Goertzen, Gerhard G. (1891-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Nov 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1891 Jun 19

text of obituary:

GERHARD G. GOERTZEN

Gerhard G. Goertzen of Reedley, Calif., son of Peter and Helena Friesen Goertzen, was born at Henderson, Neb. on June 19, 1891, and passed away to his eternal home Oct. 22, 1958.

Upon his confession of faith that Jesus Christ was his Savior he was baptized June 1, 1914, by Elder H. H. Epp, and received as member of the Bethesda Mennonite Church at Henderson, Neb.

On June 28, 1914, he married Susanna Penner at her parents' home near Stockham, Neb., Rev. H. H. Epp officiating. To this union were born two daughters. While residing at Henderson he was engaged in farming, creamery business and the telephone office as a means for their livlihood [sic livelihood]. Shortly before coming to California he recommitted his life to Christ and found real happiness in his salvation.

In 1943 the family moved to Reedley and joined the First Mennonite Church. While in Reedley he was the custodian of the Reedley High School, of the General Hospital and for the past seven years he was employed by the city parks; maintenance department.

He always enjoyed fairly good health and was known for his friendliness and faithfulness. He was a good husband and father. His main concern above all else was always others.

The day of his death he went to th doctor because he had not been feeling well, and while in the doctor's office was stricken with a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital and five hours later the Lord took him Home. His departure was sudden and unexpected.

He leaves to mourn his sudden absence his wife Susanna; two daughters, Sally and her husband Wilbert Penner, Reedley, and Tillie and her husband, Wm. Calvin Braun of Dallas, Oregon; five grandchildren, many relatives and a host of friends.

His favorite hymn was “I Need Thee Every Hour.” One of the verses chosen for their morning devotions was Revelation 3:21: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Funeral services were held in the First Mennonite Church of Reedley, Rev. Aaron J. Epp officiating and speaking from Genesis 5:24, “The Man Enoch.” The men's quartet — Paul Ruth, Victor Janzen, Henry D. Unruh and Wayne Zimmerman — sang. Mrs. Arthur Krehbiel was the organist.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Nov 18 p. 722