Boldt, John G. (1890-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 May 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1890 Feb 15

text of obituary:

JOHN G. BOLDT

John G. Boldt, son of John J. and Susanna (Goertzen) Boldt, was born Feb. 15, 1890 at Windom, Jackson County, Minn. Here he spent his early childhood and youth on his parents farm near Mountain Lake, and here he also received his elementary education.

In 1912 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Rev. H. H. Regier and received into the membership of the Bethel Mennonite Church of Mt. Lake.

In 1916 he moved with his parents and the rest of the family to Tucson, Ariz. because of his parents' health. After a short stay in Arizona he came by himself to Reedley, Ariz. His brothers and the rest of the family followed him to Reedley a few years later. Here in Reedley he first hired out and worked for various ranchers, but later took up the occupation of painting. He continued in this occupation until his retirement.

In 1924 he transferred his church membership to the First Mennonite Church of Reedley, where he remained a faithful member until the time of his death.

In 1929 he went back to Mountain Lake where he was united in marriage on the 15th of May to Martha Hilda Martens to the same pastor, Rev. H. H. Regier, who had formerly baptized him. He brought his bride to California to make their home in Reedley. Mrs. Boldt also united with the First Mennonite Church of Reedley that same year. To this union three daughters were born, one of whom preceded him in death on Nov. 18, 1933.

Mr. Boldt had been in failing health for the past several years, but his optimistic outlook on life kept him always cheerful and pleasant. His faith remained ever strong and he maintained a continued love for his Lord and the church. His devotion to the church was exemplified by six consecutive years of perfect attendance in the Men's Sunday School Class. The regular attendance was maintained until he was hospitalized on Dec. 14, 1962. After this he never was enabled to return home. After two and one-half months of hospitalization in Fresno, he was transferred to Four Acres Sanitarium south of Fresno, where he passed away on Monday morning, April 1, 1963. He attained the age of 73 years, one and a half months.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; two daughters, Mrs. Josephine Ratzlaff and Mrs. Gladys Fujioka of Fresno; four brothers, Peter, Cornelius, David and Jacob of Reedly and six grandchildren.

Five sisters, one brother and his parents preceded him in death.