Friesen, Helena Schmidt (1863-1944)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1944 Dec 12 p. 15

Birth date: 1863 Nov 21

text of obituary:

Frau Helena Schmidt Friesen ward am 21. November, 1863, im Dorfe Marienwohl Südrußland geboren. Mit ihren Eltern machte sie 1874 die Auswanderung nach Kansas mit. Das Zusammenleben ihrer Familie nach Verkauf ihrer Wirtschaft mit ihrem Onkel, Aelt. Jakob Buller, u. die von diesem geleiteten Familienandachten machten auf sie einen bleibenden Eindruck. Von ihm ward sie 1882 in d. Alexanderwohl Kirche getauft. Sie liebte ihren Heiland von Kind auf und hatte volle, unerschütterliche Heilsgewißheit. Noch kurz vor ihrer letzten Krankheit sagte sie, sie habe sich nie vor dem Tod gefürchtet. Ihre Schulbildung erhielt sie in Rußland; aber in Amerika beteiligte sie sich mit Genuß an den Gesangübungen in Emmental und sang viel der gelernten Lieder bei ihrer Hausarbeit. Da ihre Mutter viel kränklich war, mußt Helena, nach Berheiratung ihrer älteren Schwester, schon als junges Mädchen vollständig einem großen Haushalt vorstehen, und in der Erntezeit noch draußen helfen. Am 20. Juni 1886, heiratete sie C. H. Friesen, und sie teilten über 58 Jahre Freud und Leid — 16 Jahre auf einer Farm in Marion County, 23 auf einer bei Buhler und 19 Jahre im Städtchen. Die 6 Kinder: Karl, Peter, Heinrich, Pauline, Frau J. K. Fröse, Adolf und Cornelius, sowie eine Pflegetochter, Frau Maria Unruh, leben noch alle. Treulich hat die Heimgerufene diese helfen erziehen in der Zucht und Vermahnung zum Herrn. Ihre Liebe zum Gesang, ihr Geschick im Geschichten-Erzählen, besonders ihre Liebe zu ihrem Heiland leisteten hierin vortreffliche Dienste. Ihre 12 Großkinder liebte sie wie ihre eigene. Drei sind ihr vorangegangen. Eine 87jährige, Schwester, Maria Schmidt, überlebt sie. Ein hervorragender Charakterzug war ihre Gastfreundschaft. Sie war viel kränklich, klagte aber wenig und versäumte deswegen selten die Hausarbeit; darum war es für sie doppelt schwer als sie vor 1 ½ Jahren durch einen Hüftenbruch hilflos wurde, und seither nicht mehr allein gehen konnte. Am 14. Juni hatte sie einen leichten Schlaganfall. Doch erhörte Gott unsere Gebete und nach wenigen Tagen hatte sie sich scheinbar ganz erholt. Aber ein zweiter Schlag am 13. September lähmte sie teilweise und machte sie sprachlos. Sie und ihre Angehörigen litten darunter sehr, denn sie hätte noch so gerne manches gesagt. Am 17. November um 6 Uhr morgens nahm der Herr sie zu sich, 2 Tage vor ihrem 81 Geburtstage. “Es harrt die Braut so lange schon, o Herr, auf Dein Erscheinen”, war eins ihrer Lieblingslieder. Jetzt schaut sie Den, Der sie erlöst und Den sie geliebt. Die Angehörigen trauern nicht wie die, die keine Hoffnung haben, sondern freuen sich auf eine Wiedervereinigung beim Herrn.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Nov 23 p. 5

text of obituary:

Newton And Vicinity

. . .

— A considerable number of relatives and friends from this neighborhood attended the funeral of Mrs. C. H. Friesen at the Buhler Mennonite church in Buhler last Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Friesen died at her home there Friday, Nov. 17, after a long illness. The services were in charge of Rev. Henry Fransen, pastor of the church. Mrs. Friesen was born in Russia in 1863, but came to this country with her parents in her early youth and spent all her remaining years in the Buhler community. She is survived by her husband and the following children and their families: Rev. Karl Friesen and Rev. Adolf Friesen, both of Newton; Peter Friesen, Dodge City; H. C. Friesen, Bessie, Okla.; and Mrs. J. k. Froese, Buhler.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Nov 30 p. 3

text of obituary:

MRS HELENA FRIESEN

My dear wife, Helena Friesen, nee Schmidt, was born Nov. 21, 1863, in the village Marienwohl, South Russia. At the age of 10 years she came to America with her parents in the great immigration of 1874. After their farm was sold the family lived with her uncle, Elder Jacob Buller. This experience, especially the family worship conducted by him made a deep and lasting impression on her. By him she was also baptized in the Alexanderwohl church in 1882. From early childhood she loved her Saviour and always had assurance of her salvation. Shortly before her last illness she remarked that she had never, not even in her childhood feared death.

All the schooling she had she received in the village school in Russia. But here in America she took part with great delight in the singing school in her community. Very many of the songs learned she knew by heart and sang much while about her house work.

Since her mother was always sickly the burden of a large household rested on her shoulders after the marriage of her older sisters; besides, she helped much with the outside work during harvest time.

We were united in marriage on June, 1886, and for 58 years we shared joy and sorrow — 16 years on a farm in Marion County, 23 years on a farm near Buhler and 19 years here in town.

Our six children, Carl, Peter, Henry, Pauline (Mrs. J. K. Froese), Adolf, and Cornelius, also our step-daughter, Mrs. Mary Unruh, are all living. Unitedly we have endeavored to bring up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Her love of music, her capability to tell stories, and above all her love for her Saviour were a valuable asset to her in this endeavor.

She heartily loved her 12 grandchildren. And Mary's five and Froeses' seven were as dear to her as the others. Three grandchildren and one of Mary's preceded her in death. One 87 year old sister, Mrs. Maria Schmidt, is still living.

One of her outstanding character traits was her hospitality which countless numbers of friends and relatives enjoyed as they came to our home.

Mother has often been ill but seldom complained or left her housework undone because of it. For that reason it became especially hard for her when she became completely helpless through the breaking of her hip bond. As the break did not heal properly she never again was able to walk.

On June 14 she had a light stroke but God answered our prayer and within a few days she again completely recovered. But another stroke occurred on Sept. 18, which partly paralyzed her and made her practically speakless [sic]. As a result she has greatly suffered, and we too, for she often would have liked to converse with us. Her strength gradually declined, and on Friday, Nov.1 7, at 6 o'clock in the morning the Lord called her to be with Him. Had she lived till Tuesday she would have been 81 years old.

"Es Harrt die Braut so lange schon, O Herr auf den Erscheinen" was one of her favorite songs. Now she beholds the Lord who saved her and whom she loved. Therefore we do not grieve as those who have no hope but rejoice and look forward to a reunion when we shall be with the Lotd at His coming. — C. H. Friesen and family.