Eitzen, Peter C. (1873-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Apr 12 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 May 2

text of obituary:

SERVICES AT REEDLEY FOR NATIVE OF RUSSIA, RETIRED MERCHANT

Reedley, Calif. -- Funeral services for Peter C. Eitzen, 82, retired furniture merchant, were held March 28 at the Mennonite Brethren Church here. A native of Russia, he had a furniture business at Fairview, Okla., for 12 years and later operated the Cash Furniture Co. here for 23 years.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 12 Apr 1956 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETER C. EITZEN

Peter C. Eitzen, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Eitzen, was born in Southern Russia on May 2, 1873. He departed this life at Reedley, Calif., to be forever with his Savior and God on March 25, 1956, attaining to the ripe age of 82 years, 10 months and 23 days.

At the age of four he came to America with his parents who settled near Hillsboro, Kansas where he grew up and received his elementary schooling. In his youth they moved to Fairview, Okla., where they experienced the pioneer days of that area.

As a young man he realized his soul's deep need and received Christ as his Savior. He was baptized by Rev. Jacob Kliewer and was received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church near Fairview.

On Oct. 26, 1899, he was united in holy wedlock to Minnie Unruh. Their union was blessed with four children, one son and three daughters. One daughter died in infancy. They were permitted to share the blessings and difficulties of life for more than 55 years.

After they were married he farmed for a few years and then they moved to Fairview, where he worked in a hardware store. In 1918 they moved to the Reedley, Calif., area and farmed for one year, then moved to town and he was employed in a hardware store. Later he entered the furniture business in Reedley in which business he remained until he retired in 1943.

He was a man who loved the Lord and his church, and was very punctual in attending as long as his health was good. He liked to hand out Gospel tracts and encouraged people to accept Christ. He had many trials in life but by God's grace has had the final victory. Of special concern to him was his wife's ill health, as she has been bedridden for almost six years.

He was a good husband and loving father, and often admonished and encouraged his children to live a godly life.

More than a year ago he suffered a heart attack from which he never fully recovered. Sunday morning, march 25, before church his daughter Lola stopped in to seem him since he had had a touch of the flu. In his prayer that morning he asked his Lord to take him Home. This prayer was answered at 12:45 p. m. when he could quietly leave his body to go to be with Christ. His death was caused by another heart attack.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Minnie Eitzen of Reedley, Calif,; one son and two daughters, Ruby, Mrs. Arthur D. Enns of Aladena, Calif., Harry Eitzen of Temple City, Calif., Lola, Mrs. Samuel L. Heinrichs of Dinuba, Calif.; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Mary Wiens of Hillsboro, Kansas; and many other relatiaves and friendss. — The Family.