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In this section:
Edwin Fast
Edwin Fast passed away Mar. 5. He was born Jan. 17, 1916 to Peter B. and Nettie Fast in Dalmeny, Sask. He was baptized Aug. 30, 1931, joining Ebenezer MB Church in Dalmeny. He was a farmer for 60 years. He was a faithful church member who participated in Brigades and Bible study groups and served in Sunday school for 35 years, as secretary and superintendent. He knew each child personally and felt a sense of responsibility for them. He married Linda Willms July 9, 1946. He loved his family, cared faithfully for them and did whatever he could for them. He regularly attended church and church business meetings. He helped wherever help was needed. In retirement, he built a house in Abbotsford, B.C. Later they moved to Waterloo, Ont. to be closer to their daughter. In the last 12 years he spent many hours making blankets and embroidering beautiful pictures. His sincere faith carried him through life and gave him strength in his suffering during the last 2 months. He was ready to meet his Creator. Predeceased by daughter Judith and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Linda; and daughter Constance. The funeral was held in Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church, with Grant Gordon and John Wall ministering.
Peter J. Boese
Peter J. Boese of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Dec. 31. He was born June 29, 1910 to Jacob and Agatha Boese in Ukraine. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada; his father was delayed 2 years because of a disabled leg, due to polio as a child. The family settled in Arnaud, Man. He accepted Christ in his youth, was baptized and joined Arnaud MB Church. He married Tina Janzen June 30, 1940. They farmed in Arnaud. In 1949 they moved to St. Catharines, where they joined Fairview MB Church. For many years he was an installer for drapery companies, retiring in 1979. He was a gentle, loving man who prayed much for his family. He had much illness in his life. He lived in Tabor Home for 6 years. He is mourned by Tina; sons Ted, Ronald and Robert; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 4 in Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.
Irene Wiens
Irene Wiens passed away Apr. 1. She was born Sept. 28, 1926 to John and Jesse Fast in Ukraine. The family came to Canada when she was a few months old. By this time, she had lost a sister; shortly after arriving in Canada, she lost her twin, Gredel. She attended Sunday school in a small country church. She accepted Christ at 11. In 1942 the family moved to Ontario. She attended Ontario Bible School 1944–45. She enjoyed going to church, singing and teaching Sunday school. She was committed to discovering and doing God’s will. In 1955 she married Nick Wiens of Leamington, Ont. in the MB church in St. Catharines, Ont. She wasn’t highly educated, but showed excellent qualities as a wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Leamington MB Church for many years. She had a brain tumour, but even in her final 8 days said, “I’m praising the Lord every day.” She passed away peacefully at home with family. Predeceased by Nick, she is mourned by children David, Kenneth, Judy, Kevin and Gordon; and 12 grandchildren.
Katie Born
Katie Born of Winnipeg passed away Feb. 21. She was born July 29, 1921 to Kornelius and Elizabeth Heinrichs in Franzfeld, Ukraine. Her father was taken by the communists Dec. 27, 1937 and never seen again. His last words to her were “Seek first the riches of God and it will go well with you.” She married Kornelius Wiebe Oct. 15, 1940. He was conscripted into the Russian army May 4, 1941; he died of appendicitis in April 1942 while in German captivity. In October 1943 she fled to Poland. She worked in a coal mine office in Upper Silesia. In 1944 she was sent back to Litzmannstadt, Poland. In 1945 she was taken to a prison work camp. She was reunited with her mother in Gronau May 17, 1949. They came to Canada, arriving in Winkler, Man. in November 1949. In July 1950 she was baptized and joined Winkler MB Church. She worked as a housekeeper for a year, in an orchard in Ontario for 6 months, as a housekeeper in Winkler for 2 years and as assistant cook at Winkler Bible School for 6 months. In June 1953 she found work in a Christian home in Winnipeg where she learned English. She married Gerhard Born Oct. 17, 1959. She cleaned homes in Winnipeg. With the ladies’ group at Elmwood MB Church she made quilts and relief packages for those in need. She was a Sunday school teacher and Pioneer Girls leader. After she quit being a guide, she was a “pal” in the program for many years. In 1966, when her stepfather died, her mother moved in with them. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts – taught liquid embroidery, did decoupage, knitted, sewed, crocheted and refinished furniture. She was a craft teacher at Lions Manor and later became a health care aid in the evening for 12 years, retiring at 65. She enjoyed being a grandmother and loved gardening and yard work. They invited many people to their home and visited others. She was diagnosed with cancer in August 2001. They moved to an apartment in November. Predeceased by Kornelius, 3 sisters and 9 brothers, she is mourned by Gerhard; daughters Carolyn Friesen and Lena Kublick; and 5 grandchildren.
