Goossen, Susanna Duerksen (1876-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Dec 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1876 May 5

text of obituary:

MRS. FRANZ M. GOOSSEN

Susanna Duerksen Goossen, daughter of Johann and Aganetha Balzer Duerksen, was born May 5, 1876, in the village of Gnadenthal, Molotschna Colony, South Russia. She passed away Dec. 5, 1950, in the Bethesda hospital at Goessel, Kans. at the age of 74 years and seven months.

In 1878 she emigrated with her parents, brothers and sisters to Marion county, Kans. They settled southwest of Hillsboro, Kans.

In May 1895 she was baptized upon confession of faith in her Redeemer Jesus Christ by Elder Jacob Buller and received into the fellowship of the Alexanderwohl church, whose faithful member she remained until her death.

She was united in marriage to Franz M. Goossen on April 25, 1900, with whom she shared life’s joys and sorrows for 43 years and 20 days. Death took her life’s companion from her on May 15, 1943. To this union were born 10 sons. (One son, William, preceded his parents in death.)

In January 1926 the parents adopted two girls by the name of Anna and Hilda Hiebert, which were her niece’s children. Anna stayed in the home six years and Hilda 17 years, until each made their own home.

In 1925 it was their privilege to celebrate the silver anniversary. Mother led a Christian life and directed her children to the Lord Jesus Christ from their infancy. Often at the break of day she would pray and sing hymns untiringly.

For two years after the death of the father she remained with one of the sons at the home place. Then she transferred to Thomas county where she made her home with another one of her sons. She loved to make frequent visits to the homes of her children. In July 1948 she had to be taken to the Colby hospital due to a heart ailment. From this she partially recovered, but because of declining health she was readmitted to the hospital at different times.

When her health was sufficiently restored she was accepted into the Mission Home at Hillsboro, Kans. where she resided for about four months. Later she transferred to the Bethesda Home at Goessel, Kas. where she remained until her death. Both institutions proved to be a great blessing to her: she received all the necessary care, kindness and comfort.

She suffered a stroke Nov. 27, 1950, and was taken to the Bethesda hospital where she lingered for nine days. During this time when conscious she would enjoy the prayers and songs that were given for her. Although her power of speech was limited, she could express at times her appreciation for everything that was done for her. She also expressed the longing to go Hime [sic]. This was granted her as the spirit left this house of clay to be forever with the Lord Dec. 3, 1950.

Her life was also one that was intermingled with Joys and sorrows. The death angel took away one of her sons and then later the husband and father. However she claimed promises of God, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . . . And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose . . .”

She leaves to mourn her departure nine sons, 10 daughters-in-law, 40 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They are as follows: Frank and Anna Goossen and children, Oakley, Kans.; John and Florentine Goossen and children, Marion, Kans.; Abraham and Susie Goossen and children, Alvin and Bertha Goossen and children, Colby, Kans.; Ferdinand and Agnes Goossen and children, Hillsboro, Kans.; Edward and Rachel Goossen and children, Henry and Martha Goossen and children, Cornelius and Hulda Goossen and children, all of Colby; Walter and Ethel Goossen and children, Hoteville, Ariz.; Mrs. Peter Schmidt and husband and children, Canton, Kans. Also surviving are one brother, David B. Duerksen of Canton, Kans. and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 9, 1950, in the Bethesda old people’s home in charge of Rev. Philip A. Wedel, and in the Alexanderwohl church in charge of Rev. Wedel, assisted by Rev. Walter Regier of Mingo, Kansas. Interent [sic] was made in the church cemetery.