Kliewer, Theodore H. (1901-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Jun 29 p. 6

Birth date: 1901 Sep 11

text of obituary:

THEODORE H. KLIEWER

Theodore H. Kliewer, son of H. G. and Anna (Pankratz) Kliewer, was born September 11, 1901, near Shelby, Okla., which was located ten miles northeast of Cordell.

Here he lived with his parents on the farm and attended the Shelby school. Later he continued his education at the Bible academy in Meno, Okla. where he contracted the flu and later inflamatory [sic] rheumatism developed, which left him with a weak heart.

In 1919 he was baptized upon confession of his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ and joined the Sychar Mennonite church hear Cordell. Here he remained a member until December 1947, at which time he joined the Herold Mennonite Church, Bessie, Okla.

On April 11, 1923, he was joined in holy matrimony to Bertha Heidebrecht. This union was blessed with four sons and two daughters. The oldest son, Eldon, preceded him in death, whom God took home at the early age of 13 years. His father also preceded him in death May 3, 1940.

On April 11, 1949, we were privileged to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, which was a joy and blessing to both. We had the privileged [sic] of living together and sharing joys and sorrows for 27 years, one month and seven days.

We lived on a farm in the early years of married life but due to his health we moved to Cordell where he maintained a cream station. After the death of his father we moved back to the farm where he lived till his death.

He had many friends and could make friends with anyone. He took great interest in the work of the Lord and church. He had served in the church as Sunday school superintendent, as trustee, and was on the board of deacons nearly two years. He had a ready smile for all and was kind hearted and always willing to lend a helping hand. The family altar and prayers have been the foundation of the home.

On October 8, 1949, he came home from the field and said “I am a sick man.” That night he was taken to the doctor, and suffered with heart trouble until death. Medical help was sought in many places but only temporary relief could be had.

On April 30 he was taken to the Clinton hospital where on Wednesday, May 17, 1950, at 11:00 o'clock a. m., without a word and very little struggle he passed on to his eternal Home where he joined his father and his son and now awaits for the circle to again be complete.

During the seven months of Illness he suffered much, at times with pain nearly unbearable, but never was his faith in God doubted. When all else would fail, comfort and strength came through much prayer and the reading of God's precious Word. In the last few weeks he spoke more of going home to be with the Lord than of getting well and remaining here. He longed to be released from the body of flesh for he was confident that to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord.

He reached the aged [sic] of 48 years, eight months and six days. He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife, Bertha, and five children, Esther, Elvera (Mrs. Louis Schmidt), Harold, Donald, and Elmer all of Cordell; one son-in-law, Louis Schmidt; one granddaughter, Nancy Kay; his mother, Mrs. H. G. Kliewer of Cordell; one sister, Martha, Mrs. Albert Schmidt of Meno, Okla.; one brother, Rev. Menno Kliewer of Caldwell, Idaho; his father-in-law, P. L. Heidebrecht of Corn, Okla.; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Herold Mennonite church with Rev. Paul Dahlenburg officiating, assisted by Rev. Elmo Warkentin. Music was furnished by two quartets and a trio, and interment was made in the Herald church cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1950 Jun 27 p. 451