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Peter Bushman
Peter Bushman of Drake, Sask. passed away June 13. He was born May 11, 1921 to Peter and Elizabeth Bushman at Fischau, Ukraine. In March 1926 his father died. Later that year, the family immigrated to Guernsey, Sask. His mother died in 1937. Peter and his brother Dave moved near Lockwood, Sask. In his teens, Peter accepted Christ. In 1942 he was baptized in Manitou Lake and joined Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. He married Agnes Schroeder July 9, 1948. Their home was marked by love, laughter and acceptance. Peter loved picnics, pitching his “sucker ball” at softball games and playing hockey and table games. His family was a priority, and he loved to tease, joke and play pranks. He drew strength from his faith in God. At 49, he suffered a stroke, but carried on farming with the help of his sons. In 1994 he was diagnosed with diabetes. In May 1999 he was diagnosed with mini strokes and severe Alzheimer’s. He was granted his wish to live at home with Agnes until 2 weeks before his death. He is mourned by Agnes; children Les of Drake, Elsie Toman of Guernsey, Marie Fick of Lanigan, Sask., Len of Prince Albert, Sask., Donald of Saskatoon, Eldon of Clive, Alta., Ken of Watrous, Edith Driediger of Nokomis, Sask., Richard of Watrous and Robert of Hepburn, Sask.; 31 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 16 in Philadelphia MB Church, with Ernie Bergen ministering.
John G. Froese
John G. Froese of Winkler, Man. passed away Mar. 24. He was born Aug. 13, 1927 to Gerhard and Sarah Froese in Reinfeld, Man. Following a conversion experience, he determined to become a beacon for Christ. In 1948 he married Mary Toews. He studied at Peniel Bible School in Winkler, Elim Bible Institute in Altona, Man., and later for a year at Canadian Mennonite Bible College in Winnipeg. He is remembered by his children as a gentle, compassionate, conversational, travelling man. Mealtimes meant some phone calls, humorous stories and silly facial expressions. He worked with low rental housing; drove school bus; was a school trustee; worked in apartment management; did field work with Providence College in Otterburne, Man.; was a travelling preacher; from 1948 to the mid-1970s ministered in churches in Rosefarm, Altona, Berg-feld, Rosenfeld and Plum Coulee, Man.; and was a chaplain. He founded Valley Crisis Ministries, visiting the sick, the lonely and seniors, including those in hospitals in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba. He ministered in Ebenezer Care Home in Altona and Salem Care Home in Winkler. He preached thousands of sermons and conducted many weddings and funerals. While driving alone, he sang, prayed, praised and prepared for ministry. In retirement, he cared for Mary, was president of Winkler senior citizens’ centre, golfed and walked. After Mary’s death in 1998, singing, a life-long love, became a revitalizing part of his life. He sang in a men’s quartet and in church choirs, and visited his children and their families. He passed away suddenly at home after a day of conducting a funeral and doing hospital visitation. He is mourned by daughter Judy Krahn; sons Harv, Lloyd, Tim, Wayne and Steve; 17 grandchildren; 6 sisters and 2 brothers. The memorial service was Mar. 30 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block, Dale Dueck, John B. Wiebe and Allen Kehler ministering.
Elizabeth Hyde
Elizabeth Hyde of Winkler, Man. passed away Apr. 28. She was born Feb. 26, 1908 to Johann and Anne Wiebe in Millerovo, Russia. At 13, she accepted Christ. At 15, she was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1925 she immigrated to Canada, with her mother, sister and brother, settling in Kronsgart, Man. She worked in various homes. Her sewing talents, which began at age 13, continued, and she designed wedding dresses. She married George Hyde Oct. 17, 1926. They farmed in the Kronsgart area. Several children were born to them, 2 died in infancy. In 1944 she and George moved to Myrtle, Man. to farm. She was hard-working and resourceful, sew-ing clothes for her family, doing farm chores, keeping a garden and canning vegetables. George died in 1973. She moved to Winkler. In 1993 she moved to Lion’s Manor. Motivated by Matthew 24:40, she enjoyed sewing hundreds of blankets “for the Lord,” giving them to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Mennonite Central Committee. When her eyes failed, a friend helped her sew another 99 blankets. She prayed for her children, grandchildren and great-granchildren, hoping to see them in heaven, and for the government and home care workers. Her favourite Christian programs, including “Back to the Bible” and “Haven of Rest,” gave her much insight to help her pray. She is remembered as a virtuous wo-man. The memorial service was May 4 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block ministering.
