Gross, Susanna Hofer (1887-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Apr 5 p. 8

Birth date: 1887 Jun 4

text of obituary:

SUSANNA CROSS [sic GROSS]

Susanna Cross [sic Gross], daughter of Rev. John and Susie Hofer, was born in a Christian home three miles west of Freeman on June 4, 1887. There she received her education in a country school. After Christian instruction she received the house baptism from her father on May 27, 1906, and became a member of the Hutterdorf church west of Freeman.

She was united in holy matrimony to John D. Gross on March 31, 1913, by her father. They made their home five miles west of Freeman. To this union were born two children John and Susie.

During a revival at the Salem K. M. B. church led by Rev. Frank V. Wiebe and Rev. Joseph W. Tschetter, our parents received a longing for a deeper spiritual faith. Upon confession of their forgiveness of sin through Jesus’ Blood they were baptized by Elder Jacob Hofer on July 1, 1923, and became members of the Salem church and remained faithful until death. Father preceded mother in death in 1926.

Mother’s health began to fail in 1944 and she sought help at Sioux Falls but with no success. She then went to Rochester, Minn., and found relief for about three years. In 1949 mother again submitted to major surgery for what had been diagnosed as cancer. She never fully recovered from this ailment. Her health failed rapidly and the past six months she was bedfast.

She passed away peacefully on March 24, 1956, at 7 P.M. attaining the age of 68 years nine months and 20 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure her two children, John M. Gross of Freeman, and Susie, Mrs. Alfred J. Tieszen of Marion; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law and five grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. John J. Gross and Miss Mary Hofer, both of Freeman, and many friends and relatives also survive.

Funeral services were conducted at the Salem K. M. B. church on Tuesday afternoon, March 27. Mrs. Jacob Glanzer presided at the organ and a men’s quartet furnished the music. Pastor J. J. Kleinsasser spoke in the German language and Rev. Peter G. Hofer spoke in English. Graveside rites were in charge of Rev. Peter Stahl.