Hodel, Christian L. (1891-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 May 15 p. 8

Birth date: 1891 Dec 26

text of obituary:

CHRISTIAN L. HODEL

Our loving husband and father, Christian L. Hodel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christian B. Hodel, was born on Dec. 26, 1891, near Hillsboro, Kansas. In that community he spent his childhood days and attended the county grade school.

At the age of 14 he recognized his lost condition and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized upon his confession of faith and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church. He remained faithful to his Lord and to his church until the very end.

At the age of 17 he moved with his parents to Reedley, Calif. Here, on July 30, 1916, he was united with Lizzie Huebert in holy matrimony. This union, which lasted 41 years and nine months, was blessed with one son. We shared many joys and sorrows in these years.

The first years of our married life were spent in Reedley where our father followed the baker trade. After living in Reedley a number of years we purchased some land southwest of town and took up the occupation of farming. The Lord blessed this undertaking and we were happy in this work. About 10 years ago father retired from active farming so that he might devote some time to other interests. He spent four summers taking care of the Hartland Bible Camp, which he greatly enjoyed.

Our father enjoyed comparatively good health most of his life. He had a pleasant nature that brought him many friends. He also had a great love for his church and conference and as a result he served as a delegate to many conventions. During his active church life he served 21 years as an usher, and for 11 years he had charge of the sound system in the church. He also served on the relief committee.

Our father's failing health prompted us to move to Reedley last August. His condition kept growing steadily more serious. We took care of him the best we were able in our home and found great joy in ministering to his needs during these trying times. Wednesday morning, April 30, 1958, at about 2:00 a. m., the Lord called him home to Glory. He reached the age of 66 years, four months and four days.

Those who remain to mourn at his departure are his wife, Mrs. Lizzie Hodel of Reedley; one son, Clarence Hodel of Dinuba, Calif.; one daughter-in-law; four granddaughters; two brothers, Jake Hodel of Hillsboro, Kansas and Sam Hodel, Clearbook, B. C.; five sisters, Mrs. Lydia Seibel of Reedley, Mrs. Mary Lynn of Pasadena, Calif., Mrs. Anna Semrau of Chico, Calif., Mrs. Bertha Heier of the Reedley Home for the Aged, and also eight brothers-in-law, and six sisters-in-law. Besides these there are many friends and relatives who are standing close to us in this time of bereavement.

The funeral was conducted in the Reedley M. B. Church on Saturday, May 3, with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev. H. R. Wiens officiating. — The Family.