Mierau, Lydia Friesen (1901-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Jul 17 p. 3

Birth date: 1901 Aug 23

text of obituary:

MRS. LYDIA MIERAU

Lydia Mierau, nee Friesen, daughter of Jon j. and Sarah Friesen, was born on August 23, 1901, in Henderson, Nebraska. Her parents moved to a farm west of Henderson in her early childhood. Here she grew to young womanhood.

She received her elementary education in the rural school house just across the road from her home. She also attended the German Bible school of the church. Upon the confession of her faith she was baptized and received into the Bethesda church on May 23, 1920, by the Rev. H. H. Epp. Of this church she remained a faithful member until her death.

On December 3, 1921, she was united in marriage to John R. Mierau. To this union were born two children, Virgil and Pearl. The first 12 years of their marriage were spent on the farm, after which they moved to their presen4t home in Henderson.

In May 1941 she underwent a major operation form which she recovered quite completely, but in the summer of 1945 she felt her former trouble recur, which again made it necessary for her to be operated on. She was very sick after the operation and was entering deaths door when suddenly she said, "I have come back," from which time on she made rapid progress to recovery and soon was able to leave the hospital. While at home other complications set in and in the month of June, 1946, she again had major surgery from which she made rapid recovery, but not to be of long duration.

In November places of swelling appeared in her arms and legs. These were diagnosed as blood clots. As these spots became more frequent and more painful it was necessary for her to take to her bed on January 22, from which she never was to arise. Eighty-one days she spent in the York Hospital, looking for medical aid which didn't seem to be of much avail. Some weeks ago she was permitted to return to her home, which gave her so much joy that for a few days she seemingly was improving. But she relapsed again and gradually grew weaker until the last few days, when she was in a semi-conscious state, suffering intensely. She was released from this earthly house to wing her flight to realms above at 4:30 on Sunday afternoon, June 8, 1947, after nearly five months of suffering in bed. She attained the age of 45 years, nine months and 16 days.

She never complained and with her ready smile and friendly words she has left a ringing testimony. She had a deep faith in God, and His presence was very real to her. The Word of God, prayer and the beautiful hymns were her greatest source of joy. She was young and desired to live, but she was also resigned to the will of God. Her peak of happiness was when last December she and her husband were able to have their silver wedding. Relatives and friends gathered in their home to commemorate this happy occasion.

She leaves to mourn her too early departure: her husband, her children, Pearl and Victor Janzen, and Virgil and Lela Mierau, four grandchildren; her sister, Orpha, who made he [sic] home with them and two other sisters; five brothers and a host of relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, two sisters and two brothers.

"Ye, though I walk through he valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear, for thou are with me, thy rod and they staff, they comfort me."