Wedel, Henry L. (1873-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Sep 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1873 Sep 28

text of obituary:

HENRY L. WEDEL

Henry L. Wedel, oldest son of Benjamin and Susanna Wedel, was born in Russia, September 28, 1873, and departed this life August 16, 1948, at the age of 74 years 10 months and 18 days.

In the fall of 1874, when one year old, he with his parents came to America, settling near Lonetree, Kansas, where he received his education and grew to manhood. In 1917 he bought a farm in Gray county, Kansas, and lived there until he moved to California.

He was converted in 1911, finding peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and upon the confession of his faith was baptized and added to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. He was baptized April 2, 1911, by Elder Tobias Unruh. Father had many trials and temptations through life, but through the grace of God he gained peace and comfort in his soul. He was able to attend our last revival, and although in pain and weakness of body, he attended communion services and expressed renewed joys in his Lord.

Father always had an ambitious, although somewhat nervous, nature, and often worked beyond his strength. He became afflicted with skin cancer when still a young man, and although medical aid helped to keep it under control, it was ever breaking out anew, causing him a great deal of pain and inconvenience. About eight months ago Father felt he was beyond medical aid and became reconciled to take it as it came.

The cancer grew very fast and the only relief was through prayer and pain relieving medicine.

He was a great lover of singing and many different groups both from the Livingston and Winton congregations came to sing for him, which he greatly enjoyed, often making the remark that it brought heaven so near. The last request he made, about three days before his departure, was "Jesus Lover of my Soul." He found a comfort and consolation in the words of the poet, and felt very thankful to those who sang for him.

He was able to make his wishes known until ten hours before he passed away. He fell asleep at 2:00 a.m. on August 16, never to wake in this world, but we feel assured through his statements one week before his passing that he was ready to go. He often said the joy in his heart was too great to express, and also that he hoped to meet us all in heaven.

Father was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Esau at Montezuma, Kansas, on June 20, 1926. To this union were born three children; Louis, Sadie, and Marvin. In February of 1937 his wife, Elizabeth, was called to Winton, California, to see her mother on her death bed, which request was answered, coming by train with her three small children. A month later Father had settled his affairs at Montezuma and followed her by car. At first they settled near Livingston, later moved to Winton, and then to a small farm southwest of Atwater at which place he passed away.

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife two sons, Louis and Marvin; one daughter, Sadie; one brother, Jacob Wedel of Gypsum, Kansas; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Nightengale and and[sic] Mrs. Katherine Eck, both of Oklahoma; nieces and nephews and many relatives and friends. His parents, two brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held August 20, 1948, at Church of God in Christ, Winton, California. Rev. Jake E. Friesen read words of text. Interment was made in the Winton cemetery.