Funeral services were held by M Krieder, Daniel Neff, and the writer, from Psalm 73:24-26.

Bro Hygema was born in Balk in Friesland, and afterwards removed to Holland, where he remained until he arrived at maturity. Here he married, and in June 1853, he joined a colony, consisting of Bishop John Smith, Symensma, John Rystrock and others, emigrated to America, and settled in Elkhart Co; soon after, however, he removed to Marshall Co.

Bro Hygema has been a faithful member in the Mennonite church for many years. Faithful as a Christian parent, bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He was respected by all who knew him. He was permitted to live with his family until the 13th of December 1874, when his companion was called away by death, who was also a faithful Sister.

In July 1875, in company with several others, he returned on a visit to the land of his nativity, where he enjoyed a season of pleasure with his brethren and friends. He returned to his home October 7th to his children and found them well.

After his return while visiting amongst his friends, he was stricken with typhoid fever, and at the end of seven days his spirit took its flight to God who gave it. His remains were placed by the side of his wife in the Whitehead graveyard in the presence of an immense congregation of friends and neighbors, who mourn the loss of one much beloved. Their loss, however, is his eternal gain. He frequently said that he would rather depart and be with Christ which is far better. Yet for him to live was Christ, and as a Christian parent had a desire to remain with his family a little season.

Dearest father, thou hast left us,

Here thy loss we deeply feel;

But 'tis God that hath bereft us,

He can all our sorrows heal.

Dear children, as you are now bereft of your parents, remember the kind admonitions of your mother. Be kind and affectionate to one another, for this is well pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. Though the Lord hath deeply afflicted you, though he has caused you to mourn, yet will he have compassion according to the abundance of his mercy; for he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. If we are willing to be guided by his counsel, when we are done serving his righteous will here he will receive us in glory.

J M Culbertson

She leaves a deeply bereaved husband and 9 children to mourn her departure.

Services by Martin Kreider and James Culbertson, from Matthew 24:14, which she selected during her sickness.

She was sick only about four days, during which time it was revealed to her that she should not recover from her sickness. She had a desire to see her friends and neighbors. It was the writer's privilege to be present also. I asked her if she felt prepared to die, "Oh, yes, said she, yet it seems very hard to tell my dear friends that I must leave them and my dear husband and children; but the Master has called, and I have a desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better, I am willing to go; there is not a doubt overshadows me; the time of my departure is at hand; I have fought the good fight; I have kept the faith; I am going to Jesus." She admonished her neighbors to consecrate themselves more to the Lord. She called the family around her bed and talked to each one of them, bidding them all good-by. Some of them are now followers of Jesus; others that have never professed the name of Christ she admonished to prepare to meet their departing mother in heaven. She also spoke of those that have wandered away from the church and are teaching another doctrine, that they should be warned of their danger. Moreover she repeatedly said, "It is not of myself, but that the Lord has told me what I should speak." She was a faithful sister during her lifetime and after the days labor was over, when the time of evening sacrifice, or time of worship before retiring to rest it was the custom of the family to bow down together and commit themselves to the keeping of their heavenly Father who watches over all.

Sister Hygema has been a faithful member in the church for many years and was beloved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed in the church where she was accustomed to worship; one seat vacant, one voice silent in singing praises in the church militant; but let this thought comfort her friends and cheer us all that one more voice has joined the church triumphant, with those that have gone up through great tribulation, and have come out conquerors and are now walking the streets of the New Jerusalem, striking glad hands with those that have gone before.

J M Culberson

Herald of Truth, Vol XII, No 2, February 1875