Guenther, Tena Reimer (1885-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 May 8 p. 8

Birth date: 1885 Jun 11

text of obituary:

MRS. TENA REIMER GUENTHER

Our loving wife and mother, Tena Reimer Guenther, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Reimer, was born on June 11, 1885, in South Asia, while her parents were emigrating to the United States of America. She was approximately one year old when she arrived with her parents at Goessel, Kansas, where she spent the following eight years with them on a farm.

At the age of nine she moved with her parents to Washita County, Okla., where they settled on an open plat of land near the place that is now Corn, Okla. here with her parents she experienced real pioneer life. As the oldest daughter, she assumed many responsibilities.

She was saved at the age of 15 years and was baptized upon her confession of faith and united with the Mennonite Brethren Church for fellowship. She remained faithful to her Lord and her church to the very end.

On Jan. 24,1907,she was united to Daniel P. Guenther in holy matrimony. This union, which lasted 51 years, three months, and 24 days, was blessed with three sons and four daughters. One of the trying times of our early life was the passing of our first born daughter, Stella, when she was but four months old.

In 1924 we moved to Felt, Okla., and from there in 1929 to Coldwater, Texas. At these places our mother again did her part in the semi-pioneer life, which brought many hardships with it. In 1933 the Lord led us to move to Reedley, Calif.

Our mother enjoyed comparatively good health. We loved her dearly, but her mother love surpassed even that. She had a tremendous burden of prayer for her children and her concern to the very last was that they all might be safe in the fold of her precious Saviour whom she loved and adored. One of the great joys of her life was the calling of her daughter into full-time missionary service. Gladly she brought this sacrifice for it was an answer to her prayers. She took special delight in the work of the missionary societies, and also sought to assist her husband and son in keeping clean the house of God where so many worship.

Thursday afternoon at about 3:00 p. m. she suffered a stroke which left her unable to speak. We took her to the Reedley hospital where she received the best of care. However Friday morning, April 18, 1958, at about 8:30 a. m. the gates of heaven were opened and her soul found an abundant entrance. She reached the age of 72 years, 10 months,and seven days.

Those who remain to mourn her departure are her husband, Daniel P. Guenther of Reedley; three daughters, Elsie Guenther, a missionary in Africa, Frieda, Mrs. Elmer Kusch, and Betty Guenther of Reedley; three sons, Reuben Guenther of Reedley, Herman Guenther of Fresno, Calif.; Franklin Guenther of Reedley; one son-in-law; three daughters-in-law; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Lizzie Reimer of Corn, Okla.; five brothers, C. F. Reimer of Corn, Herman Reimer of Corn, Jake Reimer of McAllister, Okla.; Barney Reimer of Corn, and Menno Reimer, Blaine, Wash.

Besides these there are many relatives and friends who remember the kindness and love of our departed mother. We rejoice with the knowledge that we shall meet her again. ". . . the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed by the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21b).

The memorial service was held in the Reedley M. B. Church on Wednesday, April 23, with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. H. R. Wiens officiating. — The Family.