Duerksen, Maria Reimer (1863-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jan 6 p. 6

Birth date: 1863 Jul 18

text of obituary:

MRS. JOHN J. DUERKSEN

Mrs. Maria Reimer Duerksen was born in Blumenort, South Russia on July 18, 1863 (American calendar, July 30). Her parents were John and Helena Reimer, with whom she came to America on July 4, 1877. She was then a girl of 14 years. Her schooling was received in Russia. She was the second youngest of four children and the last one to depart this life. Since her parents were poor and her father lame, she had to do much of the farm work, even plowing with oxen. They had a small 40-acre farm near Hillsboro, Kansas.

On June 6, 1881, she was baptized upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour by Elder William Ewert, and thus became a member of the Bruderthal church. Later she transferred to the Alexanderwohl church, where she continued her membership until her death.

On January 3, 1884, she was united in marriage to John J. Duerksen, who preceded her in death on March 14, 1923. She was a widow of almost 25 years. Out of this wedlock 12 children were born, of whom eight are still present: John, of Newton, Kansas; Sarah, Mrs. P. F. Quiring, of Goessel; Agnes, Mrs. P. L. Schmidt of Goessel; Katharina, Mrs. D. A. Harms, of Bessie, Okla., whose husband was laid to rest three days before the death of the mother; Jacob, of Janjgir, C. P., India; Abram of Hillsboro. Kansas: George of Hampton, Nebraska; and Anna, Mrs. Albert Schmidt, of Hillsboro, Kansas.

One son and two daughters preceded her in their tender youth. The oldest daughter Mary, Mrs. P. J. Schroeder of Deer Park, Washington, was laid to rest in the Alexanderwohl church cemetery three years ago, and her husband likewise only nine months later.

She was grandmother to 37 grandchildren (seven preceded her in death), and great-grandchildren to 35 children, (of whom two preceded her in death).

She was a loving mother. We remember her singing the old Christian songs while at work in the house. Since she knew many songs by memory we did much singing while driving along the country road when returning home from church, or from a visit with friends or relatives. She was always concerned that each of her children should continue steadfast with the Lord.

The last years of her life she was in the Old Folks Home at Goessel, Kansas. The good care, the fellowship with others in the Home, and the devotional services cheered her much, and she always told us that she enjoyed being in the Home and yet would rather go to be with her Saviour. Her wish is granted! She is there—and so soon!

On Sunday, Dec. 19, she enjoyed the Duerksen Christmas get-together at her son's home in Newton, and Tuesday evening at 5:00 she was already going on to meet her Saviour, to be with Him forever. She sees what she believed. We are glad that the Lord in His grace did not permit her to linger long in suffering. A light stroke caused her death in only 36 hours. She quietly passed away at 5:15 p. m. Dec. 21, 1948, at the age of 85 years four months and 21 days.

Jesus' request in His high priestly prayer in John 17:24 is granted: “Father I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

The departed mother had many other relatives and friends besides the immediate family who mourn her sudden departure.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Dec. 26, 1948, in the Bethesda Old Folks Home in charge of Rev. C. C. Wedel, in the Alexanderwohl church in charge of Rev. Philip A. Wedel, and burial was made in the church cemetery. Rev. J. J. Voth assisted Rev. Wedel in the grave services. — The Family.