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Abraham Doerksen
Abraham (Abe) Doerksen of Winnipeg passed away Feb. 21. He was born Aug. 23, 1907 in Niverville, Man. In 1938 he married Anne Loeppky. They lived in Stonewall and Warren, Man. before settling in Winnipeg. He was a dedicated and hard worker in the variety of jobs he held. His family was his first priority. He is remembered for his compassionate and caring spirit. His unconditional love for his family and his commitment to the Lord inspired others. He is mourned by Anne; daughters Lynn Willms of B.C., and Verna Dalke and Judy Lipinsky, both of Winnipeg; 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Feb. 25 in Niverville MB Church, with Arno Fast ministering.
Jacob John Neufeld
Jacob John Neufeld of Saskatoon passed away Feb. 13. He was born Aug. 31, 1914 to Johann and Helena Neufeld in Ekaterinaslav, Russia. In 1923 the family immigrated to Canada. His father died 3 years later, leaving 3 young children and 1 on the way. As a teen, Jacob worked on various farms in Saskatchewan to help support the family. In 1932 he was baptized and joined Hepburn (Sask.) MB Church. During the 30s, he attended Hepburn Bible School for 4 years. In September 1939 he married Susie Berg. They farmed for 10 years. From 1949 till retirement, he worked in several family business ventures with his brothers. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 grandson and 1 great-grandson, he is mourned by Susie; children Ken of Fresno, Calif., Gloria Neufeld Redekop of Ottawa, Howard of Port Coquitlam, B.C. and Eldon of Cobble Hill, B.C.; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 17 in Hope Fellowship Church, Saskatoon, with Terence Froese, Alvin Penner and Cliff Jantzen ministering.
Marie Quiring
Marie Quiring of Winnipeg passed away Feb. 11, after a prolonged illness. Born the youngest of a large family, she grew up on a farm near Hepburn, Sask. Her outlook on life was forged by hard work, hard times and a strong faith in God. These enabled her to overcome obstacles through effort and a unique sense of humour. She married John Quiring Oct. 15, 1944. They farmed 4 years in Saskatchewan and 5 years in Ontario, then spent 4 years in Winnipeg while John prepared for the ministry. She was a major source of encouragement to John as he pastored churches, first for 2 years in Aberdeen, Sask., then for 6 years in Portage la Prairie, Man. They settled in Winnipeg in 1965. In 1967 she began a 16-year career in health care, working as an aide and activity assistant at Park Manor and Bethania Nursing Homes. She lovingly supported her children, sacrificed her own needs for others, was practical and thrifty and had a desire to serve others, whether feeding dinner guests at home or caring for nursing home residents. She enjoyed fellowship at Elmwood MB Church in Winnipeg. During her last 5 years of declining health, John and others cared for her at home. Predeceased by all 14 brothers and sisters, she is mourned by John; son Ken; daughter Myrna Klassen; and 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 15 in Elmwood MB Church, with Keith Poysti and Jake Pauls ministering.
David Sawatzky
David Sawatzky of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 30. He was born Feb. 21, 1917 to David and Anna Sawatzky at Aberdeen, Sask. At 19, he accepted Christ; 4 months later, he was baptized. In 1941 he left the family farm to attend Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School. Here he met Tena Loewen. They married Nov. 3, 1942. Conscripted, he became a conscientious objector. While at a forestry camp in Banff, Alta., he led a co-worker to the Lord. After a year, he was released to work on the farm again. In 1946 they moved to the Fraser Valley. He farmed 5 acres on Sumas Prairie while doing custom farm work. He worked for 35 years at the Pacific Milk plant, where he held several positions, bringing a commitment to excellence to each one. He and Tena became charter members of Central Heights MB Church, later serving as deacons. He sang in the choir and later in the male chorus. The family loved to travel. He enjoyed photography, taking many pictures of mountain scenes and wildlife, and woodworking, producing many pieces of carefully crafted furniture. In 1976 Tena was diagnosed with Parkinson’s; he faithfully cared for her until her death in 1984. Later that year, he met and married Mary Wiebe. They travelled extensively in their motor-home. Together they nurtured many relationships with family and friends. Predeceased by Tena and a sister, he is mourned by Mary; children Melvin, Orlando and Debbie Dick; stepchildren Walter, Rudy and Bill; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 6 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Nick Dyck, Jake Tilitzky and Chris Douglas ministering.
