Goertz, Anna Schmidt (1864-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Jan 8 p. 5

Birth date: 1864 Dec 1

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held at the Alexanderwohl church on Friday afternoon, Jan. 2, for Mrs. Jacob Goertz, 83, a long-time resident of the Canton community who passed away on Dec. 28. The surviving children are Mrs. Pete Bergen of Goessel, Mrs. Jake Boese of Canton, Mrs. Valentine Funk of Lehigh, and Marie and Henry Goertz of the home. A brother, H. A. Schmidt of Hillsboro, also survives.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Jan 22 p. 3

text of obituary:

MRS. ANNA GOERTZ

Mrs. Anna Goertz was born Dec. 1, 1864, in the village of Alexanderwohl, South Russia. At the age of ten years she came to America with her parents in the great immigration of Mennonites in 1874. They settled in Marion county, Kansas.

Similar to most children of her day, her educational opportunities were limited. She was the oldest in the family and helped her parents in all the duties of the field and home in the early pioneer days.

In 1884 she was baptized by Elder Jacob Buller upon confession of her faith in her Redeemer and became a member of the Alexanderwohl church, whose faithful member she remained until the end.

On August 26, 1888, she was united in holy wedlock to Jacob Goertz, with whom she shared life's joys and sorrows for over 52 years. Upon her marriage she undertook the tasks of motherly care for a two year old daughter, Elizabeth. Shortly before her passing she said that she could never have loved her own child any better. To this union were born five children, three daughters and two sons. One son passed away in early infancy. In 1938 the parents were permitted to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

On June 26, 1940 the father was taken in death after a number of years of total blindness. Again, the departed submitted to an operation in 1939, after which she regained health to some extent. Also in her life tests and trials came, and she had to sacrifice many things because of health. Mother worked hard from early childhood to her old age, as she desired.

In her lonely hours she would often repeat the verses of Christian hymns, whereby she would be comforted in soul and spirit. These memory verses often expressed the longing of the blessed Home above.

About eight weeks ago she suffered a heart attack from which she rallied partly; however, through a cold her heart was again weakened and she was taken to the Bethesda hospital. After about nine days she was able to return home again. The careful attention and service of the doctors and nurses made it possible for her return home, which she so greatly desired. However she became weaker daily and on Sunday, Dec. 28, 1947, at 7:00 pm. she passed to her eternal reward. She reached the age of 83 years and 27 days.

She was a dear Christian mother with a great faith in God. She left a heritage to her family far more precious than silver or gold, namely the influence of true Christian faith. Even to the last hour she was conscious. She has now gone home to be with the Lord,

Those who mourn her sudden passing are: Henry and Marie of the home; Elizabeth, Mrs. P. H. Bergen and family of Goessel, Kans,; Anna, Mrs. Jacob Boese and family of Canton, Kansas; Margaret, Mrs. Valentine R. Funk and family of Lehigh, Kans.; 16 grandchildren of whom two preceded her in death, and 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers and their families, John A. Schmidt of Fresno, California, Henry A. Schmidt of Hillsboro, Kans.; one brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and many relatives and friends.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints” Ps. 116:15.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 2 at 1:00 o'clock p. m. at the Bergen Funeral Home and at 2:00 o'clock from the Alexanderwohl church in charge of Rev. P. A. Wedel, assisted by Rev. C. C. Wedel. Rev. C. C. Wedel spoke in German, text Isaiah 46:4. "Why A Christian's Death Is Gain,” text Revelation 14:13, Philippians 1:21 by Rev. P. A. Wedel.