|  | |
Previous | Next Deaths
In this section:
Gertrude Wiebe
Gertrude Wiebe of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 27. She was born Feb. 6, 1921 to Cornelius C. and Elizabeth Peters in Rosetown, Man. When she was 15, her mother died. She did exceptionally well in school, but after grade 6 took over household duties. She went to Morden to work at housework. Here she met William Wiebe, had her first opportunity to attend church and accepted Christ. She married William Sept. 10, 1939 in Kronsgart, Man. They moved to Sea Island, B.C., where they lived in a building housing CJOR radio station. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where they bought some land. Bill cleared much of it by hand and eventually went into chicken farming. She was baptized by Jacob Doerksen Sept. 5, 1946, and they became charter members of Clearbrook MB Church. Since Bill worked away from home, she had to raise the family and do a great deal of the physical work. She also had to deal with the allergies of Bill and her children. She loved animals and had ducks, geese, goats, cows, bantam chickens, rabbits, dogs and her favourite, cats. She was a great gardener, cook and baker. She was a private person with a soft, compassionate spirit. She shared the blessings of her labours with friends and neighbours. She helped Bill when problems arose on the “special needs” bus. She and Bill had a rich devotional life, reading and discussing God’s Word and praying together. Each family member was prayed for by name. She cared faithfully for Bill when he was bedridden for 3 years bringing his favourite foods and staying by his side no matter how exhausted she was. She couldn’t understand why God allowed him to suffer so much. Predeceased by Bill by 7 1/2 months and 9 siblings, she is mourned by children Betty Schmidt, Ed, Harry and Richard; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 1 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Art Isaac ministering.
Anna Warkentin
Anna Warkentin of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 29. She was born Apr. 24, 1908 to Heinrich and Katharina Siemens in Ufa, Siberia, the youngest of 8 children. While young she accepted Christ. The family immigrated to Mexico, then to Canada. She was baptized by her father. She remained in Winnipeg to work while her parents moved to Gem, Alta. Later she followed them and worked in Brooks, Alta. She married Jacob Warkentin Oct. 8, 1932. They farmed, were active in church work and were charter members of Gem MB Church. In 1943 they moved to British Columbia and bought a farm. They became charter members of Aldergrove MB Church. They were ordained as deacons, and performed their duties faithfully. After 16 years in Aldergrove, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. They continued serving as deacons. She worked in Tabor Home for 11 years as night supervisor. In 1997 they moved to Tabor Home. Her children remember her as one who taught them by example to be kind, loving and patient. She spent many hours knitting and crocheting socks, gloves, afghans, sweaters and toques (which were given along with gospel literature to foreign sailors who came to the port at Vancouver). She made blankets and quilts for MCC with other women in the church. She had worked hard on the farm, picking berries and milking cows. She soothed the hurts of her children and elevated their spirits. Predeceased by daughter Kay, 1 great-grandchild and 6 siblings, she is mourned by Jacob; 5 children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 31 in Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen ministering.
John Friesen
John Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 2. He was born Oct. 20, 1909 to John and Maria Friesen in Tiege, Sagradovka, Ukraine. His father was killed by bandits during the Russian Revolution. In school, he was taught atheism, but at home his mother encouraged him to believe in God. In 1928 he went to work in Kherson. He married Klavdia Golubowa. They had 3 children: Lidia in 1929 (who died in 1931), Vladimir in 1933 and Lidia in 1940. When World War II began, he had to enter the Russian army, but was captured by the Germans, who used him as a translator. In 1943 his family was sent to Germany. However, his wife and mother-in-law were arrested by the Soviets in 1946 and sent to Siberia. His children grew up in a home for children whose parents were in jail. After the war, he searched for his family in refugee camps, but only found his mother and sister. They immigrated to Paraguay. Here, he married widow Tina Wallmann and became a stepfather to her son Henry. John became a Christian; he and Tina were baptized and joined Neuland Mennonite Church. In 1960, the family moved to Winnipeg. They joined Sargent Ave. Mennonite Church. He worked as an orderly in a hospital. He received word that his family had survived in Russia, but was unable to bring them to Canada. Klavdia died in Russia. Tina died in 1982. In 1983 he moved to British Columbia, where he married Agnes Wiens. In 1992 they sponsored Lidia and her family as immigrants to Canada. His son chose to remain in Russia. John had his first stroke 6 years ago. He also had Parkinson’s disease. He was hospitalized. In June 1999 he transferred to Menno Hospital. Predeceased by his first wife Klavdia and second wife Tina, he is mourned by Agnes; daughter Lidia Tchourilov; 2 granddaughters; 1 great-grandson; stepson Henry Wallmann; 4 stepgrandchildren; and 3 stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 8 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and J. Tilitzky ministering.
