Charles Earl Sieber

Charles Earl Sieber was born in Mifflin C., Pa., Feb. 25, 1884. He was converted in his early teens, at which time he received baptism and united with the Mennonite Church of which he was a member until death. On Sept. 1, 1908, he was united in marriage with Bertha B. Shoemaker of Dakota, Ill. After a few years they moved to Twin Falls Co., Idaho, of which they were residents ever since. While here Bro. Sieber has gained many friends. His genial disposition and willingness to lend a hand in every good work were much admired by all who learned to know him. On Oct. 23 he took sick with typhoid fever which led to peritonitis, causing his death on Nov. 13 at the age of 36 y. 8 m. 18 d. He leaves his wife, 6 children (the oldest being only 11 year. old), an aged father, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and many sympathizing friends. In his death the family loses a faithful husband and a loving father; the community, a good friend and neighbor; and the Church, a loyal member and earnest worker. He was a charter member of the Filer congregation and served almost continuously as a member of the board of trustees, as S. S. Supt., and as a leader of song, always being a loyal supporter of all the activities of the Church. The last hours of his life very forcibly portrayed the value and blessedness of having spent his days in the Master's service. When all that human hands could do, seemed of no avail, he requested to be anointed according to Jas. 5 for the healing of the body, if it be God's will. Shortly after this ceremony, however, he received the conviction that the time of his departure was nigh. After calling the family and friends present, one by one, to his bedside he bade them farewell and admonished them to be true to the Word and the Church and to meet him in heaven. He expressed his readiness to go, only wishing he could take his family with him. Death to him was the most blessed experience of his life. The whole scene was one which shall never be forgotten by all present. Funeral services were held in the Filer Church, Nov. 16, by S. Honderich and D. S. Graybill, using Isa. 55:8, 9, after which the body was brought back to Freeport, Ill., for burial. The funeral services were conducted there on Nov. 20, by A. C. Good of Sterling, Ill. Text, Jno. 14:1. Gospel Herald - Volume XIII, Number 37 - December 9, 1920, pages 742, 743