Goertzen, David D. (1885-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 May 15 p. 27

Birth date: 1885 Dec 26

text of obituary:

DAVID D. GOERTZEN

It p,leased the Lord to take David D. Goertzen of St. Catharines, Onto to his eternal home on February 15 aher r~aching the age of 84 years. He 'leaves to mourn, his wife, the former Katharina Dirks; five daughters, Mrs. John (Katie) Hiebert, St. Cat halrlines, Anne, Toronto, Mrs. Jake (Hizaberth) Schmor, St. Catha,rines, Mrs. Pete (Ma,rtha) Pete'rs, St. Catharines, and Mrs. Robert K. (SaraWalker, Cayuga; two sisters and a brOTher. David Goertzen was born on December 26, 1885 in Waldheim, Russia, the son of Rev. David and Anna (nee Hubert) 'Goertzen. He was converted ,in his 15th year and fol'lowing baptism was reoeived into theloca,1 Mennonite' Brethren church. He was married to Katha'flina Dirks on May 11, 1913 and together they farmed a't Waldheim until 1926 when the family came to Canada via Mexiooand settled near S'teinibadl, Manlitoba. In 1937 ,they moved to St. Catharines where he had worked as a too'l crib auendant at a 10ca,1 factor y unti'l his retirement. The Lord brought many blessings into the family's life. During Mr. Goertzen's lifetime he was active 'as a lay preacher, and served also 'in Sunday schoo'l, youth work and the sess'ion of the church. In 1963 they were able to celebrate the'ir go,lden wedding anniversary in goo d health together with chj,Jdren, friends and many relat'ives. It was a highlight for rthem. He loved to sing the hymn, "In the lovely garden of Eden./WhereGod's pa'ims are blooming./There ,is rest for the weary./Thereis rest for you ." He now enjoys that rest.