Goossen, Aganetha Kroeker (1870-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Aug 20 p. 10 Birth date: 1870 Oct 23

MRS. JOHN J. GOOSSEN

Our mother, Aganetha Goossen, nee Kroeker, was born October 23, 1870, in South Russia. At the age of six she came with her parents, Jacob Kroeker and Aganetha Janzen Kroeker, to make her home here in the United States. She was a lifelong resident of the Henderson, Nebraska community.

On May 26, 1890, she was baptized upon her confession of faith by Elder Peter J. Friesen and received as a member into the Bethesda Mennonite church, Henderson, Nebraska, where she remained a faithful member until her death.

She was united in marriage with John J. Goossen on November 1, 1891. To this union were born 11 children: Jake K. of Long Beach, Calif., Helena, Mrs. Jake H. Friesen of Lynwood, Calif., Agnes, Mrs. Clarence Johnson of Warrenton, Oregon, Mary, Mrs. D. C. Neufeld, who passed away in 1942, John M. of South Gate, Calif., Katherine, Mrs. Abr. R. Dick of Henderson, Neb., Don of Henderson, Neb., William of Fresno, Calif., and three children who died in infancy.

She was bedfast for the last 21 months, suffering from a broken hip and other physical complications. On Sunday, August 2, 1953, she passed to her eternal resting place, reaching the age of 82 years, nine months, and 10 days. Our father, John J. Goossen, preceded her in death on July 18, 1932. Our parents have gone before us to their heavenly home and some day we shall meet them again.

She leaves to mourn her departure her seven children; five daughters-in-law; Grace, Mrs. Jake K. Goossen; Anna, Mrs. John M. Goossen, Velma, Mrs. D. C Neufelt, Martha, Mrs. Dan M Goossen, Arna, Mrs. William Goossen; four sons-in-law, Jake H. Friesen, Clarence Johansen, D. C. Neufeld, Abr. H. Dick; one sister, Mrs. A. J. Friesen of Henderson, Nebr.; one brother, Henry Kroeker of Los Angeles, Calif, two brothers-in-law, Abraham Goossen of Henderson, Neb. and Peter Goossen of Reedley, Calif, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Abraham Goossen and Mrs. Peter Goossen; 29 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.