Wedel, Edward B. (1890-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Jul 17 p. 9

Birth date: 1890 Feb 20

text of obituary:

EDWARD B. WEDEL

Edward B. Wedel, son of Joseph J. and Anna (Schrag) Wedel, was born February 20, 1890, near Moundridge, Kansas, in McPherson county. He lived his childhood days and youth with his parents on a farm where he assisted with the many duties of farm life. Those were horse and buggy days and conditions were different from our present-day country life.

The parents believed in church and school and had him attend services regularly, and after catechetical instruction, he was baptized on January 1, 1907, by Elder C. J. Goering and was admitted to membership in the Hoffnunsgeld-Eden Mennonite church, now the Eden church. Later, in May 1923, his letter and the letter of his wife were transferred to the Bethel College church, since he was principal of Bethel Academy. Here he was a faithful member until his death. During the years he was a member at the Eden church, he was active in Sunday School work as teacher and superintendent. At Bethel he also taught a Sunday School class for a number of years. During his years of residence in Wichita he was regular in attendance at the services of the Lorraine Avenue Mennonite church. He was always an intelligent and appreciative worshipper.

During the winter months in his youth, he attended district school "Mound" near his home. After the winter school, he attended German Bible school in the same building. Since Edward was a good student, his parents sent him to Moundridge high school. Later he attended Bethel Academy and College, where he earned the A. B. degree in the year 1917. Later he studied at Chicago University, was awarded a Master's Degree in Education by the University of Kansas in 1928, and was awarded a Master's Degree in Mathematics by the University of Oklahoma in 1935.

The deceased is listed in "Who's Who in the Midwest" as an educator. This he truly was. Besides having taught for a number of years in Mound (his home country school), he taught in various high schools, Pretty Prairie Rural and Galva. He was principal of La Crosse high school, principal of Bethel Academy (and teacher at Bethel College) from 1922 to 1927. He was superintendent at Deercreek, Okla. and teacher at Holdenville (Oklahoma) high school and Junior college. Since 1941 he had been on the faculty of the University of Wichita, first as instructor in mathematics, then as assistant professor, and since 1950 as associate professor of mathematics. He has helped to mold the lives of many young people.

On September 2, 1917, he was united in marriage with Katherine Wedel, also from the Moundridge community, by Rev. J. C. Goering. Two children were born into this family, Elaine Luella (Mrs. Luella Goering), and Dr. Arnold Wedel, professor of mathematics at Bethel College. This was a happy home for many years.

Mr. Wedel was robust in health until a few years ago. Seldom had he missed a day's work until last school year. For some time he had been afflicted with a rare disease that gradually drained his strength and finally resulted in death. During the last few months he suffered greatly, having been subjected to a number of major operatoins. Yet, thoughout these dark days, he was cheerful and never complained.

The departed was a loving husband and father. His wife and children were very dear to him, and he constantly sought their welfare, regardless of efforts and cost. He was glad to support benevolent institutions and aid the needy. He had faith in our schools.

During the last week of his suffering, when he knew that his time of departure was near, he smilingly assured his family, "God's grace is sufficient for me," and "It is well with my soul." This is comfort to the bereaved.

The untiring help of nurses and doctors was greatly appreciated, and often he wished them God's blessing and thanked them with, "You have been so good to me." Doctors and nurses marvelled at the patience and courage of a man suffering as he did.

And so, quietly, he departed this life early July 3, 1952, having attained the age of 62 years, four months, and 12 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Katherine, who was at his bed-side through his suffering, a daughter, Elaine Luella (Mrs. Oswald Goering), one son, Arnold, a son-in-law, Oswald Goering, who is taking post graduate work at the University of Indiana, and a granddaughter, Kathryn Marie (13 months old), whom he loved dearly. He also leaves one brother, two sisters, nine brothers-in-law, eight sisters-in-law, and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, (the mother having died a little more than a year ago), three brothers, and three sisters.

Funeral services (arranged in no small part by Bro. Wedel himself) were held, Saturday, July 5, 2:30, at the Eden Mennonite church, near Moundridge. Rev. Peter Dyck, pastor of the church gave the invocation and conducted the committal service; Dr. J. H. Langenwalter, representing the Bethel College church, where Brother Wedel held his membership, offered the pastoral prayer. Dean L. Kekhuis, of Wichita University, spoke of some characteristics of Mr. Wedel. Rev. G. S. Stoneback, pastor of the Lorraine Mennonite church, conducted the service and spoke on "The Value of a Mature Faith." The service was brought to a triumphant close as Miss Vivian Graber, a neighbor of the Wedel family, sang Handel's great aria, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth." The Men's Chorus of the Eden church sang two selections at the church and two at the grave.

Honorary pall bearers were members of the Mathematics Department of Wichita University. Pallbearers were nephews of Mr. Wedel.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1952 Aug 5 p. 494

text of obituary:

EDWARD B. WEDEL, associate professor of mathematics, University of Wichita, was born Feb. 20, 1890, one-time teacher at Bethel College; died July 3, 1952.