Anna Duester
Anna Duester of Winnipeg passed away Apr. 12, 2001. She was born Dec. 25, 1907 to Abraham and Anna Reimer in Otartschik, Crimea, Russia. She accepted Christ in her early youth, was baptized and joined the Allianz church in October 1928. She was active in youth work, was in the choir and played various musical instruments. When she was 21, her father died; she took care of her mother and 3 younger siblings. She married Jakob Duester Jan. 20, 1931; 2 children were born. In February 1938 Jakob was imprisoned. She never saw him again. In 1944 she, her mother and her children came to Germany, moving from refugee camp to refugee camp, finally arriving at Lichtefelde, West Berlin. She was involved in choir and Sunday school. They immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay, joining Gnadenthal MB Church. She served as choir director for many years. She loved singing and memorized many songs. In May 1957 she and her son immigrated to Winnipeg. She bought a house, living in it until 1984. She enjoyed cross-stitching large murals, completing 185 which she gave to her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. She moved to Donwood Manor, adjusting quickly by making friends. In November 1998 she fell and broke a leg. She spent a year in Riverview Health Centre, yet remained faithful in attending church every Sunday. She returned to her apartment in January 1999, then moved to Donwood Personal Care Facility. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Through Christ, she found peace for the everyday and hope for the future. She read the entire Bible every year for the last 30 years. She remained alert and articulate until the end. Predeceased by Jakob in 1941, 2 sisters and 5 brothers, she is mourned by daughter Anna Friesen; son Erwin; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother.
Katy Enns
Katy Enns of Winnipeg, formerly of Niverville, Man., passed away Mar. 29. She was born Mar. 29, 1907 to Johann and Anna Schroeder in Franzfeld, Ukraine. Her father was a teacher. The family moved to Neuendorf, to Arkadak in 1910 and to Rosenthal in 1918. Typhoid claimed many, including her grandfather and 12-year-old sister. In 1923 the family immigrated to Steinbach, Man. They eventually bought a farm near Niverville. She began thinking and asking questions about God but did not accept Christ until age 20. She was baptized in August 1931 by Heinrich Rempel and joined Niverville MB Church. She married Jacob Enns in November 1931. Despite the Depression, the Lord provided for all their needs. Daughter Johanna was born with a congenital heart defect and died 6 years later in 1939. Jacob died in 1982. She moved to Niverville Place, then Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, Winnipeg, in 1999. Predeceased by Jacob and daughter Johanna, she is mourned by children Jake of Edmonton, Hilda Wiens of Regina, Hardy of Winnipeg, Rudy of Niverville and Irmie Pauls of Surrey, B.C.; 13 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother; and “adopted daughter” Mary Penner of Abbotsford, B.C. The funeral was Apr. 5 in Fourth Ave. Bible Church, Niverville, with Gerhard Friesen and Rick McCorkindale ministering.
Agnes Janzen
Agnes Janzen passed away Feb. 16. She was born Aug. 17, 1902 to Jacob and Anna Loewen in southern Russia. In 1923 she married Dietrich Janzen. In the mid-1920s they came to Canada. They were among the early settlers in Reesor, Ont. They moved to the Niagara Falls area. She accepted Christ and was baptized. While Dietrich worked in a factory, she spent a good part of her adult life as a cook. Dietrich died in 1957. She moved several times in Niagara Falls, settling in a small house. Her cheerful, friendly manner built a circle of friends, who provided care and support when she needed it. She joined Virgil (Ont.) MB (now Cornerstone Community) Church, but found transportation to church a challenge. Deacons and other church members visited her regularly. She moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, Ont., for the last 10 years. She crocheted items for family and friends and enjoyed shopping for wool at Zellers, then ordering a hamburger and fries. She had a wonderful singing voice and a good memory. Her room was filled with music, including many Russian songs from earlier years. This was an expression of her inner peace and strong faith. Predeceased by Dietrich, sons Vern and Nick and a granddaughter, she is mourned by daughters Ann Nelson of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Vera Klassen of Cambridge, Ont. and Dorothy Niecwieski of West Seneca, N.Y.; son Jake of Queenston, Ont.; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-granddaughters. The funeral was Feb. 19 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Vic Loewen and Albert Friesen ministering.
