Kliewer, John W. (1869-1938)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 9 Feb 1938 p. 1

Birth date: 1869 Jun 8

text of obituary:

DR. J. W. KLIEWER ANSWERS CALL

Former Bethel College President Called Away By Death

An eventful life, one having had a large sphere of influence, came to a close at one o’clock this morning when Rev. J. W. Kliewer, D. D., retired president of Bethel College, passed away at the Bethel Home for Aged. Weakened by a recent attack of paralysis, Rev. Kliewer was entirely helpless during the past week and death came quietly after additional complications set in yesterday.

Rev. Kliewer had been a resident of the Bethel Home for Aged for the past months, where he enjoyed the companionship of many friends in his declining days. He reached the age of nearly 69 years.

Born in Michalin, Russia, on June 8, 1869, he came to America in his youth with his parents, John P. and Aganetha Kliewer. In 1902 he married Miss Emma Ruth of Halstead, Kans., who preceded him in death several years ago.

His life activity of chief importance was perhaps his work in connection with Bethel College, which institution he served as president from 1911-1920 and again from 1925-32. For nearly 20 years he was president of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Mennonite General Conference. Pastorates held were those of the Mennonite church at Wadsworth, Ohio, Berne, Ind., and Bethel College congregation of Newton. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was awarded him by Garrett Biblical Institute in 1923.

Rev. Kliewer is survived by three children, all of whom were present at his bedside during his last illness. The funeral services will be held at the Bethel Home for aged and Bethel College church on Friday afternoon. Interment will be made in Greenwood cemetery.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 23 Feb 1938 p. 3

Dr. John W. Kliewer

John W. Kliewer, son of John P. and Aganetha Foth Kliewer was born in German Mennonite community, Michalin, in the Kiev region of Russian Poland, June 8, 1869. In the year 1874 his parents with their entire family, joined other Mennonite families and migrated from Poland to Kansas, locating about 10 miles east of Newton. Here amid pioneer conditions and struggles, young John grew up and attended rural public schools and the Newton city schools.

As a young man he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and united with the Mennonite church, in which he was active for about 50 years. For several years he attended the Mennonite Seminary in Halstead, graduating in 1890. during the nineties he was active either as student or as teacher. He taught in Harvey county rural schools, in the Halstead city schools and for one year in Bethel Academy. During this decade he studied at the newly founded Bethel College, and later at Garrett Institute in Evanston, Illinois, where he graduated in 1901.

During the first decade of the new century he was active as a minister of the gospel. For two years he was pastor in Wadsworth, Ohio and for eight years in Berne, Indiana. During this time he established his own home, being united in marriage with Emma ruth of Halstead, in 1902. While attending the Mennonite general conference in 1908, he was elected as a member of the Foreign Mission board and continued a member for 27 years, and during most of this time served as president of this board.

In 1911 Rev. Kliewer became president of Bethel college and a year later also pastor of the Bethel College church. He served in this double capacity until 1920, when he resigned as President of the college and was granted a leave of absence by the church. For a year he traveled, visiting Mennonite missions in China and India, and Mennonite churches in Europe. Upon his return from this world tour, he resumed his work as pastor of the Bethel college church, but not for long. In 1925 the board of directors asked him to again become president of Bethel college. He accepted this call reluctantly, because he preferred preaching to college administrative work, and because he believed that the college board should seek a younger man. Nevertheless, he faithfully directed the college administration for seven trying years, from 1925 to 1932, when he resigned as president. He was at once chosen pastor by the college church, and for a few months preached with joy and rare power until October 1932 when he suffered a stroke. He recovered sufficiently to again take up his preaching duties, but never regained his former vigorous health. Early in 1935 his beloved wife passed away after a brief illness, and a few months later he gave up his pastoral duties. During the last few years he lived in retirement, writing his Memoirs. After this was completed he felt that his work was done and he expectantly looked forward to the time when he would be called home. This call came Feb. 9, 1938, at which time he had reached the age of 68 years, 8 mo. and 1 day.

He is survived by his children, Ruth and husband, Dr. H. S. Liebenberg of Wilmington, California. Karl and his wife of Hutchinson, and Paul and his wife of Wichita. One brother and three sisters also survive; they are Rev. H. J. Kliewer of Newton, Mrs. Mary Schmidt of Newton, Mrs. Agnes Ewert of Drake, Sask., and Mrs. J. H. Harms of Cordell, Oklahoma. Besides these are many friends, colleagues, ex-students and others who feel that his passing is their loss. His unselfish devotion to the cause of Christ and the church, has been a source of inspiration to many, who today thank god for the life which has just come to a close.

Brief funeral services were held at the chapel of the Bethel Home for the Aged at 1:30 o’clock Friday afternoon, February 11, conducted by the Rev. P. H. Richert, followed by the regular services at the Bethel college chapel at 3:20 p.m., conducted by the Rev. J. N. Smucker, Dr. E. G. Kaufman, Rev. J. F. Moyer and Rev. C. F. Hartmann. The Bethel Sisters’ quartette sang at the Home and the Bethel A Cappella choir under the direction of Professor W. H. Hohmann sang at the college chapel service.

Pall bearers were: J. I. Napier, J. H. Doell, J. E. Regier, J. R. Fugate, C. W. Claassen and J. B. Heffelfinger.

Entombment was made in the Greenwood Abbey by Henry J. Sprinker of the Sprinker Mortuary.

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1 Mar 1938 p. 15