Franz, Elizabeth Harder (1870-1965)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1965 May 13 p. 11

Birth date: 1870 Aug 6

text of obituary:

MRS. ELIZABETH FRANZ

Mrs. Elizabeth Harder Franz was born to John and Anna Wiens Harder in South Russia on Aug. 6, 1870. At the age of four years, she with her parents and eight brothers and sisters came to America, settling near Inman, Kan.

In 1890 at the age of 20 she realized her lost condition and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. In the same year, on June 15, she was baptized on the confession of her faith and joined the Bethel Church of Inman. On Sept. 20, 1891 she was married to Josh D. Franz. They began farming in the Inman community. Here their three children were born.

The [sic] moved to Meade County in western Kansas on Aug. 6, 1907 where they took up a homestead. Here they celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Since there was no established Mennonite was used for church services. In 1910 the Evangelical Mennonite Church was organized of which our parents were charter members. Father donated the land on which a new church building was constructed in 1922. It was at this church that all tree children were saved and later married. Mother was instrumental in starting a sewing circle in which she was active as long as her vision permitted.

She loved to serve, and entertained many visiting pastors and evangelists since they lived close to the church. Mother prayed, “Let this place become a blessing for the Lord; let this house be built for elderly people along the road close to the church so they can walk to the service.” God answered this prayer and even their home became a parsonage for many years. Also, the Meade Bible Academy was built on their farm, so God answered “above all they could ask or think.”

Mother was correspondent for the “Gospel Tidings,” the E.M.B. publications, for many years.

After thirty years in the Meade community they moved back to the Buhler, Kan. vicinity to retire. Their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated in the Inman Bethel Church on Sept. 11, 1941.

Since they needed care they decided to move to Dallas, Ore. in 1943 to be with their youngest daughter and family, the Pete F. Friesens. Six months later, on June 4, 1944, it pleased the Lord to take our father to himself. Mother lived with sister Mrs. Margareta Warkentin for one year before moving in with her daughter and husband, the Pete F. Friesens, where she resided for 17 years.

When her health failed mother entered the Dallas Rest home. She was blind by now but not discouraged for she took her beloved Lord with her. Her strong Christian testimony and unfailing faith will continue to have a deep influence upon all of us.

She quietly left this life to be present with her Lord on March 31, 1965, reaching the age of 94 years, seven months, and25 days. Preceding her in death were her parents, brothers and sisters, her husband, and her only son, John Franz, and one grandson, Marvin Steingard. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Steingard of Meade, Kan. and Mrs. Anna Friesen of Dallas, Ore.; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lena Franz of Reedley, Calif.; two sons-in-law, Henry Steingard of Meade and Pete F. Friesen of Dallas, Ore.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. — The Family.