Cornelius C. DeFehr
Cornelius C. DeFehr of Winnipeg passed away Feb. 19. He was born June 2, 1911 to Cornelius A. and Elizabeth DeFehr in Millerovo, Russia. His life was carefree. His father owned a farm implement factory and part of a flour mill. After the Revolution, the family fled their home. In 1925 they left for Canada. He attended Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Man., and completed high school in Winnipeg. He planned to pursue medical studies, but his father asked him to take over the Edmonton branch of the family business (C.A. DeFehr & Sons and DeFehr Furniture). Here he made a personal commitment to the Lord. He married Agatha Neufeld in May 1936 in Whitewater, Man. His family, his faith and the family business were the major commitments in his life. He was respected, and his up-front Christianity made a deep impression on business associates. He retired at 65, but continued to be involved in the family business into his 80s. He was a Sunday school teacher and taught a class of boys Wednesday nights at North End MB Church in Winnipeg. He participated in the Home Missions program. He was a lay preacher for over 40 years. He and Agatha were deacons for over 30 years. He also served on numerous committees and boards such as the MB Communications Board. His extended family worked, worshipped and played together. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, always showing interest in their activities and plans. When he took on a project, it was done well. He was optimistic, single-minded and analytical. He loved political discussions and always got the last word. He was an avid reader of Scriptures; in his last months, he and Agatha listened to Scripture tapes each morning. When they moved to a condo, he saw it as an adventure and quickly made new friends. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, he is mourned by Agatha; children William, Arthur and Irene; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 23 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Keith Poysti ministering.
Peter J. Andres
Peter J. Andres of Saskatoon passed away Dec. 15. He was born Nov. 9, 1905 to Jacob W. and Elizabeth Andres at Langham, Sask. Though he grew up on the farm and ran his own farm, his interests included construction, community and church projects and farm technology. To the end, he was intrigued with the technological, mechanical and crop production aspects of farming. His mother led him to the Lord Feb. 18, 1918. In 1923 he was baptized and joined Neuhoffnung MB Church, Langham. He married Elizabeth Willems June 19, 1932. The farmed near Langham. In 1949 they moved to a farm near Mennon, Sask.; in 1953 they established a farm near Hepburn, Sask. He had a practical, logical concrete, compassionate and dependable faith. He was a man of his word. For him, holiness meant order, discipline, neatness, punctuality and accountability. He stressed disciplined obedience and right choices. Besides providing for his family, he was involved in church and conference, giving generously to church, conference, missions and community involvements. He enjoyed building projects, spending hours at night drawing up his own blueprints, whether it was for Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn MB Church, a farm building, cupboards, a covered sleigh or a toy. He had a beautiful singing voice, played violin and harmonica and conducted a church choir for a number of years. In 1968 they retired to Saskatoon, where they continued to entertain family and friends. In 1994 they moved to Elim Lodge. Predeceased by Elizabeth Dec. 31, 1998, 4 grandchildren and a great-grandson, he is mourned by his children Elmer, Orla Block, Clara Priebe, Margaret Janzen, Waldo, David, Donald and Art; 22 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 20 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Abe Klassen and Harry Strauss ministering.
Frieda Loewen
Frieda Loewen passed away Jan. 21. She was born Apr. 13, 1934 to David and Maria Schellenberg in Lichtfeld, Paraguay. She grew up in a Christian home. Her father died when she was 15. She took on more responsibility on the farm and helped raise her siblings. She attended the MB church in Filadelfia, accepted Christ and was baptized in her teens. She married Peter Loewen Apr. 26, 1958. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1963, to Vancouver in 1965 and to Richmond, B.C. in 1974. She was a member of Vancouver MB Church. She joined Culloden MB Church in Vancouver when it was built in 1968. She was active in a ladies’ club, attended a weekly German Bible study and was on the committee arranging rides to church for seniors. She often worked at the fall MCC sale and auction in Granny’s Corner. She donated many items to the MCC store in Vancouver, including plants, baked goods, clothes for dolls and, with the ladies’ club and Peter’s help, hundreds of blankets. For many years she worked part-time cleaning homes. She and Peter were caretakers at Culloden Church 1990-95 and were involved in many church activities. Family was important to her. Her home was always open to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her neighbours. She loved to bake and was generous in giving cookies, buns and other baked goods to her guests, as well as plants, flowers and tomatoes from her garden. She loved God very much and served Him faithfully. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by Peter; children Erich, David and Ingrid; 5 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 27 in Culloden MB Church, with George Baier ministering.
