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In this section:
Mary Toews
Mary Toews of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 8. She was born June 8, 1913 to Paul and Marie Janzen in Ignatievka, Ukraine. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. In 1927 the family immigrated to Canada. For the next 6 years, she worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg. She married John Toews in Winnipeg in 1933. They moved to Agassiz, B.C. In 1940 they moved to a farm in Abbotsford and joined South Abbotsford MB Church. She taught Sunday school for 25 years and was in the ladies’ sewing circle. In 1974 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C., where she helped in the Columbia Bible College kitchen and later served meals at the Clearbrook Community Centre. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends. She cared for John for many years; he died in 1991. She faithfully prayed for her family. On Nov. 11, 1998, she fell and was hospitalized, later moving to Menno Hospital. Predeceased by John, 2 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by children John, Nellie Hahn, Harold and Harvey; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 12 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Steven Berg ministering.
Lily Anne Koop
Lily Anne Koop of Comox, B.C. passed away Apr. 9 of complications from diabetes. She was born Oct. 30, 1925 to Peter and Tina Penner in Arnaud, Man. In 1927 the family moved to Kitchener, Ont. After attending Winkler (Man.) Bible School, she was baptized and joined Vineland (Ont.) MB Church in 1944. She worked at a printing press, a plant nursery and E.D. Smith’s cannery. She later studied to be a licensed practical nurse in Kingston, Ont.; she worked in a doctor’s office. She married John Koop June 10, 1950 in Vineland. They moved to Brooks, Alta., where she worked in a doctor’s office; John studied carpentry in Calgary. They moved back to Vineland after he finished his studies. She cared for her special needs daughter Marie for 43 years. Lily enjoyed gardening, reading and especially keeping up with politics. Later, she took up painting and, when her eyesight failed, rug hooking. After John retired, they moved to Comox and joined Black Creek MB Church. She enriched the lives of her children and grandchildren with her stories, political wisdom, art instruction and cooking. Many enjoyed her pies at church functions and the Black Creek MCC Relief Sale. Her faith in Christ remained strong. She stated near the end of her life that she knew what she believed and nothing was going to change her mind. Predeceased by a sister and a granddaughter, she is mourned by John; children Bob of St. Catharines, Ont., Kathy Klassen of Black Creek, Marie of Comox and Peter of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.; 5 grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 15 in Black Creek MB Church, with Barry Falk ministering; a memorial service was held Apr. 30 in Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.
Johann Dyck
Johann Dyck of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 30. He was born May 22, 1914 to Heinrich and Liese Dyck in Gnadenheim, Russia. In 1930 he immigrated to Paraguay, where he worked as a cowboy. He married Helen Bartel in 1948. In 1968 they moved to Vancouver. Having made a commitment to Jesus, he was baptized and joined Culloden MB Church. He worked at Montalco Kitchen Cabinets for 10 years, retiring at 65. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, tending his garden and sharing maté and terrere (Paraguayan drinks) with family and friends. His health was not always good, but they continued to live in their home. In late May, he became seriously ill and was hospitalized. Predeceased by 11 siblings, he is mourned by Helen; children Marianne Peters, Ursula Enns, Werner, Hannelore, Victor, Adina Thiessen and Alfred; 19 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. A memorial service was held June 1 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Peter J. Klassen ministering.
John A. Block
John A. Block of Rosthern, Sask. passed away June 6. He was born Sept. 19, 1908 to Abram J. and Maria Block in Neu-Chortitza, southern Russia. The family moved to Siberia when he was 2 weeks old. His father was a conscientious objector in World War I, serving in a government logging camp. His mother injured her back and lungs. She died Nov. 18, 1917. His father married Anna Penner June 26, 1918. In 1927 the family immigrated to Dundurn, Sask. In March 1928 they moved to a farm near Macklin, Sask. Church services were held in different homes. One day while working in the field, he was overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit’s conviction and accepted Christ. He believed the Lord was calling him to pastoral ministry. He attended Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. 1931-34. He married Mary Epp July 4, 1935. They farmed near Waldheim, Sask. He was ordained in Waldheim Zoar Mennonite Church June 13, 1943, and served there 18 years. He then pastored Grace Church for 28 years. He loved to preach; 3 weeks before his death, he preached at the nursing home, rising from his wheelchair to lean on the pulpit. He loved the Lord and his family. His first concern was to know Jesus and make Him known. He wanted his family to know the Lord’s love and experience God’s plan for their lives. He prayed tirelessly for them and others. He loved serving others and was quick to share with strangers their need to know God’s love. He loved family get-togethers and getting down on the floor to play with his grandchildren. He was on the Rosthern Junior College Board for 4 years, was dean of men for 1 year, was on the Rosthern Bible School Board and worked on the Waldheim Missions Conference for 40 years. He enjoyed the tent revivals of the 1940s and often talked about how missionaries impacted many countries. He helped promote Menno Home in 1960 and was on the executive when it was built in Waldheim in 1962. He was a nurse for 3 years at Menno Home and an orderly at Rosthern Nursing Home for 15 years until age 76. Mary died Apr. 24, 1987. He married Ruth Heppner Oct. 7, 1989. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2000. Predeceased by Mary, 4 brothers, 4 sisters and 1 grandchild, he is mourned by Ruth; children John, Zelma Walker, Alfred, Abe, Loyal, Sherrylyn Loewen, Ramona Bargen and Kelvin; stepchildren Roger Heppner, Susan Fisher and Bruce Heppner; 43 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 8 stepgrandchildren and 1 brother. The funeral was June 10 in Waldheim, with Clarence Peters and Otto Derksen ministering.
