Graevs, Peter (1877-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Nov 2 p. 6

Birth date: 1877 Jul 16

text of obituary:

PETER GRAEVS

Peter Graevs was born in Russia, in the village of Cloverfield, on July 16, 1877. He immigrated to America with his father, Henry Graves [sic Graewe], on Sept. 12, 1884.

Through his baptism on June 6, 1887, by Rev. Peter Balzer, he became a member of the Alexanderwohl church, Goessel, Kansas. Later Mr. Graevs transferred his membership to the Medford Mennonite church, Medford, Okla. and transferred back again to the Alexanderwohl church on Sept. 30, 1917 where he remained a faithful member until his death.

He was married Feb. 23, 1900, to Eva Hiebert at Medford, Okla. by Rev. John Ratzlaff. To this union were born two sons, Ferdinand and Edmond. The Lord made it possible for them to celebrate together their 25th and also their 50th wedding anniversaries.

Inasmuch as it is humanly possible he tried to please his Heavenly Father and when asked in his last days of suffering if Jesus was still with him, he replied. "Yes," and was happy to meet him soon.

The last days of his life were spent in the Bethesda hospital where the best of medical care was given him. He passed away on Aug. 10, reaching the age of 73 years and 24 days.

He leaves to mourn him his loving wife, Eva, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren; one brother with his family, one brother-in-law and his wife, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Aug. 12 at the Bergen funeral home in charge of Rev. Phil. A. Wedel and in the Alexanderwohl church, conducted by Rev. Wedel, assisted by Rev. H. B. Schmidt.