|  | |
Previous | Next Deaths
In this section:
Mary Thiessen
Mary Thiessen of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Aug. 4. She was born July 18, 1911 to Peter D. and Susanna Penner in Friedensfeld, Ukraine. She grew up in a loving, prosperous Christian family. In 1923 the family immigrated to Laird, Sask., where they joined the MB church. She was able to attend school for only 2 years. At a young age, she found peace with Christ through the ministry of C. N. Hiebert and 1 Pet. 1:18,19. Romans 5:1 was also important to her. She was baptized July 6, 1930 by Jacob Janzen, joining Laird MB Church. In 1941 she moved to Ontario. In 1943 she married George Thiessen, a widower with 4 children. They farmed for 11 years near Virgil, Ont. and joined Virgil MB Church. In 1956 they moved to St. Catharines, joining Scott St. MB Church. George died July 31, 1985. She made afghans and quilts for church and friends. She enjoyed flowers, reading and doing handwork. She spent her last years in Tabor Manor, alive in her faith and showing good humour. Predeceased by George, son Irvin, 3 sisters and 2 brothers, she is mourned by children Sam of London, Ont., Allen of Bowmanville, Ont. and Mabel Kramer of St. Catharines; 13 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Aug. 8 in Scott St. MB Church, with Albert Friesen ministering.
Evelyn Elizabeth Husband
Evelyn Elizabeth Husband of Penticton, B.C. passed away Aug. 4 of a heart attack. She was born Aug. 4, 1909 to Peter and Lydia Adams in Vernon, B.C. She was an active, capable woman. She worked at pharmacy and medical and dental offices until retirement. She was baptized July 7, 1968 by J.S. Adrian in Okanagan Lake at Summerland, B.C. She joined Grace MB Church, Penticton Apr. 18, 1982. She served as church registrar for most of the following years, participated in the ladies’ fellowship, which made many quilts for MCC, and led a Bible study in her home for friends and neighbours. Loved and appreciated by the church family, she is remembered for her excellence, faithfulness, cheerful presence and love. Predeceased by her husband Fred many years earlier, she is mourned by children Bert of Kamloops, B.C. and Joanne Wallin of Penticton; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 9, with David Esau ministering.
Alma Neumann
Alma Neumann passed away July 27 at Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, Ont. She was born Apr. 16, 1918 to Gottlieb and Augustine Fangrath in Nogath, West Prussia, the youngest of 10 children. In 1921 the family fled from West Prussia, which had become part of Poland, to East Prussia. They bought a farm near Goldap, then moved to Gelweiden 10 years later. After she grew up, she took training in home economics. She gave her heart to the Lord at 15 and was baptized in a Baptist church a year later. Music had a prominent place in the home. Her father was choir director and a lay preacher. She married Kurt Neumann July 19, 1940; 2 daughters were born. Kurt was drafted into the German army in April 1943; he was killed at the Russian front Oct. 8, 1943. Alma and her daughters fled to Bad Vilbel/Heilsberg, Germany. She immigrated to Stratford, Ont. in 1952 and moved to Kitchener, Ont. several years later. She joined Kitchener MB Church in 1957. In retirement, she enjoyed travelling, her many friends and church involvement, participating in the Women’s Missionary Service, singing with the “Hospital Group” and working in Story Hour. She loved and invested her life in her family. Her cooking and baking were enjoyed by many. As she grew older, she kept a vibrant outlook on life. She is remembered for her hospitality, kindness and devotion to her Lord. Predeceased by Kurt, she is mourned by daughters Monika Thiessen and Ursula Blumentrath; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was July 30 in Kitchener MB Church, with Albert Friesen and John Wall ministering.
