Ensz, Dietrich G. (Mrs.) Bergen (1863-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Apr 7 p. 6

Birth date: 1863 Oct 4

text of obituary:

MRS. DIETRICH G. ENSZ

Mother and grandmother, Sister Dietrich G. Ensz, nee Bergen, was born October 4, 1863, in the village Fishau, Russia, where she received her education.

In 1876 she with her parents, Bernhard B. Bergens, immigrated to America. They settled on a farm northwest of Inman, Kansas, where she grew to womanhood. In her early years she was baptized and joined the Mennonite church.

In 1883 she united in marriage with Dietrich G. Ensz, who preceded her in death. They lived on the same section of land from the time of their arrival in America and endured the hardships of pioneer life. Both were convicted of their lost condition, became converted and upon the confession of their faith, were baptized and joined the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, to which they remained faithful unto the end.

In 1929 her husband was taken from her side through death, which caused her much sorrow and grief, as she was to face the problems of life alone. She often felt lonesome and forsaken, wishing others to remember her in prayer. She often wept for herself and her children. It her wish and prayer that some day she with all her children could be gathered into that heavenly home. She had a special concern for those who were yet unsaved. Her journey through this life was not without mistakes, which she often acknowledged and with tears.

On February 25, 1949, at 9:10 a. m. she quietly and peacefully fell asleep to be with the Lord. She reached the age of 85 years, four months and 21 days. She was the last of the Bergen family.

Our parents mutually shared joys and sorrows in matrimony for 45 years 11 months and seven days. This union was blessed with 12 children. Two sons, in infancy, one daughter, Mrs. C. P. Toews (Anna), 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild preceded her in death. She was a widow for almost 20 years.

Mother was a lover of singing. She helped sing almost to the end. A few days before her end she quoted Psalm 37:5, "Commit thy ways unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."

After the death of her husband, she lived with her daughter Tena for 10 years. After Tena’s marriage, her son John D. Ensz and wife lived with her for almost five years. Then her children, Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Toews (Marie) faithfully cared for her the last three years of her life. She was feeble in her last years, but was able with the help of others to be up and about. The last four weeks were spent in bed and she gradually grew weaker and longed to go home to be at rest, where no pain and sorrow would be. She left us a full assurance that she was ready to leave this world in peace.

She leaves to mourn her departure seven sons, Georg,e [sic George] Herman, Henry, Dietrich and John of Inman, Kansas, Ben of California, and Abe of Hillsboro, Kansas, two daughters, Marie (Mrs. I. K. Friesen) of Conway, Kansas; seven daughters-in-law; three sons-in-law ;47 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

On account of bad weather and roads, no house services were held but the funeral services were held at the Inman Mennonite church on March 1, 1949. Opening remarks and prayer were by Rev. Jake K. Friesen. Rev. Carl Dirks had for a text Phil. 1:21, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, Rev. 14:13. Closing remarks and prayer by Rev. John A. Ensz. The graveside services were conducted in the church with Rev. P. G. Hiebert in charge. Interment was made in the Zion cemetery.