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Justina Thiessen
Justina Thiessen passed away Dec. 9. She was born May 26, 1906 to John and Justina Siemens in Main Centre, Sask. She loved music and used her talents in Main Centre MB Church, including the monthly Jugendverein (youth meeting). She accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at 15. She married John J. Thiessen, a teacher in Main Centre, July 16, 1931. She supported him as he taught in various towns in southern Saskatchewan. She helped with music programs, especially the Christmas programs. She was a faithful wife and mother and took great pleasure in gardening and running a mini-farm to help support her family. She also enjoyed quilting and needlework. She taught Sunday school and babysat the pastors’ children. She and John moved to Swift Current, Sask. to retire, but John died shortly after on Aug. 14, 1959. In 1997 she moved to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat, Alta. In 1999 she moved to Ebenezer Nursing Home, Abbotsford, B.C. She is remembered for her hard work, sincere faith, commitment to prayer, ongoing care for the needy and sense of humour. Predeceased by John and 3 brothers, she is mourned by children Ted, Alvina Klassen, Elmer, Ruth Stubbs and Lottie Devontree; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Dec. 11 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter Klassen and Peter Nickel ministering. The funeral was Dec. 12 in Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, with Abe Klassen ministering.
Helen Kroeker
Helen Kroeker passed away Dec. 23. She was born July 16, 1900 to Henry and Helena Hiebert near Henderson, Neb. In 1901 the family moved to a farm near Hepburn, Sask. After the death of her mother in 1904, the family moved to a farm near Mennon, Sask. She quit school to help on the farm and do domestic work locally. She also worked for 6 years in Saskatoon. Here she accepted Christ through the Salvation Army and was baptized. About 1924 she found domestic work in Nebraska. In October 1932 she returned to Hepburn. She married Peter F. Kroeker in June 1933. They farmed near Waldheim, Sask. She milked cows to buy groceries. She attended Brotherfield MB Church whenever possible, and was involved with the ladies’ aid. In 1969 Peter died. She remained on the farm with son Ken. In 1975 she moved to Waldheim. She lived in Pioneer Lodge for 17 years. She enjoyed taking care of the flowers and making meals for her children and grandchildren as long as she was able. In 1993 she moved to Mennonite Nursing Home, Rosthern, Sask. Her thankful attitude encouraged others. Predeceased by Peter, 1 brother, 1 sister, 2 stepbrothers and 3 stepsisters, she is mourned by son Ken; 3 grandchildren; and 1 stepsister. The funeral was Dec. 28 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
Mary Kornelson
Mary (Stobbe) Kornelson of Saskatoon passed away Dec. 8. She was born July 26, 1907 in Kuban, Russia. When she was 3, the family immigrated to Canada, settling near Langham/Borden, Sask. They later moved to British Columbia. She married John Kornelson. They lived in B.C. and Saskatchewan. John died in February 1987. For the last 11 years, she lived in Central Haven Special Care Home, Saskatoon. Her home was always open to anyone needing a bed or a meal. She enjoyed music and reading. She prayed regularly for her family. Despite poor health, she was content and grateful for all things, most of all for salvation in Christ. She is remembered as a godly woman. Her favourite German hymn expressed her confidence: “I Won’t be a Stranger There”. Predeceased by John, 7 brothers, 1 sister, 1 grandson and 1 great-grandson, she is mourned by children Art, Johnny, Albert, Miriam Tieszen, Harvey, Esther Quiring, Helen Miller and Bertha Ratzlaff; 24 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 13 in West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon, with Richard Quiring ministering.
Eva Voth
Eva Voth of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 27. She was born Apr. 3, 1918 in Kalantarovka, southern Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Dalmeny, Sask. She finished elementary school and 1 year at Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School. She accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask. She loved to sing in the choir. In 1941 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., where she also sang in the choir. She married Jacob Voth June 11, 1944. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She had remarkable flower and vegetable gardens. In 1988 Jacob died. She missed him very much. She prayed constantly for her family. Later, her health prevented her from knitting and crotcheting. In her senior years, she sang in the Bakerview MB Church Fellowship choir. A favourite verse was Isaiah 43:1. She is mourned by sons Lyle, Len and Ron; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 31 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jacob Quiring and Henry Thiessen ministering.
