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Elvira Margaret Neufeld
Elvira Margaret Neufeld passed away June 25. She was born Aug. 22, 1931 to John and Susie Regier in Herbert, Sask. She was curious, loved to learn and was a top student. She went to Normal School in Moose Jaw, Sask., then began teaching in Greenfarm School near Herbert. On Aug. 14, 1955, she married Walter Neufeld, who had moved away 11 years earlier but had kept writing her letters. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C., then returned to Herbert, where they bought a hardware store. They sold the store, built a motel and took up farming. In 1993 they sold the farm and moved to Swift Current, Sask. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She sang for many years in the Herbert MB Church choir and was pianist for the male quartet. She loved crafts, including cross-stitch, knitting and sewing, and made things for her grandchildren. In 1998 cancer was found. She had 3 operations; both kidneys were removed. She accepted her condition with courage and grace. She had 3 good years on dialysis and became an inspiration to other patients. She was concerned about others more than about herself. She never let dialysis discourage her from doing the things she loved. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved watching the Blue Jays play baseball and her sons curl. She taught her children how to live by example, and loved and supported them. She considered herself blessed and was sustained by her faith to the end. She is mourned by Walter; daughters Lynette Janzen of Herbert, Sask. and Joanne Wiebe-Friesen of Calgary; sons Walter of Victoria, Dale of Saskatoon and James of Saskatoon; 10 grandchildren; her mother; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was June 30 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with George Janzen and Harry Strauss ministering.
Ronald Richard Quapp
Ronald Richard Quapp of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 14. He was born Sept. 11, 1957 to Jake and Elizabeth Quapp. He grew up in Yarrow, B.C. He attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. and a Capernwray school. He accepted Christ as a teen, was baptized and joined Yarrow MB Church. He married Lois Kliever Oct. 9, 1982. He worked for Janzen Brothers in Yarrow and in construction with Ben Wall. He made wooden toys for his nephews and nieces. He enjoyed hiking, table tennis, pool, skiing and running the marathon at Stanley Park. He wanted to know God more intimately. He helped with Boys Brigade and the youth choir. He is mourned by Lois; his parents; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 19 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ross Johnston and Dan Thiessen ministering.
Angel Freeman
Stephen Freeman
Shane Freeman
Angel, Stephen and Shane Freeman, children of Steve and Leah Freeman, passed away Nov. 12 of smoke inhalation at their home. Angel was born Sept. 3, 1984. She was in grade 11 at Sardis (B.C.) Senior Secondary School. Although wheelchair bound, she had a great zest for life, was full of joy, brought happiness to others and had a great love for music. Stephen was born Aug. 11, 1986. He was in grade 10 at Sardis Senior Secondary School. He was kind and considerate, had many friends and had an interest in computer technologies. Shane was born Apr. 27, 1990. He was in grade 6 at Unsworth Elementary School. He had a gentle, loving nature. They loved God and attended Sunday school, midweek programs and youth meetings at Greendale MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C. They are mourned by their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends.
Rueben Menno Baerg
Rueben Menno Baerg passed away Oct. 21 in Saskatoon. He was born Apr. 28, 1914 to Frank J. and Elizabeth Baerg in Waldheim, Sask. He was an excellent scholar and a born teacher. He went to school in Waldheim and Hepburn, Sask. He committed his life to Christ at 16. His preaching ministry began at 18 when Hepburn MB Church invited him to be a “helper in the Word”. Feeling called by God to ministry, he attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, graduating in 1932. He was ordained at 28. During the summer, he taught Daily Vacation Bible School and held evangelistic meetings under the Canadian Sunday School Mission. He graduated from teachers’ college in 1935 and taught in the Hudson Bay School District near Hepburn for 3 years. He earned a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, a B.D. from Northwestern Evangelical Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, a liberal arts degree in psychology and counselling from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., and, in 1952, a D.Th. from Northwestern. He took pastoral counselling at summer school at Berkeley and Pasadena, Calif. He often spoke of how God miraculously provided for his physical needs during the years of poverty while he was a student. He taught at Northwestern when Billy Graham was president for 2 years. He taught at Bethany 1942–45, at MB Bible College in Winnipeg for 2 years and part-time at Tabor College for a year. He was dean and taught New Testament, theology and Greek at Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno, Calif. for 5 years and was dean and professor at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno for 9 years, including 2 years as acting president. He was a member of the General MB Conference Board of Reference and Counsel for 9 years, served on the Board of MBMS International for 9 years and was much involved in the US MB District Conferences. He pastored Buhler (Kan.) MB Church for 5 years and Dinuba (Calif.) MB Church for 12 years. His wife Annie died Jan. 1, 1977 after 41 years of marriage. He returned to Canada and pastored Central MB Church in Saskatoon for 6 years. On Aug. 27, 1978, he married Emma Lepp, who had been a missionary to India for 32 years. He continued his preaching and teaching ministry until early 2000. He was a positive influence in his community, a gentle effective witness, a lover of people, a loving husband, a wise counsellor, a great provider and a generous giver. He quoted 2 Timothy 4:7,8 the day before he died. Predeceased by Annie, 1 sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Emma; 1 sister and 2 brothers.
