Goertzen, Jacob H. (1869-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Dec 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Jan 9

text of obituary:

JACOB H. GOERTZEN

Jacob H. Goertzen, youngest son of Heinrich and Sara Voth Goertzen, was born Jan. 9, 1869, in Hierschau, South Russia. He emigrated with his parents to America in 1874, and they made their home in Marion County, Kansas, southeast of Goessel. He attended the public and private schools in the Gnadenfeld and Greenfeld villages.

He was baptized upon confession of faith in his Redeemer Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour May 21, 1888, by Rev. Jacob Buller, and became a member of the Alexanderwohl Church whose faithful member he remained until his death.

On April 7, 1891, he was united in marriage to Helena Schmidt with whom he shared life's joys and sorrows for over 65 years. The parents were able to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary in 1916 at their home on the farm, the golden wedding anniversary in 1941 at the Alexanderwohl Church, and the 60th anniversary at the home of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Goertzen of Route 2, Newton, on April 22, 1951.

The deceased father was always interested in the civic affairs of the community and served for about 18 years as a member of school boards. His life's occupation was farming.

He enjoyed good health until he met with a serious car accident on July 4, 1940, which left him a partial invalid. However, he faced the burdens and cares of life with faith and trust in God.

The parents lived in the Goessel community until 1929, when they moved to Hillsboro, Kan. After 13 years, they moved back to the town of Goessel which remained their home with the exception of a few months when they lived with their children. On April 3, 1950, they were accepted into the Bethesda Home for the Aged at Goessel. The mother was taken in death May 7, 1951.

The departed suffered a heart attack on Nov. 13 and was taken to the Bethesda Hospital. Because of a serious infection in his right limb, it was amputated above the knee. However, his condition remained precarious and in spite of the best care he passed to his reward at 3:30 on Nov. 3 [sic], 1956, reaching the age of 88 years, 10 months, and 14 days. He was the last of his family to pass on to his eternal home. We as a family grant him the eternal rest and peace of the everlasting life.

He leaves the following to mourn his passing: The children, Susie, Mrs. Dan Friesen of Newton, Route 2, Henry of Newton, Martha, Mrs. Jacob Schmidt, and Arnold of Route 2, Newton, Jacob S. of Peabody, Ferdinand of Hillsboro; 24 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren, and many close relatives and friends. The following preceded him in death: His wife Helena, two children, David and Agnetha (twins) who passed away April 24, 1904, Eva, Mrs. Arnold Goertzen, who passed away Dec. 4, 1955, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Hebrews 11:13, "These all died in faith . . . and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

Funeral services were held in the Bethesda Home and in the Alexanderwohl Church on Nov. 24 in charge of Rev. P. A. Wedel, assisted by Rev. H. B. Schmidt. Interment was made in the Alexanderwohl Church cemetery.