Mary Rempel
Mary Rempel of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 3. She was born Dec. 10, 1917 in Helena, Mont. The family lived in Newport, Wash. In 1928 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. She married George G. Rempel Oct. 2, 1936 in Yarrow MB Church, with George’s father, a minister, officiating. The death of their son Allen at age 20 in March 1966 had a great impact on her life. She committed herself to the Lord. She found strength and comfort in Ps. 23. Later in life, George accepted Christ. They were baptized Nov. 27, 1994 and joined Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. She made petit point pictures. Predeceased by George Mar. 14, 1997, son Allen, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, she is mourned by sons Harvey and Edward; daughter Lois Kitsul; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 7 in Bakerview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen ministering.
Anna Willms
Anna Willms of Saskatoon passed away Dec. 28. She was born Nov. 25, 1909 to David and Katharina Warkentin in Carpenter, S.D. The family moved to Rudyard, Mont. in 1914 and to a farm near Hepburn, Sask. in 1918. At about 12, she accepted Christ. She later rededicated her life to the Lord, basing her salvation on John 1:10-12. She joined Hepburn MB Church, where she taught Sunday school and assisted in numerous ways. She was president of the Northern Saskatchewan Women’s Missionary Fellowship for many years. In 1927 she finished grade 11 in Waldheim, Sask. and then went to Normal School. She taught in Richmond School near Mennon, Sask. for 3 years and then in Hepburn for several years. She married Cornelius C. Willms Aug. 5, 1934. She kept busy baking, sewing, gardening and doing home chores, but always had time for her children. She was concerned about her children’s spiritual welfare. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In later years, her eyesight failed and health problems made it difficult for her to interact with them, but her love for them remained strong. Predeceased by Cornelius, a grandson, 2 great-grandsons, 2 sisters and 3 brothers, she is mourned by children Ruth McLeod of Courtice, Ont., Dorothy Bergen of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., Deanna Thiessen of Langham, Sask. and Violet Thiessen and Kenneth, both of Hepburn; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 31 in West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon, with Alvin Penner and Helmut Schroeder ministering.
Nikolai Thiessen
Nikolai (Nick) Thiessen of Winnipeg passed away Dec. 12. He was born June 10, 1906 in Muntau, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Baie St. Paul, Man. In 1931 he attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School. In 1935 he married Mary Dyck of Winnipeg. They farmed. He played an active role in the planting and leadership of Marquette (Man.) MB Church. By 1944, he started a John Deere dealership in Poplar Point, Man. while continuing to farm near St. Eustache, Man. They retired to Winnipeg. He was an active charter member of Westwood Community Church. A favourite verse was Psalm 73:26. He is mourned by Mary; children Margaret Rempel, Betty Rempel, Alice Voth, Agnes Koop and Dan; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 16 in Westwood Community Church, with Lorlie Barkman, Archie Dyck and Tim Rempel ministering.
Nickolai Dyck
Nickolai (Nick) Dyck of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan. 4. He was born Aug. 15, 1910 to Nickolai and Helena Dyck in Neu-Chortitza, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Osler, Sask. He worked for CN Rail, travelling from town to town and living in converted boxcars. In 1933 he married Elizabeth Dyck of Osler. Because railroad work was hard on his health, in 1944 they moved to Abbotsford to farm chickens and cows. He drove milk truck and later worked for Watson trucking. In June 1950 Elizabeth died, leaving him to raise 4 children, including a newborn. In October 1950 he married Katherine Esau. In January 1955 son Garry was born; he lived only 1 day. Son Rod was born in 1958. Nick drove dump truck and grader for Matsqui (B.C.) municipality for over 20 years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and loved golfing in retirement. He was a member of Bakerview MB Church. He was involved with Christian Service Brigades and taught Sunday school in earlier years. He coached softball for many years. Predeceased by Elizabeth, Katherine and son Garry, he is mourned by children Walter of Calgary, Marty Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, Denis of Winnipeg, Carol Wice of Maple Ridge, B.C. and Rod of Chilliwack, B.C.; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 7 in Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, with Jacob Quiring and Ross Johnston ministering.
