Frey, Peter (1874-1933)

Latest revision as of 10:24, 23 July 2015

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1933 Jul 25 p. 13

Birth date: 1874 Feb 20

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1933 Jul 12 p. 4

text of obituary:

— The sad report was received here at noon today that Peter Frey of Goessel passed away in the Bethesda hospital at about 12 o'clock. Mr. Frey had been in the hospital since last week, receiving treatment for lock-jaw, caused by an infected wound. Mr. Frey had the misfortune to fall on a pitch-fork handle, and although the wound was almost healed the disease set in which finally brought about his death. The deceased was a member of the Tabor church, where funeral services will evidently be held. Nine children survive, among whom is Mrs. Dave Buller of newton.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1933 Jul 19 p. 3

text of obituary:

. . .

— The funeral service for Peter Frey which was held at the Tabor church north of Newton last Sunday afternoon, was perhaps one of the largest ever held at that church. Such a large number of his friends and neighbors had come to attended the service that it became necessary to provide seating room in the church basement. Rev. P. H. Hiebert officiated, preaching a German and an English sermon. Other ministers who participated in the service were Rev. G. C. Wedel, Rev. C. Frey, Rev. Gerh. Friesen, Rev. P. H. Unruh and Rev. J. J. Voth. An unusual feature of the service was a song given by seven men who, together with Mr. Frey, had formerly comprised an octet which served the congregation with special music on several occasions. Mr. Frey passed away at the Bethesda hospital at Goessel last Wednesday as the result of blood-[poisoning from an injury he received sometime before.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1933 Jul 26 p. 3

Peter Frey, our husband and father, was born in Alexaderwohl, South Russia, on February 20, 1874. His parents, Jacob Frey, brought him to this country at the age of six months. They settled in Marion county, Kansas.

He accepted the Lord Jesus, and was baptized by Elder Jacob Buller on June, 1892, and was admitted into the Alexanderwohl church. Later when Tabor church was organized, he became a member of the same and has served faithfully in many capacities.

On April 24, 1902, he united in marriage with me, Aganetha Reimer. Many happy, but also dark hours have been our lot. In dark days he would say: "Only through tribulations, life eternal is found, and at the eve of night, light will come." Repeatedly, he would remark, at the age of 50, "My years will be counted, for my days will not be many."

In 1906 he was called to Arizona, to help build the Mission station. It happened at that time that a cyclone destroyed our home completely. When he was notified, these news forced him to go alone with God, and in a cave he received assurance that "I will not leave nor forsake thee." This has been our experience since. In such hours of trial, he would open his Bible and immediately peace and comfort were restored. He loved his Bible very much and we have found many notes he wrote and left in his Bible that throw light on his ideal life. He loved the school and has sacrificed a lot to meet the necessary demands.

He has been S. S. teacher nearly 40 years and has served as S. S. superintendent. He loved and cherished this work very much and was happy in preparing for the same. To me he would often say "You have a very important and responsible position to teach the little ones." When his two brothers, Cornelius in Arizona, and Jacob in Oregon, passed away, he was very much moved toward a higher life.

Of his recent accident he said to me: "Mama, who knows, whether this is not to be my last." Then I answered, "Yes, death seeks reason." He replied, "Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord has not done it!" Entering the sickroom unexpectedly, we would often find him with tear-blinded eyes.

He was sick 18½ days and the last 3½ days were painful. Lockjaw brought about death, even though every effort was made by the doctors, nurses, and through united prayer (if so be God's will) to save him from death. Death conquered and on July 12, 12:07 P. M. his soul quietly slipped away. We all hope to meet him again.

He is father of 11 children, of whom two preceded him in death at an early stage. 9 children, 1 son-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law, and 2 grandchildren, with 3 sisters, 2 brothers, and many friends mourn his departure. He reached the age of 59 years, 4 months and 21½ days.

            I cannot say, and I will not say, that he is dead.
He is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land.
Think of him faring on, as dear,
In the love There, as the love Here.

We are very grateful for the love and support that has come to us through the many friends, loved ones, and the loving service of the Sisters of the hospital. — The Mourning Family.