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In this section:
Willy Dueck
Willy Dueck of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Mar. 3. He was born Jan. 11, 1917 to Heinrich Hermann and Elisabeth Dueck in Slavgorod, Siberia. In 1930 the family immigrated to Paraguay. His mother died in 1932. His father married Anna Wiens in 1933. Willy married Margaret July 17, 1943 in Friesland colony. Their wedding text was Joshua 14:15. They lived in the Chaco. In 1951 he gave his life to the Lord, was baptized and joined Filadelfia MB Church. In 1967 they immigrated to Vancouver, where he worked at various jobs. They joined Vancouver MB Church, then Culloden MB Church in 1968. In 1977 they moved to Clearbrook B.C., joining King Road MB Church in Abbotsford. He spent his last 2 1/2 years in Menno Hospital. Predeceased by son Helmut in a work-related accident in 1992 and by 12 siblings, he is mourned by Margaret; daughters Edith Hildebrandt, Elfriede Hildebrandt, Elvira Hildebrandt and Irene Klassen; son Ed; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.
Mary Elsie Baerg
Mary Elsie Baerg passed away June 28 in Buchanan Lodge, New Westminster, B.C. She was born Sept. 16, 1912 to John and Elizabeth Hinz in Laird, Sask., the 6th of 9 children. She attended Rosthern (Sask.) Academy, where she met Samuel Baerg. They married July 26, 1934 in Laird. They were baptized Aug. 2, 1936 and joined Laird MB Church. In 1947 they moved to Surrey, B.C. and joined Kennedy Heights MB Church. In 1981 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Bakerview MB Church. During retirement, they travelled frequently and wintered in Mesa, Ariz. Here she enjoyed a healthy church and social life, sang in a choir, painted and cultivated new friendships. Samuel died June 25, 1992. She felt the loss deeply. In 1997 she moved to a care home. She is remembered for her generosity, sense of humour and industriousness. She encouraged family togetherness. Predeceased by Samuel, she is mourned by daughters Janice Goertz of New Westminster, Claire Peters of Abbotsford and Marilyn Peters of Burnaby, B.C.; sons Dale and Bradley, both of Abbotsford; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. A memorial service was held July 6 in Bakerview MB Church, with Ross Johnston ministering.
John J. Friesen
John J. Friesen of Chilliwack, B.C. passed away June 19. He was born Sept. 7, 1918 to John and Marie Friesen in Lichtfelde, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm in Niverville, Man. He attended business college in Winnipeg and Bible school in Steinbach, Man. In 1941 he and his parents bought a dairy farm in East Chilliwack. He married Molly Delesky June 8, 1946. In 1947 they moved to Winnipeg, where he studied at Winnipeg Bible College. After a year, they returned to the dairy farm. They also grew raspberries and had chickens. In 1970 ill health forced him to retire. He loved gardening and growing roses. They enjoyed travelling and spent 13 winters in Phoenix, Ariz. Despite years of constant pain, ill health and increasingly limited mobility, he greatly enjoyed life, was cheerful, had a great sense of humour and a deep faith in his Saviour. He was active in Chilliwack Central MB Church, serving as Sunday school teacher, youth leader and home Bible study leader. Predeceased by his sister and 2 grandsons, he is mourned by Molly; children Evelyn Woelk, Betty Wild, Nellie Epp, Clarence, Esther Esau and Karen Hayes; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 23 in Chilliwack Central MB Church, with Adam Wiggins ministering.
Katherina Koop
Katherina Koop of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 11. She was born Nov. 14, 1908 to Johan and Aganeta Olfert in Burwalde, Russia. When she was 3 months old, the family moved to Steinfeld, Russia. In 1926 they immigrated to Canada. They farmed in Sperling, Man. She accepted Christ here, was baptized in La Salle, Man. and joined the MB church. After her father’s death at age 63, she and her mother moved to Steinbach, Man. and joined Steinbach MB Church. She married Jacob Koop Oct. 27, 1957 and became mother to his 10 children, 8 of whom were still at home. Life wasn’t easy, but they managed. In 1980 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Jacob died Mar. 4, 1995. She spent 8 months with Adolf and Helen Arm, then moved to Tabor Home, Clearbrook. She was diagnosed with cancer in March 2001. She had an operation June 5 from which she did not recover. Predeceased by Jacob, 2 sisters and a granddaughter, she is mourned by children Pete, Henry, Abe, Katie Wiebe, Adolf, Rudy, Helen Arm, Herb, Hildie Kehler and Jessie Bagay; 31 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was June 16 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Mary Reimer
Mary Reimer of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 17. She was born Dec. 30, 1905 in Russia. At 14, she accepted Christ; at 15 she was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. She worked as a maid to help pay the family’s travel debt. In 1930 she began studies at Winnipeg Bible Institute. She worked in a hospital as an interpreter for patients who spoke German, Russian and Ukrainian. She served as a missionary in Egypt 1935–40. The growing hatred of people of German nationality forced her to leave. During World War II, she was a missionary with Canadian Indian Mission. She was a missionary in Sudan and Eritrea 1946–55. She produced a book for teaching colloquial Arabic to the people of southern Sudan. She spent several years in New York City, working with a Presbyterian mission. She then studied and taught public school on Vancouver Island for several years. She retired to Abbotsford and joined Clearbrook MB Church. She spent her last years at Menno Home. The funeral was June 21 at Menno Chapel, Abbotsford, with Don Enns ministering.
