Janzen, Agathe Marie Regier (1875-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Feb 4 p. 5

Birth date: 1875 Feb 18

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 Mar 11 p. 11

text of obituary:

AGATHE MARIE JANZEN

Agathe Marie (Regier) Janzen was born Feb. 18, 1875, at Herrenhagen, West Prussia, Germany, the second child of Abraham and Catharine (Dyck) Regier. When she was two years old her parents migrated to America to join other family members who had already settled south of Peabody, Kan. Her first personal recollection of life in America was the tragic drowning of her two uncles, Peter and John Dyck.

As a child she attended the local grade school, District 85. Among her teachers was the late G. N. Harms. She also spoke highly of the instruction in German and in the Christina faith which she received from her uncle C. H. Regier.

In June 1892 she was baptized on the confession of her faith in Christ by Elder C. H. Regier, becoming a member of the Zion Church at Elbing.

On Nov. 30, 1899, she was united in marriage with Herman Janzen, with whom she was happy to live until his death on Jan. 13, 1938. To this union were born three sons, John, Herman, and Louis. Herman died in infancy.

Since her home was adjoining the railroad tracks, untold numbers of transient and homeless men received from her a square meal and a religious tract along with a touch of motherly affection. With the same devotion she regularly sent letters of encouragement and support to her close friend Marie Kuhlman in China and to other missionaries in foreign lands. Her growing concern for the welfare of others prompted mother and father to open their home to two needy girls to whom they gave the opportunity to enjoy a Christian home and an education.

After fathers death mother devoted much time to preparing and copying family trees, diaries, and biographies of her ancestors and relatives. The coming of grandchildren and great-grandchildren seemed to revitalize her. Each time one of them left home for a Christian service assignment it was a special time of rejoicing for her.

Another chapter of mother’s life were the years after World War II when her life was completely devoted to sending parcels of food and clothing to the war-stricken.

In April 1962 mother entered the Bethel Home for the Aged in Newton, where she received sympathetic care and appreciated the visits of many friends.

After a short illness mother departed from this life on Jan. 31, 1965, at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 13 days. She is survived by Mr. and Mrs. John P. Janzen and Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Janzen of Route 3, Newton, Mr. and Mrs. B. A. Halber (Katherine) of Halstead, and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Albright (Ella) of Tucson, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs. H. J. Dyck and Mrs. H. B. Schmidt; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Feb. 3 at the Bethel Home with Rev. John Thiessen officiating, and at the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing with Rev. Arnold Regier and Rev. Harold Graber, local pastor, in charge. Music was furnished by a ladies sextet. Interment was made in the church cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1965 Feb 23 p. 123