Russell Edward Miller
Russell Edward Miller passed away Oct. 6. He was born Feb. 20, 1917 in Palmerston, Ont. He went to school in the Niagara area after the family moved there in the early 1920s. He started his own dairy business while still a teen. He was an entrepreneur and adventurer. He became a commercial pilot, surviving 3 emergency landings. During World War II, he kept an identity as a farmer because he did not want to serve as a military pilot. He married Mary Agnes Jones in 1937; 2 sons were born to them. The couple later separated. Mary died in 1989. By the early 1960s, he had sold his dairy products distribution business as well as some property. For a brief time, he sold mutual funds, then began building lightweight canoes. For over 20 years, he donated 1 per year to Camp Crossroads. He began attending Vineland (Ont.) MB Church in the 1970s. He was baptized June 7, 1981 by Isaac Block. Later he brought his 2 grandsons to the church to attend boys’ club and Sunday school. He was a quiet, faithful man with a genuine smile. He participated in Bible study groups. He was planning to go whitewater canoeing in summer 2001 when he suffered a partial stroke. He was hosptialized by a more severe stroke in September. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by sons Willard of California and Ralph of Jordan, Ont.; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 11 at Vineland MB Church, with Doug Schulz and Henry Wiebe ministering.
Peter D. Labun
Peter D. Labun of Winkler, Man. passed away Dec. 6. He was born Oct. 17, 1909 to Peter and Elizabeth Labun at Kronsgart, Man. He attended Winkler High School, MCI in Gretna, Man. and Winkler Bible School. At 24, he found peace with God and assurance of salvation when he read Romans 8:14. He married Esther Nickel May 25, 1941 in Ebenezer MB Church, Dalmeny, Sask. They farmed near Winkler and had chickens, cows and horses. In 1948 they moved to Winkler. He became general manager of Stanley Consumers Co-op. He went into the insurance business in 1969, then acquired the Simpson Sears catalogue business, working with Esther. They retired in 1977. He enjoyed discussing politics and business. He was on the school board and was chair of the first board of Winkler Bible Camp in the 1950s. He and Esther were involved with the Gideons. He also was on the Co-op Vegetable Oils Board in Altona, Man. and the Managers Advisory Committee of Federated Co-operatives and was a district delegate to the annual meetings of Canadian Co-op Implements. Church was important to him. He served on various committees and continued to teach adult Sunday school into retirement. He lovingly cared for his father, who died of cancer, and for Esther, helping with her medication for diabetes. He would go to considerable effort in preparing family devotions. He enjoyed singing, especially at Christmas. In retirement, they travelled to numerous places, including Hawaii, Israel, England and the US. He enjoyed bowling. He was there for his children in good and bad times, giving them love and support even when he didn’t agree with their decisions. Predeceased by Esther in 1997, he is mourned by children Richard, Dorothy, Edward, Walter, Theodore and Charles; 14 grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 11 at Winkler MB Church, with Ted Goossen and Allan Labun ministering.
Helga Burger
Helga Burger of Stony Plain, Alta. passed away Aug. 20. She was born Apr. 3, 1935 to Cornelius and Annie Bartel in Swiniary, Poland. Her father was conscripted into the army. Her mother fled to West Germany with the 3 children. The children became sick and 2 died. Helga and her parents immigrated to Arnold, B.C. in 1948. After graduating from Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C., she began working at the CIBC in Abbotsford. She was baptized and joined Arnold MB Church. In 1956 the family moved to Vancouver, where she continued working for the CIBC. She joined Vancouver MB Church, sang in the choir and participated in a youth group. In 1960 she served for a year with MCC at Kingsview Hospital in Reedley, Calif. She resumed work at CIBC in Vancouver. She enjoyed travelling with friends on vacations. In 1969 she transfered to a CIBC branch in Edmonton. In 1971 she married Orie Burger, a farmer from Stony Plain. Shortly into their married life, she learned she had a defective heart valve; she had open-heart surgery in 1975. She was active in Stony Plain Alliance Church. She volunteered many hours in the nursery on Sunday mornings and weekly during Mothers’ Morning Out. She volunteered at the Stony Plain Multicultural Centre, joining a group of ladies sewing quilts. She enjoyed crafts, especially knitting, making many sweaters, socks, toques, gloves and doilies for family, friends and charity. She was a devoted wife. Orie died in 1996. Her faith in God remained steadfast. In her last 5 years, her health declined, but she continued with courage and perseverance. During her last weeks in hospital, she endured graciously, and was at peace with God, herself and others. Predeceased by Orie, 1 brother and 2 sisters, she is mourned by 1 sister, Lil Dickau.
