Willems, Henry G. (1877-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Jan 29 p. 9

Birth date: 1877

text of obituary:

RETIRED FARMER DIES AT BUHLER

Buhler, Kan. — Funeral services for Henry G. Willems, well-known retired farmer here, were held Monday, Jan. 26, at the Buhler Mennonite Brethren church, Rev. R. M. Baerg officiating.

A native of McPherson County, Mr. Willems died Friday, Jan. 23, at the age of 81. He is survived by his widow, Sarah, two sons, one daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Feb 5 p. 8

text of obituary:

HENRY G. WILLEMS

Henry G. Willems was born to Mr. and Mrs. George Willems on Sept. 20, 1877, in McPherson County, Kansas. Here he spent his early childhood and youth, and received his elementary schooling. Except for a few years of residence at other places, he lived in the Buhler-Inman community.

Some 57 years ago, he made a profession of faith in Christ at the time that Rev. John Voth held evangelistic meetings in the Hooker M. B. Church. On April 28,1800, he was united in marriage to Sarah Willems, to which union were born six children.

As a father of the family, he was a good provider, placing the interest of the family above his own, even in times of hardships and privations. He won many friends among neighbors and with those for whom he threshed in former years.

During his later years the condition of his health became slowly poorer, despite the fact that his health was good throughout life and his physique robust and strong. On Sunday, Jan. 18, 1959, after an illness of several weeks, he was hospitalized in Grace Hospital, Hutchinson, Kansas. On Friday, Jan. 23, 1959, at about 5:00 a.m. he departed quietly and peacefully, having attained to the full age of 81 years, four months, and three days.

Of particular consolation to the family are the assurances he gave of his readiness to go. When asked about the access to the heavenly glory beyond this life, he responded with the confident expression of faith that he had placed his life into the hands of the Lord. His favorite song throughout his life was "Now Take My Hand, O Father," in German, "So nimm denn meine Haende."

Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Sarah Willems of Buhler, Kansas; two sons, J. E. Willems and wife, Vera, and Irvin D. Willems and wife Stella, both of Portland, Oregon; a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Kim and husband Ben of Longview, Washington; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lucille Stiger and husband Lynn of Caldwell, Kansas; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren.

Father was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary; a daughter, Mrs.Elizabeth Martens and husband Dave; and a son, Henry who passed away at the age of 37, in 1939.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 26 in the Buhler Mennonite Brethren church, Rev. R. M. Baerg officiating.

Although we mourn the loss of husband and father, we are consoled with the assurance that Jesus is "the resurrection and the life, and that he that believes in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And Whosoever liveth and believeth in Him shall never die ...." (John 11:25, 26). — Mrs. Sarah Willems and Family.