Mary Loeppky
Mary Loeppky of Winkler, Man. passed away Dec. 19. She was born Apr. 28, 1905 to John and Mary Loeppky of Sunnyslope, Alta. The family moved to Winkler. Through P.H. Neufeld and others from Winkler MB Church, her parents became Christians, joining the church June 13, 1915. The family attended church and Sunday school regularly. During evangelistic meetings with Frank Wiens, missionary to China, she accepted Christ. She was baptized June 12, 1921 and joined Winkler MB Church. She taught Sunday school, worked in vacation Bible school in Ontario and Manitoba, and worked with teenage girls for a number of years. When her mother died in 1953, she lived at George Neufelds’. In 1954 she moved in with Mary Janzen and her mother. She worked as a clerk at Janzen Red and White, Sirluck and Janzen and Winkler Coop Service, starting part-time while still in school and continuing full-time until retiring in 1971. She and Mary Janzen later moved to Lion’s Manor. She moved to Salem Home in March 1999. She is predeceased by 6 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 23 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and John P. Krahn ministering.
Jacob M. Waldner
Jacob M. Waldner of Saskatoon passed away Nov. 23. He was born Dec. 22, 1915 to Mike and Sarah Waldner. He was a full-time mechanic in Langham, Sask. and Saskatoon. He also pastored Emmanuel Church in Langham for many years. He loved to fix radios and TVs, and was a CB and ham radio operator. He was always willing to help others with their cars. He was involved in Shantymen International and Christian Business Men’s, and served in many nursing homes. Predeceased by 3 brothers and a sister, he is mourned by his wife of 41 years, Grace (Boehr); daughters Corinne Tan and Myrna Foth; 3 grandsons; and 3 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 26 in West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon, with Kelly Wiebe and Alvin Penner ministering.
John F. Janzen
John F. Janzen of Winkler, Man. passed away Nov. 18. He was born Nov. 7, 1911 near Winkler, the 5th of 14 children of Frank and Justina Janzen. He met Linda Peters on a farm where both worked as farmhands. They married Nov. 7, 1937. In 1945 they accepted Christ at an evangelistic crusade. Soon after, they were baptized and joined Winkler MB Church. They worked as farm labourers near Winkler and Alexander, Man. In 1947 they moved to Winkler, where he became a skilled, self-taught carpenter. He was concerned that honesty would prevail in his work and all his dealings. He built many houses in the Winkler area, and spent evenings building his own house and crafting home furnishings. He was a good and faithful provider for his family, not only in material things but also in spiritual things. His concern was that his family would come to love the Lord. He was faithful in attending church and spent much time reading the Bible and in prayer. He is mourned by Linda; children Bernard of Grand Forks, B.C.; Elsie Peters of Winkler and Barbara Wiebe of Winnipeg; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 22 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and Ted Goossen ministering.
Katharina Janzen
Katharina (Tina) Janzen of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Sept. 13 of stomach cancer. She was born June 6, 1925 to Gerhard and Sarah Barg in Omsk, Siberia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. En route her mother died of typhus. Her father and 4 children settled in Coaldale, Alta. He married Helen Dyck; 5 more children were born. In 1947 Tina and her sister moved to Kelowna, where they worked in the cannery. She attended the MB church. She married Frank Janzen in 1948. They ran a sawmill in the Joe Rich Valley. They later sold the mill and moved to Terrace, B.C. Daughter Ruth became ill with nephritis, and they moved back to Kelowna. She died at age 6. In 1957 they began missionary training. In 1961 they moved to Panama, teaching God’s Word and dispensing medical knowledge and supplies to Choco natives. In 1969 they returned to Kelowna to study. Frank died Aug. 26, 1972 after an 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She worked as a cook and baker at Kelowna General Hospital for 16 years, becoming well-known for her cinnamon buns and cheese biscuits. In retirement, she volunteered, travelled and devoted time to her family. Stomach cancer was diagnosed July 28, 1999. She is mourned by children Marjorie, Douglas, Judith and Wendy. The funeral was Sept. 16 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnie Peters and Gerald Klassen ministering.
