Berg, Cornelius J. (1914-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Jul 22 p. 5

Birth date: 1914 Aug 21

text of obituary:

Local News

. . .

— Cornelius J. Berg of Buhler passed away at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital at 2:45 P. M., Sunday, July 18, after suffering for many months from dropsy and other complications. He was, however, a patient here only about two weeks. Mr. Berg was employed at the Herald Publishing Co. as Intertype operator in 1942, but had to discontinue his work here because of ill health. His condition gradually became worse in spite of all that the best medical aid could do. Funeral services will be held at the Buhler Mennonite Brethren church at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon, July 22. He is survived by his wife and small daughter; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Berg of Hillsboro, several brothers and sisters, and a wide circle of other relatives and friends who are deeply grieved over his so untimely death. He would have been 30 years of age on August 21. The Review extends sincere sympathies to the bereaved family.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Aug 12 p. 3

text of obituary:

Cornelius J. Berg, our beloved husband and father, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Berg was born August 21, 1914, near Enid, Oklahoma, and departed his life at 2:45 p. m., July 18, 1943, at the Bethel Hospital, Newton, Kansas, at the age of28 years to months and 27 days.

At the age of 8 years, his parents moved to Hillsboro, Kansas, where he finished his elementary education, attended high school, and later attended Tabor college. After he started to work for himself, he was employed at Enid, Oklahoma, and was also for some time, a gospel singer for Radio Station K.C.R.C., Enid, Oklahoma. By profession, he was a printer and painter, and also did some fretwork. His most noted work in this field was the carving of the Twenty-third Psalm and the Lord's Prayer.

Realizing that without Christ, he was eternally lost, he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, and was baptized upon the confession of his faith and received into the fellowship of the Mennonite Brethren Church, May 24, 1931, remaining a true and faithful member to the end of his earthly life.

He was united in holy matrimony August 30, 1936, with me Kathryn Hiebert, and we were blessed with one dear daughter. We shared our joys and sorrows, helping each other wherever needed. With God's help, we have been able to bear each other's burdens and hardships.

When he was only 18 years old, a sickness developed, which never left him, and consequently, he has been ill frequently and often unable to work. Beyond his ability, he was willing to labour and support his family. During the last years., his sickness was more severe and his suffering, more intense.

In his severe suffering, he battled through many an hour of the night, of which he didn't say anything until the morning, because he said: "You cannot afford to lose your rest during the night and work in the daytime." During the last year his breathing was very heavy, especially during the night. On December 27, 1942, he was taken to the Bethesda Hospital at Goessel for medical aid and care. In January, 1943, he was again able to come to his home in Buhler, which gave us much joy. Even though he was very weak, he tried to work again, but wasn't able to stand the strain. His health was failing rapidly.

Physicians' aid was sought at a number of places but none could give him a word of encouragement. He knew that his days were numbered and set his house in order, making all spiritual and physical preparations and has left us a clear testimony that he was ready to go.

On July 5 he was taken to the Bethel Hospital to consult the doctor, and was advised to stay there for aid and care. His contion became worse. He suffered very severely the last days. His sickness that caused his death was nephrosis. During his last conscious moments he lifted up his hands and said: "Please, Lord, please." His favorite song was "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." We mourn but with the blessed assurance of seeing him again in glory.

He leaves to mourn, his wife and daughter, Loretta, his parents, two brothers, one grandmother of 93 years, his parents-in-law, six brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, seven uncles, one aunt, and many relatives and friends.