Goertz, Jacob Peter (1902-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Feb 26 p. 8

Birth date: 1902 Jan 25

text of obituary:

JACOB PETER GOERTZ

Jacob Peter Goertz, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Goertz, was born on Jan. 25, 1902, in Pauisheim, South Russia. Here he spent his childhood days helping his parents.

As a young man, he recognized his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior and also followed the Lord in baptism.

On June 20, 1924, he was united in holy matrimony with Anna Mierau. This union, which lasted 34 years, seven months and 22 days, was blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters. Both sons preceded their father in death, Jacob passing away in 1928 at the age of 20 months, and Gerald passing away in 1946 at the age of 13 months.

We began our married life in Russia but during the communistic reign of terror we were forced to flee from our homes. After passing through much difficulty and many hardships we arrived in Reedley, Calif.,on Oct. 25, 1929, coming via China. We were very grateful that God permitted us to come to this wonderful land.

We made our home in Reedley, where we united with the Mennonite Brethren Church on Nov. 14, 1945.

Our father enjoyed comparatively good health and loved to work. He was a good provider and we had a wonderful family life. On June 23 of last year he suffered a heart attack. God graciously restored him to health, for which we were grateful. Through this experience he found a new love for his Savior and had a new zeal to live for Him.

Thursday noon, Feb. 12, 1959, we had our lunch together and father left the house in good spirits, going our to the field to carry on his work. When he did not come home for supper we went out to the field and found his body,but his soul had left to be with his Maker. This was naturally a terrible shock but we rejoice to know that he is in the hand of his Lord. He reached the age of 57 years and 17 days.

Those who mourn at his sudden departure are his wife, Mrs. Anna Goertz of Kingsburg, Calif.; two daughters, Hildegard, Mrs. A. F. Mclean of Sacramento, Calif., and Verna, Mrs. Bernhard L. Steinhauer of Fresno, Calif. Besides these there are six grandchildren; one sister, Marie Bergen of Canada; one brother, Peter in Sibera [sic Siberia](if he is still alive); four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law. Besides these there are a host of relatives and friends who stand by in this hour of sorrow.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church, Feb. 16 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dan Friesen officiating. — The Family.