Kaethler, Grete Siemens (1921-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Oct 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1921 Sep 26

text of obituary:

MRS. PETER KAETHLER

As we look back upon her life, terminated so early, we are tempted to say she left us too soon. She was still so young, not yet quite 40, and we thought we must keep her in our midst. We thought we all needed her; her husband and her six children, her mother, mother-in-law, brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends. But the Lord had other plans for her, and He took the weary child home.

Though her lifetime was short, it was a busy, rich life, and we thank God who gave her to us. We well know that not the duration but the content of our life is really important, and our sister put into her almost four decades much love, much labor and joy. Knowing that our Father makes no mistakes we thank Him, though with tear-stained eyes.

Grete Kaethler was born in Siberia, Russia on Sept. 26, 1921, the first child of the Nikolai Siemens family. It was at the time of the typhoid epidemic, and her father was sick with it. While still in bed after the delivery, her mother, Grete Janzen also contracted typhoid and passed away when Grete was only 14 days old. She was cared for by her aunts for 10 months until she received a new mother when her father married Anna Wosnak. Our sister never wanted to admit that she did not have a "right" mother. In our family we did not use the word half-sister. As the oldest of a family of 10 children she had to work hard; she was a big help to her parents.

In June 1941 she was married to Peter Kaethler. The duration of their married life was to be only 20 years and three months, but these two decades were packed with joy, happiness, love, as well as much work. The Lord gave Peter Kaethlers four daughters and two sons, of which the oldest girl is 19 and the youngest boy eight.

Six years ago Grete Kaethler underwent surgery for cancer. After recuperation and receiving x-ray treatment she regained her strength and continued to be a hard worker as she always was. Not only did she find work in her home which was constantly a busy place and an open house for many visitors, but in the sewing circle, in her church and as wife of a deacon she had much opportunity to lend a helping hand and to share the sorrow of others.

Seven months ago our sister underwent a second operation for cancer. This time she did not recuperate as well and did not regain her strength. With aching heart we saw how her strength diminished, and she was so very weary. Repeatedly she stated that she would gladly leave this world with its sorrow, sin and temptation; however, for her family's sake she would have been glad to remain with them here. Ten days before her death she was able to take communion at her bedside together with her husband, mother, mother-in-law and some friends. During the last weeks her pain and discomfort increased; however, we never heard her complain or be impatient. She appreciated the many greetings, visits and signs of sympathy and love that many thankful friends and relatives brought to her.

Since about the first of August she had been bedfast. She received loving care in her home by her family and relatives until the day before her passing, when she was taken to the hospital.

Our sister went to be with her Redeemer on Sept.12 at 10 minutes after 3 p.m. Her eldest son who is studying in Asuncion was able to fly in with the freight plane the next day to attend his mother's funeral. This took place at the First Mennonite Church in Filadelfia with many people from Fernheim and some from Menno and Neuland colonies attending. Her body was laid to rest in the cemetery of Filadelfia.

We will miss our sister keenly; but we rejoice with her that she reached our heavenly Home. — Wilhelm and Frieda Kaethler.

The Mennonite obituary: 1961 Nov 14 p. 734