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In this section:
Marvin Schmidt
Marvin Schmidt of Pender Island, B.C. passed May 25 of a heart attack while on a holiday/ministry trip in Salzburg, Austria. He was born Dec. 19, 1936 in Oklahoma. He married Eunice while attending Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. He graduated from Southwestern University of Weatherford, Okla. and MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California. They pastored New Hope MB Church in Minneapolis 1962-66, Cimarron (Kan.) MB Church 1966-69, Fairlawn MB Church in Topeka, Kan. 1969-73 and Lendrum MB Church in Edmonton 1973-78. They planted Millwoods MB Church in Edmonton 1978-83, while managing the Logos Book Store, planted Red Deer (Alta.) MB Church 1983-88, then were senior pastor couple at South Langley MB Church in Langley, B.C. 1988-96. After they retired to Pender Island, he served as interim pastor of Saanich (B.C.) Community Church, and also served in Pender Island United Community Church. He provided leadership in the Alberta MB Conference in several capacities, was chair of the General MB Conference Board of Resource Ministries and was chair of the board of Island Christian Info newspaper. He is remembered for his gentle peacemaking ministry, his warm, gentle sermons, his compassionate funeral messages, his care for those in need, his joy in being a friend and his voracious interest in God’s Word and Christian books. He maintained warm friendships with people all over the world. He is mourned by Eunice; children Colette Schmidt-Siebert, Bevan and Bryan; 4 grandchildren; and 1 brother. Memorial services were held at South Langley MB Church, Saanich Community Church and Pender Island United Community Church.
John Peter Quapp
John Peter Quapp of Coaldale, Alta. passed away May 11. He was born Feb. 7, 1939 to Peter and Margaret Quapp, the youngest of 11 children. He grew up in Coaldale, enjoying his early years on the farm. As a young man, he helped on the farm. He worked at a gas station, drove school bus, then homesteaded in Debolt, Alta. for a few years before returning to Coaldale. He was unable to do heavy work due to complications from rheumatic fever when he was a teen. He eventually underwent open heart surgery, which extended his life. He struggled with debilitating illnesses most of his life. His last years were spent in a nursing home. He was a member of Coaldale MB Church. He enjoyed gardening, leathercraft and coin and stamp collecting. As a young man, he enjoyed cars and motorcycles. Predeceased by sister Agnes and brothers Edgar and Willie, he is mourned by sisters Irma Kroeker of Coaldale and Elfrieda Wiebe of Lethbridge, Alta.; brothers Arthur of Lethbridge, David of Edmonton, Carl of Calgary, Ernest of Grande Prairie, Alta. and Bill of Coaldale. The funeral was May 16 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
John Fast
John Fast of Vancouver passed away May 18. He was born Mar. 26, 1908 to Kornelius and Katherina Fast on a farming estate owned by his grandfather in the Crimea, Russia. When the communists came to power, the family moved to a remote village. After 3 years, they fled Russia. At 21, while in Germany, John developed severe sinus problems and underwent surgery. However, he continued to suffer from the problem the rest of his life. After 8 months in Germany, the family immigrated to Brazil, living on the Stoltz Plateau for 5 years. He then went to São Paulo to find work. Here he married Grete Wiebe. Twin sons were born to them. Grete died of cancer at 32. His grief was great, and, through this experience, he gave his life to Jesus. In 1953 married Lena Isaak from Canada. In 1953 he was baptized, and they joined the Mennonite Brethren Church in Brazil. Two children were born to them. In 1956 they moved to Vancouver, joining Vancouver MB Church. Predeceased by his first wife Grete, he is mourned by his wife Lena; sons Erwin, Walter and Hermann; daughter Lilly and 1 sister.
Henry H. Penner
Henry H. Penner of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 16. He was born Oct. 1, 1914 to Heinrich and Katharina Penner in Tiege, Sagradovka, Ukraine, the 4th of 8 children. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm in Blumenort, Sask. After completing grade 12 in Swift Current, Sask., he attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School for a semester. In 1937 he graduated from Moose Jaw (Sask.) Normal School. He married Justina Schulz July 14, 1938. In 1946 they moved to B.C. He taught at Sharon Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Yarrow for some years. He then worked in real estate and insurance until retirement. In 1953 he joined the Gideons. This opened the door to many opportunities to witness for the Lord. After Justina’s death, he prayed for another wife and married Justina’s sister Maria Schulz, a retired missionary from Mexico. They lived in Saskatchewan for 10 years, then moved to a condo in Abbotsford for 4 years. He was ill in his last months and spent his last weeks at MSA Hospital. Predeceased by Justina, he is mourned by Maria; son Gerald; 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen and William E. Thiessen ministering.
