Reimer, William J. (1892-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Mar 18 p. 5

Birth date: 1892 May 21

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Mar 25 p. 3

text of obituary:

WILLIAM J. REIMER

William J. Reimer, son of John W. and Aganetha Boese Reimer, was born May 21, 1892 in his parental home in the Spring Valley community, McPherson county, Kansas. He received his elementary education in the Pleasant Valley School, and later attended the Hoffnungsau parochial school for two years.

In his youth he worked as a carpenter. Later in his life he also did considerable carpentry work along with farming.

His father passed away Jan. 22, 1898, when the deceased was but a mere child of six years of age. After the re-marriage of the mother in October, 1908, to John Balzer he made his home with his mother and step-father at Inman, Kansas, the home being located near the Huffnungsau [sic Hoffnungsau] church.

He was baptized upon confession of faith in his Redeemer June 2, 1912, by Elder Abraham Ratzlaff and joined the Hoffnungsau church, retaining his membership there for four years. He transferred his membership to the Alexanderwohl church June 4, 1916. He was a very active member in the church, serving as Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher, member of the Sunday School committee, in the church Board of Trustees, and was at present a member of the Arbitration Committee of the church. He also remained a faithful member until his departure.

He held various responsible positions in civilian life, such as clerk of school board for over 15 years, always being willing to serve his fellowman in the community and church. He had a helping hand for those who were in need.

He was united in marriage Dec 19, 1917 to Helen Janzen. This union was blessed with six children, three of whom died in infancy. The parents were permitted to share life's joys and sorrows for over 30 years. They were privileged to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary December 19, 1942.

He leaves to mourn his sudden death his deeply sorrowing wife, Lena, three children, Rubena of Perryton, Texas; Raymond and Louise of the home, and Anna Esther Neufeld of Inman, whom they adopted in early infancy and who remained with them for over five years, after which her own parents desired to receive their child again since the mother's health had been sufficiently restored.

He also leaves one brother, Henry J. Reimer and family of Canton; four sisters, Mrs. Agnes Frey and family, of Buhler; Anna, Mrs. P. P. Quiring and family of Canton; Katie, Mr. J. H. Franz and family of Orienta, Okla.; Marie, Mrs. P. J. Dyck and family of Buhler; his aged uncle Abraham H. Boese of Goessel; his mother-in-law, Mrs. John P. Jantzen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mrs. Bena Reimer, Perryton, Texas; Mrs. Arnold Goertzen and family, Newton; Mrs. David Unruh and family, Mrs. Paul Hiebert and family, Mrs. Jake Ratzlaff and family, Mr. and Mrs. George Janzen and family, all of Hillsboro; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Janzen and family, Newton; four step-brothers and two step-sisters and many other relatives and friends. (Two brothers and his parents preceded him in death.)

Mr. Reimer enjoyed good health throughout his life. Only in the last years did he suffer from high blood pressure. At the time of his death he was especially busy in remodelling his home. On the evening of March 15 he was suddenly stricken with a heart attack. The aid of the doctors was at once obtained and all possible medical attention was given at home and later in the Bethesda hospital, but he passed away at 6:10 a. m., March 16. His death was caused by cerebral hemorrhage.

He reached the age of 55 years, nine months and 25 days. His last words to his dear wife were, "I think I have a stroke," Even though conscious for some time yet he was not able to speak. "Blessed are the dead which die to the Lord for their works do follow after them.”

Funeral services were held on March 19, at 1:00 o'clock p. m. at the Bergen Funeral Home in charge of Rev. P. A. Wedel and Rev. C. C. Wedel and at 2:00 p. m., at the Alexanderwohl church in charge of Rev. P. A. Wedel who was assisted by Rev. D. C. Wedel and Rev. J. J. Voth, Rev. H. B. Schmidt spoke at the graveside service.

The Mennonite obituary: 1948 Mar 30 p. 11