Baerg, H. G. (1879-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Apr 19 p. 5

Birth date: 1879 Nov 5

text of obituary:

Pioneer Settler at Frazer, Mont. Died

Frazer, Mont. — H. G. Baerg, a pioneer settler in this community passed away on April 7 at the Wolf Point hospital. His illness had been diagnosed as cancer. Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, April 13.

During the early years in this community, Bro. Baerg was instrumental in establishing a Sunday school which later became the Bethel (Lustre) Mennonite church.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, three sons and three daughters, eight grandchildren, three sisters and four brothers.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 May 3 p. 9

text of obituary:

H. G. BAERG

I was born into a very humble home in Cottonwood county Minn. on Nov. 5, 1879. My mother’s family name was Susanna Wiens and my father's name was Gerhard Baerg. They were both born in South Russia and came to America in 1875. Father died at the age of 72 while mother reached the ripe age of 96.

My education consisted of a few months in a private German school and approximately seven grades in the district school. I was not always an obedient child but still my godly mother managed to teach me a number of precious Bible verses which later showed me the way of salvation. May 9, 1902, I was baptized upon confession of my faith.

In the spring of 1905, I went to Saskatchewan where I settled down as a homesteader. February 23, 1908, I was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Janzen. In the fall of 1915 we moved to Montana where my beloved wife (Barbara) left me and went home to Glory on Feb. 3, 1920, leaving me with three sons, Clarence, three years old, Ruben, six, and Arthur eight. (Thus far Bro. Baerg had written himself.)

July 18, 1920, he found another helpmeet in Mrs. Elisabeth Rahn Friesen, who had two daughters, Anna three and one-half and Elizabeth one and one-half years old. To this union were born Susie and Lena. This union lasted thirty years, eight months and 21 days.

His everyday life proved that he had genuine faith in God. Whenever there was a need in the community he felt constrained by the love of Christ to help. While on his sickbed he read the words of a hymn he liked very much, Mennonite Hymnary No. 315.

He always took an active part in all church and community activities. For many years he was chairman of the board of trustees, S. S. superintendent, and choir director of the Bethel Lustre church of which he was a faithful member. He also played a vital part in the organization of what is now the Lustre Bible academy.

Five years ago when he consulted the doctor he was told that he had the dreaded disease cancer. Within these years he was a hospital patient three times, the last time for six and one-half weeks.

However dark the hours were at times, his faith in God was steadfast. The Word of God which he had studied well in his younger years was his constant source of comfort. Many times he sang hymns arid prayed. Relief came April 7, 1951, at 9:35 p. m. He reached the aged of 71 years, five months and two days.

Though we will miss his ever ready, loving advice and spiritual concern for us all, we rejoice that his suffering is over and he is with the Lord in Glory.

Besides his beloved wife, Mrs. Elisabeth Baerg, he leaves to mourn six children: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baerg, Tullahoma, Tenn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Baerg, of Lustre, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Baerg, Lustre, Mont.; Anna Baerg of Orabi, Ariz.; Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Kliewer, Frazer, Mont.; eight grandchilden [sic]; four brothers and three sisters, besides many other relaitves [sic] and friends. One daughter, Susie, preceded him in death.

The Mennonite obituary: 1951 May 15 p. 323