Wedel, Lizzie (1879-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Jan 8 p. 3

Birth date: 1879 Nov 5

text of obituary:

LIZZIE WEDEL

Sister Lizzie Wedel, daughter of John and Anna Ratzlaff Wedel, was born on November 5, 1879, in McPherson county, Kansas, and passed away on December 13, 1947, at 10:15 p.m.

She received her education in the Sparta School east of Inman. When she was 14 years of age her mother passed away and Sister Lizzie had to take her mother's place in the home, which she did willingly and to the best of her ability. At 15 years of age she took seriously ill and the doctor gave no hopes for her recovery, but the Lord willed differently and she was fully restored to health again.

At this time our sister recognized her condition as a lost sinner and gave her heart to the Lord, receiving the assurance of salvation. On July 12 of the same year she was baptized by Elder Abraham Schellenberg and was accepted into the fellowship of the Ebenezer M. B. church near Buhler. She remained faithful to her Lord until her death, living a life of prayer and Bible reading.

When the other sisters became old enough to take care of the work in the home she worked for others. Because of the needs in the home she was willing to help financially and gave her money cheerfully.

In the year 1902 she moved with her father, sisters and brothers to the farm four miles east of Buhler, where she lived for a while. During a number of the later years of her life she lived with her brother Peter, where she also passed away to be with the Lord.

About a year ago her health began to fail, and during the last three months she became weaker and was unable to continue church attendance and the fellowship with believers. Medical help was sought for her, but to no avail. She never complained of her suffering, but took it devotedly from the hands of the Lord. She said two times, "I know my troubles." In October she had a great longing to see her brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Maggie Wedel and their family of Liberal, Kansas, and she made a trip to their home. When she returned she was very happy. It had encouraged her greatly to fellowship with them once more.

Two weeks later she said two times, “I wish it were all over. I am so tired of this sickness.” The last four days she lost her voice, which was a great shock for us, and was very hard for her, but she remained conscious until 15 minutes before her departure.

She leaves to mourn her departure three sisters, Susie, Lena, and Katie; four brothers: Peter, Jacob, and Cornelius Wedel of Buhler and Henry Wedel of Liberal, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. H. A. Wedel of Liberal and Mrs. J. R. Wedel of Buhler, Kansas; four nieces and four nephews, and many relatives and friends. Her parents, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.

We mourn not as such that have no hope, for we fully believe that she is with her Saviour, in Whom she believed.

Funeral services took place Dec. 17, led by Rev. J. E. Hildebrandt and Rev. J. W. Vogt of Hillsboro. A quartet consisting of D. J. Franz, D. E. Franz, Jonathan Janzen and Clarence Ollenburger sang “Ja daheim” and “When the Bells of Eventide Ring.” Rev. J. E. Hildebrandt of Inman led the comittal [sic] service at the grave.