Goertzen, Loren Edward (1958-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Jul 20 p. 6

Birth date: 1957 Oct 8

text of obituary:

. . .

— Loren Edward Goertzen, three and one-half year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin E. Goertzen of rural Hillsboro, died Sunday evening at the home. Rev. Arnold Epp officiated at the funeral services, held Wednesday forenoon at the First Mennonite Church in Newton. Burial was made in the Alexanderwohl Cemetery. Surviving in addition to the parents are three brothers, Richard Earl, Keith Eugene and Arlen Everett, and a sister, Nancy Elaine, all of the home; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Goertzen and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bachman, all of Newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Aug 3 p. 8

text of obituary:

LOREN EDWARD GOERTZEN

Loren Edward Goertzen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Goertzen, was born Oct. 8, 1957 at Goessel, Kan. and passed away at the home on July 16, 1961 at the age of three years, nine months and eight days.

Loren will always be remembered as an extremely lovable and happy little boy. He loved to sing and could be heard many times a day singing a favorite song. One song he often burst forth with was “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! His Truth is marching on.” Loren dearly loved going to Sunday school and was very fond of his teachers. His cheery little voice will be greatly missed by them.

One of his greatest joys came at chore time on the farm when he could be daddy's little helper, and in feeding his own little calf. A two week vacation just passed will always be cherished by his father, as Loren was his constant companion always calling, “Daddy, where are you going? Wait for me.” Never a day passed but what his mother would hear him say, “Mommy, are there any cookies today?”

To his sister and brothers he was a constant joy with his childish laughter and talk. Many were the times when one of his older brothers was seen with Loren riding on his back. There were many happy hours spent with his sister riding their tricycles, and how happy his baby brother would be when Loren would give him a ride in the little trailer behind the trike.

Loren had been dedicated to the Lord by his parents and placed entirely in His care and keeping. Although we had known since his infancy that he was not a well child, having been born with a severe heart defect, we never gave up hope that by some medical miracle he would be able to grow up as a normal child. He dearly loved his doctor and nurse and was always willing and glad to see them every month even though the treatment was painful. He could always dry the tears to tell them a cheery goodbye.

Thus it was on Sunday evening as he was playing that he received an electrical shock which proved to be more than his little heart could take. God saw fit to take him home where now he is beautiful and whole as only a child can be. His absence in the family will be keenly felt but we are very grateful for the few short years we were privileged to have him. As we loved him, the Lord has loved him more and He must have greater plans for him where all suffering and pain are gone forever.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his father and mother, one sister, Nancy Elaine; three brothers, Richard Earl, Keith Eugene and Arlen Everett, all of the home; the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bachman; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Goertzen; uncles and aunts, Dale and Elda Bachman, Kenneth and Florene Wiens, Don and Kathryn Penner, Donovan and Helen Bachman, Marlo and Edna Ruth Graber; 19 cousins and many friends.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not : for of such is the Kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16.

Funeral services were held on July 19 at the First Mennonite Church, Newton, Kansas with Rev. Arnold Epp officiating. Burial was made in the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Cemetery, Goessel, Kansas in the Goertzen Family lot.