Isaac Ewert
Isaac Ewert passed away several days after suffering a massive heart attack Aug. 24, following cancer surgery at Chilliwack (B.C.) General Hospital. He was born Jan. 25, 1924 to Isaak and Sarah Ewert in Niklaidorf, Russia. The family immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1925 and moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1928. He spent his youth working on a mixed farm with his family. He married Tina Fast July 8, 1945. He continued farming in Yarrow, then farmed and did construction in Chilliwack. He accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at 17. After 2 years of Bible school, he returned to high school and then went on to CO service in farming. He loved the Lord and the church. He was project manager for the Chilliwack Central MB Church building 1982–83, served diligently in church programs, befriended others and shared his faith. In retirement, he enjoyed annual trips with Tina to Palm Springs and Loon Lake and fishing with family and friends. Predeceased by an infant sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Tina; children Marvin, Lorraine Wiebe, Sylvia Bowes and Sharon Tiessen; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Mary Baerg
Mary Elsie Baerg passed away June 28 at Buchanan Lodge in 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 both baptized Aug. 1, 1936, joining 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. and joined Bakerview MB Church. In retirement, they travelled frequently and wintered in Mesa, Ariz. Here she enjoyed a healthy church and social life, sang in the choir, painted and made new friends. Samuel died June 25, 1992. She lived in her own home until 1997, then moved to a care home. She is remembered for her generosity, sense of humour and industriousness. She always encouraged family togetherness. Her deepest desire was for her children and grandchildren to have a personal relationship with Christ. 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; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. A memorial service was held at Bakerview MB Church, with Ross Johnston ministering.
Henry Neufeldt
Henry Peter Neufeldt of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 17. He was born Apr. 5, 1909 to Peter J. and Sara Neufeldt in Rosenwald, Slavgorod, Russia. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925 and moved to Drake, Sask. 6 months later, then to Zeneta, Sask. and to Yarrow, B.C. in 1929. In 1930 he found salvation, was baptized and joined Yarrow MB Church. He loved music, conducted a church band and youth choir in Yarrow and directed a CHWK radio program sponsored by the church, one of 3 religious broadcasts he directed in his life. He had a trucking business for 14 years. In 1946 he enrolled in the sacred music program at MB Bible College in Winnipeg. After graduating, he taught at MB Bible Institute in Abbotsford, MB Bible Institute in Coaldale, Alta. and Bible schools and churches in the Mennonite settlements in Paraguay. Returning to Canada, he was purchasing agent and superintendent of the physical plant at Columbia Bible Institute in Abbotsford for a number of years and was conductor of the seniors’ choir in his church. A highlight was a family reunion in Sisters, Ore. to celebrate his 65th wedding anniversary. Another was the recent celebration by the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. to honour him and other pioneer Mennonite music educators of the Fraser Valley. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by his wife Margaret of over 70 years; children Victor, Lora, Len, Wally, Ron, Al, and Carol; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, with Rudie Willms ministering.
Jake G. Neufeld
Jacob “Jake” G. Neufeld of Winkler, Man. passed away suddenly Sept. 6 during a test at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. He was born Mar. 20, 1934 to George W. and Justina Neufeld near Horndean, Man. At a young age, he prayed with his mother to ask Jesus to be his Saviour. He was baptized June 20, 1948 and joined Grosweide MB Church. He studied 4 years at Winkler Bible Institute, graduating in 1955. He married Ruth Unger Sept. 16, 1956; their wedding text was Philippians 4:9. They lived in Winnipeg, and he worked in a furniture factory. They moved back in 1957, built a house and farmed with his father-in-law for 18 years. In 1969 they moved the house and barn to another farm, where they lived for 20 years. He loved the land, to see crops grow and to reap the harvest. He trusted God to provide, subsidizing his income by driving a caterpillar after a bad harvest in 1967 and driving school bus. He provided lay leadership in Horndean MB Church. He led the choir with Ruth for 21 years and taught Sunday school for many years. He was asked to pastor the church in 1975 and was ordained Aug. 26, 1979. Each day began and ended with family devotions. He found a way for the family to have a vacation in the summers, often camping in the Canadian Rockies. He recognized God’s hand in all creation. In 1983 he began having heart problems. In 1989 he retired from farming and moved to Winkler. He was pastor to the seniors at Winkler MB Church until July 1993, when he had heart surgery. He was able to maintain a reasonable quality of life until Christmas 2000. He and Ruth enjoyed travelling in Canada and the US. He enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a faithful, loving husband, willing to help his family in practical ways. He had a deep faith in God. Throughout his illness, he trusted in the sovereign will of God. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Ruth; children Rod of Morden, Man., Audrey Dyck of Winkler and Travis of Winkler; 2 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 10 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and Ted Goossen ministering.
