Kliewer, Mathilda Engle Schapansky (1877-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Apr 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Jul 18

text of obituary:

MRS. MATHILDA KLIEWER

Mathilda Engle Schapansky Kliewer, daughter of Ferdinand and Dora Engle, was born on July 18, 1877 in South Russia. At the age of two she came with her parents to the United States and settled in Marion County, Kansas.

In 1895 she was united in holy matrimony to David D. Schapansky, in a double wedding ceremony with the late Mr. and Mrs. Martin Just. At this time our father was in business but soon after their marriage they moved to Corn, Okla., where they filed a homestead about three miles east of Corn. This union was blessed with six sons and one daughter. Three of the sons, Tom, George and David, preceded her in death. Our only sister, Mathilda, passed away in infancy. Also one grandchild laid down his life for his country in World War II.

In 1921 our father passed away and soon after this mother moved to Corn. Here she kept a house where many school teachers found a home.

In 1945 she came to Reedley, Calif. and the same year was united in holy matrimony to George Kliewer. This union was dissolved by his death after a duration of five years. After this our mother made her home on Friesen Avenue in Reedley, attended church, took part in the missionary societies and rejoiced in her friends as well as in her personal faith in God. About five months ago she found it necessary to enter a rest home in Dinuba.

Sunday morning, March 15, 1964, while sitting in her favorite chair, she left to be with her Maker. She reached the age of 87 years, seven months, and 27 days.

Those who remain to mourn her departure are: three sons, Ed Schapansky of Reedley, Dr. John Schapansky of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Ervin Schapansky of Orosi, Calif.; three brothers, Fred and Will Engle of Corn, Okla., and Ed Engle of Tulare, Calif., two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Leppke of Marion, Kan. and Mrs. Anna Schmidt, San Diego, Calif.; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The memorial service was held in the Mennonite Brethren Church, Reedley, with Rev. Dan Friesen officiating. — The Family.