Schmidt, Wilhelm P. (1867-1943)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1943 Apr 6 p. 14

Birth date: 1867 Jan 10

text of obituary:

Wilhelm P. Schmidt wurde am 10. Januar 1867 in Heinrichsdorf, Polen, Süd-Rußland geboren und kam 1874 mit seinen Eltern, Peter und Helena Unruh Schmidt, nach Yankton, S. Dakota. Mit 17 Jahren wurde er von Pred. Benj. Schmidt getauft und schloß sich der Friedensberg Mennonitengemeinde bei Avon an. Am 21. Oktober 1892 heiratete er Eva B. Richert, getraut durch Pred. Friedrich Schartner, und es wurden ihnen 11 Kinder geboren, wovon 3 jung starben. 1910 zogen sie nach Montana, 42 Meilen Nord von Glendive und er schloß sich der Bethlehem Mennonitengemeinde zu Bloomfield an und blieb da Glied. Ueber 50 Jahre durfte er mit seiner Gattin Freud und Leid des Ehelebens teilen. Von Natur stark und gesund, hatte er in 1936 das Unglück sich das Hüftengelenk zu verrenken, und er mußte dann am Stock gehen. Vor etwa 2 Jahren setzten andere Gebrechen ein, sodaß er fast immer zuhause bleiben mußte. Am 15. Januar ward er plötzlich krank, sodaß die Familie zusammengerufen wurde; und am 21. Januar, nach dreitägigem schwerem Leiden, schlug seine Erlösungsstunde, und er durfte zur ewigen Ruhe gehen um bei seinem Erlöser zu sein. Er erreichte ein Alter von 76 Jahren und 11 Tagen. Sein Scheiden betrauern seine Gattin, 5 Töchter, 4 Söhne mit Familien und viele Freunde. “Denn ich halte es dafür, daß dieser Zeit Leiden der Herrlichkeit nicht wert sei, die an uns soll offenbart werden.” Röm. 8:18. Wir trauern, aber wir erwarten ein baldiges Wiedersehen in der obern Heimat.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Mar 25 p. 3

text of obituary:

William P. Schmidt

For I recon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:18.)

These words from St. Paul express in beautiful phrases Father Schmidt's final farewell to a world of sin and pain. As we briefly review his life, may we resolve anew to accomplish a victorious life, like he, in the face of gravest difficulties.

Our dear husband, father and grandfather, William P. Schmidt, was born January 10, 1867, at Heinrichsdorf, Poland, South Russia. He immigrated with his parents, Peter and Helena (Unruh) Schmidt, to the United Staes of America in the year 1874. They landed at Yorktown [sic Yankton], South Dakota, and homesteaded 35 miles west of Yankton in Bonhomme county, South Dakota, where he spent his childhood days and grew to manhood. At the age of 17, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized on the confession of his faith by Rev. Benjamin Schmidt and was received into the membership of the Friedensberg church, south of Avon, South Dakota.

On October 21, 1892, he was joined in marriage to Eva B. Richert by Friedrich Schartner. Unto this union were born 11 children. One son and one daughter preceded him in death, both in infancy.

He made his home in South Dakota until 1910. Then he moved to Montana and homesteaded 42 miles north of Glendive in Dawson County. Here he joined the Bethlehem Mennonite church and remained a faithful member until his death.

We shared 50 years and 3 months of hardships, joy and sorrow together. In his life father was seldom sick. He was strong and healthy until 1936, when he had the misfortune of dislocating his hip. Since then he had to walk with a cane.

About two years ago additional complications set in, so that he had to spend practically all his time at home. he became seriously sick on January 15 and passed away into the Great Beyond on January 21 at 8:20 p.m. He suffered almost unbearably for three days. We rejoiced with him when the dear Lord and Saviour called His weary pilgrim home, where there will be no more sorrow, nor pain, nor death.

Father Schmidt reached the age of 76 years and 11 days. He leaves to mourn his death his beloved wife and 9 children: Mrs. Chris Buller, Tobias Schmidt, Joseph Schmidt, Benjamin Schmidt, Mrs. Dan Maier, Dan Schmidt, Mrs. Henry Baese, Mrs. Lydia Berg, and Mrs. Herbert Rauch, 4 sons-in-law, 2 daughter-in-law; one brother, Herman Schmidt of South Dakota, and 21 grandchildren. Two brothers, Abraham Schmidt of South Dakota and David Schmidt of Canada, one son-in-law, Tobias berg, and 5 grandchildren, preceded him in death.

We mourn, but await a glorious meeting Bye and Bye. — Mrs. Wm. P. Schmidt & children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1943 Mar 9 p. 14