Boese, Benjamin J. (1873-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Oct 23 p. 9

Birth date: 1873 Mar 1

text of obituary:

BENJAMIN J. BOESE

Benjamin J. Boese was born March 1, 1873, in Warsaw, Poland, and departed this life on Friday, Oct. 10, 1952, in a state hospital at the age of 79 years, seven months and nine days.

In 1874 he came to the United States with his parents, when only a year old, and they settled on a farm in Bonhomme [sic Bon Homme] county, South Dakota. He lived there for 27 years.

In 1895 he realized his need of a Saviour and therefore accepted Jesus as his Saviour, was baptized upon his confession of faith by Elder Benjamin B. Schmidt and became a member of the Mennonite church at Avon, S. D. In this same year he was united in marriage to Susie Schartner. To this union were born five children, three daughters and two sons. The oldest daughter preceded him in death.

In January 1902 they moved to Oklahoma, living and farming in the Goltry and Meno communities. They transferred their membership to the Zoar Mennonite church and were active in church work.

On March 31, 1939, his wife preceded him in death, leaving a vacancy which was never filled. From then on he made his home with his children.

He is survived by two sons, William of Carrier, Okla., and Joe of Enid, Okla., two daughters, Alvina, Mrs. T. J. Hoffman, and Esther, Mrs. David Buller, both of Enid; one brother, Fred J. Boese of Enid; one sister, Elizabeth Buller of Pueblo, Colo.; 19 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.

A little over a year ago his health began to fail, and he had to have special care. It was his desire to depart from this life and go Home. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, but we are sure that father was a child of God and that we shall meet in that great day.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Oct. 12, at the New Hopedale church, Meno, Okla., Rev. Albert Unruh and Rev. Arnold Epp in charge.