Gering, Peter (1856-1934)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1934 Feb 6 p. 14

Birth date: 1856 Mar 13

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1934 Feb 7 p. 3

text of obituary:

Peter Gering.

Father Petr Gering was born in Volinien, Poland, March13, 1856. While yet in Poland, as a young man he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized upon his confession of faith and affiliated with the Mennonite church. In the year of 1874, when at the age of 18, he came to the United States of America, settling near Freeman, South Dakota. It was here that he was married to Anna Waltner on January 22, 1878. The Lord blessed this happy union and for 42 years they shared the joys and hardships of life, among these years of pioneer work in a new settlement. In 1883 the family moved to the neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon, and then in 1900 to Adams Co. Washington, settling what later became the Menno district. Pioneer work befell the lot of the family. Work being the joy of his life, there was no hardship too heavy or him. Upon retiring from the work on the farm, he and Mother Gering moved to Lind, making this their home while the children continued the work on the farm.

On the Feb 8, 1920, Mother Gering passed away. But Father Gering loving a home of his own was married to Freni Kaufman March 1, 1921, and lived in Freeman, S. Dakota. But their wedded life was brief when she too passed away to be at home with the Lord. On Sept.8, 1928 he was married to Katherine Schrag of Odessa, and they now made their home in Monroe, Washington. On Jan. 10, 1932, she passed away, and was buried in the Menno cemetery. About a year later upon repeated requests of his children and grandchildren he came to make his home with them and so lived with his son A. P. Gering. Off and on he would stay a week or so with the other children, for he loved them all.

Father Gering loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a very close friend with Him. He loved the church and nothing could prevent him to be presen [sic] at the hour and place of worship. His favorite verse was, "Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled", Matt. 5, 6. No day would pass but that some mention would be made of this very verse. Daily the old Bible or Testament would be his companion to feed his hungry soul. He longed for the hour of worship to pray and to fill his soul anew with the Bread of Life. The first moments of the day were with the Lord and his precious Word, and so were the last moments of each day. Sunday morning, Jan. 21, he was with us yet at the hour of worship and the Sunday School. He seemed to be especially happy that day, although he had worked very steadily during the week at his beloved trad in his worship., where he would make articles and furniture for his children and grandchildren. Undoubtedly in order to meditate and prepare his soul for the sacred hour of worship, he preferred to walk this morning and so started out rather early. Not a one would have borne the thought, that just 24 hours after the morning worship he would be at home with the Lord to enjoy the heavenly mansion prepared for him, the place for which his longing soul reached out so long. Monday morning, Jan. 22, he did not feel so well and so laid down to rest. At 12 o'clock noon he was at home. Quietly and almost without a sign of any warning he had left his earthly place. His age is 77 years, 10 months, and 9 days. He was a loving father to his children and always concerned about their welfare in every way. He loved his grandchildren, being ready to provide joy for them to express his love He was a kind friend to all for he loved his neighbors and all with whom he could associate in any way. He leaves to mourn his departure 1 brother, 2 sisters, 10 children, — A. P., Jake, Joe, Walter, and Fannie Schrag of Odessa, Frank and Leon of Lind, Ella Graber and Clarence of Freeman, S. Dakota, and Emma Schrag of North Kakima; 18 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends. Though they mourn and though he is being missed, yet they all look forward to that glad day of reunion in the presence of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

Funeral services were conducted in the Menno Mennonite church. Thursday, Jan. 25. Interment in the Menno cemetery, Rev. M. J. Galle speaking words of comfort.

The Mennonite obituary: 1934 Feb 20 p. 23