Thiessen, Katherine Fast (1866-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Mar 24 p. 8

Birth date: 1866 Aug 27

text of obituary:

MRS. KATHERINE THIESSEN

Mother Katherine Thiessen, daughter of Peter and Aganetha Barkman Fast, was born in South Russia on Aug. 27, 1866, and peacefully left us to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Jan. 4, 1955, at the age of 88 years, four months and seven days at her home at Reedley, Calif.

She was united in marriage in Jan. 1888 to Jacob J. Thiessen, who preceded her in death in December 1943. To this union were born nine children, three sons and six daughters, One daughter died in infancy and Peter, the oldest son, was accidently killed in March, 1930, while moving a house. One grandson, Leonard Thiessen, met sudden death while crossing the ocean on an airplane. Two sons-in-law, Henry B. Warkentine and Peter P. Hiebert, and one grandchild also preceded her in death.

Our mother came to America with her parents in 1876 and settled in what was then new country at Jansen, Neb.

Being brought up in a godly home, at the early age of 15 she realized her lost condition. The words of Hezekiah in Isa. 38, “Siehe um Trost, war mir sehr bange, du aber hast dich miner Seele herzlich angenommen,” gave relief to her burdened heart and assurance of her acceptance of the Lord. On May 2, 1882, she was baptized by Elder Jacob Wiebe and received into the Krimmer Mennonite church at Jansen, Neb.

The first 19 years of her married life were spent on a farm in Nebraska. In 1907 they moved to Reedley, Calif., where mother resided at the same place for over 47 years.

In California father and mother affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren church, remaining faithful members to the end. On Jan. 12, 1938, our parents had the privilege of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in the presence of relatives and a host of friends.

Mother was physically never very strong, and seldom during the last 25 years could she attend services in the church. She was a praying mother, interceding first of all for us, her children, but also for others in need and in service. Many have little tokens of love from her handiwork. A willing heart and an open hand could not be separated.

In her declining years her strength began to fail noticeably and during the last few months she endured considerable pain. She was tenderly cared for during all these years by her daughter Agnes. The other children also assisted in this labor of love. Mother was conscious to the end and though her voice failed, she acknowledged and appreciated the visits and prayers of ministers and friends.

She leaves to mourn her departure, but also to keep her in loving remembrance, Agnes Thiessen of Reedley, Calif.; Elizabeth and Arthur Neufeld of Dinuba, Calif., Katherine Hiebert of Reedley, Henry and Sara Thiessen, Margaret and Jacob Dick, Helen and George Peters, all of Dinuba, Herman and Betty Thiessen of Reedley; 31 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces and many friends. Three grandsons who are stationed in Texas were present for the memorial service. — The Family.