Eitzen, Abraham P. (1879-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jun 11 p. 8

Birth date: 1879 Oct 31

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM P. EITZEN

Abraham P. Eitzen, son of Peter and Katharina Nickel Eitzen was born on Oct. 31, 1879, at Mt. Lake, Minn. where he spent the first 23 years of his life.

In May of 1902 he was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour by Elder Heinrich Quiring at Mt. Lake, Minn. In 1903 he came to North Dakota where he did carpentry work until 1907.

On July 13, 1905, he was united in marriage to Katharina Thiessen. They lived in Munich, N.D. until December of that year when their plans were suddenly changed due to the death of Mrs. C. P. Eitzen. They assisted Mr. Eitzen in his work on the farm. In 1907 they moved to the present farm in Sievert Township. Here they were permitted to share joy and sorrow for 52 years, three months and 22 days. On July 13, 1955, the Lord permitted them to observe their fiftieth wedding anniversary. This union was blessed with two children.

Throughout the years father endured many trials through illness. His hearing was impaired due to the after effects of a bad case of influenza in 1918. For a number of years his health had been fialing and in 1942 he went to Rochester, Minn. where he received help. After this he enjoyed good health until 1952 when he developed a heart condition. However, he remained active until March of this year, when his condition became serious. On May 11 he suffered a severe stroke from which he never recovered. On the following day he was moved to the Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake. During these days, his earnest desire and prayer was for his Saviour to take him to His heavenly home. This prayer was answered on May 18 at 4:30 p.m. He reached the age of 79 years, six months, and 18 days.

Father was an active member of the Salem Mennonte church throughout all the years he lived here. In spite of being unable to hear he attended services regularly as long as his health permitted. He received a blessing from being in God's house in the presence of other Christians. He spent much time reading and studying his Bible.

He leaves to mourn his departure: one daughter, Marie; one son, Alfred; one daughter-in-law, Erna; two granddaughters; three brothers, Cornelius P. of Shafter, Calif., Henry P. of Bakersfield, Calif., Jacob F. of Mt. Lake, Minn; four sisters, Anna (Mrs. D. D. Schultz), Elizabeth (Mrs. D. H. Fast), Margaret (Mrs. H. D. Esau), all of Mt. Lake, Minn., and Marie of Sioux City, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife only one and a half years ago. Six brothers, two sisters, four sisters-in-law and one brother-in law also preceded him.

We mourn not as those who have no hope, for he has gone on to be with his Lord. His favorite Bible verse was Isa. 40:31.

Funeral services were held May 22, 1959, at 1 p.m. at the farm home and at 2 p.m. at the Salem Mennonite Church, with Rev. John J. Hofer officiating. Burial was made in the South Salem Cemetery.