Frey, Cornelius (1869-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Apr 1 p. 3

Birth date: 1869 Apr 1

text of obituary:

Funeral Services Saturday For Retired Farmer, Minister, Editor

UNIQUE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REV. C. FREY ENDED THROUGH DEATH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24

A humble life of many varied experiences, of manifold talents and of outstanding usefulness came to a close on Wednesday, March 24, in the passing of Rev. C. Frey.

In personal traits and tastes Rev. Frey was a decided individualist. Through private study and reading he gained a wide knowledge in the field of classical and religious literature, to which store he added year after year until the end of his life. Not uncommonly one could see him go to a concert or lecture with a book or magazine in hand, which he read as he waited for the program to begin or during the intermission.

Rev. Frey served as editor of two German publications during his lifetime — of Der Herold (a former publication of the Herald Publishing Co.) in 1921 and 1922 and of the Bethesda Herold from 1925 to 1947.

The obituary as submitted by his family is as follows:

Cornelius Frey, son of Benjamin and Maria Wedel Frey, was born in Alexanderwohl, South Russia, on April 1, 1869, and died on March 24, 1948 at 11:50 p. m.

Immigrated at Age of 5

In 1874, at the age of 5 he migrated with his parents to the United States, where the parents settled in Marion county, in the community which was known as Greenfield Village. Here he lived in the parental home until he was married.

He was baptized and taken into the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church on May 21, 1888 by the then Elder Jacob Buller.

He was married to Helena Schmidt, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Schmidt on January 9, 1892. They shared their joys and sorrows together until June 30, 1934, when mother was called to her reward. To this union there were born five sons and three daughters, of which two sons and one daughter preceded them in death.

One of his outstanding ambitions in life was to acquire an education and to do mission work of some form. His education received in the public and religious schools was very limited. It was, however, very much appreciated and many, many times he would relate and share with others some precious gem that he had acquired from one or another of his highly appreciated teachers. Much of his education and talent in various ways was acquired through reading and self study.

Work in Oklahoma

His zeal for doing missionary work was partly realized when he answered the Lord's call to become an evangelist and a little later, in 1908, to move with his family to Coy, Oklahoma, and take charge of the Bethany Mennonite church. There he with his family farmed for a livelihood and he also served the church and community with all his varied talents and capacities unselfishly and without financial remuneration.

In 1916 father moved with his family to Newton, Kansas, in order to provide better educational facilities for his children. There he made his home till his earthly departure, with the exception of the past five months when, due to his failing health, he made his home with a daughter, Mrs. Paul G. Schmidt and family on their farm near Peabody.

In his work and services he constantly stressed missions and education. His services in various ways were much in demand in his younger years. He served as minister for many years. He taught school for a few years, was active in teachers’ organizations, literary societies, Christian Endeavor work, and also did some editorial work.

He had remarkable capacity to serve in whatever way his services were needed, whether it pertained to the farm, in the field of education, music, writing, or his work as a minister. He was known for his ability for reciting or quoting from memory many songs and poems. For all these various activities he was accorded mention in the "Who's Who Among the Mennonites."

Experienced Many Hardships

His life certainly has not been an easy one and beset with many difficulties, however he never complained much and constantly endeavored to overcome any difficulties with the Lord's help.

In recent years he made several trips to Denver to visit son, Ben and family; to Arizona to visit his brother, J. B. Frey and family; to visit friends in California and Canada. One of his expressed desires to the end was to make another trip to Denver to see Ben and family and to go to Arizona to see Uncle J. B. Frey and family.

His constant prayer and plea was that our Heavenly Father would accept him as well as all of his family through his Saving Grace into a glorious future.

His wish to his immediate family that no flowers be purchased for his last services and the outlay used for that purpose rather be directed to some worthy enterprize [sic] will be honored by the family.

He leaves to mourn his departure the following children: Ben C. of Denver, Colorado; Sara E. (now Mrs. Schmidt, Peabody); Arthur J., Newton; Marie A. (now Mrs. Mac L. Temple, Peabody) and Paul R., Newton; 2 sons-in-law, Paul G. Schmidt and Mac L. Temple; 3 daughters-in-law, Mrs. Ben C. Frey, Mrs. Arthur J. Frey and Mrs. Paul R. Frey; also 7 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Henry Frey, Newton; Jacob B. Frey, Cornville, Arizona; Mrs. H. P. Balzer, Newton; Mrs. John Becker, Newton; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at the Tabor Mennonite church last Saturday afternoon.

The Mennonite obituary: 1948 Jun 1 p. 12