Preheim, Amelia Kaufman Voran (1875-1931)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Nov 4 p. 2

Birth date: 1875 Feb 16

text of obituary:

Mrs. Amelia Preheim.

Amelia Kaufman Preheim was born Feb. 16, 1875, near Freeman, South Dakota. She came to Kansas with her parents in 1884, and settled in McPherson county, where she spent most of her early life. On Oct. 27, 1889, she was baptized on confession of her faith, by Rev. Jacob Stucky and became a member of the Hopefield Mennonite church, near Moundridge.

In the year 1896 she was united in marriage with Peter J. Voran. To this union were born four children, of which one, Dawnie preceded her in death in infancy. Later, in the year 1902, she with her husband and family removed to Edwards county, near Belpre. Here they made their home on a farm. A few years passed and in the year 1905 on September 22 she experienced a great disappointment in life when her loving husband was taken to the great beyond, leaving her with three small, unprovided children.

One year later, in 1906, she with her children and other relatives removed to Kingman county, and here settled on a small farm. She also joined the then Bethany Mennonite church of that county.

On Feb. 11, 1909, she was united in marriage with Joseph Preheim. To this union were born one son and two daughters, all of whom preceded her in death in infancy.

In the year 1912 this new family changed their residence to Reno county, in the Pretty Prairie district. She here again joined the church of her faith, which she deemed so necessary to life.

After many years of toil and troubles it now seemed that the future could be spent in happiness, and joy would be here. However, God's ways are not our ways, and her health began to fail some five years ago. Though she was sick and should have ceased her earthly toils she was not a lover of leisure. A little later she began to fail fast. l Medical aid was sought, and everything was done to provide a cure. In spite of this her condition grew gradually worse, and new physical troubles were constantly added to her burden. Five weeks ago a heat attack put her to bed and medical aid and personal attention failed to add strength enough for her to get up.

Through all her suffering she never complained, but bore her trials silently, because she believed that through trials and sufferings she and everyone else would be kept in closer contact with the Kingdom of God.

On Oct. 23, 1931, at 10 a. m. she departed this life, reaching the early parting age of 56 years, 8 months and 7 days.

She leaves to mourn her death, her husband, three children, Carl, Paul and Lawrence, three daughter-in-laws, six grand children, all of this community; two brothers, Jacob and Ben Kaufman of Moundridge; five sisters, Mrs. C. J. Voran of Kingman, Mrs. A. H. Schrag and Mrs. J. R. Goering of Pretty Prairie, and a host of relatives and friends.

In her departure the husband loses a loving wife, the children a kind gracious mother, the church a good Christian, and the community a respected citizen.

Her eyes had grown dim in the service of God,
            And her form was bent with the years
                        Of toil. As she struggled to keep her faith
            Through the storm, the stress and the tears.
Undaunted, she struggled courageously on,
            At the task God had set her to do;
She meekly bowed her will to the Lord,
            As she prayed for strength anew.
Then the Angel of God, in the evening of life,
            Relieved her of all earthly care;
With all of the beauty in heaven, they still
            Must have needed a Mother there.

— H. S. S.