Cornelius Abram Thiessen
Cornelius Abram Thiessen was born Aug. 31, 1911 to Abram and Aganetha Thiessen in Muntau, Russia. In 1923 he accepted Christ. In 1924 the family immigrated to Kronsgart, Man. In 1925 they moved to the Aikens Farm near Marquette, Man., where he helped his father farm until 1937. In 1934 he was baptized in the Assiniboine River at Belcourt and joined the MB church. He had a great interest in cars and machinery and became an excellent mechanic through reading Popular Mechanics magazine. He married Theresa Penner Oct. 17, 1937. They homesteaded at Newton, Man. for 5 years, then farmed at the Aikens Farm. In 1947 they moved to a dairy farm in British Columbia. He also worked as a mechanic for Finning Tractor and Butchart Motors. Theresa died in 1954, leaving him with 5 children. He married Margaret Pauls June 14, 1955; 2 more sons were born. In 1959 they bought a 40-acre filbert nut farm. He devised new and efficient methods for drying nuts. In 1977 they retired to Sardis, B.C. He loved travelling and visited Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Europe, Greece, the Holy Land, Russia and Haiti. He worked 5 months on the building of Chilliwack (B.C.) Central MB Church and part-time on its expansion. He is remembered for his booming voice, his endless storytelling and his ability as a Mr. Fix-it-all. Predeceased by Theresa, Margaret, son Abram and 2 grandchildren, he is mourned by children Edward of Hagensborg, B.C., Elfrieda Schuender of Vineland, Ont., Lydia of Vernon, B.C., Mary Ann Janicki of Campbell River, B.C., Richard of Sardis and Gordon of White Rock, B.C.; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother.
Aron Peters
Aron Peters of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 20 of cirrhosis of the liver due to tainted blood. He was born Aug. 10, 1918 to Issaak and Helena Klassen in Suvorovka, Orenburg, Russia. His adoptive parents were Bernhard and Katherina Peters. He was baptized Aug. 2, 1936 in Glenbush, Sask. He was a long-time member of Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford. He married Helena Reinke June 14, 1942. She died in 1995. His passions were Christ, his family and broiler farming. Predeceased by 10 siblings, he is mourned by children Ken, Richard, Bob, Gerry and Lovella; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The memorial service was held May 25 in Central Heights MB Church, with Christopher Douglas ministering.
Nathalie Bounias
Nathalie Bounias passed away May 2. She was born Dec. 17, 1965 to Michel and Lyne Bounias. In September 1976 the family began attending the MB church in Ste-Thérèse, Que. When she was 32, a tumour was found on her tongue. Radiation and surgery failed to overcome the cancer. Following her operation, she dedicated herself to the Lord. During 2 years of suffering, she was courageous and uncomplaining, trusting in God. She is mourned by her parents; brothers Jean-François and Frédéric; and daughter Sarah.
Irma Goertzen
Irma Goertzen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away suddenly Jan. 14. She was born July 4, 1933 to Jacob and Sarah Friesen in Hythe, Alta. The family moved to Beaverlodge, Alta. in 1937, then to Tofield, Alta. in 1941. In 1946 they moved to a farm in Vineland, Ont. At 17, after high school, she began working for General Motors. In 1953 she married Frank Goertzen. In 1953 she was baptized and joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. She helped with packing fruit on their farm and her in-laws’ farm. She loved working in the greenhouse next door, where flowers were grown. She and Frank were charter members of Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. In 1994 they retired to Evergreen Apartments at Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. They joined Fairview MB Church. She enjoyed working in the church library and with Pioneer Girls. She and Frank volunteered at Camp Crossroads for many years, in the MCC warehouse in Akron, Pa. and in the church kitchen. Her love for crafts and sewing was evident in many church activities. She is remembered for her self-sacrificing service, her love for life and a life honouring her Lord. She is mourned by Frank; sons Arnold and Brian, both of St. Catharines; daughter Wendy Froese of Calgary; and 7 grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 18 at Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.
