Wedel, Katharina Unrau (1871-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 12 p. 6

Birth date: 1871 Aug 4

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon for Mrs. Katharina Wedel, 86, widow of the late Rev. C. C. Wedel who died Friday at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital. Dr. H. A. Fast officiated at a brief services at the Moody's Funeral Chapel, which was followed by services at the Alexanderwohl church in charge of the pastor, Rev. P. A. Wedel. Mrs. Wedel, the former Katharina Unrau, was born in South Russia and came to this country at an early age. She lived on a farm near Goessel for 59 years, moving to Newton in August of this year. She is survived by one son, Dr. D. C. Wedel of North Newton; two daughters, Susie and Katie Wedel of Newton; two brothers, Jacob B. and H. B. Unrau; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 26 p. 8

text of obituary:

KATHARINA UNRAU WEDEL

Our dear mother, Katharina Unrau Wedel, daughter of Rev. Peter and Helena Balzer Unrau was born August 4, 1871, in the village Friedensruh, South Russia. In 1877 she come [sic] to America with her parents and settled in Marion County, near Goessel, Kansas. She received her elementary education in the Hochfeld school. She often spoke of one of her teachers, Rev. Peter Krause, who taught in that community for many years. Even after maturity she enjoyed participating in the choir rehearsals conducted by Rev. Krause.

On May 26, 1890, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in Jesus Christ as her Saviour by Elder Jacob Buller and was received into the membership of the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church where she remained a faithful member all her life.

On June 23, 1898, she was married to Rev. Cornelius C. Wedel. To this union three children were born, two daughters and one son.

She experienced the rigors of pioneer life and contributed much to the establishment of the family farm, often helping in the fields. She enjoyed the activities connected with home life and continued this interest all her days. Her kind ministries were extended not only to her family but also to Mother Unrau, who made her home on our farm for 12 years. She was active in the community sewing circle for missions which later became a part of the church program.

The year 1948 marked the observance of their 50th wedding anniversary. Our parents were privileged to share joys and sorrows for 56 years. On August 6, 1954, father passed away. Mother wished to remain in the home she and father had established and stayed on the farm until last summer when she moved to Newton to reside at 116 Harrison St.

Mother's philosophy of life was characterized by faith and hope. She was always confident that underneath were the everlasting arms and that the future had greater and better things in store. She was a great friend of children and was ready to share whatever could be shared with any child.

In later years when she was no longer able to read much she often sang the songs she learned in her youth and in later life.

Mother entered Bethel Deaconess Hospital for examination on Nov. 19 and had to remain for medical care. On Dec. 4 she suffered a stroke and her condition became worse. She passed away on Dec. 6 at 12:30 p. m. having reached the age of 86 years, three months and six days.

She leaves to mourn her departure two daughters, Katie and Susie of the home; one son David and his wife Martha of North Newton; two granddaughters Eleanor, Mrs. Arnold Heckendorn and her husband of Newton, and Judy Wedel of North Newton; and one great grandchild, Crista Ann Heckendorn.

Also surviving her are two brothers, Jacob B. Unrau and Henry B. Unrau, four sisters-in-law and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister and two half-sisters, three sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 10. At 1:00 p. m. there was a short service in charge of Rev. H. A. Fast at the Moody Funeral chapel. The hymn “Come Ye Disconsolate” was sung by William Kruger. At the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Rev. P. A. Wedel officiated. He used as text Hebrews 4:9 and Revelation 14:13. A quartet composed of Otto Quiring, Milton Reimer, Ted Flaming and Alfred Schmidt sang “Abide with Me,””Naeher mein Gott zu dir” and “Rock of Ages.”

The body was laid to rest in the Alexanderwohl cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Jan 14 p. 28