Mendel, Susie Hofer (1878-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Aug 22 p. 8

Birth date: 1878

text of obituary:

SUSIE HOFER MENDEL

Susie Hofer Mendel was born to Michael and Maria Gross Hofer in Johannesruh, South Russia on Oct. 26, 1878, and passed away at the home of her daughter Susie and husband, Jacob E. Glanzer, on June 13, 1963, having reached the age of 84 years, seven months, and 17 days.

In 1879 she migrated with her parents to America. They settled on a farm southwest of Bridgewater, S. D. where she grew to womanhood.

She was married to our father, D. J. Mendel, in January 1899. He was a widower with three small children (Jacob, 6, David, 4, and Elizabeth, 2), to whom she took the place of a mother. They shared joy and sorrow for over 52 years.

In revival meetings conducted by Rev. F. V. Wiebe she was convicted of her lost condition and after repenting, she found peace through the Blood of Jesus Christ, basing her salvation on Isa. 55 and the gospel song “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.”

On Sept. 10, 1916 she was baptized by Elder Jacob Hofer upon the confession of her faith and became a member of the Salem K. M. B. Church at Bridgewater, to which she remained faithful to the end.

After father died in 1951 she made her home with her daughter Susie and husband Jacob E. Glanzer, where she received the best of care for over 12 years.

Mother loved her church but was not able to attend services since October 1958 because of illness. She had been bedfast since Jan. 21, 1963. She loved the Word of God and read it often. Our mother prayed much, especially for her children and grandchildren, her church and its missionaries, often mentioning them by name.

She leaves to mourn seven children, Jacob, David, Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew J. Walter), and Mike of Freeman, John of Chicago, Emma (Mrs. Joe G. Hofer) of Menno, S. D., Susie (Mrs. Jacob E. Glanzer) of Alexandria, S. D.; three daughters-in-law, Mrs. J. H. Mendel, Mrs. M. F. Mendel, and Mrs. J. S. Mendel: three sons-in-law, Andrew, J. Walter, Joe G. Hofer, and Jacob E. Glanzer; 24 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Wm. J. Walter and husband; one sister-in-law, mrs. Paul M. Hofer, and a host of relatives and friends.

Preceeding [sic] her in death were her husband, D. J. Mendel; two children, Maria and Herbert; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. D. E. Mendel; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rev. Franklyn Jost officiated at the funeral. Music was furnished by the quartet, Emanuel Glanzer, Joel Hofer, Darius Hofer, and Mike Glanzer, and by Joel Hofer, soloist. Phyliss Tschetter served as organist. — The Family.