MENNO LOHRENZ KLIEWER, son of the late Peter J. and Susana
Buller Kliewer, was born on December 15, 1921, at rural Henderson,
Nebraska, and passed away May 18, 2001 at the age of 79 years.
His parents were immigrants from Russia during the great
Mennonite exodus of the 1870s, so he was deeply influenced by his
Mennonite heritage, which he cherished during his entire life.
He received his elementary education in a rural one-room school
house, graduated from Henderson High School in 1940, and later
attended Tabor College.
He was drafted into service during World War II and served his
country faithfully for three and a half years in the Civilian
Public Service Program from 1942-46.
Menno was united in marriage with Ann Fast August 8, 1947. They
made their first home in Kansas, where he taught school for three
years, and in 1950 moved to Henderson, Nebraska, and made farming
his career. He continued farming until 1962, when he relocated to
Reedley, California.
Menno served for twenty years as auction chairman of the West
Coast Mennonite Relief Sale, and also served five years as the
National Chairman of the Mennonite Relief Auction Sale Board. He
served the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church in numerous
capacities.
In later years, Menno became greatly interested in collecting,
restoring, and exhibiting antique engines. In 1986 he was elected
National Secretary/Treasurer of the Early Day Gas Engine and
Tractor Association. He also took up writing as a hobby and
contributed many articles about the depression years of the 1930s,
which were published in several publications. He wrote a book,
titled Early Day Memories.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann, four sons, Ralph, Paul,
Gene, and Lynn, and their wives Cynthia, Barbara, Rebecca, and
Colin; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Submitted by Dick Hamp, 1772 Conrad Avenue, San Jose, CA
95124.