This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Geertzen’s Life of Travel Farming and Faith Across Lands
Bill Geertzen from Shafter recalls a life spanning farming in California and a global missionary construction career. He married Martha in 1941 after a wartime draft twist, built homes in Shafter Wasco and Bakersfield, and patented a spreading machine at Lockheed. The couple traveled to Africa Peru Guatemala and many other places with Wycliff Associates, raising four children and eight grandchildren.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Shafter
Simon Peters
Geertzen
Santa Maria
Goertzen
Martha
Lockeed
Wasco
Bakersfield
Manne Park
Richland Chevrolet
Central Avenue
Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church
Goertzen’s
Wycliff Associates
Mennonite Brethren Mission Services
Africa
Zaire
Bill
Peru
Guatemala
Columbia
Brazil
Nigeria
Japan
Mexico
Canada
Russia
Alaska
Latin America
Christine
Visalia
Bill, Jr
Juno
Debra
Colorado Springs
Colorado
Michael