Kliewer, Mary Zerger (1875-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Sep 6 p. 3

Birth date: 1875 Sep 3

text of obituary:

MRS. P. W. KLIEWER

Mary (nee Zerger) Kliewer, was born September 3, 1875, at Hopedale, Illinois. Later she moved with her parents to Kansas, where she spent her youth.

On December 28, 1893, she was united in holy wedlock with P. W. Kliewer in Hutchison [sic Hutchinson], Kansas. In March, 1895, they moved to Corn, Oklahoma, where she and her husband experienced the hardships of pioneer years, and where she also came to know the Lord through faith. After some years the family moved to Caddo county where they lived for 10 years. It was there in 1905 that she was baptized by Rev. Henry Bergthold upon her confession of faith and was accepted as a member into the M. B. church. In 1913 they moved to a farm six miles south and one-half mile east from Corn, and by letter united with the Corn M. B. church of which she remained a faithful member to the end.

On April 9, 1944, their home was destroyed by the tornado which struck that community and they transferred their residence to town, at which place she also passed away.

During the greater part of her life she enjoyed good health but at times also has been seriously ill.

On December 28, 1943, she and her husband celebrated their golden wedding annivrsary [sic].

Within the last three years different ailments made themselves known, especially after the experience of the above mentioned storm.

On January 9, 1945, she suffered a light stroke. Soon thereafter other illnesses followed, at which time various doctors were consulted and relief obtained. However, in April her condition grew worse and again doctor’s aid was summoned. Hope for regaining health soon vanished and for the last six weeks she was bedfast.

During her illness she was patient and content. She sang and prayed much. Her faith in the Lord became stronger, although her suffering increased. The many remarks she made served as a testimony of her fellowship, happiness and refuge in her Lord and Saviour. She had a deep concern for the spiritual welfare of her children and others.

She was thankful for the love extended to her and grateful for the visits of relatives and friends, especially did she love music and appreciate the songs sung for her. The faithful and good nuring [sic] which her daughter Marie rendered during the past eight months caused her to be greatly thankful.

She had a deep longing to go home, which she also expressed in her many prayers. On August 8 she said, “Jesus will soon come to take me home.” She constantly found comfort in God’s Word and especially in Ps. 119: 105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Although she suffered severe pain she never complained. During the last four days she was speechless and evidently unconscious the last 23 hours, after which, during the stillness of the night, she peacefully fell asleep at 12:50, August 11, 1945.

To her and her husband were born seven children. They are also grandparents of 14 grandchildren, one of whom preceded her in death. She leaves to survive her deeply bereaved husband P. W. Kliwer [sic Kliewer], Corn, Okla.; the children, K. J. Kliewer, Corn, Okla.; Geo. Kliewer, Fredonia, Kans., M. H. Kliewer, Cordell, Okla.; A. J. Kliewer, Weatherford, Okla.; Marie L. Kliewer,. Corn, Okla.; Herbert A. Kliewer, Cloud Chief, Okla.; and Mrs. M. K. Kroeker, Corn, Okla.; one son-in-law, five daughters-in-law; 13 grandchildren; one brother Ed. Zerger; one sister, Mrs. J. J. Kaufman, Cleveland, Kans., who also was present at the funeral; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; a grand-daughter by marriage, and other relatives, friends and acquaintances.

We mourn because she left us all to [sic] soon, however, we look back in thought of her peaceful and quiet departure and reply. “‘Tis not death but a triumphant victory over death” and we rejoice to look forward to that time when we shall meet her in the eternal happiness. — Husband and Children