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In this section:
David Cornies
David Cornies of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan. 25. He was born Aug. 30, 1907 to Johann and Justina Cornies in Schoenfeld, Russia. He accepted Christ at age 17. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1926. He married Katie Dyck in April 1940. He rededicated his life to the Lord in 1944 and was baptized and joined North Kildonan MB Church in Winnipeg in 1945. They moved to Arnold, B.C. in 1946 and to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1953. They were engaged in berry growing and mixed farming at both locations. He also worked for the Arnold Co-Op and Earl Pearcy doing berry processing for 20 years. Then he was a house painter for a number of years, which he enjoyed very much. He had a heart for MCC, which he credited for saving his family from starvation in Russia. When he retired, he volunteered at the self-help store for some years. He also made latch-hooked rugs, which he donated to the MCC sale each year. After 2 mild strokes in 1996 impaired his ability to walk, he spent the last 4 years at Menno Hospital. He is mourned by his wife Katherine; children Kathy Klassen, David, Rick, Bill, and Louise Sparrow; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. A memorial service was held Feb. 2 in Central Heights MB Church, with Henry Wiebe and Chris Douglas ministering.
Helene Driediger
Helene Driediger of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 1. She was born June 20, 1912 to Hermann and Emma Lenzmann in Gnadenfeld, Russia. In 1918 they fled to Halbstadt. When she was 9, her mother died of TB. Her father, left with 4 children, married Maria Heinrichs, a widow with 4 children. Helene developed a deep love for her stepmother. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. Helene accepted Christ during evangelistic services in February 1928 and was baptized at Watrous, Sask. in 1929. She studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School for 2 years. She married Cornelius Driediger Oct. 24, 1936. They farmed near Griswold, Man. for 8 years. In 1945 they moved to a farm near Sardis, B.C. and joined Greendale MB Church. They sold the farm in 1960 and moved to Abbotsford several years later. They joined Central Heights MB Church. In 1982 they moved to Evergreen Village. Cornelius died in April 1985. She joined Clearbrook MB Church in 1986. She was active in the Maranatha Ladies’ Fellowship and Helping Hands. She moved to Bevan Lodge in 1999 and to Menno Home in January 2001. Predeceased by Cornelius, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Eleonore Thompson, Herman, Marlene Faul, Louise Spencer and Ali Main; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 5 brothers. A memorial service was held Feb. 6 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Tim Spencer ministering.
Peter Croissant
Peter (Pete) Croissant of Medicine Hat, Alta. passed away Feb. 8. He was born Dec. 25, 1907 to John and Magdelena Croissant in Marion, S.D. In 1910 the family moved to the Hilda district of Alberta, where he was educated. He married Edna Heitzman Oct. 24, 1931. They farmed in the Hilda district. In 1948 they moved to Medicine Hat. He worked for the city’s gas department for 24 years, retiring in 1972. For the last 6 years, he lived in the Garden Apartments at South Country Village. He enjoyed making miniature farm equipment out of wood and leather. He also enjoyed fishing, baseball and curling. He was a member of Crestwood MB Church, where he served on church council for a number of years. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter and 1 great-grandson, he is mourned by Edna; daughter Vivian Lautermilch of Calgary; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Feb. 12 in South Country Village, with Murray Schmidt ministering.
Harry Roller
Harry Roller of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan. 31 of a heart attack. He was born Dec. 10, 1937 in West Prussia. His father Ephraim Roller died in 1942. He moved with his mother and brother to Winnipeg in 1953. He obtained his journeyman’s papers and worked as a stonemason. He soon mastered several trades and worked for Reimer Interiors and later Advance Acoustics. He accepted Christ in his youth and joined Mission Baptist Church in Winnipeg. He enjoyed singing in various choirs and served the Lord in various capacities. He married Trudy Adam Sept. 9, 1961. His priority was to provide for his family’s needs. In 1999 they retired to Abbotsford, where they joined Clearbrook MB Church. He sang in the German choir. He had a gentle spirit and generous nature. He is mourned by Trudy; daughters Lorene Belows and Marcia Garvie; 1 granddaughter; his mother Agathe Piel of Abbotsford; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Feb. 7 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Jacob Wiebe
Jacob G. Wiebe of Steinbach, Man. passed away Jan. 3. He was born Jan. 30, 1915 to Jacob and Sarah Wiebe in Ebenthal, Memrik, Russia. The family moved to Omsk, Russia, immigrated to Winnipeg in 1929 and moved to Steinbach the following summer. He married Elizabeth Enns Dec. 7, 1941. At 24, he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Steinbach MB Church, where he was an usher and church council member; he was church treasurer for 22 years. To the community, he and his brother were known as the “Potato Wiebes”, providing potatoes for local restaurants, market gardens and individuals. In retirement, he continued to plant potatoes for his family. In 1977 he was able to visit his homeland and see his cousins. He was a good father, who modelled servanthood, integrity and acceptance of others. Predeceased by son Walter in 1999 and a brother, he is mourned by Elizabeth; daughter Irene Warkentin; 2 grandchildren; and 3 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 7 in Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen and Neil Rempel ministering.
