Goossen, Theodor Andrew (1912-2004)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2004 Nov 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1912 Oct 9

text of obituary:

THEODOR A. GOOSSEN

Theodor Andrew "Ted" Goossen, 92, of Beatrice, Neb., died Oct. 29, 2004. He was born Oct. 9, 1912, to Andrew P. and Helen Penner Goossen on a farm north of Hoag.

After elementary school he attended two years of Mennonite Bible School. He was baptized and became a member of First Mennonite Church of rural Beatrice on May 24, 1931.

On May 27, 1941, he married Dorthy Claassen.

He spent his days milking cows and tending crops. He shared implements and work with his brother Bill, though they lived on opposite sides of Beatrice.

He was deeply involved in the life of First Mennonite Church. Over the years he held almost every position, including deacon. He had a strong bass voice and sang in a quartet that provided worship music for Sunday morning and many funerals. He was a dignified, gracious and gentle man.

His hobbies were photography and playing cards.

He kept a picture history of the family that fills many photo albums. After son Harvey began to help on the farm, he and Dorthy were able to travel to California and Oregon to visit family. After retirement he regularly played cards with cousins and friends on Tuesday afternoons.

Ten years ago, they bought an apartment in the Regency. In the fall of 2001, Dorthy needed more care and moved into Homestead House.

He joined her there in the spring of 2002. Several weeks ago they moved into a room at Good Samaritan, where he died.

Survivors include his wife, Dorthy; a son, Ron, of California; a daughter, Darlene of Beatrice; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Harvey, on Oct. 11, 2000.

Funeral services were held at First Mennonite Church of rural Nebraska. Burial was in Mennonite Cemetery.