Busenitz, William (1879-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 9 p. 6

Birth date: 1879 Feb 14

text of obituary:

. . .

— William Busenitz, 78, a resident of this vicinity for 65 years, died at his farm home east of Newton Sunday evening. He was born in Germany on Feb. 14, 1879, and had never married. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church, with Rev. Arnold Epp and Rev. J. E. Entz officiating.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 13 p. 8

text of obituary:

WILLIAM BUSENITZ

William Busenitz was born Feb. 14, 1879, near Marionburg, Germany and was promoted to see his Lord on Jan. 5, 1958, at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 21 days. His parents were John E. and Katherine (nee Dyck) Busenitz.

His childhood was spent in his parental home. After completing his elementary education he spent three years at a Christian boarding school conducted by the Moravian Brethren.

In 1893 at the age of 14 his parents with their family came to America and established their home southeast of Newton. Here he shared the experiences of the family in pioneer life. He attended Bethel Academy for one year. At the age of 17 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by the Elder Jacob Toews and received into the membership of the First Mennonite Church of Newton where he remained a faithful member until his death.

When Uncle Willie was 29 years of age his father died. Together with his two younger brothers he faithfully fulfilled the duties of managing the affairs of farm and home. In 1916 the family experienced deep sorrow in the sudden passing of his younger brother, Bernard. This event left many questions unanswered but God who is rich in grace and mercy also used this event to bring glory unto Himself. The words of the prophet Isaiah, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” became very precious to the family.

Uncle Willie, now being the only one left at home, considered it a joy and also a privilege to care for his aging mother. After Grandmother's death Uncle Willie's life became a very lonesome one, however not one without purpose. His delight was to help meet the needs of others. In recent years it became evident that his earthly house was becoming frail and along with this realization his repeated prayer was, “Ich moechte Heim" (I long to go home.) He would frequently request the singing of songs and the reading of Scripture passages. The last passage of Scripture read to him was the 23rd Psalm.

One of his greatest joys to which he looked forward to in this life were the frequent family gatherings where he was held in high esteem. Now he is enjoying the family gathering with his loved ones who have gone on before, the redeemed of all ages, and above all he is in the presence of his Lord and Saviour whom he loved and served.

He leaves to cherish his memory two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, a host of nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Feb 4 p. 77