Jerry Jimmie Quiring
Jerry Jimmie Quiring of Regina passed away June 10. He was born Oct. 26, 1936 to Cornelius and Annie Quiring in Lucky Lake, Sask. In his youth, he accepted Christ during evangelistic services held in Lucky Lake. At 19, he began working for various farmers in the area. He also worked for the municipality after taking a heavy machinery operations course in Regina. In Regina, he worked for IPSCO, the city, Allied Van Lines, Phoenix Transport and Kissner Transport. In recent years, he worked for Ray Dueck and the potato plant in Lucky Lake. He liked horses, cars, going to horse shows and auctions and country gospel music. He was active in choir, youth group and leading singing in church. He often provided transportation for those needing rides. He married Ruby April 23, 1977. He appreciated family and was interested in the lives of his nephews and nieces. He is remembered for his hospitality, willingness to help others and ardent prayers for those who were in spiritual and physical need. Although at times he spoke with a stutter, his verbal prayers were eloquent and stutter-free. He often mowed lawns, rototilled gardens, helped in household moves and lent out his tools, truck and energy. He enjoyed serving at West Bank Bible Camp, where he spent his last 3 weeks. Ginger, a border collie, was a faithful friend. He is mourned by Ruby; and 2 brothers. The funeral was June 14 in Parliament Community Church, Regina, with Philip Gunther ministering.
Bertha Quiring
Bertha Quiring of Calgary passed away June 21. She was born Dec. 25, 1930 to Frank and Tina Dueck in Coaldale, Alta. She had a need to explore. She loved the outdoors and adventure. Hard work was never a problem for her. She completed high school in Vancouver, then moved to Calgary, where she completed a B.Ed. and taught in the Calgary public education system, retiring in 1990. She took great interest in her students, especially the unnoticed or wounded child. She wanted to implant lessons of life into her children. At church, she provided educational skills in Sunday school organization and teaching, hospitality and reaching out to those needing a healing touch. She taught in Cali, Colombia 1968-73. Here she adopted 2 children, Julie, then Kathy. In 1975 she married Alfred Quiring, who had 3 children, Jackie, Charlene and Andy. She took up the challenge of blending the 2 families. She had a strong, immovable faith. In retirement, she focused on her gift of hospitality and her role as grandmother. She was a perfectionist and had high expectations of herself. In 1998-99 she and Al cared for her mother until last November when her mother moved to a nursing home. Bertha went beyond the call of duty. When her children or grandchildren hurt, she hurt; their gains were her gains. She was the glue that held her family together. She took time to have fun and to enjoy nature alone or with her family. She is mourned by Al; children Jackie Buhler of Nairobi, Kenya, Charlene Ratzlaff of Calgary, Kathy Doerksen of Coaldale, Julie Friesen of Morris, Man., and Andy of Scandia, Alta.; 16 grandchildren; her mother; 6 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was June 26 in Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.
Lena Wiens
Lena Wiens of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away June 23. She was born Mar. 1, 1915 to Heinrich and Katharina Klippenstein in the Pavlodar settlement, Siberia. In 1928 the family moved to Savitaya settlement near the Amur River. In 1930 they fled to China. In 1932 they moved to Fernheim, Paraguay. Here, she turned her life over to Christ and was baptized, joining the MB church. In 1936 her father died. She and her sister had to do outside work, including ploughing. She married Johann Wiens Aug. 28, 1937. They moved to Karlsruhe, Paraguay to farm. In 1977 they followed all of their children to Canada. They lived in St. Catharines for 2 years, then moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where they felt at home. They joined Clearbrook MB Church, sang in the seniors’ choir and enjoyed the friendship of many former acquaintances. In 1997, they moved back to St. Catharines, where they joined Scott St. MB Church. After a heart attack in 1998, she moved to Tabor Manor nursing home. Predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers, she is mourned by Johann; children Frank of B.C., Henry of Portland, Ore., Erika Schroeder of Fort Erie, Ont. and John of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was June 26 in Scott St. MB Church, with Rudie Willms and Vic Loewen ministering.
Esther Harder
Esther Harder of Winkler, Man. passed away May 21. She was born July 28, 1921 to Peter and Justina Banman in Kronsgart, Man. She joined Kronsgart MB Church in 1941. She attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School for 1 year. She married Peter Harder Oct. 10, 1948. They farmed on the family farm at Kronsgart. She raised 3 sons and enjoyed embroidery and taking care of a large garden. In 1994 they moved to Winkler. She suffered from diabetes and in her last years was frequently hospitalized. Predeceased by a daughter in infancy, 2 sisters and 1 brother, she is mourned by Peter; sons Don of Altona, Man., Edward of Winkler and Harold, on the family farm; and 2 grandchildren. The funeral was May 25 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block ministering.
Previous | Next Last modified August 12, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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