Luise Pauls
Luise Pauls of Winnipeg passed away May 1. She was born Mar. 7, 1904 to Daniel and Maria Braun in Reinfeld, Dnepropetrovsk, Russia. When she was 8, bandits attacked her family, killing her mother, her sister and a servant girl and wounding 2 brothers. A year later, her father, left with 7 children, married Helena Dyck; they had 4 children. Luise attended school in Reinfeld and Nikolaipol, then Osterwick. After they moved to Kronstal in 1919. At 16, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church at Kronstal. She married Heinrich Pauls May 5, 1925; they had 5 children, but a daughter died at age 2. In 1938 Heinrich was arrested, sent to Siberia and was never heard from again. She put her trust in the Lord and relied on the support of her 2 eldest sons. On Oct. 17, 1943 they fled. Over the next 4 years, they went to Germany, Yugoslavia, Poland, then Germany, ending up in Berlin. In 1947 they went to Paraguay. In 1950 they immigrated to Winnipeg, where she was reunited with her parents and several siblings, who had immigrated in 1926. She worked in a sewing factory for 13 years and had her own house. She was a member of North Kildonan MB Church, participating in the ladies’ group and enjoying friends. She enjoyed reading, singing, playing guitar, crocheting afghans and going out for dinner with family. She was independent and energetic, had a strong, unwavering faith to the end and lived her faith by love and example to her children and grandchildren. She moved to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home in June 1999. Predeceased by Heinrich and daughter Mariechen, she is mourned by children Heinrich, Daniel, Lydia and Jacob; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The memorial service was held May 4 in McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Roland Marsch and George Klassen ministering.
Katie Dyck
Katie Dyck of Winnipeg passed away May 12. She was born Aug. 18, 1910 to Frank and Katherine Toews in Slavgorod, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Arnaud, Man., then settled near Portage la Prairie, Man. To help pay the travel debt, she worked in Winnipeg as a domestic. Her selfless nature was firmly rooted in those early years. She accepted Christ as a young girl and was baptized in 1929 by C.N. Hiebert. She attended North End MB Church and sang in the choir. She enjoyed the company of Christian women at the Mary Martha Home. In 1931 she attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School, but was only able to attend one year because of her mother’s illness. In 1934 she married David Dyck of Newton, Man. Her mother died the day before the wedding. They made their home near Newton. Katie often said, “I just love my family.” She helped on the farm and was a devoted pastor’s wife to David, who pastored Newton MB Church. She was a skilled homemaker and gardener, with a lovely yard, a large garden and a beautifully decorated dining table. Travelling ministers, missionaries, Bible school friends and family were impressed by her ability to deliver delicious meals at a moment’s notice without apparent frustration or fatigue. In 1974 they retired to Winnipeg, allowing her more time for family, friends and the mission causes she had faithfully supported. She was a tireless worker, but slowed down after suffering a stroke in 1995. She spent her last months at Donwood Manor, brightening it with her beautiful smile and cheerful personality. She is remembered as a woman of grace, beauty, strong faith and tender nature. Predeceased by 4 brothers, she is mourned by David; children Harold of Abbotsford, B.C., Arnold of Oakville, Man., Abe of Port Rowan, Ont., Frank of White Rock, B.C., Alice Epp of St. Norbert, Man. and Lois of Winkler; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 16 in Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Konrad and John Klassen ministering.
