Mierau, Dietrich J. (1879-1946)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1946 Mar 28 p. 3

Birth date: 1879 May 22

D. J. MIERAU

Dietrich J. Mierau was born in the vicinity of Henderson, Nebraska, on May 22, 1879. On March 1, he entered a hospital in Lincoln, Nebr., and passed away on March 11, 1946 at 7:45 A. M., having reached the age of 66 years, 9 months, 17 days.

On June 4, 1900, he confessed his faith, was baptized by elder P. J. Friesen, and was accepted as a member of the Bethesda church in Henderson, of which he remained a member until his death. He was united in marriage to Margaretha Epp on June 27, 1901. To this union four children were born.

During his youth educational facilities were limited. He received what education his district school had to offer. In his lifetime he sacrificed much so that his children might receive a more complete education. Even last summer he encouraged his children to continue in their work.

He enjoyed farm life greatly and even while living in town he went to the farm frequently. The farm was a definite calling of God for him and he made a success of it.

He was a willing worker for God, which was shown by always being ready to share the blessings of his labors for worthy causes.

He was concerned about his spiritual welfare as well as that of his family. He made it a point that evening and morning devotions were not forgotten. A special comfort from the Bible was Ps. 121. The songs he liked were "A Home Over there" and "What a Friend we have in Jesus."

When he learned the nature of his heart disease he hoped and prayed that the Lord might give him strength to endure the test. The disease was accompained [sic] with cerebral arterio-sclerosis. He was seriously ill since last September and died as a result of his heart disease and pneumonia.

He leaves to mourn his departure, one daughter, Mrs. Marie Schmidt and son-in-law, Ted Schmidt of North Newton, Kansas; one son, Hugo and daughter-in-law, Leola of Hartford, Conn.; two grandchildren, Rozella Mae and Corene Kay; six brothers, John Henry and Isaac of Henderson, Nebr., David of Fresno, Calif., Cornelius of Hastings, Nebr., and Frank of York, Nebr., and a number of relatives and friends, including Frank Pratt. His wife, Margaretha, preceded him in death almost eight years ago; a son, Heinrich, died at the age of seven and a daughter, Liese, the second child, died at the age of eight years. Others in the family who preceded him in death are: One brother, George; one sister, Lena; Mrs. Peter Ratzlaff, Mrs. H. H. Peters, and Mrs. Fedrau.

Funeral services were held in the Bethesda church at Henderson on march 14, 1946. Interment was made in the Bethesda cemetery. Clergymen officiating were his pastor, Rev. A. W. Friesen, and Rev. H. D. Epp, a life-long friend and relative.

The Mennonite obituary: 1946 Apr 9 p. 4