Cornelius Heinrichs
Cornelius Heinrichs of Saskatoon passed away Feb. 10. He was born Nov. 28, 1900 to Heinrich and Aganetha Heinrichs on the estate of Kornejewka. The family later lived in Eichenfeld, Russia. He attended the village school here and 1 year of Central School in Nicolaipol. He later attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School for 1 year. He accepted Christ in his youth after a Jewish missionary named Smolar preached in his town. He was baptized Aug. 10, 1921 in the Milloradovka pond. In 1923 he immigrated to Canada. He married Agatha Unger Apr. 24, 1927 in Provost, Alta. They farmed here. In 1937 they moved to a farm at Glenbush, Sask. In 1960 they retired to Saskatoon. Predeceased by Agatha, 1 grandson, 5 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by his children Elsie Wiens, Henry, Margaret Isaak, Neil, John, Agatha and Abe; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 14 in Hope Fellowship Church, Saskatoon, with Terence Froese ministering.
Herman Ernst Seib
Herman Ernst Seib of Penticton, B.C. passed away Jan. 26. He was born May 28, 1929 to Gustav and Marianna Seib in Herbert, Sask. In his late teens, he attended Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta., where he met Estrella Ring. In a double wedding, along with Estrella’s brother and his wife, they married in 1954 in Alberta. He was a successful real estate office manager. In 1977 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but was determined not to let this stop him from enjoying his family. He enjoyed senior slo-pitch, golf, skiing, swimming, camping and fishing. Over the next 22 years, they moved to Kelowna, B.C., then to Penticton in 1984, where they managed an apartment building for 8 years before retiring. He was treasurer and a deacon in Evangelical Free churches in Calgary, Edmonton and Kelowna. He was a deeply religious man and a true friend to Jesus and to many people. He loved and cherished his family. He is mourned by Estrella; children Rick, Sheryl, Brian and Michael. The funeral was Jan. 31 in Grace MB Church, Penticton, with Dave Esau ministering.
John J. Goerzen
John J. Goerzen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 6. He was born Feb. 11, 1914 to Jacob and Margaret Goerzen in Schönau, Sagradowka, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. He was detained in England for 1 year before joining them in Tofield, Alta. He helped on the farm, and enjoyed horse racing, breaking broncos. Farm work shortened his schooling, but he kept a passion for education all his life. He read widely and developed a passion for classical music. In 1936 he attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School. He married Anna Toews in 1941. They moved to British Columbia. They lived in Arnold for 51 years. They grew berries and bean crops. He also worked in the city on various construction jobs. He enjoyed his family very much, encouraging them in all their interests and endeavours. He had many hobbies: welding, sightseeing, photography, woodlathing and mechanics. In 1993 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. Anna died in 1996. He could live independently till his last week. He modeled a life of love and compassion, was peace-loving and treated everyone with dignity. Predeceased by Anna, daughter Elfrieda Graham and 1 brother, he is mourned by children JoAnne Janzen, Walter, Helen Pauls and Dan; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. A memorial service was held Feb. 11 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen and Jay Neufeld ministering.
