Kliewer, William (1882-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Jun 10 p. 9

Birth date: 1882 Feb 3

text of obituary:

WILLIAM KLIEWER

William Kliewer, our beloved husband and father, was born in Deutsch Wimischile, [sic Wymyschle] Poland, on Feb. 3, 1882. He was brought up in the Christian home of his parents, Rev. Johann and Emilia (Wohlgemuth) Kliewer, and given the education offered by the village schools.

He was one of 13 children in the family, and the only one who migrated to America. In his 22nd year he came along with his cousin, Heinrich P. Kliewer, to the United States. After arriving in this country in May, 1905, he made his temporary home with his uncle Jacob Kliewer at Fairview, Okla. In November, 1905, he homsteaded [sic] in Beaver county, Okla., and after five years of pioneering experiences he moved to a farm at Hillsboro, Kansas.

He was married to Maria Bartel on Dec. 18, 1910. The Lord in His faithfulness has given us 43 years of blessed companionship. Three children, Alvin, Walter, and Ruben, were born into our family. We lived on our farm north of Hillsboro for about 36 years. In 1946 we retired and moved into our present home in Hillsboro.

Our father was saved in his youth; was baptized and received into the Mennonite Brethren church in Poland on Oct. 25, 1897, by Elder Peter Ratzlaff. Since 1910 he has been a member of the Hillsboro M.B. church. We shall always cherish deeply his personal devotion to Jesus Christ and his interest in the Kingdom of God. We mourn his sudden departure, but not without hope.

Our father suffered a heart ailment which also caused his death. He passed away after a short two hour illness Tuesday, May 4, 1954, at 11:30 p.m., reaching the age of 72 years, two months and one day. His parents, brothers and sisters have preceded him in death.

Among those mourning his departure are: Mrs. William Kliewer and children, Alvin and Minnie Kliewer of Enid, Okla., Walter and Wilma Kliewer of Hillsboro, Ruben and Rosalie Kliewer of Hillsboro, five grandchildren, also a number of relatives, many neighbors and friends. — The Family.