John Johan Isaac
John Johan Isaac of St. Catharines, Ont., passed away Aug. 4. He was born Mar. 15, 1905 to John A. and Helen Isaac in Steinfeld, Russia. The family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. in 1907 and moved to Aberdeen, Sask. in 1909, to Dalmeny, Sask. in 1924 and to Hepburn, Sask. in 1926. In 1922 he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church in Aberdeen. He attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn. In 1928 he married Tina Schmor. They moved to St. Catharines, Ont. in 1941 and Virgil, Ont. in 1942, joining Virgil MB Church. He worked at several jobs. They bought a farm near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. In 1954 they donated three-quarters of an acre to Niagara Christian Fellowship so it could build a church. In 1959 they moved back to Virgil. He worked for Domtar Paper Mill, retiring in 1968. In 1983 they moved to Pleasant Manor, St. Catharines; Tina died a year later. He enjoyed playing games with the other residents. He moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines in 1989. His favourite Bible text was Ps. 23. He loved people, especially his family. He greeted everyone with a smile. After a stroke in July 2001, he said, “Lord, take me home. I have Jesus in my heart and have made everything right.” Predeceased by Tina and a stillborn son, he is mourned by daughters Elizabeth Peters and Rubina Nickel, both of St. Catharines, Leona Hahn of Elliott Lake, Ont. and Ethel Ewert of St. Catharines; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter. The funeral was Aug. 8 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Albert Friesen ministering.
Helen Unruh
Helen Unruh passed away Aug. 4. She was born Oct. 8, 1934 to Johann and Maria Dueck in Schoenau, Sagradovka, Ukraine. She was a sickly child. In 1943 the family fled to Poland. During the winter, she became ill with typhus but recovered. In January 1945 her father was conscripted into the army, and the family fled to Germany. In 1947 she, her mother and 2 siblings immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay, settling in Gnadental, Neuland Colony. She went to school, but spent many months in hospital. She was converted, was baptized and joined the MB church. She married Adolf Unruh Nov. 22, 1958. After a couple of years, they moved to Germany, then came to Canada. After several moves, they settled in Kelowna, B.C. in 1979. They joined Grace Baptist Church. In 1992 she was diagnosed with cancer. She had 3 operations and radiation treatment, but did not become discouraged. She did handwork and photography. She had many friends, loved the church and was thankful for her loving, Christian home. In her last year, she needed increasingly more help and longed to go home to her Saviour. She is mourned by children Rudy, Willy, Manfred, and Linda Delowsky; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Aug. 11 in Grace Baptist Church, Kelowna, with pastors Poschwatta and Hahn ministering.
Jacob Riediger
Jacob Riediger passed away Aug. 29. He and his sister Mary were born Dec. 27, 1907 to Peter and Katharina Riediger in Klinok, Neu Samara, Russia. The family immigrated to Acme, Alta. in 1926 and settled on the Oxley Ranch in Stavely, Alta. in 1927. Here they began a house church. He committed his life to God July 28, 1929, was baptized and joined the MB church. He was Sunday school teacher and choir leader in the newly formed church. He attended Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School 1930–33, gaining a love for the Bible. In 1934 the family moved to Vauxhall, Alta. to farm. He continued to teach Sunday school and vacation Bible school, did youth work, conducted the choir and preached. He married Sarah Bergen Oct. 12, 1939. They farmed in Vauxhall. They moved to Pincher Creek, Alta. in 1948, then to Tofield, Alta. 4 years later. Sarah died in 1964, leaving him with 9 children aged 8 to 23. Retiring from farming at age 70, he moved to Tofield, then to Coaldale 4 years later, where he used his preaching and teaching skills, serving the German-speaking members of Coaldale MB Church until age 87. He is remembered as a man of faith and prayer, a preacher, a teacher, a writer, a poet, a singer, a musician, a lover of the land and a man of generosity, honour, integrity and honesty. Predeceased by Sarah, daughters Marilyn Gould in 1975 and Linda Sukkau in 1995, a grandson and 13 siblings, he is mourned by sons Al of Edmonton, Ed of Sherwood Park, Alta., Walt of Tofield and Vic of St. Albert, Alta.; daughters Hilda Dueck of Tofield, Lois Collins of Winnipeg and Joanne Riediger-Duebel of Edmonton; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 1 in Tofield Gospel Church, with Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Previous | Next
Last modified November 9, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
|
