Loewen, Cornelius L. (1895-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Sep 24 p. 11

Birth date: 1895 Mar 15

text of obituary:

CORNELIUS L. LOEWEN

Cornelius L. Loewen was born to Jacob and Justina Leppke Loewen on March 15, 1895 near Hillsboro, Kan. He passed away at the Sierra-Kings Hospital in Reedley, Calif. on July 21, 1970. He reached the age of 75 years, four months and six days.

He spent his childhood on the farm, and received his early education in the Ebenfeld School.

In the fall of 1912 he made his confession of faith. He was baptized on July 6, 1913 by Rev. John Foth and received into the Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church. Later he transferred his membership to the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church.

He and Bertha Reddig were married on Sept. 28, 1916 in the Ebenfeld Church by Rev. J. K. Hiebert. To this union were born three sons and two daughters.

The family lived in the Ebenfeld community on a small farm. In 1921, Dad had a sunstroke, causing a severe illness. The Lord spared his life. Because of his ill health, the family moved to Cheyenne Wells, Colo. in 1931, where they spent two years. Dad’s health improved so that he could work again. In 1935, the family moved to California.

Dad always enjoyed music. He sang in various groups and played in music groups. Even during his last illness he was often heard singing. Two days before his home-going, as his wife and daughter-in-law were bathing him, he joined them in singing, Amazing Grace, Grosser Gott Wir Loben Dich, and Gott ist die Liebe. As he sang, the tunes and words were very clear.

In 1966, our parents celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Dad’s steadfast faith in the Lord has been a great influence in our lives. When situations arose that seemed unsurmountable he would rise to the occasion, with a sincere faith that all would be well. During his last illness, he never complained. He was more concerned about the welfare of others, than about his own ill health. Dad was always willing and ready to help any of us when we needed him. His deepest concern was for the spiritual welfare of his children and grandchildren.

Two years ago, Dad’s health began to fail. During this time when he could not attend regular church services, he listened to the radio. He felt that the radio ministry was a real enrichment to his life, and a wonderful way of spreading the Gospel to many lands.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters and two grandchildren. We, who will miss him are: his wife, Bertha; Mervin and Martha Loewen, of Eugene, Ore., LaVada and Albert Brandt of Reedley, Calif., Carl and Jane Loewen, Eugene and Leola Loewen, Vonne and Edward Regier, all of Fresno, Calif.; 14 grandchildren, on great-granddaughter; five brothers, Henry L., John L., Pete L., Solomon L., all of Hillsboro, Kan., and Dan L. of Fresno, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Justina Suderman and Mrs. Marie Jost of Hillsboro; many nephews and nieces, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held July 25, 1970 at the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church conducted by Rev. Henry L. Janzen and Rev. Dan Friesen.