George A. Braun
George A. Braun of Ebenezer Home, Altona, Man. passed away Sept. 11 at age 90. He was born to Abram and Anna Braun at Eigengrund, Man. He was the youngest of 14 children. He farmed with his father and brothers. In 1936 he married Nettie Dyck of Chortitz, Man. They joined the MB church. They farmed near Kleinstadt, Man. He taught at Elim Bible School in Altona in the winters 1944-1964. He was a visiting lay preacher for many Mennonite churches in southern Manitoba. He is remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, his ready smile, his strong principles, his gentleness, the unfailing kindness and generosity of his spirit and his unwavering faith in and love of God. Predeceased by Nettie in 1991 and all his siblings, he is mourned by children Albert of Winnipeg, Kenneth of Altona, Rosella Schroeder of Carp, Ont., Ronald “Joe” of Altona and Viola Fox of Hairy Hill, Alta.; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 15 in Altona Bergthaler Church, with Walter Hiebert, Henry J. Gerbrandt and Walt Braun ministering.
Albert Frank Penner
Albert Frank Penner of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Jan. 1. He was born Apr. 16, 1910 to Frank B. and Tina Penner in Hepburn, Sask. In his teens, he accepted Christ. He was baptized in September 1924. He was a man of few words. He had an interest in reading spiritual books, and spent time thinking deeply about what he read. He read Scripture and prayed every morning at breakfast. He married Kathrin Ethel Andres Oct. 7, 1934 in Langham, Sask. They lived in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, making many lifelong friends. He spent his life working in electronics. At 14, he built his own radio through knowledge gained via a correspondence course. At large gatherings, often held in tents, he provided microphones and speakers. In the 1950s he began working with reel-to-reel recorders, then cut records, eventually in stereo, all from his home and self-taught. He was a perfectionist and had a good sense of humour. The last few years he struggled with memory loss and many health challenges, yet rarely complained. Predeceased by Kathrin Apr. 27, 1995, an infant daughter, 2 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by daughter Marjorie Poncilius and 4 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 6 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna.
Mary Voth
Mary Voth of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Aug. 31. She was born Nov. 10, 1915 to Frank and Helen Penner in Plum Coulee, Man. She grew up near Altona, Man. By 16, she was sewing clothes for the family. She married Henry C. Voth Oct. 2, 1937. They farmed with his father. In 1939 they moved to their own farm at Bergfeld, Man. In 1945 they moved to another farm at Lowe Farm, Man. She was a homemaker and baked desserts, especially pies, for the lunch counter. She also managed a remnant section in their general store. In 1956 they bought a grocery store in Morden, Man. A ladies’ clothing section was added 9 years later. She enjoyed using her seamstress skills. Within 3 years, the grocery shelves were replaced with clothing racks. In 1987 they retired to Kelowna, where they became involved in MCC work and joined Willow Park Church. They sang in the choir and made many new friends. She was a modern, independent, working mother, recycling before it became trendy. She enjoyed playing cards and games and loved flower gardens. Family was important to her; she travelled many miles to visit her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where she cleaned, baked and sewed. She had a strong faith in God, which guided her through happy and difficult times. Church and family gave meaning to her life. Predeceased by Henry, 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Viola Goertzen of Morden, Doreen Petkau of Brandon, Man., Julie of Vancouver, Elaine Wanchuk of McRae, Alta., Sharon of Winnipeg, Rowena Raber of Richmond, B.C. and Lloyd of Winnipeg; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 4 in Willow Park Church, with Arnie Peters ministering.
Edward Baerg
Edward Baerg, formerly of Virgil, Ont., passed away Oct. 30. He was born Nov. 23, 1937 to Jacob and Nettie Baerg in Bassano, Alta. The family later settled on a fruit farm near Niagara, Ont. From birth, Ed had some unique challenges but faced them with character and courage. At 16, he accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Virgil MB Church. Despite a great deal of physical pain, he rarely complained. He made a significant contribution on the farm. Although he had only one hand, he could pick cherries as fast as the other pickers – while whistling or singing his favourite songs. He earned a diploma in mechanical drafting from the Institute of Technology in London, Ont. He worked for Feratti Packers of St. Catharines, Ont., and then for General Electric for 34 years. His work was marked by integrity, excellence and loyalty. He loved to travel with his sister Elly and Ernie Dyck and brother Albert. In 1998 he experienced health problems from which he never recovered. He lost the desire and enthusiasm to fellowship with God’s people. Still, he maintained his trust in the Lord and passed away peacefully with the assurance that he was accepted and forgiven. He is mourned by his mother of Tabor Manor, St. Catharines; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 3 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Ben Falk ministering.
