Kliever, Gerhard J. (1860-1934)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Jul 25 p. 3

Birth date: 1860 Jul 18

text of obituary:

Rev. Gerhard J. Kliever.

Gerhard J. Kliever, son of John and Agnes Kliewer, was born in Michalin, Russia, on July 18, 1860, and died at his home near Winfield, Kansas, July 17, 1934, at the age of 74 years. He had been in failing health for the last four years. He suffered a light paralytic stroke about a month d ago which was followed by a severe stroke last Friday which caused his death. The years of his affliction did not weaken his unfaltering faith in God and His Word. He spent much time in prayer and often said, “I am weak but thou hast strength.”

He came to the United States with his parents at the age of 14. They made their home near what at present is the town of Elbing. He lived in this community the remainder of his life with the exception of two years spent in California and about a year spent near Winfield, Kansas.

He gave his heart to the Lord in early manhood and became a member of the Grace Hill Mennonite Church where he was very active in its work. He had prayer meetings in various parts of the community and worked faithfully for his Master. On June 8, 1902, he was baptized by immersion and later was ordained to the ministry of the Missionary Church association. He then began the work which became the Elbing Missionary church and of which church he became a charter member and also the pastor. He remained a member of the Elbing church until the time of his death. He served as pastor of the church for a number of years until the calls to evangelistic work became so great that he devoted his entire time to that field. He also served as superintendent o the Mid-western district of the Missionary Church association for many years. In the last few years of his life his physical condition forbade his participation in the active ministry, but his heart was ever in the work of the Lord.

He was united in marriage to Miss Justina Klassen. To this union were born six children, three sons and three daughters. They lived together in this union about ten years when the Lord saw fit to take her home.

On July 19, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Harms. To this union were born nine children, four sons and five daughters. One son, Samuel, preceded his father in death.

He leaves to mourn his departure his widow; six sons, Arthur, Ernest and William of California, Otto of Elbing, Gerhart of Ft. Wayne, and Lee at home; eight daughters, Mrs. Claude Drake of Meade, Kansas, Mrs. Andrew Schmidt and Mrs. William Janzen of Elbing, Kansas, Sophia, Martha, and Mrs. Paul Forman of California; Mrs. Chris Gerig of Woodburn, Indiana, and Orpha at home; two brothers, Dr. J. W. Kliewer of Newton, Kansas and Rev. Henry Kliewer of Thomas, Oklahoma; twenty-one grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, July 20, at the Elbing Missionary church conducted by Rev. Henry Dyck of Elbing and Rev. William Schlicting of Minneola. Interment in the Church cemetery.