OBITUARY - Another Pioneer Fallen -Elder Gottfried F. Haffner, one of our prominent German workers in North America, died October 1, 1920, in College Place, Washington. He was born June 27, 1867, in Tscherbakowski, Russia. When but a child of nine years, he came with his parents to America. They settled in Lehigh, Kansas, where his childhood was spent. Here he with his parents accepted the truth.
After finishing the public school, he was a student at Battle Creek College for three years. In 1889 he attended a Bible Institute held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his school years he canvassed and held Bible readings. This gave him a very practical education. His first ministerial work was done in the State of Missouri. On April 15, 1888, he was married to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Ehrlich. Through this happy marriage, six girls and three boys were born. After he had worked one year in Missouri, he received a call to work among the Germans in Oregon. He spent two successful years in that conference. Then he was asked to go to Washington, where he worked eight years. He organized there a number of German churches, which have all remained faithful to this day. The blessing of God rested upon his labors. The brethren in the Oklahoma Conference invited him to connect with them for a time. After working there one year, he was elected president, which office he held for four years. In 1904 he was chosen superintendent of the German work in North America, in which capacity he served for thirteen years. He was away from home most of the time, encouraging the German workers in all parts of the field, and strengthening the churches by his spiritual ministration. As a result of continued traveling, his physical condition suffered to such an extent that, in counsel with his brethren, he decided to lay down his heavy responsibilities. The Upper Columbia Conference invited him to connect with the work in that field, and he moved his family to College Place, Washington. Instead of improving, his condition became worse, until in the latter part of 1917, he was advised to undergo an operation. The operation was successful, but his body was so weak that it seemed he could not survive. Prayer was offered in his behalf, and the Lord heard and restored him to health, and he worked for three more years. In the spring of 1920 he had an attack of influenza, by which his strength was again much diminished. During the summer he conducted a series of meetings, but suffered continual pain. He underwent another operation, and, as a result of unexpected complications, lived only a few days. He passed away October 1, at 7:30 PM. He was only fifty-three years of age. His wife shared with him, during his activity, sorrow and joy, poverty and plenty, loneliness and joyful companionship. The children had to be reared without the father, for he was away from home most of the time. The Lord heard the many prayers and blessed this home, for all the children are leading Christian lives. They say they never heard their father speak a cross word to them. When he punished them, it was done in love. Two of his children were laid to rest before the father. His aged parents have lost a dear son; his brothers and sisters, a helpful brother; his wife and children, a true husband and a devoted father; and the church a Christian counselor. Throughout North America he had many warm friends. Elder Haffner had a deep Christian experience. When only nine years old he had a desire to be baptized, but his parents thought he was too young, so he waited until his eighteenth year, when he was attending Battle Creek College. He had accepted the truth under the ministry of Elders L. H. Conradi, H. Shultz, and S. S. Shrock. He loved to read and study his Bible, and always followed the advice received from heaven. Ever since he was seventeen years old, he has devoted all his time to the message. He had no great desire for worldly possessions, except as a means through which the kingdom of God might be advanced. His monument is not a cold stone, but the many hearts who have been led to their Saviour through him. He rests from his labors, but his works will follow him. He was one of the founders of the Clinton Theological Seminary. He traveled throughout North America raising funds for that institution, and always tried to influence young people to attend it or our other schools. For many years he was a member of the General Conference Committee, and in 1907 he attended a council in Europe. His body was taken from College Place, Washington to Shattuck, Oklahoma where most of his relatives reside. The funeral services were conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon from the church out in the country. Elder J. F. Simon read a sketch of his life, and I preached the funeral sermon, using the test in 2 Samuel 3:38: "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" The ministers sang the song, "Meet Again," and four of them served as pallbearers. There were about 700 people present, which was said to be the largest number ever present at a funeral in that neighborhood. Although the voice of Elder Haffner is now silent, we know that angels of God are keeping watch over his dust, and that the voice of the Archangel will call him forth from the grave at the first resurrection. We have lost a dear friend and a comrade in the gospel ministry, and those of us who remain behind must devote ourselves more faithfully than ever before in the finishing of the work that God has given us.
Haffner, Gottfried F. - Born: June 27, 1867 - Tschbakowski, Russia. Died: October 1, 1920 - College Place, Washington. As a child of nine years, he came with his parents to America. On April 15, 1868 he was married to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Ehrlich. Through this happy marriage, six girls and three boys were born. Two of his children were laid to rest before the father. His aged parents have lost a dear son. Additional information. The came to the United States in 1876 on the S.S. City of Richmond from Liverpool, Germany to New York City, New York. As printed in "THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD", December 23, 1920.