Della married Eldon Howard Kaiser on 25 Sep 1964 in Zion Lutheran Church, Wichita, Kansas. Eldon was born on 1 Apr 1934 in Lincolnville, Marion County, Kansas; died on 24 Jan 2000 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

OBITUARY - JOHN D. GOOSSEN

Our Lord of life and death has deemed it wisdom to call our dear husband, father, and grandfather from our
side into his heavenly home. This call to end his earthly suffering came at 1:30 p.m., Monday, February 17, 1964, in the Salem Hospital, Hillsboro, Kansas. Although we deeply mourn his departure, we bow to the Father's will and know our loved one has gone to rest.

John D. Goossen was born to Franz and Susanna (Duerksen) Goossen on October 24, 1902, in Marion County, Kansas. There he received his education and grew to manhood. The Bible training he received at the Preparatory School in Hillsboro was among his cherished memories.

Upon profession of assured faith in Jesus Christ, he was baptized May 15, 1921, by the late Rev. P.H. Unruh at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel, Kansas.

On October 19, 1924, he married Florentine Ratzlaff with whom he shared life's joys and sorrows for almost forty years. They established their first home in the Lehigh, Kansas community and later moved to their present home west of Marion where they farmed during the past 26 years. Their family included 5 sons and 2 daughters who were taught to know the Christian way. This home was suddenly saddened at the untimely death of one son, Johnny, last year on Easter Sunday morning.

In the spring of 1943, John, together with his wife, united with the fellowship of the Hillsboro First Mennonite Church, then officiated by Rev. H. T. Unruh, where he was a loyal member. He found it a special pleasure to serve as Sunday School teacher in the Senior Men's Class, enjoying teaching in the German language.

To us as a family, he was a loving husband and father, a good provider, always sincerely interested in his children and grandchildren. To all he will be remembered for his spiritual admonitions and concern for others, and his ready testimony of a full assurance in divine salvation.

We who mourn his passing are: His sorrowing wife and companion, Florentine; his children, Alvena and husband, Wilbert Bartel of Hillsboro; Della Pyle of Wichita; Ruben of Farmington, New Mexico; Anton and wife, Linda; Raymond and wife, Marilyn; and Alfred and wife Bonnie, all of Farmington, New Mexico; 8 granddaughters and 3 grandsons; 6 brothers, Frank and Alvin of Newton, Abraham and Edward of Colby, Ferd of Hillsboro, and Walter of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and many relatives and friends.

One son, his parents, and three brothers, Wilhelm, Heinrich, and Cornelius, have preceded him in death.

During the past summer his health began to fail. Though he was often wearied from pain, he seemed ever considerate and mindful of others. His inner peace and confident hope in God's promise always sustained him. His last weeks were spent in the Salem Hospital where he remained confined until death, reaching the age of 61 years, 3 months, and 23 days.

Our dear father now has left us
It hardly seems he can be gone.
God who called him from his labors
Took him to His glory home.
In our hearts his memory lingers
And we know 'tis vain to weep;
Tears and love can never wake him
From his quiet peaceful sleep.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to everyone for their expression of sympathy, and for their prayers, comforting words, the kind handclasps, the cards and flowers, and every thoughtfulness shown at this time of bereavement.

(Info from www.fmgoossenfamily.com)

Johann married Florentine Ratzlaff on 19 Oct 1924 in Alexanderwohl mennonite church, Goessel, Kansas. Florentine (daughter of Andreas Ratzlaff and Susanna Wedel) was born on 17 Oct 1904 in Leeleva Village, Volhynia, Russia; died on 22 Sep 1989 in Hillsboro, Kansas; was buried on 22 Sep 1989 in Haven of Rest Cemetery, Hillsboro, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

FLORENTINE RATZLAFF GOOSSEN OBITUARY

Our mother, Florentine Ratzlaff Goossen passed away early Friday morning, September 22, 1989, at Salem Home in Hillsboro after an illness of nine months.

