Andres, Minnie S. Suderman (1893-1976)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 21 Oct 1976 p. 8

Birth date: 1893

text of obituary

• Mrs. Minnie S. Andres, 82, of Newton died Oct. 14 at Bethel Deaconess Hospital after a long illness. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the First Mennonite Church, with Dr. Albert Epp in charge. Mrs. Andres, the former Minnie Suderman, was a native of Harvey County. She and her husband, Peter C. Andres, farmed near Newton for many years. He died in 1958. Surviving are a son, Harold, of Route 3, Newton; two sisters, Mary Busenitz and Anna Suderman, both of Newton; one brother, Herman H. Suderman of Newton; and eight grandchildren.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 9 Dec 1976 p. 11

Birth date: 1893 Dec 6

MRS. P. C. ANDRES

Minnie (Suderman) Andres was born on Dec. 6, 1893 to Jacob and Maria (Claassen) Suderman in the little settlement east of Newton called Goldschaar. She was one of six children left motherless at the age of eight. One year later her father married Anna Regier and two more children were added to the family. Her father died when she was 15 which left Great-grandmother Suderman to raise eight children. Throughout her life we could see the thread of dependence on God, thriftiness, and dedication to her work and family that was woven from the influence of Great-grandmother Suderman.

She attended grammar school at Kellas, attended Bethel Academy, and during summers was enrolled at the community German Bible school.

She was baptized June 4, 1911 by Elder Jacob Toews and became a member of the First Mennonite Church of Newton. She lived out her commitment to Jesus Christ and accepted responsibilities such as secretary of the Mothers' Sunday School Class, a member of the Ladies' Relief Committee, and member of sewing circles. She learned to know many church people when they picked up Christmas Bundles at her home.

She became engaged to Peter C. Andres, a schoolmate and neighbor, but due to World War I and his draft status, wedding plans were delayed. On the day the Armistice was signed, definite wedding plans were made and a basement was started on 160 acres that he owned. They were married April 10, 1919 at the Suderman home. On the flat farm, trees were planted by lantern light and buildings were erected. This is now the home of Harold Andres and family.

Three children, Walter, Ruth, and Harold, were born to them.

After giving over the farm to their sons they moved into town. Here she continued her rose garden and yard work. However, she kept up with what was going on at the farm, and she would often bring lunch out to the harvest field. Even this past summer she came out with fresh baked coffee cake.

Their only daughter, Ruth, died in 1944. They enjoyed eight years of retirement in town, when Grandpa passed away in 1958. In 1963, a house across the street from the church became her home.

She enjoyed a wide range of friends, partly due to her open home where all felt free to bring their friends. Her guest book tells the story of the many meals she shared with friends and reminders of the fellowship shared in her home, including the many suppers she hosted for her nieces and nephews. Grandma was also faithful about visiting shut-in friends.

In 1968 her oldest son, Walter, died and left another empty spot in her family. Grandma prayed daily for the spiritual life of her children and grandchildren. Her simple and unselfish lifestyle was consistent with her Christian beliefs.

Grandma enjoyed good health until April 1975. During her last weeks her family spent much time caring for her and sharing with her. She especially enjoyed Aunt Anna's evenings with her when they sang hymns together. She went on to her heavenly home on Oct. 14, 1976.

Those who live to cherish her memory are Elda and children Kathleen, Mary Ann, Elaine, and Richard; Harold and Eva Mae and their children Cindy, Marsha, Christine, and Mark. She is also survived by brothers and sisters: Anna Suderman, Mary Busenitz, Mathilda Suderman, Herman and Elda Suderman, Walter and Martha Dyck, Herman and Joanna Andres, and many other friends and children who called her "Grandma."— The Grandchildren.