Thieszen, John J. (1904-1968)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 May 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1904 Aug 1

text of obituary:

Head-on Collision Claims Lives of Two Henderson Men

Henderson, Neb. — Largely attended funeral services for John J. Thieszen, 63, and C. A. Peters, 58, well-known Henderson men who died in a head-on highway crash, were conducted on April 22 and 23, respectively, at the Bethesda Mennonite Church here.

The accident took place in dense fog west of Minden, Neb. the morning of April 19 as the men were traveling to Holdrege to do some work on farms which they recently purchased. Mr. Thieszen was at the wheel when a 19-year-old motorist hit the car head-on while passing another vehicle. Both men were killed instantly.

Mr. Thieszen was widely known as the founder of a steam engine and antique car museum here. He had sold most of his collection to a Grand Island museum and was in process of moving it there. He leaves his wife Bertha, four daughters and one son and their families.

Mr. Peters was formerly associated with Kroeker Grain and Lumber Co. here and was active in community affairs. He is survived by his wife, Louise; his mother, Mrs. C. C. Peters; and three sons and their families. Burial took place April 24 after the arrival of a son, James Peters, wife and son from Tanzania, East Africa.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1968 May 30 p. 11

text of obituary:

JOHN J. THIESZEN

John J. Thieszen, son of Johann and Aganatha [sic Aganetha] Janzen Thieszen, was born on Aug. 1, 1904, in York County, Nebraska. He attended the elementary school for six years and the Henderson Bible School for two years. Several of his childhood years were spent in Canada.

He was baptized on June 8, 1924 by Elder H. H. Epp and received into the Bethesda Church at Henderson, Neb.

He was married to Bertha Epp on Aug. 27, 1925. This union was shared for over 42 years. Eight children were born to them of which three preceded him in death. Initially they took up farming in York County, but the following year moved to a farm in Hamilton County west of Henderson, which became the family home. He had a creative mind and was capable of profound thinking, and the day was seldom long enough and energy hardly sufficient for all that he wished to do. He had excellent skills with machinery and ability for mechanical innovation. He was often the first to try new methods and implements in his farming operations.

He was a pioneer leader in the development of the present irrigation system in the Henderson area. He with the help of some friends dug the first irrigation well in the community by hand in 1939. This led him into the well drilling business and intensive farming operation. Earlier he had engaged in custom farm work and trucking.

They moved to Henderson in 1952 and there he developed his interest in collecting and restoring antiques. He was especially interested in antique cars and steam engines. This became known as the "Steam and Machine Museum." A large portion of this collection is in the process of being placed in the Stuhr Museum at Grand Island, Neb.

His travel interests took him to the Mennonite World Conference in Switzerland in 1952, which also permitted him to travel much of Europe and the Holy Land. In 1954 he went to South America to visit the Mennonite colonies. Later he went to Old Mexico to explore farm and irrigation possibilities with others from the MCC.

His joy was multiplied in seeing land developed, which led him to open up irrigation land at Holdrege, Neb. On a trip to Holdrege on April 19, 1968 he met his untimely death in an automobile accident. He reached the age of 63 years, eight months and 19 days.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Bertha; five children Mrs. Gordon (Diena) Schmidt of Henderson, Mrs. Jerry (Rachel) Graber of Parker, S. D., Albert Thieszen and Mrs. Ronald (Bertha Lois) Preheim of rural Aurora, Neb., and Zella of the home; nine grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Daniel (Anna) Peters of Henderson, Mrs. David E. (Marie) Buller of Windom, Minn., Mrs. Peter J. (Agnes) Bergen of Omaha, and Mrs. Jacob J. (Emma) Epp of Henderson; and one brother, Gustav, of Henderson.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on April 22, with Rev. Abe Krause officiating.

The Mennonite obituary: 1968 May 21 p. 362