Leisy, Lizzie Hargesheimer (1856-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 25 Dec 1952 p. 9

Birth date: 1856 Jun 15

text of obituary:

MRS. LIZZIE LEISY

Our mother, Mrs. Lizzie Leisy, was born June 15, 1856, in Eddyville, Iowa, to Philip and Margaret Hargesheimer. In her infancy she was baptized by a German Lutheran minister.

On October 10, 1871, she was united in marriage to Rudolph Leisy at Des Moines, Iowa. The parents later moved to Keokuk, Iowa where seven of her 12 children were born. The family then moved to a farm at Wisner, Neb. where five more children came to bless the home. Here she became a member of the Mennonite church and all her children were baptized in this same church.

Her husband passed away in 1901 and with the help of her older sons she continued farming and thus kept the family together. Our mother knew the hardships of pioneer days and continued in her work faithfully.

In 1917 she moved to Aberdeen, Idaho with one of her daughters. Albert, Setchen and Eugene had moved there previously. On May 11, 1919, she united with the First Mennonite church of Aberdeen, and remained a faithful member until death.

God had enriched her with a quiet nature and her faith in God and devotion to her Lord and Savior were in inspiration and blessing to her children, friends, and neighbors. Her faith in God and His Word was real and unwavering. Truly, she could say, "I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me in that day."

Often she was heard to pray, "Lord take me home." Quietly the Lord removed her from this world and took her Home on Sunday afternoon, at about 1:45 o'clock, December 7, 1952, at the age of 96 years, five months and 22 days.

Six children preceded her in death: four sons, Omar, Henry, Eugene and Robert, and two daughters, Setchen and Augusta. She is survived by two sons and four daughters: Albert Leisy of Aberdeen, Idaho, and August of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Mrs. John Stauffer of Page, Neb.; Mrs. Fred Schowalter of Halstead, Kansas; Mrs. Dora Haury of Aberdeen, Idaho, and Mrs. Alfred Wedel of Aberdeen. She also leaves one sister Mary, age 98, of Iowa, who is still very active; one half-brother, Phillip, and two half-sisters, Carrie and Justina, all of Iowa. She also leaves 21 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

It can truly be said of her life and heart's d [missing in original]

live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Funeral services were conducted Dec. 11, 1952, in the First Mennonite church, Aberdeen, Idaho, with her pastor, Rev. H. N. Harder, officiating. He used for his text Phil. 1:21. A quartet sang, "My God and I" and "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior." The latter was her favorite hymn.