Schmidt, Gerhard Jerry (1885-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1885 Jan 19

text of obituary:

GERHARD JERRY SCHMIDT

Gerhard Jerry Schmidt the son of Jacob P. and Eva Janz Schmidt, was born on Jan. 19, 1885, near Goessel, Kansas, and on July 11, 1950 he passed on to be with the Lord, thus reaching the age of 67 years, five months and 22 days.

His childhood days were not easy ones since his parents died within a month of each other when he was eight years of age. He was taken into the home of the Nickel family of Kansas, where he resided and had his schooling until he became self-supporting, after which he went to Oklahoma where he lived near Cordell and Gotebo for about seven years, coming to Reedley, California in 1908.

He was married to Helen Klassen Feb. 7, 1909, at Anaheim, California. This union lasted 42 years and five months. To them were born five daughters. After their marriage they moved to Reedley and later returned to Anaheim until 1915, when they moved to Bakersfield, Calif., which has been the family home until his passing.

He was born again in the fall of 1927 and was baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren church in April 1928. In his Christian life he experienced many trials and temptations, but praised our Lord for many victories won, and could say with Paul. "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day . . . ."

He enjoyed fair health and ability to do his daily work at the Santa Fe railroad for a number of years, until at the age of 60 years he began to have heart attacks. He was not able to resume his daily work and many times it seemed as though his earthly days might be shortened, but the Lord wonderfully undertook. He spent much time during these years of illness reading the Bible and listening to Gospel programs on the radio. He was deeply interested in spiritual matters and gladly gathered together with the saints of God when he was physically able, never complaining, but always putting his trust in the Lord.

On June 4 he was admitted to the Santa Fe hospital in Los Angeles, where on June 6 he was operated on to remove a cancer from his lip, which had appeared there quite suddenly. During his three week stay in the hospital he had many opportunities to witness for the Lord. His lip healed sufficiently so that he was permitted to return to his home, but his physical strength grew less each day. Early Monday morning. July 10, he had a severe heart attack, together with a cerebral hemorrhage and was taken to the San Joaquin hospital in Bakersfield where he lapsed into a coma, reviving only enough to recognize his family and to nod yes when asked if he was going to be with the Lord. On Tuesday morning at 10:35 he went to be with his Lord.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 15, 1950, at 10 a. m. in the Bakersfield Mennonite Brethren church with Rev. Allen Fast officiating. Musical numbers were rendered by Rev. and Mrs. Irvin Klassen and opening remarks were made by Rev. Walter Penner, who read portions of Psalm 90. A short message was given by Rev. Allen Fast, who used as his text 2 Tim. 4. 7-8. Interment was made at the Greenlawn cemetery in Bakersfield. Closing remarks were made by Rev. Fast with prayer by Rev. Waldo Wiebe from Shafter.

He leaves to mourn—yet not as trose [sic] who are without hope— his wife, Helena; five daughters, Elvira Schmidt of Emmalena, Kentucky, Beatrice, Mrs. H. K. Wedel, of Fresno, Calif., Winona, Mrs. Frank Johnson of Shafter, Calif., Fern, Mrs. David Kroeker of Wasco, Calif., and Lila, Mrs. Vernon Penner of Cimarron, Kansas; four sons-in-law; eight grandchildren; and other relatives. His parents, three brothers, six sisters, and one granddaughter preceded him in death.