Mary Dyck Siemens
Mary Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 9. She was born Feb. 21, 1908 to Peter and Elizabeth Dyck in Aliessovo, Orenburg, Russia, the youngest of 15 children. Her mother died when she was 10 months old and her father when she was 14. She described her childhood as happy and enjoyed being with her siblings. It was hard to be shifted to various homes of her older siblings. She received special treatment from her stepmother. In 1924 she accepted Christ and was baptized. Her faith became staunch and did not waver. In 1926 she immigrated to Winkler, Man. with some of her siblings. She enjoyed singing in the choir. She married Peter Siemens Nov. 27, 1927 in Colonsay, Sask. Peter was manager of Excel Farms in Superb, Sask. In 1934 they moved to Rabbit Lake, Sask., where Peter built a flour mill and then managed a Red & White store. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. and to Strathmore, Alta. in 1944. Here they built and ran a garage. In 1951 they moved to Abbotsford. They founded Hub Motors in 1954. She was a prayer warrior to the end, praying for all family members by name. She was healthy most of her life but was deaf. During her last years, she lived in silence, but sang during her daily devotions and could still carry a tune. As a mother, she was a hard worker. She sewed all her children’s clothes. A keen gardener, she grew vegetables and flowers. She was a people person who loved entertaining family and friends. She was jovial. She excelled in her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She baked buns and peroshki and made vereniki for the family well into her 80s. She lived at Tabor Manor for a few years and spent her last year at Hallmark Assisted Living. She was hospitalized Apr. 30. At one point, she said, “Heaven will be beautiful.” Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by children Sue Dirks, Peter, Al, Welma Pankratz, Walter, Vern, Jake, Betty Nissen, Don, and Louella Siemens; 29 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held May 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter J. Klassen and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Nettie Toews
Nettie Toews passed away Mar. 29 at Menno Home in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born July 11, 1911 to Johann and Gertrude Willms in Hierschau, Ukraine. Her father died when she was 3 and her mother when she was 13. When she was 15, the family, except for 1 brother, immigrated to Namaka, Alta. Here she was baptized and joined the EMB Church. She worked in Calgary for a few years but attended Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School for 2 winters. She occasionally sang in a mixed quartet with fellow student John A. Toews. In fall 1935 they married at Namaka. In 1937 they moved to Hillsboro, Kan., where she took some classes and John earned a B.A. In 1940 they moved to Coaldale, where John taught at the Bible school. Nettie was a full-time mother and homemaker. In 1947 they moved to Winnipeg so that John could teach at MB Bible College. She was diagnosed with asthma, which limited some of her activities. In 1967 they visited churches in Europe. They moved to Vancouver in 1968 then to Clearbrook, B.C. In 1971 they spent a year in Fresno, Calif., where she helped John with research for writing the history of the Mennonite Brethren Church. When the Centre for MB Studies opened in Winnipeg in 1976, they moved back to Winnipeg. John died suddenly in 1979. She moved back to Clearbrook. She spent a lot of her time visiting her children and grandchildren across the continent. She prayed for them daily and never ceased being interested in their activities. She loved unconditionally and was greatly loved in return. She is mourned by daughters Elfrieda Nafziger of Manhattan, Kan., Wilma Kennedy of Richmond, B.C. and Irene Maier of Kelowna, B.C.; sons John of Seattle, Wash. and David of Kitchener, Ont.; 12 grandchildren; and 1 sister, who died Apr. 29. The funeral was Apr. 5 in Abbotsford.
Nettie Peters
Nettie Peters of Swift Current, Sask. passed away May 23. She was born Sept. 13, 1912 to Johann and Aganetha Wiens in Blumenort, Ekaterinoslav, Russia. The family immigrated to Main Centre, Sask. in 1920 and moved to Beechy, Sask. in 1926. She was baptized and joined the MB Church. She married Peter Peters in 1933. They farmed near Beechy. In 1948 they moved to a dairy farm near Waldeck, Sask. In 1971 they retired to a nearby acreage. She lived there after Peter’s death. She moved to Swift Current in 1982 and to Palliser Regional Care Centre in December 2000. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and many crafts. Though blind for some time, she kept busy, mainly with rug hooking. She was proud of her European heritage, but was also proud to be Canadian. She was strong-willed and held definite political views and Christian convictions. She cherished family, especially her children and grandchildren. She is mourned by daughter Ruby Sanderson; sons Alvin and Vic; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was May 26 in Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
Jacob J. Dick
Jacob J. Dick of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away May 30. He was born Apr. 9, 1921 to Rev. Jacob and Mary Dick in Karassan, Apanlee, southern Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Baden, Ont., then settled in Watrous, Sask. He worked for his father on the farm. He accepted Christ at a church meeting. John 3:16 meant a great deal to him. He came to Ontario in 1942. In July 1943 he was baptized by D. Klassen and joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. He married Mary Dyck Nov. 14, 1943. He worked for a farmer for a few years. In 1946 he began working for Ontario Hydro, retiring in 1981. He and Mary were custodians at Scott St. MB Church for 10 years and at Fairview MB Church for 18 years. He enjoyed travelling and camping. He worked many years as a volunteer at Camp Crossroads. He enjoyed music and learned to play the organ as a hobby. He was cheerful and willing to help family and friends. He loved the Lord. Psalm 23 gave him strength. Predeceased by 2 sisters, he is mourned by Mary; sons Edward, Don and David; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 4 brothers. The funeral was June 2 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, with Waldo Pauls ministering.
