Niehage, Julia Kaufman (1881-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Nov 27 p. 9

Birth date: 1881 May 18

MRS. HENRY NIEHAGE

Julia Kaufman Niehage was born May 18, 1881, four miles west of Moundridge, Kansas. On this farm she spent her childhood and youth. On June 16, 1895, she was baptized by Rev. Dietrich Gaeddert and was received into the fellowship of the Hopefield church near Moundridge where she was a faithful member until she joined the First Mennonite Church of Christian in March 1901.

On December 1, 1907, she married Henry Niehage. The marriage vows were read by Rev. John C. Goering. From 1907 to 1943 she, with her husband, lived on their farm one mile south of Moundridge. Three children were born to them, two of them preceding her in death: Eric, who died in infancy, and Harold, who died in 1938. The only child surviving her departure is Reinhold, who lives on the home place.

She was a great lover of children, and always sought to bring joy and to be of help to those who needed mother love and care. This love prompted her to take Quinton Mead into the home when he was only two years old. She mothered him as she would her own child until he left home at 20 years of age.

She was a lover of music and often would spend her time in singing hymns. Even two days before her death she found much Joy and inspiration in singing the familiar hymns. She had a friendly disposition, and was most sociable, and always enjoyed visitors.

In 1943 the Niehage family moved to Moundridge. Her health began to fail about ten years ago and for the last three years she had been in poor health. Often, during this time, she expressed a longing for her eternal home, and on Wednesday evening, November 5, she departed this life in peace. She reached the age of 71 years, six months and 17 days. Mr. and Mrs. Niehage were permitted to share the joys and sorrows of life together for 44 years and 11 months.

She is survived by her husband, Henry; her only son, Reinhold; two daughters-in-law, Edna and Frieda; five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. “Blessed are they that die in the Lord.”

The Mennonite obituary: 1952 Nov 25 p. 745