Wedel, Agatha Eitzen (1869-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Mar 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1869 Aug 30

text of obituary:

AGATHA EITZEN WEDEL

Mrs. Agatha Eitzen Wedel, youngest daughter of Jacob and Agatha Fast Eitzen, was born Aug. 30, 1869, in the village of Gehortemalee of South Russia, and passed away March 10, 1949, at her home in Goessel, Kansas from a heart attack.

At the age of three years she moved with her parents to the village of Pastwa located in the Molotschna province. There she received her common school training.

After having received the necessary catechetical instruction from Elder Franz Goertz, who ministered in the Rudnerweide church, she was baptized upon confession of faith in her Redeemer Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour in the year of 1887.

On July 14, 1892, she immigrated to the U. S. with her parents and settled near Inman, Kansas. Four years later her mother died, and then she with her father went to Mt. Lake, Minnesota, where she spent thirteen years of her life.

She was united in marriage May 29, 1910, with John W. Wedel and established her home south of Goessel, Kansas. Later, in her retiring years, she lived with her family in the town of Goessel. Through her marriage she became the foster mother of three children, whom she with her husband reared to maturity in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

The parents were permitted to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary May 29, 1935.

The departed enjoyed good health throughout her life until the infirmities of old age became noticeable, and her health began to fail.

In 1930 her brother Cornelius emigrated from Russia and was taken into her home. He lived with the family until 1937, when death took him away.

She was a fine Christian mother, and was greatly interested in the welfare of her children and grandchildren. Already in 1893, one year after her immigration from Russia, she joined the Alexanderwohl church and remained a faithful member until death.

Those who mourn her sudden passing are: Here husband, John W. Wedel, Frieda of the home, Louise, Mrs. Peter Dirks and her family, of Burrton Kansas, Susie, Mrs. P. H. Schmidt and her family of Canton, Kansas; 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 sons-in-law, and many other relatives and friends.

She reached the age of 79 years 6 months and 10 days. She could share life's joys and sorrows with her husband in a happy marriage for over 39 years.

Funeral services were held in the Alexanderwohl church on Sunday afternoon, March 13, 1949. The officiating minister was Rev. Philip A. Wedel, who was assisted by Rev. C. C. Wedel and Rev. Ediger of the Bethel Church of Inman, Ks., the latter serving in the home.