Steiner, Pauline Gerber (1873-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Oct 14 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Feb 22

text of obituary:

MRS. PAULINE STEINER

Pauline (Gerber) Steiner, daughter of John and Anna (Geiger) Gerber, was born on a farm on the Ridge Road, three miles east of Pandora, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1873. She was a member of a family of seven children of who two, Mary and Dave, together with her father and mother preceded her in death.

In 1885 the family moved to Halstead, Kans., where they resided on a farm one year; then, came to Salem, Oregon.

She became a charter member of the Waldo Hills Mennonite church located one mile east of Pratum; then known as Enger, in 1891. She was converted and baptized during Rev. John Rich's ministry. On April 9, 1891, she was united in marriage to Dan J. Steiner, who for 52 years, 5 months, and 15 days shared with her the joys and sorrows of life. To this union five children were born. Florence Hiebert preceded her to the Great Beyond, on Aug. 21, 1922.

She had an abiding faith in her heavenly Father, Lord and Savior in which never wavered.

One of her most loved Scripture passages was Heb. 4:14-16 during her recent illness.

Shortly after the Golden Wedding, April 20, 1941, she became sick with an "enlarged heart" which kept her confined in bed for 9 weeks. She rallied again — was able to take up her household duties and attend morning services quiet regularly up to July 4, when her condition became worse quite noticeable.

On Sept. 17, she desired to go to her daughter, Mrs. John Harder in Salem. Her medical adviser was called to counsel and make observations. His findings weren't encouraging — "her heart and kidneys are worn out and are not functioning normally," he said. On Thursday, Sept. 28, she passed into a coma and the next day at 2:30 o'clock p.m. she was relieved and went to glory peacefully at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 2 days. She now is absent from the body and present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8.

Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John Harder and Mrs. Paul Schaad of Salem; two sons, Elemr A. Steiner of pioneer, Ohio, and John D. Steiner of Silverton, Oregon; two sisters, Mrs. Lavina Wedel of Salem and Mrs. Sarah Hofstetter of Pratum; and two brothers, Noah J. Gerber of Snohomish, Wm. and Manas D. Gerber of Pandora, Ohio.

The funeral was held at the Immanuel Mennonite church at Pratum, Friday, Sept. 29. Revs John M. Franz and J. R. Turnbull brought messages of cheer and comfort. The service was largely attended by friends and neighbors from the community, Albany, Hubbard, Molalla, Dallas and Salem, Oregon. The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse.