Goossen, Wilhelm F. (William F.) (1904-1938)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1938 Jun 7 p. 10

Birth date: 1904 May 29

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1938 May 25 p. 2

text of obituary:

William F. Goosen [sic Goossen]

William F. Goossen was born May 29, 1904, near Hillsboro, Marin Co., Kansas. His parents are F. M. Goossen and Susie Duerksen Goossen. On May 20, 1923, he was baptized by the Rev. Heinrich Banman upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ his personal Savior and joined the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church.

He married Susie Wedel on November 17, 1927. This union which covered a period of 10 years, 5 months and 6 days was blessed with 2 children, one son, Joseph Willard, and one daughter, Rosella Frieda.

In the spring of 1928 they went to Thomas Co., Kansas, to make their new home on a farm. Here they lived about 10 years and under the heavenly father's protection and care their daily needs were always supplied. He never lost courage even when the harvests of the last years were but small.

When in September, 1937, the Meadow Mennonite church of Mingo, Kansas, was organized they became charter members and with great hope and joy they looked forward to the time when they would have their own standing minister. He is the first o be called to his eternal reward after the organization of the church.

In the spring of 1937 he began to complain that he was not feeling well and when his condition became alarming we consulted a physician. On November 2, 1937, he entered the Bethesda Hospital as a patient. After six weeks he was dismissed and they made plans to return to their home in Thomas Co., but the Lord in his wisdom had a different plan.

On April 3, 1938, he suffered a serious relapse and was brought again to the Bethesda Hospital at Goessel, Kansas, where he passed away quietly on April 23, at 4:20 a.m. His age at the time of his death was 33 years, 20 months and 25 days. His disease was kidney trouble and high blood pressure and was at times very painful.

He leaves to mourn his early death, his wife, 2 children, the parents, 9 brothers, 2 foster sisters, 9 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

We deeply mourn his departure from this life, but live in hope to meet him again in glory. — The family.