Mierau, Jacob (1916-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Dec 28 p. 11

Birth date: 1916 Jun 8

text of obituary:

JACOB MIERAU

Jacob Mierau, son of Jacob and Katherine Unruh Mierau, was born on June 8, 1916, in Paulsheim, South Russia. At the age of 12, he was forced to flee because of the Communist terror, and so together with his brother David he reached China. Here in his utter loneliness, away from his parents, he turned to the Lord Jesus Christ whom he accepted as his personal Saviour. Later his parents joined him in China, and they departed for Paraguay, South America. On the way to Paraguay, his father passed away in France.

On June 10, 1937, he was united in holy matrimony to Margaret Boldt. This union, which lasted 24 years and six months, was blessed with five children, four daughters and one son.

We made our first home in South America on a farm, and united with the Mennonite Church for fellowship. The church recognized the devoted life and spiritual concern of our father and elected him to serve as a deacon.

In November of 1952 we left Paraguay and came to the United States and settled in Reedley, Calif., where we united with the Mennonite Brethren Church. We were very grateful for our new home. The first five years our father served as janitor at Immanuel Academy. About five years ago we purchased a farm south of Reedley, where we settled. His greatest concern was to provide for his family spiritually and materially.

About nine months ago our father became ill. We sought the best of medical help but the Lord saw fit to permit him to go through great suffering. Sunday morning, Dec. 10, 1961, about 3:30, the Lord called him and he found an abundant entrance into the great beyond. He reached the age of 45 years, six months and two days.

Those who remain to mourn at his departing are his wife, Mrs. Margaret Mierau, Reedley; one son Peter Mierau and his wife, Frieda; four daughters, Tina, Hildegard, Anni and Gredel; two sisters, Mrs. Anna Goertz, Reedley, and Mrs. Tina Hildebrandt of Paraguay; one brother David Mieau, Reedley; six sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

The memorial service was held in the Reedley Mennonite Church with Rev. Dan Friesen and Rev.Henry L. Janzen officiating. — The Family.