Marie Toews
Marie Toews of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 16. She was born Feb. 23, 1910 to Jacob and Helena Wiens in Kleefeld, Russia. When she was 11, her parents died, leaving 6 children. She accepted the Lord with the help of her sister and brothers Frank and Martin. In 1926 the children left Russia for Canada, but Marie remained in England for 3 years due to trachoma. In 1929 she was reunited with her family in Watrous, Sask. She was baptized at 19. She married Abram Henry Toews Nov. 22, 1931. She loved babies even though they meant much work. In 1943 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. for 9 months. They then lived in Surrey, B.C. for 3 years and New Westminster for 4 years before moving to Richmond, B.C. In 1968 they moved to Abbotsford. She learned to drive at age 60. They joined South Abbotsford MB Church. In retirement, they enjoyed travelling and visiting family. Abram died Aug. 7, 1978. She spent many hours visiting the sick, volunteering at the MCC store and driving friends to ladies’ meetings and medical appointments. Her last 5 years were spent at Tabor Manor, Tabor Home and Menno Hospital. Predeceased by Abram, daughter Mary in 1943, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by children Don, Benno, Helen Wiens, Martha Janzen, Louise Peters, Ernie, Linda Peters, Esther Martens, Neil, and Dave; 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 21 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Frank Martens ministering.
Ann Warkentin
Ann Warkentin passed away Feb. 4. She was born Feb. 20, 1913 in Arkadak, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Brandon, Man. She accepted Christ during a family devotional time when it was too snowy to get to church. In 1934 the family moved to B.C.; she soon settled in Vancouver. In 1939 she began working for Woodwards as a cashier, later becoming assistant manager of the staff lunch department at the downtown store. She retired in 1973. In 1978 she moved to a condo at Daniels Manor, where she made many friends. She was a member of Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C., where she enjoyed singing in the choir until 80, helping with the Mops program (becoming “Auntie Ann” to many of the children) and serving as a greeter. She kept scrapbooks of her nieces’ and nephews’ accomplishments and attended many of their ballgames and graduations. She always made them feel special. She is remembered as a vibrant, loving person. She loved to travel, visiting Hawaii, the Middle East, Europe and Alaska. In retirement, she volunteered at the MCC store and the Tuk shop at Pinegrove Place. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, carpet bowling, nature, walks, the outdoors, horses, flowers, hugs, sunshine, people and the colour purple. But she loved the Lord the most, finding in Him strength and comfort from loneliness. She prayed often for her family, sending notes or phoning to tell them. Her prayer was that her entire family would be reunited in heaven. She was faithful in her devotional life. She spent her last year at Pinegrove Place and longed to go home. Predeceased by brothers Peter and Abe, sisters Mary and Betty and 2 sisters in childhood, she is mourned by brother Jack and sisters Kay Tardiff and Margo Wallace. The funeral was Feb. 8 in Fraserview MB Church, with Dan Unrau ministering.
Patrick John Loewen
Patrick John Loewen of Edmonton passed away Jan. 17. He was born Feb. 9, 1974 to Bob and Fran Loewen. Although he had Down’s syndrome and a congenital heart defect, he was a spirited, caring man with an insatiable zest for life. He attracted gifted, caring people into his life. By the time he was 5 months old, he had pneumonia 3 times. He was not expected to live more than 18 months, then 3 years, but his indomitable spirit allowed him to exceed expectations. He attended school from age 2 to 21, making many friends. His faith in God’s love was of great comfort to him during the scary events of his declining health. After graduating from high school, he moved away from home. His 5 years in a Shared Living Program enabled him to continue to mature as a charismatic, humorous, loving man. He participated, as health allowed, in all aspects of his church community. He never doubted that he was a valued member of it. He was baptized and joined Lendrum MB Church Feb. 15, 1998. He is mourned by his parents Bob and Fran; brothers Robin, Andrew and Sarath Ou; and his grandmother Nina Willms. The funeral was Jan. 22 in Lendrum MB Church, with David Dyck ministering.
