Kleinsasser, Mary Hofer (1877-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 8 Jan 1953 p. 9

Birth date: 1877 Apr 29

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY KLEINSASSER

Mother Mary Kleinsasser (nee Hofer), daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Hofer, was born on a ship coming from Russia on April 29, 1877, and died on November 24, 1952, in the Freeman Community hospital, at 10:30 p.m.

She was about 10 days old when she came to this country. Her parents came directly to this part of South Dakota to homestead. She was the oldest grandchild of Michael R. Hofer who lived to the age of 103.

Here in this community she grew to womanhood, and received her elementary education. She was baptized by Rev. John L. Wipf upon the confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and accepted into the membership of the Hutterthal Mennonite church of Freeman, S. D.

February 14, 1899, she was united in marriage with Jacob J. Kleinsasser. To this union were born ten children; five preceded her in death in infancy. Those surviving her are Theresa (Mrs. Joe P. Glanzer), Ben at home, Jacob Jr. of Bridgewater, S. D., Clara (Mrs. Clifford Rockwell of Omaha, Neb. and Abraham at home. Father preceded her in death in August 1937. They were privileged to share joy and sorrow for 38 years, five months, and 23 days.

Mother suffered from diabetes for 12 years. Her eyesight also began to fail her.

She always enjoyed the German broadcast from Rev. J. W. Kleinsasser of Huron. She also loved to hear her children and grandchildren recite Bible verses. Mother always found comfort and strength in the old songs we used to sing years ago, such as “Christe Blut und Garenchtichkite,” “Kiener Weird Zu Schanden,” or some English songs.

Mother attended worship services as often as possible and as health permitted. She always found food for her soul in the preaching of His Word. She prayed much for her children, and believed that God would answer in behalf of everyone. She also took care of Ben as much as strength permitted even to the very end, before she was taken to the hospital. In 1951 she found it necessary to go to Omaha, Neb. to stay with her daughter Clara and family, to be cared for. Clara (Mrs. Clifford Rockwell) is a graduate nurse. The Lord saw fit to give her her strength back so she could go back to her home, and again take care of Ben who needed mother’s care in his illness.

Mother was always patient in her suffering, realizing the Lord’s goodness to her. After five days in the hospital with a blood clot, she died at the age of 75 years, six months and 25 days.

She leaves to mourn her death five children, Theresa, Ben, Jake, Clara and Abe; two sons-in-law, Joe P. Glanzer and Clifford Rockwell; one daughter-in-law; Mrs. Jacob J. Kleinsasser Jr.; one sister, Mrs. Bauerle; three brothers, William of Bridgewater, Jacob and George of Freeman; eight sisters-in-law, Mrs. Rachel Stahl, Mrs. Andre Kleinsasser, Mrs. Joe K. Kleinsasser, Mrs. M. M. Hofer, Mrs. William Hofer, Mrs. Jacob M. Hofer and Anna Kleinsasser; three brothers-in-law, Andrew and Joe K. Kleinsasser and George Jensen; twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. –The Children.