Boese, Tobias J. (1892-1936)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 29 Jul 1936 p. 2

Birth date: 1892

text of obituary:

Tobias J. Boese.

Tobias Boese, the son of John and Carolina Boese, was born in Karlswalde, Russia, July 8, 1892. When he was 11 months old his parents came to America, settling at Moundridge, Kansas.

He was converted and baptized in the Mennonite church of Burrton, Kansas, at the age of 21 years. In that same year he was married to Susie Ratzlaff. Ten children were born to this union, 7 sons and 3 daughters: Irene, Leon, Howard, Dora, Warren, Paul, Jean, Cecil, Dale and Wayne.

Up to the time of his death he has been engaged in mechanical work at Garden City, Kansas.

He became ill Wednesday, June 30. The next day he was taken to the hospital and an operation was deemed necessary, but his condition was such that the operation was of no avail. He suffered intensely until he died at Friday noon, July 10, 1936.

The Lord called him home. Our hearts are torn with sorrow and grief, and we can only find comfort in the message of assurance which he left behind.

When it was seen that he might pass away at any hour, he was asked if he was prepared to leave his earthly home. He answered emphatically, “Yes I’m ready to go. The Lord can either take or leave me. When I first became ill the Lord said to me: You must come across this time, and I prayed earnestly and was assured of forgiveness. I’m concoled [sic consoled]; I’m Trusting in God that this is His will.”

His strength continued to ebb away slowly. When asked whether he desired us to read some Scripture passage, he answered, “Please do”. John 6 verses 35 and 37 were read to him. “Jesus said I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Brother Tobias then said, “God has never cast me out.” He prayed in a feeble voice, Confessing to God his unworthiness, and calling himself only straw. But he declared God’s Mercy and power giving Him all the glory and honor.

He passed peacefully to his reward at 11:50 a.m.

He attained the age of 44 years, and one and one-half days.

His father preceded him in death on September 27, 1931. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and ten children of Garden City, Kansas, his mother, Mrs. J. C. Boese; one brother Henry of Halstead, Kans.; six sisters: Nettie and Elizabeth of Halstead, Mrs. Dave Koehn and Mrs. Dan Koehn of Moundridge, Kansas; Mrs. Dan Penner and Mrs. Marcus Penner of Burrton, Kansas.

Though burdens heavy we must bear, and our eyes are made dim with tears; Tobe knows naught of sorrow over there. In the home of endless years. In the better land, In that sunny land, Safe in that Eden land.

His wife and children, mother, brother, and sisters.

Funeral services were held July 13, 1936, in the Burrton Mennonite church, Rev. H. P. Krehbiel officiating. Interment was in Halstead cementery [sic cemetery].