Florentine was born October 17, 1904, in Lilewa, province of Volynia, Poland, Russia, to Andreas and Susanna Wedel Ratzlaff. At the age of two she immigrated with the family to America and lived in Marion County, Kansas the years since then. On October 19, 1924, she was married to John D. Goossen and they shared life together on the farm near Lehigh, and east of Hillsboro. To them were seven children who happily grew up at the farm and country schools. Her husband passed away 25 years ago in February
1964, after which time she lived in her own home on her daughter Alvena's farm.

Mama found pleasure and fulfillment in caring for her family and excelled in her cooking and sewing. We feel well-endowed with our hearts filled with memories of her loving and caring ways. For us she made warm comforters, pillows, braided rugs and crocheted items which we use and treasure. She saw the beauty of nature and admired the handiworks of God every changing season. She loved songs and poetry and would copy them into her own books to occupy long hours. She read many books for spiritual nurture and daily read in her Bible to find the Lord's guidance and peace. Her countless prayers on our behalf
inspired us also to live a Christian life in faith and love. After becoming so ill she humbly accepted her
sufferings, knowing it was to be her pathway into her heavenly home and life everlasting.

She leaves to mourn her children and their families: Alvena and Wilbert Bartel of Hillsboro; Ruben Goossen, Ava, Missouri; Anton and Linda Goossen, Ava, Missouri; Della and Howard Kaiser, Wichita; Raymond and Sun Cha Goossen, Farmington, New Mexico; Alfred and Donna Goossen, Farmington, New Mexico. A son Johnny died in April, 1963, and a great-granddaughter, Emily Bartel, also preceded her in death. Those surviving from her family are three brothers: Albert Ratzlaff and Abe Ratzlaff of Goessel and Isaac Ratzlaff of Hesston. There are 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren who have fond memories of "Grossmom".

Grave side service and burial took place in the afternoon of September 22, 1989. Her family and a few close friends attended. It was a windy day, which was a reminder of her as she always liked windy days.
She was buried next to her husband on the Haven of Rest Cemetery east of Hillsboro, Kansas.

(Info from www.fmgoossenfamily.com)

Notes:

OBITUARY - FRANZ M. GOOSSEN

Franz M. Goossen, 66, well known in the Mingo neighborhood passed away at his home in Marion County,
May 15, 1943. Funeral services were held at Goessel, Kansas, Tuesday, May 18, 1943.

He leaves five sons, all prosperous farmers of the Mingo community.

Our beloved husband and father was born to Mr. & Mrs. Franz H. Goossen, December 17, 1876, in Landskrone, South Russia. At the age of six months he left Russia with his parents and came to North America to make their home in Marion County, Kansas.

At the age of 19 he found himself in the need of the Saviour to bear his sins and was baptized upon the
confession of his faith by Rev. Jacob Buller on May 24, 1896, and received as a member into the Alexanderwohl Mennonite church of which he has remained a faithful member until his death.

On the twenty-fifth day of April in the year 1900 he joined hands with Susanna Duerksen, in holy matrimony and were blessed with ten sons and two adopted daughters, of whom one son, William, surpassed him in death. He lived in holy matrimony 43 years and 20 days.

He has been under a doctor's care since last September and became severely ill March 25 and finding it impossible to give him proper care at home he was taken to the Bethesda Hospital, at Goessel on April 28 where he was under good care until his death. The cause of his illness and death was heart trouble.

On Saturday morning, May 15 at 7:50 and at the age of 66 years, four months and 28 days, God called him to be at rest with Him.

He leaves to mourn, his beloved wife, nine sons, nine daughters-in-law, two adopted daughters, two sons-in-law, twenty-nine grandchildren, seven sisters, ten brothers-inlaw and innumerable relatives and friends. But we do not mourn as those without hope.

He was a great guide and aid in the spiritual as well as in the financial welfare of his children.

