Wedel, Peter J. (1871-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary:1951 Jun 7 p. 1;

Birth date: 1871 Jan 17

text of obituary:

Well Known Educator Called Away In Death

DR. P. J. WEDEL, NORTH NEWTON, DIED UNEXPECTEDLY MONDAY, JUNE 4

Dr. Peter J. Wedel, 80, widely known retired Bethel College professor died at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 4, a few hours after having suffered a fatal heart attack.

Dr. Wedel had been in failing health, but was able to attend services and mingle with friends until the day of his death.

He was born in Wolhynia, Russia, Jan. 17, 1871, the son of Jacob and Katherine Wedel with whom he emigrated to America in 1874. After having studied and taught in various public schools and higher institutions, he became instructor in natural science and history at Bethel College, where he remained a faculty member for over 40 years. Although devoting himself mainly to the teaching of chemistry, be engaged also in writing and took active part in the work of his church and conference. Through his work and messages he exerted a positive Christian influence, not only upon his students but also far beyond his immediate community.

August 20, 1899, he was married to Lena A. Krehbiel, who preceded him in death some years ago. He is survived by one son and his family, Dr. Waldo R. Wedel, curator of the division of archealogy [sic], Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.; and two daughters Esther and Margaret, both of the home. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon, at 2:00 o’clock in the home and at 2:30 in the Bethel College chapel.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jun 21 p. 9

text of obituary:

PETER J. WEDEL

Peter J. Wedel was born at Kotosufka, in the Province of Volynia [sic Volhynia], Russia, January 17, 1871. His parents were Jacob and Katherine Goering Wedel.

When he was three years old the family moved to the United States. With others they lived in the “Emigrantenhaus.” It may be that young Peter received his first schooling in this temporary home. He received his elementary schooling at the Pleasant Ridge school five miles west of Moundridge.

He attended the Halstead seminary 1886 to 1890 and Emporia Teachers’ college 1890 to 1892. In 1895 he received his A. B. degree from Kansas university. In 1916 Leland Stanford Jr. university granted him the A. M. degree. That summer he spent as a graduate student at the University of California. He received the Sc. D. degree from Bethel college in 1939.

Bro. Wedel was baptized and received into the Hoffnungsfeld Mennonite church by Rev. Jacob Stucky on November 21, 1886. He was married to Lena A. Krehbiel August 20, 1899. They joined the Bethel College Mennonite church in 1905. Sister Wedel entered her Eternal Home January 21, 1945.

Bro. Wedel was a teacher. He began his career in his home community in 1895 as instructor in the Moundridge public schools. He taught mathematics in the Lawrence high school 1897-98; he also taught mathematics in Bethany college, Lindsborg 1898-1902. He was instructor in natural science and history at Bethel college 1902-09; natural science 1909-11; physical sciences 1911-25; chemistry 1925-34. He was registrar 1919-42 and was secretary of the Bethel college faculty for a number of years beginning in 1932. He served as member of the Western District Committee on Education 1918-23 and as Bethel College Alumni executive secretary for a number of years.

He was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Kansas Academy of Science, the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars (Chairman 1936-7), the Association of Kansas Teachers Placement Bureaus, the National Institute Teacher Placement Association, Deutsche Mennonitische Konferenz and the Mennonite Sunday School Conference. He frequently served on the programs of the latter two. He was also a member of the Sigma Xi honorary scientific society.

Dr. Wedel worked for years on a lengthy History of Bethel College. He finished it recently. Many hope that it may be published before long.

He passed away June 4, 1951, after suffering a severe heart attack. The departed leaves three children: Esther A. and Margaret E. of the home, and Waldo R. of Washington D. C.; a sister, Mary Goering of Moundridge; and three grandchildren, Waldo M., Frank P., and Linda M. Wedel. To these may be added friends and former students in large numbers.

He walked with us for a long time and then unexpectedly and quietly said Good Night and turned to hear the Good Morning of his Lord and Master whom He had served so well.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, June 7, with a brief service at the home for the immediate family, followed by services in the Bethel College chapel. Rev. Sam J. Goering officiated at the services in the home, and an octet sang Bro. Wedel’s favorite hymn, “Ich weiss einen Strom.”

Services in the chapel were conducted by Rev. Lester Hostetler, Rev. D. C. Wedel and Dr. J. H. Langenwalter, and the octet sang “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” and “Take Thou My Hand O Father.” Active pall bearers were Paul Wedel, Clayton F. Krehbiel, Leo Brandt, Harry Martens, N. Paul Stucky and Paul L. Kliewer. Honorary casket bearers were Joe J. Wedel, H. E. Suderman, P. W. Enns, D. H. Richert, P. R. Kaufman, and J. H. Doell.

Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery at the side of his beloved wife.