life, from his early youth to his departure. He will be missed in the home, the family, circle, the church, the community, and also in the Conference. The words of the poet can also be applied to him:

“Endlich kommt Er leise
Nimmt uns an der Hand,
Fuehrt uns von der Reise
Heim ins Vaterland.
Dann ists ausgerungen
Ach, dann sind wir da,
Wo Ihm ward gesungen
Ein “Hallelujah.”

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, November 27, 1951, from the Salem Mennonite church, Rev. Willard Claassen, the pastor, officiating.