Kliewer, Benjamin (1859-1938)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1938 Feb 15 p. 14

Birth date: 1859 May 18

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 16 Feb 1938 p. 3

text of obituary:

Benjamin Kliewer.

Benjamin Kliewer was born in south Russia on May 18, 1859, and passed away at his home in Henderson, Nebr., February 1, 1938, where he has resided for a number of years.

He lost his parents while he was still in his boyhood years. In 1875 he and his sister, Eva, came to America in company with some near relatives, who settled in the vicinity of the present village of Hampton. He started out as a farm hand in that locality and experienced a real touch of pioneer life.

In 1879 he was baptized on confession of his faith by Elder Isaac Peters and taken into the fellowship of the Mennonite Church.

In 1881 he bought 80 acres of land two miles east of Hampton. On this land he bult a very modest sod house which served as a home for several years.

January 5, 1882 he joined in holy wedlock with Aganetha Harder. His half-brother. Rev. Johann Kliewer, performed the marriage ceremony. To this union two daughters were born, Elizabeth, Mrs. A. C. Ediger, who preceded him in death July 23, 1915, and Agnetha, Mrs. A. J. Goosen, who resided on a farm near Henderson.

In 1889 he sold the eighty near Hampton and bought 120 acres on Beaver Creek, near the York county line. On Jan.5, 1909 his wife passed away. Shortly thereafter he disposed of all his personal property and purchased a home in Henderson, into which he moved Aug. 31, 1910.

On Nov. 27, 1910, he joined in holy wedlock with Mrs. Cor. Heinrichs (Janzen, nee Abrahams) of Henderson. In this union he proved himself a real father not only to his children and grandchildren, but to his step-children and step-grandchildren, all of whom admired and respected him very much. He was an inspiration to many, including relatives, neighbors and friends. This union came to an end on Dec. 1, 1933, when she passed into the great beyond. Since her departure he has lived in Henderson. Only at times when he was sick, he was taken to the home of his daughter, where he was tenderly cared for until he recovered. At intervals he suffered heart attacks. Some years ago his condition was quite serious, but with the years his health improved. About two weeks ago it again made its attack. He was critically ill for a few days, and he seemed to be recovering nicely until Jan. 28, when again he was bedfast until his death, February 1.

At times he had great pain and suffering which he bore very patiently and in full faith in his Savior, when he repeatedly asked for strenght [sic] to enable him to bear the pain. He was conscious, so to say, to the very end. The last few days his speech and vision became somewhat impaired. His life came to a standstill quite suddenly. A peaceful smile seemed to appear on his face, while the spirit was carried to the great beyond.

He attained an age of 78 years, 8 months and 25 days.

The funeral services were held at the Bethesda Church in charge of Rev. A. W. Friesen and Rev. David Hooge, Friday, Feb. 4, at 1;30 P. M. Interment at the Bethesda Cemetery northeast of Henderson.