Eitzen, Katharina Thiessen (1883-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 5 Dec 1957 p. 8

Birth date: 1883

text of obituary:

MRS. A. P. EITZEN

Katharina Thiessen Eitzen, daughter of Abraham and Maria Friesen Thiessen, was born on Oct. 5, 1883, at Henderson, Neb. where she spent the first 10 years of her life. Here she also received her only education, completing the first three grades.

The family then moved to Butterfield, Minn. where she was baptized in 1902 upon the confession of her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior by Elder Heinrich Regier. That same year the family moved to North Dakota and settled in Cavalier County on a farm about five and one-half miles northwest of the present site of Munich. Here she united with the Salem Mennonite church of which she remained a faithful member until her departure.

On July 13, 1905, she was united in marriage to Abraham P. Eitzen. They lived in Munich until December of that year when their plans were suddenly changed due to the death of Mrs. C. P. Eitzen and they had to move to their farm. Here mother took upon herself the responsibility of caring for the motherless daughter. In October 1907 they established their home on their farm four miles south and one-half mile west of Munich, where they experienced many hardships of pioneer life during the first years. Here she resided until her death and they were permitted to share joy and sorrow for 52 years, three months and 22 days. On July 13, 1955, the Lord graciously permitted them to observe their 50th wedding anniversary. This union was blessed with two children.

Throughout the years mother endured many trials through illness, especially in march 1913 when she had a very serious operation, and in the summer of 1917 when the doctor gave up all hope of recovery. However, God miraculously undertook and she recovered except for complications which she patiently endured throughout the years. In May 1956 she again became very seriously sick. On Nov. 6, 1956, her condition was diagnosed by four doctors as cancer in advanced stage.

She was fully resigned to God's will, accepted her suffering cheerfully and bore it courageously. She took every opportunity to witness for her Lord. Her main concern was her family and that the work of the Lord might ever go forward. To us as a family she set an example which will always be of encouragement.

On Nov. 4, 1957, at 2;05 p.m. the Lord saw fit to take her home and relieve her of suffering. She reached the age of 74 years and one month. During her long illness she was taken care of in her home.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband; one daughter, Marie; one son, Alfred; one daughter-in-law Erna; two granddaughters, Twyla and Treva; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Fast and Mrs. Justina Roberts of Munich and Sarah, Mrs. C. I. Friesen of Grand Forks, N. D.; one brother, Abraham A. Thiessen of Munich and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

We mourn not as those who have no hope for we kow she has gone on to be with her Lord. Her favoriate Bible verse was Isa. 40: 31.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 8, 1957, in her home and in the Salem Mennonite Church at Munich, N. D. The pastor, Rev. John J. Hofer, officiated, assisted by Rev. George Hoffman from Butterfield,d Minn. Music was furnished by the Rosehill male quartet. Burial was made in the Salem Cemetery near Munich. -- The Eitzen Family.