Wollman, Andrew M. (1870-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Sep 3 p. 8

Birth date: 1870 Feb 7

text of obituary:

ANDREW M. WOLLMAN

Andrew M. Wollman, son of Michael and Katharina Wollman (nee Hofer) was born Feb. 7, 1870 in the village of Hutterthal, South Russia. He died in the Freeman, S. D. Community hospital on May 1, 1959 at 2:30 a.m. at the age of 89 years two months and 24 days.

In 1879 at the age of nine years, he moved to America with his parents and settled six miles northwest of Freeman, S.D. due to a water famine the Wollman family resettled on a farm, which they bought, three miles south of the Wolfcreek colony. On this farm he remained almost all his life.

Educational privileges were meager, but he made use of the facilities available.

On June 11, 1893 he entered the matrimonial journey with Rachel Gross of Oliver, S. D., Rev. John D. Hofer officiating. They shared joys and sorrows for 46 years, four months and two days. To this union eight children were born.

During a revival meeting in the Wittenberg Evangelical church in 1921 he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, and the following spring, on May 15, he with mother was baptized by Rev. Jacob M. Tschetter and joined the Salem K.M.B. church, whose faithful member he remained until death. He enjoyed the German radio broadcast immensely, and spent much time reading his Bible. He often remarked that his evening was drawing nigh. He attended church regularly with the exception of the last two Sundays.

Our father, with few exceptions, enjoyed good health all his life. Fishing was his hobby. At the age of 68 years he retired and moved to Menno, S. D., but after only 18 months his companion was taken from him.

After mother's departure he went back to the old homestead and stayed with his son David and family for 18 years. The last 18 months of his life he made his abode with his daughter Sarah and family.

On Jan. 23, 1959, he suffered the first stroke, but recovered enough so that he could drive his own car. On March 2, he suffered a second stroke. He partially recovered but on April 10 a third stroke left him helpless. Upon the advice of a physician he was taken to the Freeman Community hospital, where the best of care was given him. One of his children was at his bedside constantly.

He leaves to mourn his departure six children, Katharina (Mrs. Jacob I. Walter) of Bridgewater, Sarah (Mrs. Jacob H. Mendel) of Freeman, Andrew R., of Menno, Mike, of Freeman, Mary (Mrs. Sam J. Mendel) of Freeman, and David of Menno; 25 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; two sons-in-law; J. H. Mendel and Sam J Mendel of Freeman; three daughters-in-law, Barbara, Mrs. Andrew R. Wollmann, Ida, Mrs. Mike C. Wollman and Susie, Mrs. David G. Wollman. He is also survived by one brother, John M. Wollmann of Bridgewater; two brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, and a host of friends. Rev. Jacob I. Walter, a son-in-law, two children and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon, May 3, at the Salem K.M.B. church. Rev. Peter G. Hofer officiated, assisted by Rev. D. S. Wipf of Madison. Six grandsons served as pallbearers. Rev. Vernon Duerksen of Omaha performed the commital [sic] service.