Schmidt, Heinrich H. (1859-1941)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1941 Mar 25 p. 12

Birth date: 1859 Jan 16

The Mennonite obituary: 1941 Apr 1 p. 12

text of obituary:

OUR FATHER HEINRICH H. SCHMIDT, the son of Heinrich and Anna Unruh Schmidt, was born in Alexanderwohl, South Russia, Jan. 16, 1859. In 1862 the family changed their residence to Gnadenthal. When he was 15 years of age the family migrated to the United States of America and settled in Marion county, Kansas, near the present town of Goessel. He was educated in the village school of Gnadenthal. His teachers were Peter Dick, Peter Thielman and Jacob Janzen, the last of whom he often mentioned later in life. In America he had the privilege of attending public school only a few months. Yet he acquired a good use of the English language. He could read and write well, and read much. He loved to associate with English speaking neighbors.

On Aug. 4, 1883, he married Marie Buller. this union was blessed with six children, two of which died in infancy. His wife died May 9, 1897, his son Henry, at the age of thirty, and daughter Anna, at the age of 39. His second wife, Sara Kroeker, whom he married in December, 1897, was called to her heavenly reward in less than a year.

On Jan. 26, 1901, he married Anna Koehn. This third marriage was blessed with three children, a son and two daughters. Our parents were privileged to observe their silver wedding anniversary in 1926. After forty years and twenty-six days this union ended by father's death.

For many years father enjoyed good health, was thankful for it, and endured bodily infirmities with patience. About ten years ago his strength began to fail, and during the last five years he never left his home. As long as he was able he attended church, and it was very hard for him, when that was no longer possible; yet he never grew impatient about it. His quiet and trustful disposition, as an invalid, was for us an outstanding testimony of the marvelous grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. He was completly [sic] bedfast the last two and a half years. On Nov. 4, he was taken to the Bethesda Hospital at Goessel, where he revieved [sic] the best of care. He was called Home February 22, 1941. His age is 85 years, one month, and six days. he leaves to mourn his death, his wife, one son, four daughters, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, twelve grandchildren, two sisters, and his youngest brother.

Funeral services were conducted from the Alexanderwohl church, Wednesay, Feb 26. Rev. C. C. Wedel gave a message in German, based on Gen. 49:18; and Rev. P. H. Unruh in English, using Rom. 8:18.