Gaeddert, Helena Richert (1858-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 7 p. 4

Birth date: 1858 Jun 30

text of obituary:

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— Mrs. Helena Gaeddert, 92, who had made her home in Newton with her son, P. D. Gaeddert, for the past six years, died at the Bethel Deaconess hospital on Friday, Sept. 1. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Buhler Mennonite church, with interment in the Hopeview cemetery. Mrs. Gaeddert was born in Russia on June 30, 1858, and was one of the pioneer immigrants to Kansas. She leaves eight daughters, six sons, a sister, Mrs. Henry Voth of Orland. Calif., and a brother, J. E. Schmidt of Hillsboro.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 14 p. 4

text of obituary:

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— All eleven children of Mrs. Helena Gaeddert were present for her funeral, which took place at the Buhler Mennonite church on Sept. 5. Wednesday evening the family met at the home of a son. P. D. Gaeddert, in Newton. The other ten are Mrs. Helena Reimer of Goessel, Mrs. Sarah Matthies of Buhler, D. M. Gaeddert of Talala, Okla., John H. and Henry of Wichita, Mrs. Rosina Bartel of Newton, Abe A. Gaeddert of Kansas City, Mo., Leonard F. Gaeddert of York, Pa., Lydia F. Linscheid of Abbyville, Kans., and Miss Katherine Gaeddert of Newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Sep 21 p. 7

text of obituary:

HELENA GAEDDERT

Helena Gaeddert, nee Richert, was born in South Russia, June 30, 1858, in the village of Waldheim. She came to this country with her parents in the migration of 1874. They settled on the prairies of Kansas in McPherson county. There she grew to womenhood [sic], sharing the ups and downs of pioneer life with her parents.

She was baptized August 27, 1876, in the Hoffnungsau church by Rev. Dietrich Gaeddert, and when the Buhler Mennonite church was organized, she transferred her membership there. She remained a faithful member until she was called to her reward.

On March 27, 1879, she entered into marriage with Rev. Dietrich Gaeddert At the same time she shared the responsibility of caring for the then already established family by his first marriage. Of the eight children by his first marriage, three survive her: Marie Gaeddert Heidebrecht, Goessel Home; Justina Gaeddert Unruh, Goessel; and Anna Gaeddert Buller, and husband John Buller, of Buhler; 48 grandchildren, 116 great grandchildren, and 68 great great grandchildren.

Her marriage with Rev. Gaeddert was blessed with 13 children, two of whom are already waiting for her. The 11 surviving her are Peter D. and wife of Newton; Helena Gaeddert Reimer, Goessel; Katharine Gaeddert, Newton; Sara Gaeddert Mathies and husband, Buhler; Dietrich M. Gaeddert, Talali [sic Talala], Oklahoma; Heinrich Gaeddert and wife, Wichita; Abraham Gaeddert, Kansas City; Johannes Gaeddert and wife, Wichita; Rosina Gaeddert Bartel and husband, Newton; Leonard F. Gaeddert and wife, York, Pennsylvania; and Lydia F. Gaeddert Linscheid and husband, Arlington, Kansas.

Of this family, she is survived by 16 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

In early girlhood she was very much interested in the Bible, having read through the whole Bible. In her mature years she read and re-read the Bible many times. She was well versed in the Holy Writ.

She also took a very keen interest in local, state, national, and international affairs. She was well read and well posted, especially in the affairs of mission schools and relief, always with a sympathetic heart and an open hand. She leaves behind her a long, rich and useful life and many friends, a life which leaves many pleasant, memories to dwell upon, having on September 1, 1950 at 11:15 a.m. reached the ripe old age of 92 years, two months, and one day.

We do not grieve her passing on, and we do not say goodby [sic], but “till we meet again.” Services were conducted at the Kim funeral home in Buhler by Rev. Henry Fransen and at the Buhler Mennonite church by Rev. John F. Schmidt. Interment was made at the Hoffnungsau cemetery where Rev. Albert Gaeddert conducted the committal service. A men's octet sang at the church and the cemetery.