Kaufman, Hazel Dester (1896-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Oct 28 p. 5

Birth date: 1896

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Nov 4 p. 3

text of obituary:

HAZEL DESTER KAUFMAN</h3.

Hazel Dester Kaufman, daughter of Jacob S. and Louisa Eberle Dester, was born in Deer Creek, Oklahoma, on May 5, 1896. She passed away on the evening of October 21, 1948, at the Bethel Deaconess hospital, Newton, Kansas, at the age of 52 years five months and 16 days.

She is survived by her husband, Ed. G. Kaufman; one son, Gordon, a student at Yale Divinity School and his wife, Dorothy; one daughter, Karolyn, and her husband, Homer Zerger, of Moundridge, Kansas; one brother, John C. Dester of Long Beach, California; and three sisters, Laura E. Dester of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mrs. Lloyd E. Malm of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mrs. Paul W. Mills of Farragut, Idaho. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Kenneth, who died in China on July 10, 1920, and by both of her parents.

On December 25, 1912, Mrs. Kaufman was baptized and joined the Mennonite Church in Deer Creek, Oklahoma. Here she spent her childhood and obtained her early education. Later she attended Bethel College where she met Ed. G. Kaufman of Moundridge, Kansas, with whom she was united in marriage on June 10, 1917. In December of the same year she accompanied him to the mission field in China where they spent eight years in educational work.

Upon their return from China she continued her education, along with her husband, at the University of Chicago. For two years they lived at Bluffton, Ohio, being associated with Bluffton College. In 1931 her husband accepted a position at Bethel College and the family located on the campus. She joined the local congregation where she remained a faithful member to the end.

Since 1932, when her husband accepted the presidency of Bethel College, Mrs. Kaufman graciously assumed the many responsibilities that came to her as wife of the head of the school. The Women's Association of Bethel College was her special interest and concern. ,

Since 1944 Mrs. Kaufman has spent much time in the Bethel Deaconess hospital as a patient and courageous sufferer. She often spoke gratefully of the loving care given her by her doctor, the sisters, nurses, and the rest of the hospital staff. The many kindnesses shown her and her family by neighbors and friends during her lingering illness were deeply appreciated by her.

Her Christian character was marked by a genuine warmth and sympathetic concern for others. She enjoyed sharing her time and energy as well as her home. Her friendly and helpful influence has been felt by many who have come and gone as members and friends of the college family. She will be greatly missed as a loving wife and mother, as well as a friendly neighbor. Her cheerful and kindly disposition will be a continuing inspiration to those who knew her. Early in her childhood Mrs. Kaufman accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord and throughout her life gave herself unselfishly in faith and trust to His service and devotion.

Funeral services were held In Memorial Hall at Bethel College on Saturday afternoon, October 23, 1948, with her pastor, Rev. Lester Hostetler, officiating, assist by Dr. J. H. Langenwalter of Wichita and Dr. H. A. Fast of Bethel College. The body was laid to rest in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery. “Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord. From henceforth now, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; for their works follow them." (Rev. 14:13)

The Mennonite obituary: 1948 Nov 2 p. 12