Aganeta Giesbrecht
Aganeta Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 16. She was born Oct. 7, 1900 to Bernhard and Lena Giesbrecht in Georgsthal, Fuerstenland, Ukraine. She was one of 17 children; only 9 children survived. She began working as a babysitter at 13. At 23, she married Kornelius Federau. They left Russia in 1928 and went to Paraguay in 1930. During a severe storm at sea, she surrendered her life to God. They encountered many difficulties in the Chaco. She and Kornelius were baptized and joined the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1965 they immigrated to Canada. They had difficulty finding work but earned a living. She was a member at Culloden MB Church in Vancouver, then Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. She enjoyed gardening. Kornelius was diagnosed with cancer in 1976 and died Oct. 18, 1977. In 1982 she moved to Tabor Home. She married George Giesbrecht in 1985. He died in December 1992. She seldom complained, was cheerful, made many friends at Tabor Home and visited the sick as long as she was able to walk. In 1995 she became confined to a wheelchair and learned to master it well. She longed to go home. Predeceased by Kornelius and George, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, she is mourned by children Lena Wall, John, Margaret Rode, Abram, Liese Duerksen, Mary Neufeld and Frieda Duerksen; 36 grandchildren; 105 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 20 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Art Isaac, Eldon DeFehr and John E. Klassen ministering.
Gerhard Janzen
George Janzen passed away Oct. 16 in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Nov. 7, 1907 in the Crimea, Russia, the 2nd of 3 sons on a progressive farm. His high school education was disrupted by the Russian Revolution. His father committed suicide to avoid his execution and his family’s exile to Siberian work camps. His mother, brothers and he immigrated to Canada. He married Helen. They farmed in Coaldale, Alta. The 1930s were hard. They moved to B.C. in 1942 and spent 20 years on a mixed farm in Abbotsford. He focused on providing an education for his children. He went through difficult spiritual struggles, related to his childhood experiences, especially his father’s death. He was a man of prayer and read his Bible, but had not been baptized. Eventually, he was able to resolve his problems and became an active church member. He nurtured his mind with much reading, especially Bible study, and could explain profound spiritual truths. Shortly after retirement, Helen died suddenly. In time, he married Agnes Mensch. He moved to Tabor Home 4 years ago. He found the transition difficult, but had a quick wit and dry sense of humour. Predeceased by Helen and daughter Hilda, he is mourned by Agnes; children Jake, Helen, Johanna, Charlotte and Lorie; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 7 stepchildren. The funeral was Oct. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Art Isaac and Randy Thompson ministering.
Katherina Penner
Katharina Penner passed away Nov. 13 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Sept. 30, 1904 to Peter and Katharina Dueck in Elizabethal, Molotschna, Russia. When she was 14, her father died. Being the eldest of 5 girls, she had the responsibility of working in the fields. In her youth, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the Mennonite church. She taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She married Peter Penner Oct. 2, 1924. In 1926 they immigrated to Davidson, Sask. They moved to Sedalia, Alta. in spring 1927, to Tofield, Alta. in 1933 and to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1944. She kept busy with the dairy farm, many chickens and acres of raspberries. She loved to garden and can preserves. Their home was a place where many friends and relatives found cooking and a cup of coffee. Even a wayward railroad transient had a sandwich and coffee from her hands. In 1963 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She was active in the ladies’ fellowship group. She liked to help any way she could; she embroidered, knitted, sewed, quilted and worked for MCC. Peter died of a heart attack in 1963. She made many trips. The last few years, she lived in Tabor Home. God answered many prayers and blessed her physically and spiritually. Matthew 6:33 was a favourite verse. She spent her last days in Menno Hospital. She was cheerful, had a friendly smile for all and did everything to the best of her ability. Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by 4 sons, 2 daughters, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 19 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Hilda Langemann
Hilda Langemann of Coaldale, Alta. passed away Oct. 14 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born Nov. 28, 1911 in Schoenfeld, south Russia, the 2nd of 12 children. Her early years were spent on her grandfather Peters’ estate while her father served in the Forestry Service and later as an orderly on the front in World War I. The family fled to Marienthal. In 1925 the family immigrated to Acme, Alta., later acquiring a farm near Swalwell, Alta. In 1925 she attended Coaldale Bible School. Here she met Nick Langemann; they married in 1933. They bought land in Sardis, B.C., but after the flood of 1948, returned to Coaldale. They lived briefly in Chicago, Wheaton, Ill. and Winnipeg to be close to their children, but returned to Coaldale. Their home was known for classical and choral music, beautiful flower gardens, excellent baking, particularly zwiebach, and the making of many quilts and comforters. She was a nurse’s aid in Coaldale Hospital for many years. In retirement, she and Nick spent many hours working in the Lethbridge (Alta.) Soup Kitchen. Her last years were spent in Sunny South Manor, then Sunny South Lodge. Predeceased by Nick in 1991 and a granddaughter, she is mourned by children Rita Stobbe, Ralph, Sigrid Schibler and Helen Masson; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Oct. 18 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Henry Wedel
Henry Wedel of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Apr. 3, 2001. He was born Mar. 14, 1913 to Heinrich and Sara Wedel in Saratov, Russia, the 4th of 14 children. The family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Acme, Alta. on Oct. 25, 1925. He did chores at the J.R. Loewens, where his family lived, and went to school. He worked on grain farms in the Peace River country of Alberta, training draft horses for hauling coal and threshing. In 1935 he moved to Black Creek, B.C., where he worked as an orderly in Comox Hospital. He married Margareta Brucks Apr. 2, 1939. They settled in Black Creek, where he farmed, logged and was a journeyman carpenter. He accepted Christ Jan. 22, 1967, was baptized and joined the MB church that same year. In 1968 they moved to Kelowna. He loved bowling, playing his mouth organ and button accordion, and gardening. They joined Willow Park MB Church. He was involved on the church luncheon committee and in musical groups that played in care homes in the community. His favourite song was Die Zeit ist Kurz (The Time is Short), which encourages faithfulness to the end. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, he is mourned by Margaret; children Linda Anderson, Ernest, Sara Andrelini, Bill, Nancy Penner, Ed, Paul and Peter; 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Arnie Peters ministered at the memorial service.
