Wipf, Anna Hofer (1870-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Sep 29 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 May 16

text of obituary:

ANNA HOFER WIPF

Anna Hofer Wipf was born May 16, 1870, in South Russia. In 1874 she came to America with her parents, settling in Hutchinson County, South Dakota, where she grew to womanhood, experiencing the hardships of pioneer life.

In 1889 she was united in holy matrimony with Sam Z. Wipf, and together they had the unusual privilege of sharing life’s joys and sorrows for 63 years.

During this time sh accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized by Elder David W. Tschetter and became a member of the Salem K. M. B. Church, which she loved and attended faithfully as health permitted.

Mother spent much time in prayer and the salvation of her children and grandchildren was brought before the throne daily. No sacrifice was too great for her children. The past two year, since father’s death, were lonesome days. Much suffering was hers the past one and one-half years due to several strokes, one of which left her speechless for three months. Yet, the Lord graciously helped her and spared her life for us till Thursday, Aug. 18, at 3:30 p. m. when she suffered another stroke and during that night went into a coma and remained unconscious to the end. She went home to the place she longed and prayed for at 2:30 a. m., Sunday, Aug. 21, having attained the age of 85 years, three months and five days. We as children find comfort in the thought that mother and father are now both in glory for all eternity.

She leaves to mourn four sons, Sam of Freeman, Joe of Bridgewater, Dave of St. Bonifacious [sic St. Bonifacius], Minn., Zach, of Brookings; one daughter, Anna (Mrs. Otto Schrag); four daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; 14 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Jacob E. G. Hofer, of Freeman; four sisters, Justina, Mrs. Sam W. Glanzer, Bridgewater, Barbara, Mrs. D. M. Hofer, Chicago, Mary, Mrs. Jerry Pullman, Freeman, and Kathryn, Mrs. David J. S. Mendel, Doland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two children, two brothers, one sister, and one daughter-in-law.

Funeral services were conducted in the Salem chu4ch on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 23, Upon request of the family, the congregation sang, “What a Friend,” the favorite song of the departed sister,. Rev. Jacob B. Hofer brought a German message. He stated death is nothing unusual or new, but it is sure. For the Child of god it is only a step higher to that heavenly home. The Glanzer sisters trio sang “Im Himmel is’s wunderschoen,” and “They Are Calling.” Pastor Kleinsasser pointed out that Isaiah 46 verse 4 tells us god is constant, a changeless god in a changing world. God is also a God of creation as well as a God of deliverance.

Interment was in the family lot in the local cemetery with the Walter funeral Home in charge. The Ladies Fellowship served lunch to the relatives and friends.