Goossen, John D. (1902-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Feb 20 p. 5

Birth date: 1902 Oct 24

text of obituary:

. . .

• Two well known residents of the Hillsboro area passed away early this week. George Toews, 90, died Thursday in the Bethesda Hospital at Goessel and John Goossen, who resided east of Hillsboro, died Tueday in the Salem Hopspital at Hillsboro. Both of the deceased are survived by their families and a large number of relatives.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 26 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN D. GOOSSEN

The Lord of life and death deemed it wisdom to call our husband, father, and grandfather, John D. Goossen, to his heavenly home. He died on Feb. 17, 1964, at the Salem Hospital in Hillsboro, Kan. at the age of 61 years, three months, and 23 days.

He was born to Franz and Susanna (Duerksen) Goossen on Oct. 24, 1902, in Marion County, Kan. There he received his education and grew to manhood. The Bible training he received at the Preparatory School in Hillsboro was among his cherished memories.

Upon confession of assured faith in Jesus Christ he was baptized May 15, 1921, by Rev. P. H. Unruh at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel, Kan.

On Oct. 19, 1924, he married Florentine Ratzlaff with whom he shared life's joys and sorrows for almost forty years. They established their first home in the Lehigh, Kan. community and later moved to their home west of Marion where they farmed during the past26 years. Their family included five sons and two daughters who were taught to know the Christian way. This home was saddened at the untimely death of a son, Johnny, last year on Easter Sunday morning.

In the spring of 1943 John, together with his wife, united with the Hillsboro First Mennonite Church, where he was a loyal member. He found it a special pleasure to serve as teacher of the Senior Men's Class, teaching in the German language.

Those who mourn his passing are: his sorrowing wife; his children, Alvena and husband Wilbert Bartel of Hillsboro, Della Pyle of Wichita, Ruben of Farmington, N. M., Anton and wife Linda, Raymond and wife Marilyn, and Alfred and wife Bonnie, all of Farmington, N. M.; eight granddaughters and three grandsons; six brothers, Frank and Alvin of Newton, Abraham and Edward of Colby, Ferd of Hillsboro, and Walter of Stillwater, Okla.; and many realtives [sic] and friends.

One son, his parents, and three brothers, Wilhelm, Heinrich, and Cornelius, preceded him in death.

During the past summer his health began to fail. His inner peace and confident hope in God's promise always sustained him.

Funeral services were held from the First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro on Friday afternoon, Feb. 21, 1964, Rev. Elbert Koontz gave introductory remarks and prayer. Rev. Walter Goossen spoke words of comfort from John 11:25-27. Interment was made at the church cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Mar 10 p. 156