Schmidt, Henry B. (1882-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 May 7 p. 10

Birth date: 1882 Nov 2

text of obituary:

HENRY B. SCHMIDT

Henry B. Schmidt, son of Rev. Henry D. and Margaretha Barkmann [sic Baerkman] Schmidt, was born Nov. 2, 1882, in Marion County, Kan., and as a youngster attended the Antioch District School. On Sept. 25, 1898, he with his parents came to Oklahoma and settled on a homestead three and one-half miles northeast of Cordell, in Washita County.

He was baptized upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus by Rev. M. M. Klassen on Aug. 13, 1905, and became a member of the Salem Mennonite Church.

On July 8, 1906, he was married to Marie M. Becker as Gotebo by Rev. Henry Riesen, and they made their first home on a rented farm east of Cordell. Some time later they moved to Kiowa County and lived near Gotebo for several years, then came back to Washita County and he remained a resident of that county to the end of the life. This union was blessed with two sons.

On April 20, 1913, he and his wife became members of the Sichar Mennonite Church where he served a number of years as Sunday school treasurer, about 20 years as church trustee, and ten years as church treasurer.

After the Sichar congregation disbanded Henry and his wife were received as members at the Herold Mennonite Church on Sept. 26, 1948, where he remained a faithful members [sic] until the end.

He never put himself forward nor loudly proclaimed his convictions, but quietly went his way serving his Lord as best he could.

On July 8, 1956, he and his wife had the privilege of observing their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

The Lord blessed him with good health until the early 1940's. In the summer of 1953 he underwent surgery and his health was again restored. During the early spring of this year he did not feel well and was under the doctor's care. In the early hours of March 28 he suffered a heart attack and was taken to the Cordell Memorial Hospital for treatment. At times we dared hope he might improve enough to be taken home, but on April 11, 1959, about 11:30 in the forenoon he quietly and peacefully passed away to be with his Lord and Saviour. He reached the age of 76 years, five months and nine days.

He leaves his wife; two sons, Rudolf B. and wife Minnie of Cordell, Ernest F. and wife Caroline of Pampa, Texas; four grandchildren and one great granddaughter; one sister, Mrs. Margaret Schmierer and husband John; one foster-brother, Henry S. Razlaff and wife Elisabeth; his 94-year-old mother-in-law, Mrs. Maria Becker of North Newton, Kan.; four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held April 14, 1959, at the Hartronft Funeral Home at 1:15 p.m. and at the Herold Mennonite Church at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Richard Tschettter officiating. Interment was made at the church cemetery. — The Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1959 May 26 p. 334