Doell, Gerhard W. (George) (1874-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 6 p. 3

Birth date: 1874 Dec 27

text of obituary:

FRACTURED HIP PROVES FATAL TO PIONEER SETTLER AT HENDERSON

Henderson, Neb. — Funeral services for George W. Doell, 83, pioneer resident here, were conducted Jan. 28 at the Bethesda Mennonite Church. He died Jan. 26 at the Community hospital due to complications resulting from a fractured hip suffered in a fall about a week earlier.

Mr. Doell was born in South Russia and came here with the Mennonite immigrant group in 1874 as a six-month-old infant. A retired farmer, he was active in the church and community and had served as a York County supervisor.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 6 p. 6

text of obituary:

. . .

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Epp and Donna and Mr. and Mrs. Dorel Neufeld attended funeral services for Mrs. Epp's father, George W. Doell, held at the Bethesda church in Henderson, Neb. on Jan. 28. Mr. Doell died Jan. 26 at the age of 83. He is survived by two sons, four daughters, 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Feb 20 p. 8

text of obituary:

GERHARD W. DOELL

Our father, Gerhard W. Doell, son of Johann Doell and Agnes Braun, was born Dec. 27, 1874, in South Russia. With his parents he migrated to Canada when he was six months old. A year later the family moved to Nebraska. Father's boyhood days were spent on a farm on Beaver Creek, north of Henderson.

He was baptized upon his confession of faith on May 25, 1897, and remained a faithful member on the Bethesda Mennonite church until his death.

Father was united in marriage to Sarah Epp on Nov. 29, 1898. This union ended when mother passed away May 9, 1956. The home was blessed with eight children: Gerhard, who died in infancy; Agnes, Mrs. Isaac K. Friesen; Anna, Mrs. John M. Goossen of Palm Desert, Calif.; Clara, Mrs. Albert E. Epp, North Newton, Kansas; John; Alma, Mrs. Edward M. Epp; George, who passed away at the age of 19 years; and Alvin of Denver, Colo.

Father was failing in health during the past two years and during this time he lived in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Isaac K. Friesen. The last week was spent in the Henderson Community Hospital where entered his final rest on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 26, 1958. He reached the age of 83 years and 30 days.

As a boy, father received little education in public school, but a lot in active life with his father on the farm and in their dugout blacksmith shop. He was a good provider, always seeing to the necessities of his family and also a few of the luxuries as a token of his love. He took great pride in his home, and his fondness for nature was displayed in his garden and the trees he planted and nursed. He was active in civic, church and political affairs, having served numerous years on school, church and county boards. He enjoyed seeing progress in his community and pointed to it with pride.

His faith in God was deep, and in his last weeks often yearned to go Home. He has assured us of the truth of Jesus' words, “in my father's house are many mansions, I go and prepare a place for you.” He left a simple note which read, “there is a place for me in Heaven.”

He leaves to mourn his departure his six children; two daughters-in-law and four sons-in-law; 17 grandchildren (two preceded him in death); one sister, Mrs. H. A. Peters (Anna, Katherine and Elizabeth preceded him); three sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.