Friesen, Katharina Doell (1880-1941)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1941 Feb 18 p. 14

Birth date: 1880 Dec 26

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1941 Mar 5 p.4

text of obituary:

Mrs. Katherina [sic Katharina] Friesen

Mrs. Katharina Friesen (nee Doell) wife of Peter C. P. Friesen of Henderson, Nebr., was born Dec. 26, 1880, on a farm near Hampton, Nebraska, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Johann Doell. She had the misfortune of losing her mother at the age of four. Several years later a step-mother came into her home, who gave her, as well as all the other children of the family, tender and motherly care. She received her elementary education in the country school near their home, and spent all of her girlhood days on the farm.

Upon confession of her faith and through baptism she united with the Bethesda church of Henderson, Nebr., in the year 1900, and remained a true and faithful member of this congregation until her death. She was very much interested in mission work and has been a loyal member of the senior sewing society for more than 25 years. She has also served in various offices of the society at different times. She attended the meetings quite regularly, up to the January meeting.

She missed out on this meeting because of her poor health. The last meeting of this society was held on the day preceding her death and as she was bedfast at this time, about 30 of the members came to her house, which were greatly appreciated. She also took a great interest in Sunday School work and served as substitute teacher of her class for quite a number of years.

She was united in holy wedlock with Peter C. Friesen on March 7, 1901. This union was blessed with 5 children. The oldest two, Rosa and Walter, died when they were about three years old. Those surviving are Selma, (Mrs. John R. Friesen), Ada, (Mrs. A. A. Peters) and Waldo. All live in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Friesen lived on a farm about two and one-half miles north of Henderson until the year 1937, when they moved to Henderson. Here Mrs. Friesen passed away after having ill for some time and being bedfast for the last four weeks.

She was laways [sic] deeply concerned about her children as any Christian mother would be and always sought the welfare of her family spiritually as well as physically.

The deceased was not so well during the last four years of her life. She continually became worse, when suddenly a very rare disease developed in her body named “Penphigus”, a skin disease, for which medicine seams unAvailable [sic]. Various physicians examined her at various times, but all gave no hope for recovery. When she realized her condition, she said that she was ready and willing to meet her maker and continually prayed to God to give her strength to endure unto the end. She was a great lover of singing and appreciated greatly the various song services rendered at the window, as well as inside her room by various groups o singers at different times. Whenever the pains grew worse, she begged the family to sing for her. The last night especially was sent mostly in singing, which helped to quiet her disposition considerably.

After the song, “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” she requested all to lie down to sleep. The family yielded to this request. Within an hour or so she called her husband, who came to see what was desired. She then took several deep breaths and in a few seconds passed away to the great beyond where sighing and sorrowing shall be no more. She had requested to include the following verse in her obituary:

“In the land where the roses never fade,
Where no sin, neither sorrow dare invade,
We shall meet our loved ones there, and eternal glories share,
In the land where the roses never fade.”

She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, two daughters, one son, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, two sisters — Mrs. A. C. Heinrichs of Henderson and Mrs. H. A. Peters of Hampton; three brothers, G. W. Doell and P. J. Doell of Henderson, and Dr. J. H. Doell of Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas. Also many relatives and friends. One sister and one brother preceded her in death. She died on Feb. 6, 1941, at 5:15 a.m. and attained an age o 60 years, 1 month and 10 days.

The funeral was held Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Bethesda church. The attendance was large.

Rev. J. R. Dueck, pastor of the Ebenezer church spoke words of comfort in the home. His address was largely based on Job’s suffering and afflictions.

Rev. David and Mrs. Hooge sang two very appropriate songs, accompanied by string instruments.

In the church Rev. J. F. Epp and Rev. A. W. Friesen had charge of the services. A male choir sang a number of comforting songs. Mrs. P. H. Janzen assisted at the piano.

Rev. David Hooge, pastor of the M. B. church, had charge of the services at the cemetery, where the remains were interred. The choir sang at the opening of the services.