(Info from www.fmgoossenfamily.com)

Birth also: 06 DEC 1876

Vaderland Immigration Ship 29 Jun 1877 Philadelphia
29 jun 1877

Franz M. Goossen. Sohn von Franz H. Goossens wurde am 17. Dezember 1876 in Landskrone, Süd-Rußland, geboren. 1877 kam er mit nach Marion Co. Kansas. Bewußt , daß er einen Erlöser haben müsse wurde er auf das Bekenntnis seines Glaubens am 24. Mai 1896 von Aeltester Jacob Buller getauft u. in die Alexanderwohl Mennoniten Gem. aufgenommen wo er auch ein treues Glied blieb. Am 28. April 1900 trat er mit Susanne Duerksen in den heiligen Ehestand. Es wurden ihnen 10 Söhne und zwei Pflegetöchter geschenkt. Ein sohn, Wilhelm, ging dem Vater im Tode voran. Seit September 1942 war der Abgerufene unter ärztlicher Behandlung. Am 25. Maerz 1943 wurde er an Herzleiden schwer krank, und wir brachten ihn am 28. April ins Bethesda Hospital, und am 15. Mai 1943 um 7:50 morgens rief der Herr ihn zu sich in die Ruhe im Alter von 66 J. 4. M. u. 28 Tagen. Er hinterläßt seinen Tod zu betrauern, seine geliebte Gattin, 9 Söhne, 9 Schwiegertöchter, zwei Pflegetöchter, 2 Schwiegersöhne, 29 Großkinder, 7 Schwestern, 10 Schwäger und viele Freunde. Wir trauern wohl aber nicht als solche, die keine Hoffnung haben. Vater war uns ein treuer Berater in unserm geistlichen wie im materiellen Wohlergehen.
(CBB 27 Jul 1943 p. 15)

Franz married Susanna B. Duerksen on 25 Apr 1900 (Civil) in Kansas. Susanna (daughter of Johann Duerksen and Aganetha Balzer) was born on 07 Apr 1876 in Gnadenthal, Molotschna; died on 05 Dec 1950 in Goessel, Marion County, Kansas; was buried on 9 Dec 1950 in Alexanderwohl Cemetery, Goessel, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

OBITUARY - SUSANNA DUERKSEN GOOSSEN

Funeral services for Mrs. Franz M. Goossen were held in the Bethesda Old Folks Home, December 9, 1950 in charge of Rev. Philip A. Wedel and also in the Alexanderwohl Church with Rev. Wedel and Rev.
Walter Regier in charge. Interment was in the church cemetery. The following 'In Memorandum was
prepared by the family:

Our dearly beloved mother, Susanna Duerksen Goossen, daughter of Johann and Agnetha Balzer Duerksen, was born May 5, 1876 in the village of Gnadenthal, Molotschna Colony, South Russia. She passed away December 5, 1950 in the Bethesda hospital at Goessel, Kansas, at the age of 74 years and 7 months.

In 1878 she emigrated with her parents, brothers and sisters to Marion County, Kansas. They settled
southwest of Hillsboro.

In May 1895 she was baptized upon confession of faith in her Redeemer Jesus Christ by elder Jacob Buller, and received into the fellowship of the Alexanderwohl Church,
whose faithful member she remained until her death.

She was united in marriage to Franz M. Goossen April 25, 1900, with whom she shared life's joys and sorrows for 43 years and 20 days. Death took her life's companion from her on May 15, 1943. To this union were born 10 sons. (One son William preceded his parents in death.)

In January 1926 our parents adopted two girls by the name of Anna and Hilda Hiebert which were her nieces children. Anna stayed in the home six years and Hilda 17 years, until each made their own home.

In the year 1925 it was their privilege to celebrate their Silver Anniversary which was to them a very great
mile stone in their life.

Mother led a Christian life and directed her children to the Lord Jesus Christ from their very infancy. Often at the break of day she would pray and sing untiringly Christian hymns.

For two years after the death of the father she remained with one of the sons on the home place. Then
she transferred to Thomas County where she made her home with another one of her sons. She loved to make frequent visits to the homes of her children. In July 1948
mother had to be taken to the Colby hospital because of a heart ailment. From this she partially recovered.
But because of declining health she was re admitted into the hospital at different times.

When her health was sufficiently restored she was accepted at the Mission Home at Hillsboro, where she
resided for about 4 months; later she transferred to the Bethesda Home at Goessel, where she remained until her death. Both institutions proved to be a great blessing to her, where she received all the necessary care kindness and comfort.

