Kaufman, Fanny Stucky (1863-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Dec 1 p. 6

Birth date: 1863 Aug 28

text of obituary:

MRS. FANNY KAUFMAN

Fanny Stucky Kaufman, daughter of John and Anna (Flickinger) Stucky, was born at Harodish [sic Horodisch], Russia on August 28, 1863, and departed this life on Oct. 21, 1949, at the age of 86 years, one month and 23 days.

At the age of 11 years she migrated with the family to America and settled with other immigrants near Freeman, South Dakota.

In 1876, at the age of 13, she was baptized by Elder John Schrag and received the fellowship of the Mennonite faith to which she was faithful throughout her long life.

On Oct. 28, 1879, she was married to Peter C. Kaufman of Freeman. Later they moved to Pretty Prairie, Kansas and in 1802 to near Murdock, where they lived at the time of his death on Sept 27, 1937. With him she shared the joys and sorrows of life for 58 years. Theirs was a pioneer life, with its uncertainties, dangers, and hardships.

When the Bethany Mennonite church was organized they were charter members. She was a member of this church at the time of her death.

Twelve children were born to them, six of whom departed this life; three died in infancy, and Elizabeth (Preheim), Benjamin, and Amelia passed away in the prime of life.

In caring and making a home for her family, she labored diligently, suffering from the limitations and the anxieties that only pioneer mothers know. She was a woman of integrity, a devoted wife and mother.

Her entire life was fought with uncertain change, hardships and sometimes poverty. Death and tragedy touched her, and through all she lived as one who knows “Her Masters Hand,” and as one who “Bore his own burdens.” Her life was quiet and unassuming, free of sham and pretense.

Though she had lived well past the half century mark her health was fair. Her determination not to cast the shadow of her infirmities on others kept her physically active until her sudden death. For the last 12 years she had made her home with her children and was living with her son John at the time of her death.

For many years, and especially during the last days, her desire was to pass through the door we call death to a “finished faith,” a “prepared place,” and her passing was without pain — an expectant turning to life eternal — a life free from the limitations, the trials and failures of this life.

She was the last of a family of 11 children. Her husband, six children, and a grandson Burdett, son of Jacob, who died in 1944 while serving his country, preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her departure six children: John of Burrton, Jacob of Central Point, Oregon, Anna, Edward and Rudolph of Murdock, and Carolina of Kingman. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Oct. 26 at the Bethany Mennonite church, conducted by Rev. Frank Loewen. Burial was in the Bethany cemetery. — The Children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1949 Nov 22 p. 11