Thiesen, Helena Schmidt (1875-1939)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1939 Feb 15 p. 5

Birth date: 1875 Jan 4

text of obituary:

Mrs. J. B. Thiesen

Our dear mother, Helen Schmidt Thiesen, was born January 4, 1875, at the home of her parents Jacob A. and Anna Unruh Schmidt in the settlement known as Greenfield near Goessel, Kansas. She grew up to womanhood here, and also in the community known as Schoenthal (Sand Creek) a little father south, when the family moved.

She was baptized upon the confession of her faith on May 14, 1894, by Elder Jacob Buller and received into membership of the Alexanderwhol [sic Alexanderwohl] Mennonite church. In the year 1908 when the Tabor church was built and organized she transferred her membership there, and remained faithful till the end.

On January 13, 1898, she entered into holy matrimony with Jacob B. Thiesen and for 41 years shared the joys and sorrows of life with him. Four sons were born to this union of which the youngest, Johnnie, died in infancy at the age of 8 months. Two foster daughters also came into the family, Agnes and Marie Dirksen. Eight grandchildren were born, of which one died in infancy.

She was a true and faithful mother, loved by everyone. She loved to sing, and has often sung while at work, especially the songs learned in youth of which "Meet Me There" is perhaps the most striking. As long as she was able she attended church services regularly, and did her part in bringing up her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

In September 1936 she had an attack of dizzy spells, and from time to time had various other troubles. Various treatments were resorted to, which relieved, but seemingly could not bring the desired help.

In the summer of 1938 she suffered a paralytic stroke on her left side, and later had a big sore on her back, causing much pain and discomfort. The sore, however, healed up completely by proper care. On January 19 she had one of her low down spells again of which she did not recover. The last three days she suffered greatly as pneumonia had set in. She was unable to speak the last day. She however, knew that she would soon meet her Savior on High which, as she said several months ago, "I won't be long here any more. I can feel it." She departed this life into the Great Beyond on Sunday, January 22, at 12 o'clock midnight at the age of 64 years and 18 days. After her long suffering we do not envy her rest, even if with parting pains.

She leaves to mourn her departure her husband, Jacob B. Thiesen, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Thiesen, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Thiesen, Paul Thiesen, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Dyck. Four brothers, Henry J.S. Schmidt, Abe J. Schmidt, John U. Schmidt, David J. Schmidt, of Newton, Route 2, Walton, Route 1, Hutchinson, and Aberdeen, Idaho, respectively, and their families, one sister, Miss Maria A.Schmidt, Newton, and a host of relatives and friends.

Words of comfort were spoken by Rev. P. H. Richert at the home at 1:00 p.m., January 25. At the Tabor church at 2:00 p.m. he based his remarks on II Cor. 4, 17, and Rev. Peter Buller, Goessel, on II Cor. 5, 8. A men's and ladies octet sang several appropriate songs. The ladies also sang at the grave, where Rev. C. Frey, Newton, spoke on "Prepare thy house for thou shalt die", and led in prayer.

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The Mennonite obituary: 1939 Feb 21 p. 14

text of obituary:

HELENA SCHMIDT THIESEN, daughter of Jacob A. and Anna Unruh Schmidt, was born January 4, 1875, near Goessel, Kansas, and departed this life on January 22, 1939, at her home, making her 64 years and 18 days of age. On May 14, 1894 she was baptized by Elder Jacob Buller and received into the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church. In the year 1908, as the Tabor Church was organized, she transferred her membership and has remained a faithful member until the end. On January 13, 1898, she was joined in holy matrimony with Jacob B. Thiesen. Four children were born. Later two foster daughters were adopted, Agnes and Marie Dirksen. Eight grandchildren were born.

Mrs. Thiesen was a true and faithful mother and was loved by everyone. She brought up her children in the fear of the Lord. As long as she was able she attended the church services regularly. She loved to sing especially the songs she had learned in her youth.

In September 1936, she became sick and never really regained her full health. On Thursday, January 19, she became suddenly worse and the doctor diagnosed pneumonia. After so much suffering, we grant her the rest, even if it gives us tears and pain. She passed away to be with Jesus and we await a reunion in eternity.

All is over, hands are folded
On a quiet, peaceful breast;
All her toils and trials ended
And dear Mother is at rest.

She leaves to mourn her husband, three sons, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel S. Thiesen, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Thiesen, and Mr. Paul Thiesen; one daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin dyck; fourth [sic] brothers, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. S. Schmidt, Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, Aberdeen, Idaho, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Schmidt, Walton, and Mr. and Mrs. John U. Schmidt, Hutchinson; also one sister, Miss Maria A. Schmidt, Newton.

Funeral services were conducted on January 25, at the Tabor church, with the Rev. P. H. Richert in charge. His text—II Cor. 4:7. Rev. Peter Buller, in German—text, II Cor. 5:8. Rev. C. Frey spoke at the grave. Laid to rest in Tabor Cemetery.