Schroeder, Peter J. (1882-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Oct 9 p. 5

Birth date: 1882 Aug 20

text of obituary:

. . .

— Memorial services were held at the Goessel Mennonite church last Sunday afternoon for P. j. Schroeder, 65, who passed away at Richland, Mont., on Sept. 30. A number of brothers and sisters reside in this vicinity, including Miss Marian Schroeder and Mrs. David Balzer of Newton, Dave Schroeder of Goessel, Mrs. J. M. Janzen of Hesston, Abe Schroeder and Emil Schroeder of Hillsboro, Henry R. Schroeder of Goessel, and Jacob Schroeder of Canton. The body was sent here for burial.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Oct 16 p. 3

text of obituary:

PETER J. SCHROEDER

Peter J. Schroeder, son of Jacob and Margaretha Hiebert Schroeder, was born Aug. 20, 1882, near Goessel, Kansas. He received his education in the Hochfeld District School.

At the age of 21 he was converted and was baptized upon confession of faith in his Redeemer on May 31, 1903, by Elder Balzer. Through the holy rite of baptism he united with the Alexanderwohl church.

He was united in holy wedlock with Katherine Nikkel on June 8, 1908. To this union were born four children. Two of the children passed away, one at the age of two years. The latter, Abe, was a school teacher in Montana and met his death by drowning on March 27, 1939, while en route through flood waters to his school. The sudden departure of this son who met death in his most useful years was a severe test of faith to the departed. Also, on Sept. 16, 1916, death came into the home and took his beloved wife.

On Feb. 2, 1918, he was united in marriage to Marie Duerksen, daughter of John J. and Katherine Reimer Duerksen. This union was blessed with eight children, six of whom died in early infancy. On Dec. 30, 1945, his devoted wife was taken in death which was a very difficult experience for him. He had made his home largely with his children since then. His health declined rapidly after the departure of his beloved wife and on Sept. 30, 1947, he departed to be with the Lord. He died in the hospital at Glasgow, Mont., reaching the age of 65 years, one month, and 10 days.

At different times he was a member of the Alexanderwohl church at Goessel, Kansas, the Hydro Mennonite church, Hydro, Mont., the Deer Park church at Deer Park, Wash., and the Newport Mennonite church in Newport, Wash. The departed served faithfully as song leader and in the Sunday School of the Hydro church. In the Deer Park church he served on the church board. His main concern for his family has always been that they might be saved. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to the needy as well as in mission work. He is now redeemed and his children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters gladly grant him the glory of a joyous home.

He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his four children, Mrs. Peter J. (Margaret) Peters of Richland, Mont., Arnold Schroeder of Chinook, Mont., Mrs. John (Maria) Wiebe of Bellingham, Wash., and Mrs. Frank (Katherine) Fast of Lynd, Wash.; 24 grandchildren; five brothers, three sisters, and many other relatives and friends.

Elizabeth, sister of the departed, died Sept. 6, 1947, less than a month before his death.

Funeral services were conducted on Oct. 5, 1947, in the Goessel Mennonite church, in charge of Rev. Philip A. Wedel, pastor of the Alexanderwohl church, assisted by Rev. P. P. Tschetter of Pretty Prairie, Rev. Jacob A. Dirks of Halstead, and Rev. John Duerksen of Hesston. Burial was made the Alexanderwohl cemetery.