Harms, Peter J. (1864-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Sep 15 p. 5

Birth date: 1864 Sep 18

text of obituary:

. . .

— A retired farmer and long-time resident of the Whitewater community, P. J. Harms, died at his home there Wednesday morning, Sept 7, at the age of 84. Funeral services were held at the home and the Gnadenberg church Saturday afternoon. He leaves his wife, the former Freda Wuthrich, and 13 children. One son, Adolph, resides at Newton.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Sep 22 p. 3

text of obituary:

PETER J. HARMS

Peter J. Harms, son of Johan P. Harms and Anna Harms, was born in Michalin, Russia, September 18, 1864. At the age of about ten, together with his parents, he migrated to America in the year 1874. The family settled on the homestead near Whitewater, Kans. where he lived all the remaining years of his life — a period of approximately 75 years.

He shared the privations of pioneer life, having begun his education in Russia and completing his elementary education in this country.

In the year 1863, he was admitted to the membership of the Gnadenberg congregation by baptism at the hands of Rev. John Schroeder.

On May 28, 1891, he was betrothed to Anna Balzer of the Gnadenberg community. To this union were born seven children: Emma (Mrs. William Zarneke), Agatha (Mrs. Pete Reimer), Leah, Agnes (Mrs. Chris Stephens), Adolph, Sam, and Edward.

On March 26, 1901, it pleased the Lord to take away in death the wife and mother. To help bear the responsibilities of life and caring for the family, God gave him another help-meet through his marriage to Ferena Wuthrich on Sept. 26, 1901. To this union were born eight children: Leonard, Martha (Mrs. J. W. Bergen), Esther (Mrs. Ervin Penner), Nathan, Dorothy(Mrs Herman Penner), Justina (Mrs. Willard Claassen), John and Alvin.

Two children, Leah and Edward, preceded him in death, also two brothers and two sisters. He attained the age of 84 years, 11 months and 19 days.

He was known by the children for his insistence on family devotions both morning and evening. These family devotions left an indelible mark on the family. He was faithful to his church, willing to help in whatever capacity he could. His business dealings were characterized by simple honesty.

He longed to be released from the weakness of the body to be home with the Lord. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, 13 children, 27 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord — that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.