Schmidt, Otto Jacob (1925-1937)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1937 Sep 14 p. 15

Birth date: 1925 May 14

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Aug 25 p. 1

text of obituary:

BOY DROWNED AT GOESSEL, MONDAY AFTERNOON

Death unexpectedly entered the house of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. Schmidt living one-half mile east of Goessel late last Monday afternoon, when their 12 year old son Otto drowned in a pond about a quarter of a mile west of Goessel. they boy, a healthy, energetic lad, had driven his bicycle to the pond with several other boys of about the same age, and together they planned to spend a part of the afternoon swimming.

Otto, who was unable to swim, accidentally ventured out into a place where the water was too deep, beyond the help of his friends, none of whom was a good enough swimmer to rescue him. Upon arrival of help from neighboring homes it was found that life had already left the boy's body and resuscitation efforts were of no avail.

The boy had partaken of a good lunch before going to the pond, and it is thought that he was evidently overtaken by cramps. His parents were unaware of the tragedy until they were informed by friends over the telephone.

Funeral services will be held at the Alexanderwohl church tomorrow afternoon. The Review extends sincere sympathy to the sorrowing parents and relatives.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1937 Sep 8 p. 2

text of obituary:

Otto Schmidt

Our dearly beloved son Otto Schmidt was born on May 14, 1925, at Goessel, Kansas. He was a healthy, strong body, for which we were happy and thankful. His open and joyful attitude brought many blessings into our home.

With his seventh year he entered the public school and reached the sixth grade. He was studious and anxious to get his lessons. It was also a pleasure for him to attend Sunday School and church service3s.

Since he was well developed in physical strength for his years, he could help his father on the farm. He found it a special pleasure to run the tractor during the plowing season.

Monday, Aug. 23, at about four o'clock, he and his father had lunch in the field together. They entertained a general conversation, not suspecting that within an hour the boy would be dead. Right after lunch he brought some drinking water to the field and then rode to Goessel on his bicycle, where he enjoyed to play with his comrades. He did this often. There he went bathing with two other boys & it was at this time that the accident happened, and his life came to a sudden end.

Otto had begun to make preparations for the new school year when he bought a luggage carrier, which he attached to the bicycle and on which he planned to take his younger brother to school. Thus man makes plans but god rules and directs. His father often prayed for wisdom and strength to train the children in the fear of God. Now it was not His privilege to be with his son in the hour of death, but he has the hope and faith that the Lord found him prepared for the end.

We say with Lamentations 1:12, "See if there be any sorrow like our sorrow," and with Joc 1:12, "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed by the name of the Lord."

Otto left to mourn his early departure, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. Schmidt, two sisters, Hilda 10 years, and Ella 4 years; one brother Marvin 6 years; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schmidt and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob H. Goertzen.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Alexanderwohl church.

The Mennonite obituary: 1937 Sep 7 p. 15