Schmidt, Pete (1944-1954)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Aug 5 p. 3

Birth date: 1944 Dec 14

text of obituary:

Farm Accident Fatal To 9-Year-Old Boy

SERVICES FOR OKLAHOMA YOUTH HELD AT BESSIE M.B. CHURCH

Corn, Oklahoma. — The Corn and Bessie community were saddened last week by the sudden, accidental death of Pete Schmidt, Jr. nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Schmidt of the Bessie vicinity.

The lad suffered fatal injuries while helping at his father’s farm on Saturday, July 24. A feed blower with an augur attachment was being used to store oats feed in the hay loft, and the boy was helping unload feed into the augur. Suddenly his father heard his screams for help, and found that he had somehow caught one arm and one leg in the augur, amputating both.

Mr. Schmidt and a helper rushed him to a doctor’s clinic at Cordell, where he collapsed and died a short time later from loss of blood and shock. However, he remained conscious almost to the end, and before his passing laid his head on his father's shoulder and said, "Daddy, I’m dying."

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, July 27, at the Bessie M.B. church. H. H. Bartel, assistant pastor, was in charge and was assisted by Rev. J. P. Kliewer, Rev. Elmo Warkentin and Rev. B. W. Vogt.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1954 Sep 2 p. 9

text of obituary:

PETE JUNIOR SCHMIDT

Pete Junior, our darling son, was born to Pete and Anna Schmidt at Cordell, Okla. Dec. 14, 1944. At 11:45 a.m. July 24, 1954, Junior went to his Savior, whom he loved, reaching the age of nine years, seven months and 10 days.

He was a kind, loving and obedient child, a sunshine in our home. His sweet disposition always encouraged us, even when the trials of life weighed heavily upon us.

He had an especially keen interest in spiritual things. He found great delight in the Bessie M. B. Sunday School, and the last Sunday with us quoted the golden text. The Wednesday night Bible classes were also enjoyed by him.

On Feb. 15, 1954, on a Wednesday evening, Junior could not go to the Wednesday evening services. Being at home with his father, we read the Bible together and there his father was privileged to lead him to the Lord. In childlike faith, he claimed salvation, endeavoring to serve the Lord to the best of his ability and understanding. Last February at the Christ For Everyone Campaign in Cordell, he rededicated his life to the Lord.

In the evening devotions, he was mindful of the lost among his friends and neighbors, definitely praying for them.

He also showed much interest in the Word of God, especially the book of Job. Job. 1:22, which states that "in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly,” he underlined in red, stating that he was not perfect here, but that he would be some day. Psalm 1 and I John 1 were dear to him, to the extent that he memorized these and other portions of Scripture. The last chapter which he has memorized was also underlined in red.

He entered elementary training in the Cordell school system in the fall of 1951. The first week of school he had the misfortune of breaking his left arm. Although it was very painful he was patient. The last Wednesday evening with us, he retired on a couch before going to bed. Later, taking him to his bedroom, we as parents informed him of our praying for him, so that this night he would not have to pray. But Junior replied "No, I have to pray"— and that prayer we will always remember.

He enjoyed and was interested in school, but also in what his father was doing. Last Saturday morning he was very happy, expressing his desire to help. At 8:30 a.m. he listened to his favorite radio program from the Back to the Bible Broadcast, after which he came out to help. At 11:30 he was accidentally drawn into the blower, which caused his sudden death. How this happened we do not know, yet we say with Job of old, "The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken, Blessed be the name of the Lord."’ We understand not why, but some day we will understand. Although the parting is very painful we know he is with the Lord.

As parents we feel unworthy of his unusual love and affection, and excellent obedience given us.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his deeply bereaved parents; two sisters, Wynema Ann and Dinah Fay; his grandmother, Mrs. P. J. Schmidt; and a host of relatives and friends.

We mourn, but with the full assurance that some day we shall see him again. — The Bereaved Family.