Anna Regehr
Anna Regehr of Winnipeg passed away Sept. 4. She was born Oct. 29, 1908 to Nickolai Wall and Anna Strauss in Spat, Crimea, Ukraine. Her mother died of complications after her birth. Her father and sister Tina cared for her. At 17, she asked for forgiveness of her sins, and was baptized by Abram Peters, joining the MB church in Spat. She married Gerhard Braun in December 1928. In 1931 they fled to Chortitza, Ukraine. In 1937 Gerhard was arrested and sent north, never to return. The following years were filled with hardship, fear, homelessness and sickness, but she always felt God’s protection. She went to Poland, to Germany, then to Canada. In Canada, relatives welcomed her. Daughter Olga became sick and was put in a sanitorium, where Anna found employment. On Oct. 13, 1967, she married Jacob Regehr, who had 5 children. She experienced much happiness and was grateful for God’s leading in her life. Jacob died in April 1986. In the last year, her health deteriorated, and in the last three months she had to accept help from others, but never lost her cheeriness. Predeceased by Gerhard and Jacob, 3 sisters and 4 brothers, she is mourned by children Olga Klassen, Anne Dyck, Mary Dueck, Eugene Regehr, Irene Unger and Lorraine Harms; 23 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson. The funeral was Sept. 8 in McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Helmut Kasdorf and John B. Epp ministering.
Peter D. Wiebe
Peter D. Wiebe passed away July 14 in Winkler, Man. He was born Mar. 4, 1916 to Cornelius and Helena Wiebe near Horndean, Man. His early childhood was spent in Burwalde, Man. He gathered wood, cutting and selling it in Winkler to earn money for clothes and books for grade 8. He worked on a ranch in Alberta for 2 years. He returned to Manitoba and finished grades 9-12 in 3 years. While taking an aeroengine mechanics course in Winnipeg, he decided to train with the air force. He requested a position where he could use his German. He served in England on loan with the British Air Force and trained in the secret service. During World War II, he served in Africa, Italy, Corsica, France and Greece, decoding German radio transmissions, helping to prevent the destruction of Naples harbour. He returned home in 1945. In 1946 he married Justina Enns, a high school friend, in Winkler MB Church, where they were active members. He and his brother Jake spray painted buildings. He ran a small welding shop in Winkler, then farmed at Kronsgart, buying more land near Morden, Man. In the 1980s they retired but he continued to help son Don on the farm and repaired equipment for the others. His hobbies included metal work, metal sculpting, wood turning, skiing, golfing and cutting and splitting firewood. In spring 1999 he was diagnosed with cancer, but was able to remain at home with the family. He found comfort in his steadfast faith. He proved his faith by doing rather than by speaking. He is mourned by Justina; and children Donald and Doris. The funeral was July 19 in Winkler MB Church, with Jake Quiring and Brad Huebert ministering.
Joyce Cornelson
(Helena) Joyce Cornelson of Invermere, B.C. passed away July 11 after a month-long battle with brain cancer. She was born Apr. 4, 1937 to Ben C. and Annie Kasper in Swift Current, Sask. In 1945 the family moved to another farm in Main Centre, Sask. At 8, she accepted Christ at vacation Bible school at Capeland Church; at 16, she was baptized. In 1954 she married Lorne Cornelson. They lived in Main Centre; Three Hills, Alta.; The Pas, Man.; Leader, Sask.; Main Centre; Herbert, Sask.; and Invermere. Her last child, Matthew, was stillborn in 1980. This stimulated her to turn her drawing hobby into an art career. She enjoyed drawing and became an artist. She was a founding and executive member of the Southwest Artists’ Guild. Her paintings, featured in art galleries in Saskatoon and Calgary and elsewhere, received many awards. She was a respected, prolific artist and taught art in Invermere. She admired and sought to imitate in her art the life, love and beauty of the Creator. She was an example of the woman described in Proverbs 31. She spent the last 2 weeks of her life in the art studio at their cabin. To the end, she was joyful and at peace, knowing that God loved her and that her times were in His hands. Predeceased by son Matthew in 1980 and a sister, she is mourned by Lorne; children Lynda Newransky of Saskatoon, Barry of Invermere, Sandra Noble of Coronach, Sask., Bonita Klaassen of Main Centre, and Tamara Ritskes of Gimli, Man.; 11 grandchildren; 4 brothers and 1 half-sister. The funeral was in the Alliance Church in Invermere, with Dieter Magnus ministering.
