Patzkowski, Henry W. (1888-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Nov 8 p. 8

Birth date: 1888 Dec 22

text of obituary:

HENRY W. PATZKOWSKI

Henry Wiens Patzkowski, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Patzkowski, was born on Dec. 22, 1888, near Hillsboro, Kansas, and departed this life from his home in Parlier, Calif. to enter the place prepared for him by his blessed Christ and Savior on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 7, 1956. He attained the age of 67 years, 10 months and 15 days.

He grew up in the Hillsboro community, receiving his meager formal education there. As a young man he moved to the Inman-Buhler, Kansas community, where he took up blacksmithing.

In 1907 he was redeemed by the blood of the Lamb as he bowed in repentance before Him and believed in Christ. He was baptized that same year and received into the fellowship of the Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.

On May 22, 1909, he j9ined hands in marriage with Katherine Riffel, and they traveled life's road together for more than 47 years. This union was blessed with six children, three sons and three daughters. One son died in infancy.

They made their first home in Inman, Kansas, where he was a blacksmith. They moved to Fairview, Okla. in 1913, and after a little more than a year moved to Buhler, Kansas. In 1919, the family moved to the Reedley, Calif. area where they followed the occupation of farming near Reedley and also near Kingburg [sic Kingsburg]. In 1935 they moved to Parlier where he had already been blacksmithing for some time.

His faith in God was ever strong, and he loved his Savior dearly. He had many trials and difficulties in his life, especially the last few years. He was a man of prayer and was greatly burdened for the salvation and welfare of his loved ones. He was a kind father and a good provider. His chief interests in life centered in his family.

He was not a healthy man most of his life for his stomach caused him much discomfort and pain. For the last 19 months he suffered much with a heart ailment. He spent considerable time in the hospital. Sunday shortly after noon while sitting in his favorite chair he suddenly leaned back and went to meet his Maker and Redeemer.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his wife, Mrs. Katherine Patzkowski of Parlier; his five children, Alice, Mrs. George Kroeker of Fresno, George Patzkowski of Reedley, Irene, Mrs. F. J. Seiple of Reedley, LeRoy Patzkowski of Fresno, and Lois, Mrs. Richard Darling, Selma, Calif.; three sons-in-law; two daughters-in-law; 12 grandchildren; his 92-year-old mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Riffel of Buhler, Kansas; one brother, Leonard Patt, Reedley; three sisters, Anna, Mrs. John Letkeman of Reedley, Bertha, Mrs. Dick Riffel of Buhler, Miss Lizzie Patzkowski of Reedley, and many other relatives and friends. — The Family.