Goertzen, Eva Janzen (1898-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Dec 8 p. 1

Birth date: 1898 May 15

text of obituary:

Services Held For Accident Victims

MRS. JOHN F. SCHMIDT 7 MRS. ARNOLD GOERTZEN ARE FATALLY INJURED

The sudden deaths of Mrs. John F. Schmidt, 64, and Mrs. Arnold Goertzen, 57,in a two-car collision eight miles north of Walton last Sunday morning came as a shock to their many relatives and friends in the Goessel and Newton communities.

Funeral services for Mrs. Schmidt were held Wednesday afternoon at the Goessel Mennonite Church, in charge of Rev. Leo Miller assisted by Rev. P. P. Buller. Services for Mrs. Geortzen were arranged for Thursday afternoon at the Tabor Mennonite Church, Rev. H. B. Schmidt officiating.

The two women were passengers in cars driven by their husbands, the Schmidts traveling south and the Goertzens going west toward the Tabor church. They collided at the Heimbaugh School corner. It is believed that Mrs. Schmidt was killed instantly. Mrs. Goertzen passed away a few minutes after being admitted to the Bethesda hospital in Goessel.

Mr. Goertzen suffered fractures of the left wrist and several ribs. Mr. Schmidt received head injuries. Both are patients at the Bethesda Hospital.

Mrs. Schmidt, the former Marie Richert, is survived by her husband and two children, Carl Schmidt and Mrs. Henry S. Hiebert of Walton. Her death marked the second tragedy in the family in a week’s time, her grandson Henry John Hiebert having died Nov. 27 as a result of an accidental gunshot wound.

Mrs. Goertzen, the former Eva Janzen, leaves her husband and five children, Mrs. Ernest Goertz of Peabody, Mrs. Gordon Neuenschwander of Berne, Indiana, Milton of Rural newton, Mrs. Charles Unruh of Denver, and Orlando, student at Bethel College.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Dec 29 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. EVA JANZEN GOERTZEN

Eva Janzen Goertzen, was born may 15, 1898, in Marion County, Kansas. She was a daughter of John P. and Katharina Ratzlaff Janzen.

She spent her early years, together with her brothers and sisters, in the parental home which was located near Goessel, Kansas. In 1909, when Eva was eleven years old, sorrow came into their home. On Dec. 18 of that year her mother passed away. Household duties were now assumed by Eva and her older sister, Lena.

On Nov. 10, 1910, her father was married to Sarah Schroeder who now accepted the responsibility of a mother in the home. Three children were born of this marriage. Through the fine Christian leadership of the mother and father, the family lived harmoniously with no partiality towards any of the children. These ties have remained firmly united to the present time.

Prayer, Bible reading and Christian admonition were always a characteristic of her home life. When 20 years old she received catechetical instruction and was baptized upon her confession of faith in her Lord and Saviour on May 19, 1918, by Rev. P. H. Richert, and received into the fellowship of the Tabor Mennonite Church. She was always a faithful member of her church. Among her church interests was her missionary sewing circle. She had served this organization in various capacities and was taking an active part at the time of her death. Her favorite hymn was "There is Power in the Blood."

Eva attended the Emmenthal [sic Emmental] District School and after graduation was a student in the Goessel preparatory School for one year.

On Sept. 8, 1922, she and Arnold S. Goertzen were united in marriage by Rev. Peter H. Unruh. The husband and wife moved to their farm a half mile east of the Heinbaugh District School. Here they established their home and had lived here continuously. By God's grace they were privileged to enjoy life's blessings together for 33 years, two months and 25 days. Both had a deep-rooted love and abiding interest in the things of Christ and in their church. The Master has ever been the head of this home.

They were priviledged [sic] to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary in Sept. of 1947. Through the years mother had an expression that always meant much to our family. Whenever the outlook became dark, or conditions were hard, mother's confident reassurance was "Du mutst Gott fertruge haba. Ve kanna uns nuscht nama." ("Trust in God. God will provide.")

Five children were born into this home and enjoyed the loving and watchful care of their mother. The precious memories of her kind devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren will always be cherished. One of her special joys was caring for her grandchildren.

My beloved wife, our loving mother and grandmother, was unexpectedly called Home to her eternal reward. On Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 1955, while going to church, she was injured in an automobile accident and passed away shortly after being admitted to the Bethesda Hospital, Goessel, Kansas. Circumstances of the accident are beyond human understanding and will remain unexplainable in this life. She had reached the age of 57 years, six months, and 19 days. Her father had passed away exactly 23 years ago. His death also occurred on a Sunday morning, and the date was also Dec. 4. Seven brothers and sisters also preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her sudden departure her husband, Arnold S. Goertzen; three daughters and two sons, Elma and husband Ernest Goertz of Peabody, Kansas, Mathilda and husband Gordon Neuenschwander of Berne, Ind., Milton Goertzen and wife Linda of Newton, Kansas, Dora and husband Charles Unruh of Denver, Colo., and Orlando Goertzen of the home; ten grandchildren; her step-mother, Mrs. Sarah Janzen; six brothers and sisters, Lena, Mrs. Will Reimer, Ben Janzen, George Janzen, Justina, Mrs. David Unruh, Sarah, Mrs. Paul Hiebert, and Ruth, Mrs. Jacob Ratzlaff; many nieces and nephews , and a host of close friends.

— The Husband and Family.