Duerksen, Helena Friesen (1868-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Feb 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1868 Mar 9

text of obituary:

. . .

— Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, Feb. 14 at the Alexanderwohl church for Mrs. Henry J. Duerksen, 84, formerly of Hillsboro and for the past eight years a resident of the home for aged at Goessel. She died at the Home on Feb. 16. Children surviving are Mrs. Henry J. Warkentin and Henry D. of Newton, Gustav and Bernard of Goessel, Ferd of Hillsboro, Agnetha of Wichita, and Mrs. Herb. Voth of Ferndale, Wash.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Feb 21 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA DUERKSEN

Our mother, Helena Duerksen nee Friesen was born March 9, 1868, in the village Alexanderthal, South Russia. Here she also received her elementary education. In spring of 1879 she emigrated with her parents, Heinrich B. and Helena Friesen, to America and they made their home near Hillsboro, Kansas.

She was baptized upon her confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior by Rev. J. S. Hirschler and received into membership in the First Mennonite church of Hillsboro on Oct. 24, 1886. Later she transferred her membership to the Alexanderwohl church and retained it until her death.

On October 30, 1889, she was united in marriage to Heinrich J. Duerksen, with whom she was permitted, by the grace of God, to share life's joys and sorrows for 34 years. Their union was blessed with eleven children, two of them preceding her in death in infancy. Two daughters-in-law departed into the beyond earlier.

On Sept. 29, 1923, this union was severed when father passed away alter a lingering illness. Devotedly and patiently mother cared for him during these years of suffering. She also cared patiently for Grandfather Friesen during his last days.

Mother led a life of prayer and devotion. The power of her influence lay in her quiet and gentle nature. As a Christian, she had a deep concern for her family. She loved to sing; many happy hours were spent in family singing and the evening devotions were generally concluded with the singing of a hymn. Among her favorite songs were: “Ach Mein Herr Jesu” and “So Nimm denn Meine Hande.”

Her life’s interest went beyond the family, and her intercessory prayers included the church and missions as well. When the mission sewing society was organized she was deeply interested and served as president for a number of years.

After residing with her children for some time, she entered the Bethesda Home at Goessel in Sept. 1943, where she received all the necessary care, kindness and comfort.

Before her illness she often talked of “Going Home.” This longing was ended when she passed on to her eternal home on Feb. 11, 1952, at 6:00 p.m. She reached the age of 83 years, 11 months and two days.

She is now redeemed and we gladly grant her the glory of eternal joy and rest.

She leaves to mourn her passing: Lena, Mrs. Henry J. Warkentin and family of Newton, Edward and family of Avon, South Dakota, Gustav and children of Goessel, Bernhard and family of Goessel, Henry and family of Newton, Albert and family of Hillsboro, Agnetha of Wichita, Ferd and family of Hillsboro, Justina, Mrs. Herbert H. Voth and family of Ferndale, Washington.

She was grandmother to 27 grandchildren (four preceded her in death) and four great grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs. P. P. Schmidt of Newton and Mrs. D. D. Fast of Walton; four brothers, C. H. Friesen of Buhler, David H. Friesen and Jacob H. Friesen of Reedley, Calif., John H. Friesen of Aberdeen, Idaho; sister-in-law, Mrs. H. F. Friesen of Hutchinson, and a brother-in-law, D. B. Duerksen of Canton.

The funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 14, with a short service at the Bethesda Home in Goessel, conducted by Rev. Karl Friesen and assisted by a quartet. Services at the Alexanderwohl church were held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. P. A. Wedel officiating. The Men’s Gospel chorus sang three numbers, “Ach Mein Herr Jesu,” “I’m Going Home,” and “In my Father’s House are Many Mansions.” Rev. C. B. Friesen based his remarks on mother’s favorite Bible verse, II Cor. 5:17. Rev. P. A. Wedel spoke comforting words, using as his text, Job. 6:17. He also conducted the commitment services, assisted by Rev. J. R. Duerksen, and the men's chorus. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 29 Apr 1952 p. 288