John E. Funk
John E. Funk passed away Feb. 8. He was born July 23, 1921 to Jacob and Margareta Funk in Ekaterinoslav, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling on a farm near Coaldale, Alta. in 1928. He married Anna Driedger Dec. 11, 1949; 5 children were born to them. Anna died in 1978. He married Martha Regier, who had 3 daughters, May 1, 1983. He loved farming and the freedom of country life. For many years, he operated a dairy farm, selling milk to the Coaldale Cheese Factory and in later years to private customers, many of whom became friends. His commitment to his cows continued to the day of his passing. His faith was increasingly important to him. He dedicated his life to the Lord in his late teens. He was active in church ministries, Sunday school and choir. He had a heart for missions, which he supported generously. He used his love of singing to share the gospel with the sick and elderly. He and Martha served with Meals on Wheels and dedicated many hours to MCC. He is remembered for his integrity, convictions, strong character, singing and love for the Lord, which he showed in a quiet, gentle manner. Predeceased by Anna, infant daughter Elsie Helen in 1955, a brother and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Martha; daughters Margaret Brown and Nettie Wiens; sons John and Jake; stepdaughters Phyllis Pankratz, Grace Boschman and Dorothy Matthies; 15 grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 12 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Marie Schmidt
Marie (Mary) Schmidt of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 27. She was born Sept. 15, 1925 to William and Maria Wiens in Humboldt, Sask., the eldest of 7 children. In 1930 the family moved to a chicken farm in Greendale, B.C. She accepted Christ at an early age. At 15, she was baptized and joined Greendale MB Church. In 1945 the family moved to a dairy farm in Matsqui, B.C. She helped her mother raise her siblings. In 1947 she married Daniel T. Schmidt. They farmed on Sumas Prairie for 30 years and were active in the B.C. Holstein Association. They enjoyed helping others. They were involved with many Vietnamese refugees and with North American Native missions. Dan died Apr. 28, 1991. She didn’t slow down her involvement with people. She took a cruise to Alaska with friends and toured the Holy Land. She battled heart problems most of her life, but enjoyed exercise and going for walks. She became involved with the hospice society. As her health began to fail, she wanted to remain active in church so she moved to apartments run by the Salvation Army and joined Cascade Community Church. She lived the last 2 years in Tabor Home, Abbotsford. She loved her grandchildren. Predeceased by Daniel, son Leonard and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Victor, Lorne, Margaret Bartel, Dave, Orlando, and Sheryl Martens; 20 grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother. A memorial service was held Dec. 1 at Cascade Community Church, with Ron Cartmell ministering.
Tina Loewen
Tina Loewen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 4. She was born April 13, 1927 to Peter and Katherine Nickel in Great Deer, Sask. As small child, she loved to sing and loved the Lord. At 6, she accepted Christ. When she was 10, the family moved to a farm in Abbotsford. She sang in choirs and trios and as a soloist. After high school, she entered secretarial school. At 20, she moved to Vancouver, working as a secretary and singing with the Finlader Choir. At 24, she married Jake Weins, a widower with 4 children; 3 more children were born. They lived in Vancouver and later Richmond, B.C. They were members of Fraserview MB Church. Theirs was a busy, happy home characterized by love, laughter and music, always full of family, friends, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She prayed daily for each one. Jake died in 1989. In 1990 she married Peter Warkentin, moving to Abbotsford and attending Bakerview MB Church. Peter died a few years later. She married Ben Loewen. They enjoyed singing together in the Bakerview and Grace Church choirs. In 1998 she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought a long, hard battle, but never lost faith. Home care nurses called her “Miracle Tina” as she lived longer than expected. Predeceased by 2 husbands and 2 brothers, she is mourned by Ben; sons John, Ken, Dan and Bob; daughters Betty Dahl, Shirley Neumann and Connie Boyka; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 9 in Bakerview MB Church, with Ryan Dahl ministering.
Rosella Epp
Rosella Epp of Richmond, B.C. passed away Jan. 28. She was born Sept. 21, 1911 to John and Sarah Fischer in Laird, Sask. She accepted the Lord at an early age and joined Laird MB Church, where her father was the minister. In 1932 she married David L. Epp, a recent graduate of medical school. They moved to Coaldale, Alta., where David began a medical practice and she was a homemaker. Always hospitable, she hosted many missionaries and ministers in their home. In 1947 they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. In the 1950s they worked with MCC in Java for 2 years. In 1955 they moved to Vancouver, later retiring to Richmond. Throughout their lives, they were mission-minded and served with the Gideons for many years. David died in 1987. In January 2000 she moved to Pinegrove Care Home. In her later years, she looked forward to meeting her Lord. She spent her life in service. Predeceased by David, she is mourned by children Lavella Perkins of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Weldon of Gibsons, B.C. and Marion of Surrey, B.C.; 5 grandchildren and 1 brother. A memorial service was held Feb. 5 in Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, with Dan Unrau ministering.
Julia Haggith
Julia Haggith of Leamington, Ont. passed away Feb. 2. She was born July 21, 1923 in Hungary. The family immigrated to Sarnia, Ont., then moved to Kingsville, Ont. In her teens, she went to work as a housekeeper in Windsor, Ont. In 1945 she married Bill Haggith. In 1959 they bought a farm near Leamington. Later, because of ill health, she moved to the Senior Mennonite Home. Predeceased by Bill, she is mourned by sons Louis and Joe and their families. The funeral was Feb. 5 in Leamington MB Church, with Henry Regier ministering.
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Last modified March 30, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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