Reimer, Katharina Kliewer (1863-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Jan 24 p. 9

Birth date: 1863 Jun 21

text of obituary:

MRS. J. B. REIMER

Our mother, Mrs. J. B. Reimer, nee Katharina Kliewer, was born in South Russia in the village of Waltheim on June 21, 1863. She passed away at the Bethesda hospital, Goessel, Kansas on Dec. 14, 1951, at 9:00 p.m., reaching the age of 88 years, five months, and 17 days.

Her early childhood years were spent in Russia where she also lost her mother when she was still a small child. Her education was rather limited, and there was no opportunity to attend school in the new country. Nevertheless she was alert and acquired the American language to such an extent that she could converse with her friends and neighbors quite fluently. She delighted in the work of the church and especially the mission society where it was always her joy to give of her time and handwork to make someone else happy.

She came to the United States with her widowed father in 1875. Pioneer years brought many varied experiences. In 1883 she accepted the Lord as her Saviour and was baptized by Rev. Dietrich Gaeddert and received into the membership of the Hoffnungsau church. Later when the Inman Mennonite church was organized she transfered [sic] her membership and she remained a charter member until her departure.

On January 4, 1884, she was married to our father the late Jacob B. Reimer with whom she shared life’s joys and sorrows for almost 59 years. They made a happy home for their six children, of whom five grew to maturity.

Two of her sons, Bernhard and Jacob, preceded her in death. Her living children are: Anna and her husband Peter D. Gaeddert of Newton; George of Larned; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. J. J. Reimer, Portland, Oregon; Henry F. Reimer and family living east of Inman; Katherine and her husband Dietrich Regier and children, who live on a farm southwest of Moundridge.

We as children thank our God for loving parents who taught us the Christian way of life. Mother spent her declining years in the home for aged at Goessel, Kansas. Here she felt quite happy and content among Christian friends. She enjoyed the fellowship of like minded friends in the Home and especially were the devotional services of great inspiration and value to her. — The Family.