Kliewer, Susanna Buller (1876-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Dec 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1876 Feb 12

text of obituary:

MRS. SUSANNA KLIEWER

Our mother, Mrs. Susanna Kliewer, was born in the village of Hierschau, Molotschna, South Russia on Feb. 12, 1876, and passed away at the Henderson Community Hospital, Henderson, Neb. on Nov. 28, 1955, having reached the age of 70 years, nine months and 16 days.

At the age of 17 months, she migrated to America with her parents, Heinrich and Maria Lohrenz Buller, who established a home two miles south of the site where Hampton, Neb. is now situated. Here the family experienced the hardships and privation of pioneer living. Extreme poverty and much self-denial was their common lot. She was the second oldest of 14 children.

Naturally her formal schooling was limited although she was desirous of learning and of enjoying the finer arts of life. Instead, domestic poverty forced her to assume household duties in the English-speaking neighborhood in her girlhood years to help provide for the necessities of life for the family.

She realized her lost condition and at the age of 18, found salvation in the atonement of Jesus Christ on Calvary and accepted Him as her Lord and Saviour. Upon confession of her faith, she was baptized by Elder Johann J. Regier on May 27, 1894, and accepted into membership of the Mennonite Brethren Church of which she remained a faithful member to the end.

On Jan. 23, 1896, she was joined in holy matrimony with Peter J. Kliewer by Rev. Johann Enns. This union has lasted 59 years, 10 months, and five days. Had our parents lived until Jan. 23, 1956, they would have observed their sixtieth wedding anniversary. Four sons and two daughters were born to this union, all of whom were with her during her last days. It is also worthy of praise to God for His sustaining grace that no death was experienced in her immediate home before her marriage nor after.

Upon establishing her own home she continued to experience pioneer hardships. Our parents lived on a rented farm in Hamilton County for 14 years after which through hard work, practical economy and the blessing of God, they were able to acquire their own farm in York County where they resided until 1950 when their retired to Henderson.

Mother endeavored to live a sincere and devoted Christian life. Her Christianity was deep-rooted in her heart. Although she was not given to much audible lip service she had great faith in the power of prayer. She had a remarkable inner fortitude that enabled her to face the storms of life with courage and conviction that somehow all would be well.

In the home mother was a Martha yet we as a family well know that she, like Mary, sat at the feet of the Master to listen to his words. Her quiet unassuming manner of life and her faithful devotion to her family will always be cherished as a blessed memory. Her life was one of continued sacrificial service to her family. What her children will miss most is her counsel and solutions to problems of life which she sought through agonizing prayer.

Mother's health had been failing for some time, but recently was somewhat improved. She suffered a stroke some time Sunday night, Nov. 20, 1955. She was rushed to the Henderson Community Hospital where she lingered for seven days, regaining consciousness only momentarily. She passed on to her heavenly reward at 5:10 Monday morning, Nov. 28. We deeply mourn her passing but not without hope for we have the full assurance that she has gone to be with Jesus and we look forward to the time when we shall be reunited with her in that heavenly home.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Peter J. Kliewer; four sons, John P. Kliewer of Henderson, Henry B. Kliewer and family of Hillsboro, Kansas, Herman Kliewer and family and Menno Kliewer and family, both of the Henderson community; two daughters, Mary Kliewer of Hillsboro, Kansas and Mrs. Hannah Regier and family of the Henderson community; one brother, Henry A. Buller of Henderson; four sisters, Mrs. Cathryn Miller and Margaret Buller of Denver, Colo. Mrs. Anna Thiessen of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Sarah Unruh of Reedley, Calif. Also 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive her besides a host of other relatives and friends. — The family.