Graber, Freni Schrag (1870-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Dec 11 p. 6

Birth date: 1870 Dec 23

text of obituary:

ONE OF FEW REMAINING PIONEERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA SETTLEMENT DIES

Freeman, S. D. — Funeral services for Mrs. Peter J. P. Graber, one of the few remaining Mennonite pioneers who came here from Russia in 1874, were held at the Salem Mennonite Church on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Mrs. Graber, who was 87, died Nov. 28 at the home of a son, John Graber. She was a charter member of the Salem congregation.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Dec 18 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. PETER J. P. GRABER

Freni Schrag Graber, daughter of Joseph and Katherine Miller Schrag, was born in Waldheim, Russia, on Dec. 23, 1870. At the age of three she came to America with her parents during the 1874migration. Their first home was a dugout with a small shanty over it on a farm in Turner County, S. D.

Mother was baptized in her youth and became a member of the Salem-Zion church. Later she and father transferred their membership and became charter members of the Salem church.

On Dec. 9, 1891, she was united in marriage with Peter J. P. Graber. They shared life together for almost 64 years, 63 of which were spent on the farm they established. To this union were born nine children, two of whom preceded her in death, Anna in infancy and Henry at the age of 44. Father passed away on Oct. 25, 1955.

Except for smallpox in childhood, mother was in good health all her life. Four years ago her mental capacity gradually began to fail and she could no longer do the work in the home. The parents spent the rest of their earthly life at the homes of their children. After a few days of illness, mother went quietly to sleep on Friday morning, Nov. 28, 1958, at the age of 88 years less 25 days.

Uppermost in the memory of the family will be mother's life of prayer. Much time was spent in Bible reading and many a fervent prayer was directed to the Throne of Grace in behalf of loved ones. The home was always open to those in need, and her kindness and hospitality will long be remembered. In her quiet and unassuming way she was a witness for her Lord.

Her passing is mourned by two daughters, Ella (Mrs. Herman Leder) [check this against paper copy] and Tillie (Mrs. Ed G. Tschetter); five sons, Jonathan, Edwin, John, Paul, and Felix; two sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 30, 1958, at the Salem Mennonite church, Freeman, S. D. Rev. J. Herbert Fretz, the pastor, officiated. — The Family.