Willems, Lena Thiessen (1877-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 15 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Nov 1

text of obituary:

LENA THIESSEN WILLEMS

Lena Thiessen Willems, our loving and faithful mother, was born Nov. 1, 1877, at Mountain Lake, Minn., where she resided with her parents for several years. The she and her parents moved to Richmond, Texas.

On Jan. 18, 1903, mother was united in holy matrimony with Jacob G. Willems. This happy union was blessed with three children, two daughters and one son. In 1908 the parents came to the Corn Community, residing here until the Lord took them out of this life into His heavenly mansion.

In youth mother surrendered her life to the Lord for salvation. This real joy was her strength and claim. She was received upon her confession of faith in the E. M. B. church at Mountain Lake and in 1951 she was officially received into the Mennonite Brethren church at Corn, Okla., whose faithful member she has been until her parting.

In 1920 father was taken from our side. This added new responsibilities to mother; trusting her Saviour she courageously endeavored to resume the full responsibility of her household. God has blessed our dear mother richly in all her endeavors.

In 1948 mother desired to make her residence in the town of Corn. Here she enjoyed her home and the fellowship with her neighbors and friends. About two years ago her health began to fail. Skilled physicians were consulted but all efforts seemingly were in vain. Temporary relief was given but her ailment continued. Her condition rapidly grew worse and the last few months of her life she suffered quite seriously. On Monday, August 28, 1955, at 11;45 a.m. it pleased the Lord to grant her desire which she expressed in the last two weeks, namely, "I desire to go home." In all her sufferings she never complained nor lost faith in her precious Lord.

She reached the age of 77 years, nine months, and 27 days.

She leaves to mourn her two daughters, Minnie, Mrs. D. F. Reimer, Corn, Okla., and Selma, Mrs. C. E. Kroeker, Colony, Okla., and sons, Albert J. Willems, two sons-in-law, four grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. C. Bergman, Corn, and Mrs. Adolf Krause, Gotebo; eight brothers, Isaac Thiessen, Reedley Calif., J. H. Thiessen, George Thiessen and H. J. Thiessen, all of Corn, William and Aaron Thiessen, both form Gotebo, Abe Thiessen from Mountainview and Herman Thiessen from St. Cloude [sic St. Cloud], Minn.; and a host of reatievs [sic] and friends.

We mourn but with the full assurance and hope of seeing our precious mother again. — The Bereaved Children.