Goerz, Rudolph A. (1876-1945)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1945 Jul 31 p. 15

Birth date: 1876 Oct 17

text of obituary:

Rudolph A. Goerz, Sohn von Prediger David und Helena Riesen Goerz, ward am 17. Okt. 1876 zu Halstead, Kansas geboren und starb am 10. Juli 1945 im Alter von 68 J. 8 M. und 23 Tagen. Der Heimgerufene wuchs in Halstead auf, besuchte da die Volksschule und graduierte in 1892 von der mennonitischen Fortbildungsschule. Dann besuchte er in Wichita eine Geschäftsschule und trat mit 19 Jahren in Newton in die Warkentin Mühle ein, zu nächst als Stenographist, dann Weizenkäufer, Buchführer und später Verkaufsleiter. 1917 organisierte er “The Goerz Flour Mills Co. und leitete dieselbe bis er in 1938 einen schweren Herzanfall erlitt. In diesen Jahren war er auch sonst sehr aktiv, eine Reihe von Jahren als glied der Bethel College Behörde und eine Zeit als glied des Newton Stadtrats und in mehreren geschäftlichen und andern Organisationen. Ueberall entwickelte er große Energie wo er aktiv war. 1895 ward er getauft und schloß sich bei deren Gründug [sic Gründung] der Bethel College der Mennonitenkirche an. Am 30. Dez. 1900 heiratete er Martha Krehbiel Tochter von Aelt. Chr. Krehbiel, die mit ihren Kindern Harold und Frances und deren Familien ihn überleben. Nachdem Rudolf sich von seiner schweren Krankheit etwas erholt hatte, diente er eine Zeitlang der Regierung als OPA Inspektor; dann die letzten Jahre reiste er an Werktagen täglich unter großen physischen Beschwerlichkeiten nach Wichita wo er bei Boeing in der Office Anstellung hatte. Hier ward er krank und von da im Krankenwagen nach der Wohnung seiner Tochter Frau Garrison gebracht, wo er nach drei Tagen bedient von seiner Gattin entschlief. Von seinen Geschwistern überleben ihn: Katie, Frau Bernhard P. Krehbiel, Newton; Orlando, Pasadena, Calif.; Willard, Sacramento, Calif.; Robert, Forrest Home, Calif.; Emma, Frau H. Kaufman, Ontario, Calif. und viele Freunde. Die Begräbnisfeier fand in der Bethel College Kapelle statt. Pred. Ed. G. Kaufman und Rev. Logan Martin dienten und der Chor sang. Bestattung auf dem Greenwood Friedhof.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Jul 19 p. 3

text of obituary:

Rudolph Goerz, the son of David and Helene Riesen Goerz, was born October 17, 1876, at Halstead, Kansas, and died at Wichita, Kansas, on July 10, 1945, having reached the age of 68 years, eight months, and twenty-three days.

Rudy, as he was affectionately called by his host of friends, grew to manhood at Halstead and was graduated from the academy in 1892. At 19 years, after attending a Wichita business college and serving as court stenographer, Mr. Goerz obtained a job as mill stenographer. Then he advanced to the position of wheat buyer and bookkeeper. Later he became sales manager.

In the fall of 1917 he decided to go into business for himself and in March, 1918, began the erection of the Goerz plant of which he became president and general manager.

Possessed of great vitality and boundless enthusiasm, Mr. Goerz found time during the years for many activities. He was loved and respected for his contributions to Bethel College activities, at one time becoming athletic coach, and later serving for many years on the board of directors. Mr. Goerz was the first president of the Newton Rotary Club. He was a member of the United States Sales Club of America, the Kansas City Athletic Club, Newton Chamber of Commerce, and the Newton Country Club. He was a member of the Bethel College Mennonite Church.

Following a serious illness in 1938, Mr. Goerz withdrew from the milling business. During the past few years, as his health improved somewhat, he was associated with Boeing in Wichita.

Mr. Goerz is survived by his wife, Martha Krehbiel Goerz, to whom he was married on December 30, 1900. His immediate family also includes one son, Harold Krehbiel Goerz, who with his wife, Maybelle, and daughter, Guinevere, resides at Moundridge, Kansas, and one daughter, Frances Garrison, who with Mr. Garrison and daughter, Martha Lou, lives in Wichita.

He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Orlando Goerz of Pasadena, California, Willard Goerz, Sacramento, California, Robert Goerz of Forrest Home, California, Mrs. Emma Kaufman of Ontario, California, and Mrs. Bernhard Krehbiel of Newton, Kansas--in addition to numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Bethel College Mennonite church on Thursday, July 12, at 2:30 P. M. with Rev. E. G. Kaufman and Rev. Logan Martin taking part in the services. The Bethel College choir sang, "My God and I" and "No Night There." Margaret Wedel was at the organ. Casket bearers were: Carl Suderman, Rudolph Enns, Arthur Claassen, Menno Schmidt, Paul Baumgartner and Al Ewert. Interment was made in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery by Rex M. Moody of the Moody's Funeral Home.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 Jul 24 p. 12