Susan Friesen
Susan Friesen of Winnipeg passed away Apr. 28. She was born July 17, 1918 to Anton A. and Katharina Heppner near Horndean, Man. She grew up on a farm. Her mother was a Christian and her father was not at that time. At 18, she was baptized and joined the Bergthaler Mennonite church, but never had a personal experience with the Lord and soon fell away. She married a non-Christian, then divorced. She married David I. Friesen Jan. 12, 1946. They moved to Plum Coulee, Man. Her eldest brother witnessed to her, and she began to search. She listened to the Back to the Bible radio program. After a broadcast that used Matthew 11:28,29, she cried to the Lord for forgiveness. Reading John 6:37 and Isaiah 1:18 also helped, but she did not feel joy and victorious in Christ. After further help from Rev. John Schmidt and more prayer and confession, she was able to forgive herself and found victory. She loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, becoming a prayer warrior for family, friends and neighbours, always eager to share her testimony. She loved her children, had an engaging sense of humour and boundless energy, and loved to work in her home and garden. She served in the church ladies’ mission circle, helping with weddings and funerals, helping MCC and making many quilts. She joined the missions choir and the women’s choir in the Bergthaler church. In May 1967 son Graham died at age 20 in a car accident, but she was comforted by a vision. In 1975 they retired from farming to Winnipeg, where she made new friends, was involved in the church ladies’ group, volunteered at the MCC thrift shop and was part of a Bible study group, Christian Women’s Club and Aglow. She sewed and crocheted and made many afghans for family and friends. At 69, she was baptized and joined McIvor Ave. MB Church. She became part of the seniors’ group. Without complaining, she cared for David in his illness. She prayed daily for the salvation of her children and grandchildren. She served others and had the gift of hospitality. As her health deteriorated, she found courage in her faith. Predeceased by David in 1996 and son Graham, she is mourned by children Larry of Winnipeg, Wesley of Vancouver, Al of Winnipeg and Wanda of Winnipeg; 6 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was May 3 in McIvor Ave. MB Church, with John B. Epp and Doug Enns ministering.
Chester Thomas Funk
Chester Thomas Funk of Swift Current, Sask. passed away July 2. He was born May 23, 1912 to Cornelius and Helena Funk at Beaver Flat, Sask. The family ranched and farmed. After grade 8, he worked as a farmhand for his father. He played the pump organ and guitar at house parties where his father, uncles, aunts, sisters and brothers would sing and play gospel songs. He later played in various churches with his wife and children, recording an album, The Funk Family Plays Gospel. He accepted Christ at 18. He was baptized in Herbert Mennonite Church and then by immersion at Herbert Free Church July 9, 1950. He memorized many Bible verses and did personal evangelism work with Joe Hovdestad. He attended Prairie Bible Institute in 1946. He took welding and mechanic courses at the University of Saskatchewan. He married Golda Klassen of Beaver Flat Aug. 3, 1947. They farmed, then moved to Swift Current in 1975, where he worked for McWilliam Construction, Esler Industries, Wall Brothers Construction and Trojan. He enjoyed playing guitar, piano, violin and mandolin and sang in duets. He built a hay rake, a tractor cab, a road maintainer, and a swing and a teeter-totter for his children. He made antique collectibles. He read history books and kept a diary from 1938 to July 1, 2001. He enjoyed hockey, baseball, riding horses, skiing and visiting his children. He had a great love for God and the church. He read his Bible and prayed for his family daily. He was a member of Turnhill MB Church 1947–67, where he was worship leader and a musician, then of Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current. He is remembered for his beaming blue eyes, beautiful smile, great sense of humour and hard work for his family. Predeceased by 6 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Goldie; children Faith Peters, Gilmour, Phyllis Schmidt, Janice Fast and Cynthia Funk–Willms; 9 grandchildren; and a stepsister. The funeral was July 7 in Bridgeway Community Church, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
Bertha Buhr
Bertha Buhr of Dalmeny, Sask. passed away July 16. She was born Apr. 8, 1918 to John and Sara Buhler near Dalmeny. At 14, she accepted Christ and was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River by her uncle Jacob Lepp, who was pastor of her church. She loved to sing and sang in the church choir for many years. Her mother died when Bertha was 14. She cared for her father and 3 brothers, which matured her quickly and taught her to work hard without complaining. She married Ed Buhr Nov. 8, 1938. They lived with his parents, then spent a year in Guelph, Ont., where she cleaned houses. They moved back and began farming near Mennon, Sask. She loved growing flowers and gardening. She worked hard alongside Ed, raised chickens, sold the eggs, drove truck at threshing time, shovelled grain, did yard work and still found time to cook, bake and do household duties. She was totally committed to the Lord and then Ed. Predeceased by Ed, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, she is mourned by sister Annie Quiring of Dalmeny and brothers Samuel of Saskatoon and Henry of Pierre, S.D. The funeral was July 19 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky and Alvin Penner ministering.
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Last modified October 5, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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