Hank Konrad
Hank Konrad of Yarrow, B.C. passed away Nov. 21 after a courageous 2 1/2-year battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 17, 1943 in Winkler, Man. He lived most of his life in Yarrow. He had many interests, including weightlifting, carpentry and rebuilding trucks. He was a faithful sports spectator. For the last 17 years, he worked at Premdor in Yarrow. He is mourned by his wife Irene of 36 years; sons Dale of Chilliwack, B.C. and Dean of Clive, Alta.; 4 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. A memorial service was held Nov. 24 at Yarrow MB Church.
Henry Giesbrecht
Henry Giesbrecht of Richmond, B.C. passed away Nov. 9. He was born Oct. 25, 1928 to Heinrich and Katharina Giesbrecht in Sagradovka, Ukraine. His father was sent to a labour camp in Siberia in 1936, was later released but died from TB. During World War II, he and his mother and sisters fled to Poland. At 16, he was drafted into a German youth camp. Through events he later recognized as the hand of God, he was reunited with his family in Germany. In 1948 the family immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay. Here he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. He married Liese Zacharias Oct. 21, 1950. In 1958 they immigrated to Vancouver. He loved his family and prayed daily for them. He worked at Sauder Doors in Richmond for 29 years, retiring in 1992. He joined the Fraserview Senior Club. He loved to bowl and play pool with friends. He was a faithful member of Culloden MB Church, Vancouver. He served as parking lot attendant and was always willing to help with special events or maintenance projects. He worked as a volunteer at the MCC thrift store in Vancouver. He was diagnosed with cancer in June 2001. He is remembered for his friendliness, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, willingness to help, forgiving nature and strong faith in the Lord. He lived his life as a good and faithful servant. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Liese; children Betty Wiebe, John, Netty Klein and Wendy; 7 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The memorial service was Nov. 14 in Culloden MB Church, with Ted Klassen and Herb Brandt ministering.
Elizabeth Margaret Sawatzky
Elizabeth Margaret Sawatzky of Pierceland, Sask. passed away Nov. 30. She was born Mar. 3, 1929 to Henry and Katharina Schmidt of Mennon, Sask. She grew up on a farm. At 11, during evangelistic services at her school, she accepted Christ. At 13, she was baptized and joined Ebenezer MB Church, Dalmeny, Sask. Her desire was to serve the Lord. She attended Dalmeny Bible School and participated in various Christian service assignments. In 1952, while serving in North Battleford, Sask., she met co-worker Isaac Sawatzky; they married July 1, 1953. She was an energetic, talented woman whose goal was to serve others. She loved entertaining, hosting guest speakers, Bible school deputation workers, staff banquets and visitors to the church. She enjoyed cooking regularly for church and community functions and various summer Bible camps. She quilted, did gardening and made household goods and crafts. She learned to play piano as a girl, pursued musical training throughout her adult life and taught piano. In church she was involved with children’s choirs, Christmas concerts, adult choirs and musical groups. She played piano for church services, weddings, funerals and graduations. She taught Sunday school for years and organized DVBS and day camps, often hosting the workers while planning and coordinating the curriculum and crafts. She was involved with a women’s Bible study, Ladies’ Aid and Women’s World Day of Prayer. In the late 1980s she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In recent years, she became increasingly less mobile. In fall 2000 she moved to Bonnyville (Alta.) Long-term Care Centre. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 1 sister and infant son Wayne, she is mourned by Isaac; children Les of Pierceland, Kelvin of Fort McMurray, Alta., Brian of Pierceland, Karen of Hafford, Sask. and Lana of Waldheim, Sask.; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 4 at Pierceland Community Hall, with Mike Adamczyk ministering.
Rebecca Diane Plett
Rebecca Diane Plett of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. passed away Sept. 20. She was born Feb. 15, 1987 to Walter and Lydia Plett. She smiled and laughed often and had confidence and a strong passion for life. She loved school, social interactions, team and individual sports and, most of all, God. When she was 5, she told her mother that she wanted to have Jesus live in her heart, and made a sincere commitment. At other times, especially prompted by experiences at Pioneer Girls and Camp Crossroads, she prayed, wanting to be certain that her whole heart was dedicated to God. She read her Bible regularly, and many verses were underlined. She was a positive example to her friends. On Nov. 30, 2000 she was diagnosed with leukemia. She had a number of operations and a variety of interventions, but was sensitive to chemotherapy and was susceptible to infection. She was able to attend her grade 8 graduation in June 2001. A few days before she was to be released from hospital, doctors discovered she had meningitis. Throughout her illness, she displayed courage and trust in her Saviour, often reminding others that “God is in control”. She is mourned by her parents; siblings Kristi, Melanie, Stephen and Jordan; and grandparents Abram and Erna Duerksen. The funeral was Sept. 24, with Paul Fast and Herman Plett ministering.
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Last modified February 11, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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