Julius Jakob Janzen
Julius Jakob Janzen passed away Feb. 8 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 6, 1909 to Jakob and Helena Janzen in Neuhalbstadt, Sagradowka, Ukraine. He married Suzanna Dickmann June 13, 1936 in Ohrloff, Ukraine. They fled to Germany during World War II. In 1948 they moved to Greendale, B.C. They were baptized July 17, 1949 and joined Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church. He bought a house in Yarrow and took whatever job he could find to support his family: picking berries, apples, beans and hops. He enjoyed working with machinery, a field in which he was trained. He would chop wood in his spare time, often till 2 a.m. so that his family would have heat on cold nights. In 1959 he worked with his brother Peter in a fabric store in Winnipeg. He worked at Stork Craft children’s furniture in Vancouver. In 1975 they moved to Abbotsford, where he was a handyman at Valley Rite Mix. He swept the shop and cleaned up after the mechanics. He loved to help in whatever way he could, in the kitchen and garden and mowing the lawn. He was helpful, generous and loving. In retirement, he travelled with his children and grandchildren. Suzanna died in 1984. He remained active and involved, visiting Disney World, Florida, California, Banff, Calgary, Kamloops, Merritt and Whistler. His words were few, but impacted many. He loved celebrations. He greeted others and was not shy about his lack of hearing. He welcomed others with chocolates and flowers. He is mourned by his children Mary Dyck and Val Janzen; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 15 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Susie Josephine Voth
Susie Josephine Voth of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 14. She was born May 2, 1902 to Johann and Katherina Warkentin in Crimea, Russia. They moved to Neuenberg, Old Colony, then back to the Crimea. Her father died at age 29. The family moved to Neuenberg. In 1920 her mother and a brother died of typhus. She and her 3 siblings moved to an orphanage in Halbstadt, Ukraine. They later moved around. She accepted Christ Dec. 24, 1922, basing her faith on John 3:16, 36. She was baptized by Abraham Nachtigal July 4, 1923 and joined the church in Lichtfelde, Molotschna. In 1924 she immigrated to Canada. She moved to Steinbach, Man., to Winnipeg and to Toronto, where she lived for 10 years, before moving to British Columbia. She was a matron of the home for single women in Vancouver for a number of years. She married Jacob Voth in 1953. They enjoyed happy years together. Their last years were spent in a condo in Evergreen Village, Abbotsford. Jacob died Feb. 6, 1986. She moved to Tabor Manor in 1996. She continued to be a blessing to others. She longed to be with the Lord. She loved the church. The funeral was Feb. 18 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen, Jay Neufeld and John E. Klassen ministering.
Maria Ewert
Maria Ewert of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 15. She was born May 21, 1914 to Bernhard and Maria Penner in Münsterberg, Sagradowka, Russia. In 1920 they moved to village #9, Altonau. She helped her father with the Christmas program at church. At 14, she accepted Christ. Ps. 23 was a comfort throughout life. Her father was imprisoned. She married Heinrich Unger Jan. 10, 1937. He was taken away Dec. 16, 1937. She learned in 1962 he died in prison June 12, 1947. Daughter Marie-chen, who was born Oct. 14, 1937, died Mar. 20, 1938. In 1941 all her brothers were taken. When churches reopened, she sang in the choir and attended Bible studies. She was baptized Sept. 31, 1942, claiming Psalm 119:105, 115-117. She fled to Germany in 1943, to Poland in 1944, to Germany in 1945 and to Paraguay in 1947. She and her mother-in-law farmed 12 acres. In 1951 she had 2 major surgeries. In 1957 she came to Canada, staying with her aunt and uncle in Yarrow, B.C. She worked for MCC and in 1960 began working at a seniors’ home in Vancouver. She had a serious car accident in 1960. She prayed for the Lord to take her, but He didn’t. She then prayed that God would give her a family. On May 20, 1967, she married Peter J. Ewert, who had 3 grown children. Stepdaughter Mary died in 1981. Peter died Dec. 5, 1983. In 1985 she visited family in Germany. She lived in Clearbrook, B.C., where she made blankets for MCC, sang in the choir, helped in the church kitchen, worked with Helping Hands and made crafts, afghans, tablecloths and stars. Many times she was ill and could not understand God’s ways, but was always thankful He was with her (Lamentations 3:22, 23). She is mourned by stepchildren Susan Fedrau, Johnny, and Margaret Stobbe; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter Klassen, Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and John E. Klassen ministering.
Carol Joy Matiko
Carol Joy Matiko of Saskatoon passed away Dec. 1. She was born Nov. 21, 1932, the only child of Fred and Emma Danelenko of Kief, N.D. She attended Minot (N.D.) State Teachers’ College. She taught at Harvey, N.D. for 4 years. Church involvement was a priority. While attending a church conference in Arelee, Sask., she met James Matiko. They married Oct. 28, 1955. She had to make adjustments to living on a farm. She graciously accepted her new role and became active in the community and the large extended Matiko family. She spent many hours in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed sewing and making things for her children, grandchildren and friends. At church, she taught Sunday school, played piano and more recently babysat at the MOM’s program. She lived life to the full. She was a gracious hostess who enjoyed cooking and entertaining guests. She always put her faith in God first. In 1995 they retired from farming and moved to Saskatoon. She was ill for several months, but her faith in God that she was going to a better place gave her hope and a positive spirit. Predeceased by her father in 1985, she is mourned by Jim; children Fred of Saskatoon, Rob of Calgary and Debra of Airdrie, Alta.; 4 grandchildren; and her mother of Minot. The funeral was Dec. 4 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Harry Strauss and Meldon Lutzer ministering.
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© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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