Flaming, Gerhard (1877-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Dec 17 p. 9

Birth date: 1877 Nov 22

text of obituary:

GERHARD FLAMING

Gerhard Flaming, son of Franz and Margaretha Wall Flaming, was born near Mt. Lake, Minn. on Nov. 22, 1877. There he received his formal education. In 1903 he accepted the Lord in faith, was baptized by Bishop Aaron Wall in August of the same year and received into the E. M. B. church, of which he remained a member until his death.

In 1901 he came to Canada and settled on a homestead northwest of Saskatoon, Sask. where he lived for 36 years. Here we found each other and were united in marriage on Dec. 22, 1908. The Lord granted us almost 45 years together.

For the last 16 years we lived in British Columbia. He was sick seven days, then the Lord took him home to Himself on Nov. 3, 1953, at the age of 76 years less 20 days.

Four children were entrusted to us: Mrs. Martha Priley of California, Bertha Dyck of Langley Prairie, Nettie Neufeld of Port Moody and Robert Cornie of California. During the latter years we had the joy of having Sandra in our home. She brightened many hours for the deceased.

Others who mourn his passing are his sister, Anna Penner, and two brothers, Peter and Frank, all in Saskatchewan, three sons-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many friends.

A life rich in work has been concluded. He loved work, but he also loved the fellowship of God’s children, and whenever circumstances permitted he was at worship service. As long as I have known him he was active in Sunday school work, many years as superintendent and some years as teacher, until we came to British Columbia. He loved good music and singing. When we were alone he played many tunes on the piano and his harmonica.

Now he rests from his labors and is in the presence of his Lord on whose grace he based his hopes. We grieve at his passing, but not without hope. We’ll meet again where there will be no more parting and no sorrow.

The family, relatives and friends filled the Abbotsford church for the first funeral service in the new building on Nov. 9, 1953. Mrs. Bertha Dyck sang “Farther Along We’ll Understand Why.” Rev. Jacob Thiessen gave the message in the German language based on I Thess. 4:13-18. Bill Wiebe sang “Will ich des Kreuzes Streiter Sein” and “I’m Going Home.” favorites of the departed. Message in the English language, “The Christian Hope,” from Luke 24:6 was given by Rev. C. A. Wall. Closing remarks and prayer were by G. Barkman. — Mrs. Gerhard Flaming and Family.