Jake Clifford Schmor
Jake Clifford Schmor passed away Dec. 29. He was born July 25, 1911 to Cornelius and Susie Schmor at Hepburn, Sask. He worked with his father on the family farm. After leaving school, he briefly tried homesteading in northern Saskatchewan. In 1938 he hitchhiked to Ontario and tried a variety of jobs, including stationary engineer at a sanatorium. He worked at McKinnon Industries (General Motors) 1940-71. In 1940 he married Elizabeth
Goertzen at Vineland, Ont. They lived in St. Catharines, Ont. They joined the MB church. They were charter members of Fairview MB Church, where they had a large circle of friends. Extensive travel and summers at Elim Lodge were treasured memories. Elizabeth died of cancer in 1996. Jake continued to live in their apartment. He enjoyed the view from his balcony. The loss of hearing caused him difficulty in communicating with friends. A scooter gave him the freedom to go to stores, visit his church and enjoy coffee with friends. He appreciated visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Due to ill health, he moved to Tabor Manor Nov. 29, 1999. He suffered kidney failure and a broken hip. During his illness, he never lost his unique sense of humour. He is mourned by children Arthur, Caroline, Larry and John; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.
Bruce William Jackson
Bruce William Jackson of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 23, after a year-and-a-half struggle with cancer. He was born Sept. 22, 1949 at Manitoulin Island, Ont. He also lived in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He had an unfailing faith in God. At 18, he formally made a commitment to Christ. He married Janice Sept. 1, 1973. In 1974 he was baptized by his friend Lawrence McAllister. He loved life. He lived in more houses, owned more cars, belonged to more churches and held more jobs than most men. Each move he made was an adventure. He had several careers: banking, cattle ranching, operating a group home, ambulance driving, driver education, managing a gas station, nursing and administration. In 1992 he earned a B.Sc. in nursing from the University of British Columbia. He worked in several pilot projects bringing computerization to nurses in the Simon Fraser Health Region and was manager of customer service information services. He was community minded, and family and friends were paramount to him. He loved family reunions. He had the gift of administration. He helped his church to be more effective in its ministries, ensuring the needs of the community were met. He regularly prayed for and financially supported world missions. He was an elder and moderator in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford for several years. He is mourned by Janice; daughter Robyn; and 1 granddaughter. The funeral was Sept. 27 in Central Heights MB Church, with Christopher Douglas and Lawrence McAllister ministering.
Peter B. Jahnke
Peter B. Jahnke of Swift Current, Sask. passed away Jan. 10 of a massive stroke. He was born Dec. 6, 1906 on a homestead near Main Centre, Sask. He later ranched near Gouldtown, Sask. Music and academics were a big part of his heritage. He was skilled with the lariat. He competed in rodeos in his early years and entertained many with his trick roping until age 93. In 1939 he married Sadie Giesbrecht; they had 3 daughters. Sadie died in 1949; he accepted Christ at her funeral. In 1950 he married Elizabeth Tilitzky; they had 2 daughters. He was active with the Gideons, distributing Bibles and sharing his testimony. He retired from ranching in 1973. He often declined personal tributes. In 1979 the Southwest Hereford Zone honoured him for his contribution to the raising of Hereford cattle. During his later years, he visited the sick and encouraged the people he met on a daily basis. His signature farewell was, “We’ll see you in Glory!” He is remembered for his uplifting words and faithful prayers. Predeceased by Sadie, he is mourned by Elizabeth; daughters Mona Yelland of Kelowna, B.C., Diane Ganes of Canmore, Alta., Marilyn Edwards of Taichung, Taiwan, Lucy Burnett of Yelm, Wash. and Sheila Braun of Swift Current; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 13 in Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
Henry Loewen
Henry Loewen passed away Oct. 18 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. He was born Dec. 24, 1916. In early 1917 he was adopted by the Abraham J.D. Loewen family of Dolinsk, Russia. His parents were German prisoners of war living in that part of Russia at that time. When he was 9, the Loewens immigrated to a farm in Beechy, Sask. During the Depression, he worked in Manitoba with harvesting. He met Mary Isaak there, marrying her in 1938. They lived in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba. His main occupation was carpentry. He last worked at Eaton’s in Winnipeg for 25 years. He retired in 1980. He was a devoted, loving father. His steadfast Christian faith guided him throughout his life and was the source of the serenity during the health problems he had later in life. Psalm 31:14 was important to him. He was a member of Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by Mary in 1997, he is mourned by children Martha Klassen, Adeline Klassen, Victor, and Mervin Scott; 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 25 at Klassen Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg, with Frank Isaac, Laura Friesen and Henry Kliewer ministering.