Anna Nickel
Anna Nickel passed away Mar. 12. She was born Dec. 9, 1930 to Anna Zielke in Wymyschle, Poland. At about 5, she was adopted by Peter and Amanda Janz. Through their godly influence she came to faith in Christ. In 1946 the family fled to Germany. At a church in Gronau, she met John Nickel in 1949. She immigrated to Canada in 1951 and was joined by her parents a year later. She married John June 7, 1952 in Newton, Man. A month later, they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. She worked hard on farms and nurseries during the early years of her marriage and cared for her young family. Although sewing and baking were not favourite activities, she was talented in them and provided well for her family. She had a great love for music and a singing voice to match. Later, a daily bright spot was socializing with friends at the Donut Diner. Facing mobility difficulties in later years, she had double knee replacement surgery Mar. 4, from which she did not recover. She is mourned by John; children Frank, Henry, Anneliese Adams and Marlene Englisch; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 15 in Cornerstone Community Church, with Vic Loewen and George Wichert ministering.
Bernhard Herman Falk
Bernhard Herman Falk passed away Jan. 28 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He was born Apr. 11, 1910 to Herman and Anna Falk in Steinfeld, Ukraine. When he was 9, his father died of typhus. He quit school in order to support the family. He accepted Christ. In 1926 the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. He married Mary Petkau Sept. 29, 1935 in Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church. He worked as a blacksmith for several difficult years. They went to Ontario and bought a farm in Niagara-on-the Lake in 1939. He was a trustee in Virgil (Ont.) MB Church and helped fundraise for Eden Christian College. He was a good provider and worked 2 shifts a day for several years – being a farmer by day and a watchman and welder at the Lord & Burnham Greenhouse at night. In 1981 unsuccessful eye surgeries forced retirement from the farm. They moved to Virgil. He traded in his car for a bicycle. When Mary’s health failed, he learned to bake zwieback and make borscht. Mary died Feb. 15, 1992. In 1994 he moved to Pleasant Manor. Here he made friends, helped host the Wednesday morning coffee hour, delivered the Cornerstone Church bulletins, started a petition for a Highway 55 crosswalk, pushed for live church broadcasts at the Manor and enjoyed playing Chinese checkers. After the sudden death of his son John in 1999, he questioned why God would take a young, strong man instead of him. He never regained his zest for life. Predeceased by Mary, son John, a grandson and a great-grandchild, he is mourned by children Ben, Peter, Bill and Ann; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 1 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with George Wichert and Vic Loewen ministering.
Jacob Paul Hiebert
Jacob Paul Hiebert of Winkler, Man. passed away Apr. 1 after a long illness. He was born Dec. 28, 1918 to Peter and Anna Hiebert in the Bloomfield district. He and his wife Elsie (nee Warkentin) farmed near Plum Coulee, Man. They moved to Plum Coulee in 1957 and to Winkler in 1959. He continued to farm, but his interest in cars led him into full-time sales, first in cars and later in securities and insurance. He collected antique cars, mainly Lincoln Continentals. He was a warm, friendly, generous man. It gave him pleasure to give to others. He loved to share stories and was always ready with a joke, story or memory. Predeceased by a sister, he is mourned by Elsie; daughter Marilyn Mackay and son James, both of Winnipeg; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 5 in Winkler MB Church, with Ted Goossen and James Hiebert ministering.
Ruth Helen Klassen
Ruth Helen Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 2 of cancer. She was born Feb. 11, 1929 to Franz C. and Margarethe Thiessen in Rosthern, Sask. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1932 and to Abbotsford in 1943. She accepted Christ at 10 and was baptized Aug. 5, 1945, joining South Abbotsford MB Church. She graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute in 1947. She spent a year studying piano and a year at Normal School in Vancouver. She married Harold Klassen Aug. 25, 1951. They lived in Clearbrook, B.C. She worked hard to provide a caring home for her family. She showed love to her children and grandchildren. She served God, her church and her community with music. She was a choir accompanist, piano teacher and church organist. She sang in many choirs throughout her life and enjoyed attending all kinds of concerts. She was adventurous and loved to travel. Cancer was diagnosed in October 2000. She lived graciously and courageously to the end, confident in God’s loving presence. Predeceased by Harold and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Irene Friesen, Rita, Randy, and Lorri Ratzlaff; 8 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The memorial service was held Apr. 5 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ross Johnston, Henry Thiessen and Michael Dick ministering.
