Richert, Cornelius P. (1859-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 25 Aug 1949 p. 3

Birth date: 1859

text of obituary:

25 Aug 1949 p. 3

C. P. RICHERT

Cornelius P. Richert was born May 26, 1859, of German Dutch parents, in the colony of Kleefeldt, South Russia. In 1874 he left the country of his birth with his parents and settled in the Alexanderwohl community in Kansas.

Mr. Richert was first married in 1887 to Suzanna Voth, to which union three children were born. They were: Louise, now Mrs. George Thiessen, Corn, Okla., Emma of Bethany, and C. W. Richert, Oklahoma City. Their mother died in 1894.

In 1896 Mr. Richert was united in marriage with Maria M. Reimer. This union was blessed with five sons, four of whom survive. They are B. E. Richert, Beaumont, Texas, Dr. H. H. Richert, Oklahoma City, A. J. Richert, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and P. W. Richert, LaVeta, Colo. This second marriage was dissolved by the passing away of Maria in 1930.

Several grandchildren survive to treasure the memory of this great man of faith. They are: Cora Maria and Bernard Richert, Beaumont, Texas; Maralyn Ruth and Anna Maria Richert, LaVeta, Colo. One grandson preceded him in death: George Louis Thiessen, Corn. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. B. B. Reimer, Reedley, Calif. and Mrs. Martin Thimm, Newton, Kans. In addition to the above Mr. Richert’s passing is mourned by a host of relatives and friends.

After getting his education at Emporia State college (he belonged to the first graduating class, although because of illness he lacked a few months of getting his life certificate), he taught in the Alexanderwohl community for a number of years, later transferring to Elbing, Kans. Here he labored another five years in his profession, after which he turned to business at that place.

In 1903 he acquired a farm at Gotebo, Okla. to which place he moved his family a number of years later. This chapter of his life ended soon after his wife’s passing. Mr. Richert retired to Bethany in 1933 where he has made his home since that time. Here he united with the Church of the Nazarene where he has attended regularly.

The Lord called him at various times to minister to the spiritual needs of various small groups who were without shepherds. He had the gift to adapt himself to the special needs of such groups and he was very happy in this service. He was always ready to witness for his Lord in his everyday pursuits.

He became ill with a heart attack August 10, 1949. Although he had considerable distress the last few days, he passed away quietly and peacefully, reaching the age of 90 years, two months and 11 days. He continued in possession of his mental faculties to the last and comforted us until a few minutes before the end.

Our hearts are saddened by the physical separation, but his influence and benediction will ever be with us.

Funeral services were conducted at the Bethany church of the Nazarene on Monday, August 8, with Prof. Fred Floyd conducting the services. Rev. Jack Lee read the obituary. Interment was made at the Memorial park.