Anna Hooge
Anna Hooge of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 17. She was born Sept. 21, 1906 to Jakob and Katharina Neufeld in Nikolayevka, south Russia. She married John Henry Epp in 1929 and immigrated to Canada in 1930. They lived in Winkler, Man., then moved to North Kildonan, Winnipeg. John died of an enlarged heart in 1941. In 1946 she and 3 children moved to B.C.’s Fraser Valley, where she met Peter P. Hooge, a widower with 4 sons. Shortly afterwards, they married in Greendale MB Church. She was a cheerful, helpful wife and a caring mother to all the children. They farmed a number of years in Greendale and retired to Clearbrook, B.C. They faithfully attended Clearbrook MB Church. They enjoyed singing in the German and Zion choirs. She was active in the sewing circle, making blankets for MCC. Peter died of cancer in 1985. She managed fairly well on her own for 10 years, but then suffered a bad fall. She moved to Tabor Home. Initially, she found it hard to adjust, but eventually accepted living here. She gave much joy to the caregivers and nurses. She spent her last days in Menno Hospital. She is remembered for her dedication, care, love and devotion to her children and grandchildren. Predeceased by her husbands John and Peter, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and 1 grandchild, she is mourned by children Catherine, Rudy, Dorothea, John, Herbert, Orland and Peter; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 3 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 22 at Woodlawn Funeral Chapel, Abbotsford, with Art Isaac ministering.
Edward J. Loewen
Edward J. Loewen of Swift Current, Sask. passed away Nov. 23, after suffering his 2nd heart attack. He was born Feb. 18, 1910 at Marion, S.D. In September 1910 the family moved to Ernfold, Sask. In July 1930, under the ministry of Frank Wiens, he committed his life to Christ. He was baptized and joined Gnadenau MB Church in August 1930. He married Nettie Goosen of Main Centre, Sask. Aug. 1, 1936. They farmed near Ernfold. In 1974 they moved to Swift Current. He served the Lord in the local church throughout his life. He and Nettie were deacons for 44 years. He was treasurer of Gnadenau MB Church for 20 years, was a board member of Herbert Heritage Manor for 15 years, served as an usher, taught Sunday school and was a lay pastor and church leader. He enjoyed working in construction for a number of years. He then became custodian at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, until failing eyesight forced him to retire. He is remembered for his unfailing optimism. He loved people and saw goodness in everyone, encouraging them by his words and life to grow closer to God. He lived each day with gentle strength in obedience to the God he loved. Predeceased by 1 child in 1941, he is mourned by Nettie; children Iona Wiebe, Ginny Voth, Ruth Friesen and Ted: 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 26 in Bridgeway Community Church, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
Gerald Dennis Stobbe
Gerald Dennis Stobbe passed away Oct. 6. He was born Nov. 3, 1953 to George and Mary Stobbe in Hazelton, B.C. In 1963 the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. After school, he worked at numerous jobs. In 1982 he began working for Shaw Cable. He was an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber with an adventureous spirit. In 1988 he underwent major back surgery after severely injuring his back in a 60-foot jump off a cliff into water. He thought he’d be confined to a wheelchair, but was healed and had 13 more years of hiking and enjoying God’s creation. He made a commitment to the Lord as a child, but went his own way for many years. In 1984 he surrendered his life to Christ after a service at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, where he heard the song, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. He began attending Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, grew quickly in his faith and was baptized. He went on short-term mission trips to Mexico City and Russia and took every opportunity at work to share his faith. He helped lead singing at prison chapels, Union Gospel Mission and Christian biker rallies. In 1996 he married Joyce Lutz. They had 2 daughters. He loved his girls deeply and was a caring father. In summer 2001, he began feeling tired and had weakness in his left side. On Sept. 2, 2001, he was diagnosed with a fast-growing malignant brain tumour. Surgery was done on Sept. 12, but the doctors were unable to remove the whole tumour, and he never recovered the use of his left side. He had finished 3 of 10 radiation treatments at Surrey (B.C.) Hospital when he suffered a severe seizure. He had a caring heart and a sensitive spirit that positively impacted others. Predeceased by his father in 1999, he is mourned by Joyce; daughters Bethany and Amy; his mother; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 11 at Northview Community Church, with Morris McKenzie and Frank Martens ministering.
Previous | Next
Last modified January 14, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
|