Bessie Louise Miller
Bessie Louise Miller of Elm Creek, Man. passed away Jan. 13 after a brave struggle with cancer. She was born Oct. 15, 1931 to John and Louise Robinson in Elm Creek. She married James E. Miller Nov. 29, 1950. Her search for meaning and purpose in life culminated when she accepted Christ during a Billy Graham telecast. She joined a women’s Bible study group in Elm Creek. She was baptized Mar. 5, 1995 and joined Elm Creek MB Church. She was an inspiration and a blessing wherever she went – in church, in the community and in her work with Home Care. She is mourned by Jim; children Jim of Creston, B.C., Bob of Portage la Prairie, Man. and Kathy Hirst of Calgary; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The memorial service was Jan. 17 in Elm Creek MB Church, with John Willems and Jim Howard ministering.
Leni Sawatzky
Leni Sawatzky of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Jan. 7. She was born Mar. 31, 1944 to Peter and Helene Enns in Filadelfia, Paraguay. Her mother died the same day. She was cared for for a time by Peter and Greta Unruh, but returned home when her father married Liese Neufeld. She went to school in Rosenort No. 10. Through an evangelistic crusade, she accepted Christ. She was baptized Dec. 3, 1961 and joined the Mennonite Church. She married Reinhold Sawatzky Oct. 2, 1965. In 1974 they moved to Canada. She worked on a farm for 8 years, taking her children along. She later worked in the kitchen at Tabor Manor. In 1987 breast cancer was found. After 3 months of radiation treatment, she resumed work. In December 1995 brain and lung cancer were found. By April, she became helpless. Reading Psalm 37:4, she and Reinhold prayed that she could walk. By June she could walk and go to church again. She resumed household duties, quilted many blankets, crocheted and knitted. She wished to live long enough to see one grandchild. In August 1999, cancer was found in her liver and knee. She is mourned by Reinhold; children Erhard, Holdine Siemens and Lorene Mandau, all of St. Catharines; and 3 grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 11 in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, with Rudie Willms and Vic Loewen ministering.
Rudy Friesen
Rudy Friesen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Jan. 13 of a heart attack. He was born Oct. 1, 1927 to Gerhard and Maria Friesen in Chortitz, Man. In 1929 the family moved to Gem, Alta. to farm. In 1950 the family moved to Vineland, Ont., where his father became business manager of Bethesda Home; Rudy stayed in Gem to complete a year of elementary school teaching before joining them. In 1951 he married Mary Klassen. After a year of teaching in Tintern, Ont., he took an office job in St. Catharines. In 1962 he joined General Motors; he retired in 1988. He enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school, sharing with others the principles of God’s grace and forgiveness that were important to him, and singing in the male choir. He expressed himself as a Christian writer, having about 100 articles published. He is mourned by Mary; children Ken, Carl, Brenda Funk and Eldon; and 3 granddaughters. The funeral was Jan. 17 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, with Waldo Pauls and Herman Kroeker ministering.
John Koehn
John Koehn of Linden, Alta. passed away Jan. 14. He was born Sept. 11, 1911 to Peter and Elizabeth Koehn in Einlage, Russia. His father died in 1919 of typhus. In 1925 the family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. He worked for 2 years as a farmhand at Davidson, Sask. and cut timber for 2 winters in northern Ontario. In 1930 he and brother Peter began farming near Taber, Alta. In 1940 he married Tina Reimer. They established their home on Joshua 24:15. In 1974 they retired from farming and moved to Linden. Though he lacked a formal education, he was knowledgeable in many subjects. He was a hard-working farmer. His Sunshine Hill Ranch was always immaculate. He enjoyed riding horses, even after he needed a walker. He enjoyed fellowship and playing shuffleboard at the Seniors’ Care and Share. He also tied MCC quilts for the women in the church. He enjoyed visits from family, providing snacks and playing games. He also enjoyed travelling to visit friends and family. He had a concern for his extended family, praying for a long list of people. He often prayed while tying knots in quilts. Despite many ailments, he always had a positive view. He had a passion for his flower garden, giving the flowers to others. He was always setting new goals to plant something and never seemed to tire of watching things grow. Predeceased by Tina, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, he is mourned by daughters Linda Heidebrecht of Linden, BettyAnne Adrian of Tofield, Alta., Mary Regehr of Elliot Lake, Ont., Evelyn McIver of Calgary and Alice Dyck of Evansburg, Alta.; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 18 in Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen, Konrad Loewen and Dan McIver ministering.