Ronald Bruce Wiebe
Ronald Bruce Wiebe of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 28 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. He was born July 20, 1945 to Bill and Elizabeth Wiebe. He grew up in Abbotsford. In his early teens, he accepted Christ; in July 1964 he was baptized and joined Central Heights MB Church. He attended Briercrest Bible College in Caronport, Sask. for 2 years, where he met Shirley Johnson. They married May 6, 1967. He earned a B.A. from Simon Fraser University and a master’s degree in social work from University of British Columbia. He worked 2 years as a social worker at Fort Simpson, N.W.T., was a parole officer with the Federal Correctional Service of Canada, was regional manager for the Pacific Headquarters, was deputy warden at Matsqui (B.C.) prison, was acting warden at Williams Head Institution in Victoria, and, after 1994, was warden of Ferndale Prison in Mission, B.C. He also administered Elbow Lake Institution at Harrison Mills, changing the forest camp into a prison, specializing in meeting the needs of First Nations prisoners and turning Elbow Lake into an aboriginal healing lodge. He had a vision of restorative justice and believed in justice and mercy. He encouraged the prison system to find meaningful work for inmates, including working 8 hours a day and cooking their own meals. The prison was rated as a model prison in Canada. He was an elder in Highland Community Church in Abbotsford and a board member of Columbia Christian Counselling Group. He saw his work in corrections as part of his ministry, believing that the gospel offered hope to prisoners. In 1994 he received the Order of Canada and in May 1999 a Corrections Exemplary Service medal. He is mourned by Shirley; sons Jeffrey, Jason and Jordan; his parents; and 2 sisters. The memorial service was Aug. 2 in New Life Christian Reformed Church, Abbotsford, with Roland Balzer, Ken Paterson, the Ferndale chaplain and some former prisoners ministering.
Winnifred Bauman
Winnifred Bauman of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 22. She was born Mar. 8, 1939 to Cyril and Winnifred Heath in Los Angeles. At 3, she accepted Christ. The family moved to Fresno, Calif. when she was entering high school. She was active in Youth for Christ, and spent much time studying the Bible. She attended Highland School of Nursing in Oakland, Calif. She married Edward Bauman June 6, 1959. In 1960 they moved to Niagara, Ont. to pastor. They then moved to Kingston, Ont., where Ed took graduate studies. In 1967 they moved to Thunder Bay, Ont., where Ed taught at Lakehead University and they lived for 28 years. She was coordinator of Pioneer Girls, captain of the local 100 Huntley Street counselling centre and a leader of prayer groups. In 1995 they moved to Abbotsford. They had a strong interest in missions. She served as chair of the missions committee in church. They taught English in China for a year, did short mission assignments in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malay-sia and Lithuania, and made 4 mission trips to Ukraine, where she taught Bible studies and Ed taught Bible school. She found a mission field wherever she went. While in hospital, she made this her mission field. She loved her family and instructed her children and their friends in the ways of the Lord. She was always there for them, understanding their needs and offering wise counsel. She loved to read and study. She studied part-time for many years, earning three degrees from Lakehead University. She witnessed to her professors and to students. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting and electrical wiring. She had a pioneering spirit and loved camping and swimming. She was known for her smile and cheerful, outgoing nature. She loved to interact with others, maintaining close friendships. She is mourned by Ed; children Linda Peto, Lorna Wyss, Ruth Stronach, Susan Allison, and John; grandchildren; her father; and 1 brother. The funeral was Aug. 29 in Mountain Park Community Church, Abbotsford, with Cam Stuart ministering.
Helena Thiessen
Helena Thiessen of Steinbach, Man. passed away July 17. She was born May 7, 1899 to Johann and Maria Reimer in Ufa, Jurmakaj, Russia. She married David D. Thiessen July 8, 1918. In 1929 they fled for Germany, and in 1930 they came to Canada. They lived in Steinbach until 1935, when they moved to Coaldale, Alta. In 1940 they returned to Steinbach. In 1983 David died. In 1984 she moved to Cedarwood Apartments. She was a loving, caring person to her children. She kept herself busy crocheting afghans for MCC and others, and making slippers and socks. She put together many puzzles. She was hospitalized in June 1999. In the last few months, she expressed a desire to go home. Predeceased by David, daughter Mary Wall, 2 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, she is mourned by children David of Coaldale, John of Airdrie, Alta., Frank of Winnipeg, Helen Harms of Mitchell, Man., Katherine of Lethbridge, Alta., Anna Buhler of Winnipeg, Peter, Elizabeth Friesen and Hildegard Goertzen, all of Steinbach, and Leonard of Logan Lake, B.C.; 34 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 22 in Steinbach MB Church, with Walter Reimer ministering.
Peter J. Martens
Peter J. Martens of Winkler, Man. passed away July 25. He was born Mar. 15, 1922. Predeceased by daughter Karen in 1995 and 2 sisters, he is mourned by wife Katie (Unrau); daughters Alvira Loewen of Winnipeg, Judith Chubachi of Calgary, Sandra Bench of New South Wales, Australia, and Roxanne Suderman of Reinland, Man.; son Garry of Miami, Man.; 16 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and 2 brothers. The funeral was July 30 in Winkler MB Church, with Peter M. Friesen and Brad Huebert ministering.
Previous | Next Last modified November 16, 1999.
© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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