Lam Man Fung
Lam Man Fung passed away Mar. 26. He was born in 1958 in Hong Kong. He was quiet and self-disciplined and had a passion for reading. He loved playing soccer, swimming, camping, hiking and riding his bicycle. He enjoyed music and learned to play classical guitar. He accepted Christ as a teen at an evangelistic meeting at a church close to his home. As a young adult, he felt God’s call to serve while at a summer church conference. He graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University in 1982 and enrolled in the Seminary of the Evangelical Free Church in 1984, but left after a year, following some disharmony in his local church. He began attending Lam Tin Alliance Church, where he met the church planter, Ms Lam Siu Ling. He taught Sunday school and served as a deacon, slowly rebuilding his faith in serving others. He taught Chinese to foreign missionaries, and through them considered serving in full-time ministry again. He married Siu Ling in August 1989. He earned an M.Div. from China Graduate School of Theology in 1993. He pastored Lek Yuen Church 1993–2000. He touched many lives with his sensitive manner, observant ways and listening skills. In 1999 he completed chaplaincy training. In August 2000 he came to Canada to pastor Tri-City Chinese Christian Church in Coquitlam, B.C. On Mar. 23, 2001 he was admitted to hospital because of abdominal pain; 3 tumours were discovered in his liver. He underwent surgery Apr. 26. He recovered rapidly and by the end of July resumed full duties at church. In October, he began experiencing pain in his lower back. He preached his last sermon Nov. 25 on “Life Without Regrets” based on 2 Timothy 4:5-8. Cancer was confirmed in January. It later spread to his lungs. He was hospitalized Mar. 4. He was ordained Mar. 10 in the hospital. He continued to encourage his family and congregation with Joshua 24:15b. He is mourned by Siu Ling; children Jonathan and Joyce; his parents; 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
Nick D. Siebert
Nick D. Siebert of Kelowna, B.C. passed away Feb. 26. He was born Sept. 14, 1919 to Nick and Gertrude Siebert in Sparrau, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Dalmeny, Sask. After a month, they moved to Clairmont, Alta. Several years later, they purchased a farm in La Glace, Alta. He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized in 1939, joining La Glace MB Church. He served in Sunday school and music ministry. He married Mary Hamm May 17, 1944. In 1944 he started farming with his brother Henry. In 1952 he bought a farm and grew grain and raised chickens, pigs and Herefords. After 38 years, they sold the farm and retired to Kelowna. He played pool, read books, golfed and enjoyed going back to help his sons with seeding and harvesting. In summer 2001 he noticed a significant loss of energy and quit golfing. During prostate surgery, acute leukemia was discovered, which led to his death 2 months later. Predeceased by daughter Marilyn, he is mourned by Mary; daughter Alvina Block of Kelowna; sons Harold of Winnipeg, Dan of Main Centre, Sask., Victor and Leonard, both of La Glace, and Ken of Vancouver; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. The memorial service was held in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnie Peters ministering.
William John Baerg
William John Baerg of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Mar. 29. He was born Aug. 23, 1907 to Johan and Justina Baerg in Rosenort, southern Russia. In 1910 the family moved to the Crimea, where his father took over the farm that belonged to his grandfather. In 1929 he came to Canada alone, at the urging of his family. In the early 1930s, he attended church in the Manitou, Man. area. He married Mary Lepp in November 1932. He worked as a blacksmith in Snowflake, Man. In 1945 they moved to Sardis, B.C., where they built Baerg’s Auto Body Shop, which he operated for 39 years. They joined Greendale MB Church, serving on many committees and in the choir. He enjoyed music. In 1984 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. Mary died in 1999, and he moved to Menno Home. He had a strong faith in God. Predeceased by Mary, daughter Nellie Hunt and son John, he is mourned by daughters Mary Fast and Rita Thiessen; son Bill; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 4 in Menno Home, Abbotsford, with David Dick and Henry Thiessen ministering.
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Last modified June 14, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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