Nicholas Aron Peters
Nicholas Aron Peters of Boissevain, Man. passed away Jan. 13. He was born May 28, 1920 to Aron F. and Elizabeth Peters in Pleschanovo, New Samara, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Manitoba, living in Stephenfield, then Niverville. In 1928 they moved to Boissevain. In 1941 he attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School for several months. Here he struggled with his spiritual life. In January 1942 he joined the Canadian Army medical corps, where he made Christ Lord of his life. He was discharged in October 1945. His motto, “My God Can”, was given to him by C.F. Klassen during his army days. He married Katie Dueck of Minto, Man. June 27, 1947. They lived in Winnipeg while he attended MB Bible College. In 1950 they moved near Boissevain to farm. For a number of years, he taught the Bible in 4 public schools each week. He started DVBS, first in rural schools, then in town. He preached in various rural churches when pastors were away. He helped establish a church in Deloraine, Man., served on the board of the Brandon (Man.) Indian-Metis Centre, provided church services to inmates at the Turtle Mountains and held teaching services for a week at a time in northern reserves. He invested much time into people’s lives; it was important to him that people would come to know Christ. He was not afraid to speak to others about the gospel. He is remembered for his keen sense of humour, determination, stubbornness, competitiveness and high standards. He always loved God and his family. In 1981 he suffered a major heart attack, resulting in a gradual memory loss. In September 1999 he moved to Evergreen Place, Boissevain Personal Care Home. He wished to go to his Lord. Predeceased by twin siblings, an infant sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Katie; children Art of Boissevain, Diane Atwood of Rochester, N.Y., Ron of Drumheller, Alta., Harold of Boissevain and Karen Petras of Calgary; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 15 in Boissevain MB Church, with Tom Warner ministering.
Cornelius Frank Funk
Cornelius (Corney) Frank Funk of Yarrow, B.C. passed away Dec. 5 of cancer. He was born Dec. 26, 1921 to Cornelius and Susie Funk in Selidova, Ukraine. In 1930 the family immigrated to Gnadenthal, Man. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1931 and to Yarrow in 1933. He committed his life to Christ. In June 1940 he was baptized and joined Yarrow MB Church. In winter 1942 he attended the local Bible school. During World War II, he worked in alternative service on Vancouver Island and then on a farm in Arnold, B.C. After the war, he returned to Yarrow; he worked in the family business, hauling groceries for the store, and in the feed mill. When the business later moved to Abbotsford, B.C., he continued to work there for many years. He married Katie Wolfe Mar. 27, 1955. They lived in Yarrow. He was interested in history and geography, and kept up with local and international current events. He kept a diary for 55 years. They travelled locally and abroad. He loved the challenge and adventure of the outdoors, especially hiking and whitewater rafting. In January 1988 he was diagnosed with cancer. He accepted this with a positive attitude, acknowledging the goodness of God in his life. The cancer was in remission for 11 years. In February 1989 an accident on his way to work resulted in severe hearing loss. He was admitted to hospital in November 1999 due to cancer; he went home Dec. 3. He is mourned by Kay; 2 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 10 in Yarrow MB Church, with Terry Kaethler and Jim Nightingale ministering.
Jake Wiebe
Jake Wiebe of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Dec. 21. He was born Feb. 20, 1917 in Kuban, Russia. When he was 7, the family immigrated to Plum Coulee, Man. They farmed here for a few years before moving to a farm at La Riviere, Man. He married Anne, whom he first met in Plum Coulee. He enjoyed reading and writing and taking long walks on the railroad tracks near home. He farmed in La Riviere, and was involved with the school boards and the Pool elevators. He valued his family and friends above all those involvements. Predeceased by 3 brothers, he is mourned by his wife of 54 years, Anne; children Eunice Seney, Magdalene, Herb, Daniel and Tom; 11 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 30 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnie Peters ministering.
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© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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