Reimer, Klaas P. L. (1890-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Nov 19 p. 11

Birth date: 1890 Jan 5

text of obituary:

KLAAS P. L. REIMER

It pleased the Lord to take from us our beloved husband and father, Klaas P. L. Reimer of Giroux, Man. on Sept. 18, 1964.

He was born to Rev. Peter R. and Maria L. (Plett) Reimr on Jan. 5, 1890 in the village of Blumenort. He received his education in the village school.

He realized his lost condition and became converted in his 21st year. He was baptized by Elder Peter R. Dueck and received into the fellowship of the EMC (Kleingemeinde), where he remained a faithful member to the end.

His marriage occurred on July 14, 1912. Ten children were born of this union, of which the first son died after two days.

Soon after our marriage it became noticeable that he was getting some type of illness. In 1916, on the advice of doctors, we decided to move to Kansas to see if the warmer climate would help his health. In 1924 he suffered an accident, which seemed to accelerate his illness. At this time he was already unable to do some of the work on the farm. Slowly the disease, creeping paralysis, advanced until he became a cripple.

In 1935 after several years of drouth in Kansas and after having lived at Garden City for nearly 30 years, he with his family decided to move back to Manitoba. At this time he could barely manage to walk with the aid of two canes.

Three years later, 26 years ago, he became a wheelchair invalid. The following years of helplessness were trying for his patience, but always through his steadfast faith that God makes no mistake, he could overcome his feelings.

Having come back to Manitoba, we purchased a small farm in the spring of 1936. We have operated the farm these many years with the help of the unmarried children.

For many years his paralysis kept on advancing but in later years this came to a standstill. He could make some use of his right arm until his death. Finally it was a heart attack that caused his death. His wife faithfully cared for him during all his years as an invalid.

He reached the age of 74 years, eight months and eight days. We had been married 52 years and two months. He leaves to mourn his death his wife and nine children: Abram and family of Giroux; Marie, Mrs. Cor. P. Friesen, Riverton; Peter and family of Giroux; Margaret, Mrs. Cor. P. Unger, Giroux; Anna, Mrs. Edward P. Friesen, Giroux, Henry and family, Washow Bay; Elizabeth, nurse in the Rest Haven; John and family, Toronto, Ont.; and Esther, laboratory technician in General Hospital. Also surviving are 39 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. John G. Barkman and her husband; two sisters-in-law; many relatives and a host o ffriends. — Mrs. Reimer and family.