Mueller, Rudolf (1874-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jul 14 p. 5

Birth date: 1874 Aug 4

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Halstead Mennonite church for Rudolf Mueller, 76 [sic 74], pioneer farmer of the Halstead community who passed away Friday evening at the Halstead hospital. Rev. L. A. Habegger and Rev. D. C. Wedel conducted the services. He leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo R. Mueller of Halstead, with whom he had been living, and also three sisters and three brothers.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Jul 28 p. 3

text of obituary:

RUDOLF MUELLER

Rudolf Mueller, son of Heinrich and Kathearine [sic Katharina] Weber Mueller, was born at Kothan, Germany, on August 4, 1874, and departed this earthly life on July 8, 1949, reaching the age of 74 years, 11 months and 4 days.

He received his elementary education and grew to manhood in his native country. In 1886 the family came to America for a brief stay. In 1902 they returned to America to make their home near Halstead, Kansas. He has always resided on farms in the Halstead community.

On January 4, 1919, he was united in marriage with Selma C. Moyer of Deer Creek, Oklahoma. To them were born four children, Edna Ruth and Waldo R., who survive, and Edwin and Ervin, twins, who died in infancy. This union was broken after 14 brief years by the death of his beloved companion, who after a long and incurable illness passed away on May 19, 1933. To the sorrow of those trying days was added the misfortune of receiving severe injuries while giving aid at the scene of an accident only seven weeks later. However, his implicit trust in God sustained him. His sisters, Katharine and Caroline, for many years made their home with him. He and his children deeply appreciated their love and unselfishness.

Though never especially strong, he led an active life. He was happiest when he was doing something. Even during the last few years when he was not well because of a heart ailment, it was his desire to help in any way possible about the farm. He never lost interest in its activities. On July 2, at 4:00 p. m., he was found unconscious beside the cot where he had been resting. He was taken to the Halstead Hospital where the doctors diagnosed the case as a severe cerebral hemorrhage. For six days he endured much pain and agony, which was relieved by doctors and nurses as much as humanly possible. However, he never regained consciousness. His soul quietly returned to its Maker on July 8, at 7:15 p. m., thus releasing him from all earthly suffering.

In 1888 he was baptized by Rev. Michael Landes and joined the Mennonite church of Eichstock, Germany. Later he transferred his membership to the First Mennonite church of Halstead, Kansas, in which he remained a faithful and loyal member until death. The church and her work held first place in his heart. He found much joy in serving her materially, by giving of his time, and through prayer. He served in his own congregation in various capacities, as Sunday School teacher, and over 20 years as deacon. He loved to worship in the church and attended whenever possible. He spent much time in prayer with his heavenly Father with whom he is now living in that heavenly mansion.

He was a devoted husband and father, ever concerned about his family. Though our hearts sorrow at parting and we shall miss him, we look forward to that day when we shall all be reunited in glory.

Those who survive him beside his son and daughter of the home are three brothers, Samuel and Jacob of Halstead, and Peter of Bell, California; and three sisters, Mrs. Helen Baehr, Katherine, and Caroline, all of Halstead. Preceding him beside his twin sons and wife are his parents, one sister, and four brothers.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon, July 12, at three o'clock from the First Mennonite Church of Halstead with Rev. L. A. Habegger, the pastor of the church, and Rev. D. C. Wedel of North Newton in charge. A prayer service in the home preceded the church service. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Vogt and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Krehbiel sang, "Wo Findet die Heimat, die Seele die Ruh" and "The Lights of Home." Mrs. Ruth Rose was the accompanist. The following nephews served as pall bearers: J. H., Earnest, Alfred, and Paul Mueller; Marvin Baehr, and John Miller.

Burial was by the side of his wife in the Halstead Cemetery. Services were under the direction of the Kaufman Funeral Home.

The Mennonite obituary: 1949 Aug 16 p. 15