She suffered a stroke November 27, 1950 and was taken to the Bethesda hospital where she lingered for nine days. During this time when conscious she would enjoy the prayers and songs that were given for her. Although her power of speech was limited, yet she could express at times her appreciation for everything done for her.
She also expressed the longing to go home. This wish was granted her as the spirit left this house of clay to be forever with the Lord.

Her life was also one that was intermingled with joys and sorrows. The death angel took away one of her sons, and then later the husband and father. However the promises of God "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us -- and we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purposes."

Mother leaves to mourn her departure nine sons, ten daughters-in-law, two adopted daughters and their
families. They are:
Frank and Anna Goossen and children, Oakley; John and Florentine Goossen and children, Marion;
Abraham and Susie Goossen and children, Colby; Alvin and Bertha Goossen and children, Colby; Ferdinand and Agnes Goossen and children, Hillsboro;
Edward and Rachel Goossen and children, Colby; Henry and Martha Goossen and children. Colby;
Cornelius and Hulda Goossen and children, Oakley; Walter and Ethel Goossen and children, Hotevilla, Arizona; Mrs. Peter Schmidt, husband and children, Canton, Kansas; one brother, David D Duerksen, Canton, 40 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

(Info by www.fmgoossenfamily.com)

Ministries

From the prayers of Grandma Goossen…. “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b

Can the prayers of one person who lived a hundred years ago still have an impact on the lives of people today”?

As the story goes, Grandma Susanna Goossen was a real prayer warrior. She had a great desire that one of her children would be in full-time service to the Lord, and she prayed for that. She also prayed that her family would be burdened for the lost and be involved in world missions.

That prayer was answered when in 1944, her youngest son, Walter D. Goossen, began serving the Lord as a missionary with the upstart ministry, The “Go Ye” Mission, headquartered in Tahlequah, OK. Walter served for the Lord until his death in 1999 at the age pf 83. Walter and his wife, Ethel, served the Lord faithfully all of their married life, which spanned more than five decades.

In his early years, Walter taught Vacation Bible School in the communities around Tahlequah with the “Go Ye” Mission. Later they worked with the Hopi Indians in Arizona. Then, Walter served as pastor at churches in Gotebo, Muskogee, Norwood, and Stillwater, Oklahoma as well as churches in Kiowa and Augusta, Kansas.

Wherever he went, Walter carried the Word of God with him. One lady made the comment that when he walked with his Bible, he always carried it over his heart. God was near and dear to him. His belief in God was not fake or shallow – but he lived every bit of what he preached.

In and between various full-time ministries, Walter served in churches teaching Sunday School, on church boards both as a deacon and an elder, filling the pulpit, and holding Bible studies. His love in serving the Lord was knocking on doors, or meeting people at the Lake Keystone where he lived, and sharing Jesus Christ with them.

In his “retirement” years, Walter once again served under the “Go Ye” Mission working in the Prison Ministry. He went faithfully every week to the Muskogee County and Tahlequah City Jails to share the Gospel of Christ with the inmates. Some loved to see him come. They knew he would share the truth from the Word of God. They didn’t always like the way he held them accountable for their actions, but they respected and loved him. He missed going to jail on his last day on this earth because he wasn’t feeling well. Afterwards, jailers asked, “Where is that old guy who walks funny and talks with that thick accent?” His is missed by all who knew him, but not forgotten.

Grandma Goossen’s prayer was partially answered in her son, Walter. Some of her boys had ministries as well, serving in the Gideons. But her prayer that her family would be burdened for the lost and involved in world missions was also answered. As of this writing, there are or have been a total of 25 descendants of Susanna Goossen serving in more than 10 countries around the world in all types of ministries.

(Info from www.fmgoossenfamily.com)

Andreas married Susanna Wedel. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Franz married Maria V.W. Unruh on 23 Dec 1875 (Civil) in Kansas, USA. Maria (daughter of Wilhelm Samuel Unruh and Eva Voth) was born on 20 Jul 1855 in Gnadenfeld, Molotschna; died on 11 Sep 1926 in Hillsboro, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Johann married Aganetha Balzer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]