Berend G. ABBAS

ABBAS, DREES, JOHNSON, RIEKENS, RUEBEN, BOEKHOLT, SEEBECK, LUTJENS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/14/2008 at 11:09:22

Kanawha Reporter, IA
ca. August 1929

On Sabbath noon a few minutes after 12:00 o'clock Mr. Berend G. Abbas, one of the oldest residents of Kanawha, passed away after a few days of sickness, complicated by old age.

Mr. Berend Abbas was born in Wiemeer, Ostfriesland, Germany October 6, 1844. While still in Germany he was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Drees. In 1874 he with his wife and one child migrated to America, making his home in the vicinity of Abbot Crossing, in Grundy Center, Iowa. Thirty-seven years ago he moved from there to a farm southwest of Kanawha. The last twenty-four years of his life were spent in his home in Kanawha, Ia., where he enjoyed the declining years with his aged wife, with whom he was united in marriage for over fifty-six years. He was summoned from this earthly life Sunday, August 11, 1929, having attained the age of 84 years, 10 months and 5 days, being an old man and full of years.

His departure is mourned by his aged wife, two sisters: Mrs. W. Johnson and Mrs. H. Riekens; four children: Mrs. H. Rueben, Mr. George Abbas, Mrs. H. Boekholt, and Mrs. C. Seebeck; also 21 grandchildren and a host of friends. Four brothers and his oldest daughter, Mrs. J. Lutjens, and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

Mr. Abbas was well known and esteemed in this community. During his life he manifested a vital interest in the Kingdom of God. He was not only a charter member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed Church but also served this church as elder since its organization without interruption up to the time of his demise. He had the gift of sincere admonition and prayer and many were profited by his spiritual guidance. Throughout his life he trusted in the precious promises of God in Jesus Christ as revealed in the scriptures and as the shadows of death were approaching these promises were his hope and delight. He was a kind and loving husband and father and his departure is keenly felt. The church mourns his death but is also grateful for his long services.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Christian Reformed Church under the direction of the pastor who was assisted by Mr. P. Eekhoff. The consistory members served as pallbearers. Interment was made in the Kanawha Cemetery.