Peter Riediger
Peter Riediger of Chilliwack, B.C. passed away June 3 after a 7-year battle with 3 types of cancer. He was born Oct. 19, 1932 to Aron and Justina Riediger in Blumenort, Sask. In 1945 the family moved to a dairy farm in Popkum, B.C. Part of this land later became Minter Gardens, where he liked to walk every Sunday. Because of his deep, personal faith in Christ from age 19 on, he had a great love for the church, serving countless hours in various programs such as teaching Sunday school, operating the P.A. system and serving on the church board. He was part-time custodian at Chilliwack Central MB Church for 20 years. He loved to serve the community and helped with blood donor clinics for over 10 years. In 1953 he married Irene Toews; theirs became a very close family. He loved sports; they attended hundreds of local hockey and fastball/ baseball games over the last 30-40 years. He loved to cook, garden and assist Irene in cleaning around the house. Predeceased by 2 infant siblings, he is mourned by Irene; children Les of Fort St. John, B.C., Carol of Chilliwack and Brian of Chilliwack; 2 grandchildren; 5 sisters and 1 brother. A memorial service was held June 7 at Chilliwack Central MB Church, with Adam Wiggins, Les Riediger and Mike Froese ministering.
Kathleen McAdam
Kathleen McAdam of Penticton, B.C. passed away May 13. She was born Mar. 6, 1908 to John and Maria Willms in Molotschna Colony, Russia, the second of 9 children. She accepted Christ at 16, was baptized and joined the MB Church. In 1936 she married Douglas McAdam, a tourist and hunting guide. They lived in Orillia, Ont. for some years, then Klamath Falls, Ore. She was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and was always thinking of others. She was a member of Grace MB Church, Penticton. Predeceased by Douglas, her sister Alice and brothers John and Edward, she is mourned by her brothers Walter of Leamington, Ont., Henry of Osoyoos, B.C., George of Harrow, Ont., Victor of Detroit, Mich. and Frank of Windsor, Ont. The funeral was May 17 in Grace MB Church, with David Esau ministering.
Marien Reimer
Marien (nee Nelner) Reimer of Leamington, Ont. passed away Apr. 26 at age 74 after a long struggle with cancer. Her steadfast faith and trust in the Lord was evident in her daily walk; she found strength in God. She was a good sewer and was known for her cinnamon cakes. She is remembered for her contagious good humour and joyfulness. Predeceased by her husband Fred in 1995, she is mourned by daughters Marlene Wiebe, Kathy Hopper and Beth Stewart; and 8 grandchildren. A memorial service was held Apr. 30 in Leamington MB Church, with Henry Regier ministering.
Ann Petkau
Ann Petkau of Calgary passed away Apr. 2. She was born Oct. 8, 1926 to Peter and Anna Born in Coaldale, Alta. The family homesteaded in Vauxhall, Alta. She grew up working on the farm, helping in the home and on the land with her father. She attended Vauxhall MB Church and was committed to following Christ. She married Peter Petkau Feb. 10, 1952. They lived in Vauxhall, Swift Current, Sask., Calgary and the surrounding area. She was a devoted mother and a dedicated homemaker. She loved sewing, cooking and visiting with relatives and friends. She loved the Lord and taught her children that God was to be first in their lives and that He would never give them more than they could handle. She enjoyed hosting her children’s friends for Sunday dinner and at other times. Her love of music included playing harmonica with her dad and her siblings; she often sang while working. She loved to read books, the newspaper, the MB Herald and especially the Bible. She loved to laugh and was never short on hugs and kisses. She was quick to forgive, and her love was unconditional. Predeceased by son Don, a sister and a brother, she is mourned by Peter; daughters Betty Quiring, Joyce Maxwell, Vivian Siebert, Sharon Loewen and Grace Friesen; sons Murray and Rich; 25 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 5 in Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht, Gerhard Reimer and Phil Born ministering.
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Last modified July 10, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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