Risser, Maria Strohm (1846-1924)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1925 Jan 15 p. 6

Birth date: 1846 Sep 25

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1924 Dec 30 p. 3

text of obituary:

Maria Risser

Maria Risser, nee Strohm, was born in Germany September 25, 1846 and came to America as a child with her parents Peter and Barbara Strohm, and settled in Iowa. Before one year had passed the father died and left her mother with five children to bear the burden of pioneer life in the new land.

She early joined the Mennonite church and remained a faithful member to the end. In 1868 she married Daniel F. Risser and for many years lived with him in Summerfield, Illinois, where he conducted the church school. From 1871 to 1875 he served as a teacher in the conference school at Wadsworth, Ohio. In 1885 they returned to Iowa to be near the husband’s parents in their last years.

Seven children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy. The remaining six received a college education because of the efforts of these devoted parents.

The husband and father died in the year 1908, since which time she made her home with her children.

The oldest son, Jonathan, died in 1916 in Topeka, Kansas, where he was professor of biology in Washburn College.

She died on December 21st in the hospital conducted by her son Arthur at Blackwell, Oklahoma. Her age was 78 years, 2 months, and 26 days. She leaves to mourn her loss her sons: Oswald Risser of Pasadena, California; Arthur S. Risser of Blackwell, Oklahoma; T. S. Risser of Boise, Idaho; H. S. Risser of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; and A. L. Risser of Salt Lake City, Utah.

It was her blessing to retain all her faculties to the end, and even the day before her death she was eagerly busy to finish a gift for a little burned child in the hospital.

She was laid to rest in the same cemetery lot with her mother at Halstead, Kansas. Rev. J. W. Kliewer and Rev. H. T. Unruh officiated at the funeral.

J. W. Kliewer.

The Mennonite obituary: 1925 Jan 8 p. 7