To Home PageMB HeraldMennonite Brethren HeraldVolume 41, No. 13July 12, 2002
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Deaths


In this section:

Deaths
  • John Toews
  • Henry Willms
  • George James Thiessen
  • Agnes Barkman
  • Isaac R. Dyck
  • Elisabeth (Betty) Hiebert
  • Mary Bandsmer
  • John Jakob Siemens
  • Nellie Ann Kliever
  • John D. Balzer
  • Murray Gerald Enns
  • Clarence Balman
  • Lynnette May Beth Friesen
  • Annie Quiring
  • Agnes Dueck
  • Peter Willms
  • Anne Olenick
  • Sara Janzen
  • Richard Esselink



  • John Toews

    John Toews
    John Toews passed away Apr. 4. He was born Sept. 24, 1922 to Gerhard and Katharina Toews in Davlekanovo, Ufa, Russia. After the communists confiscated all their possessions, the family fled to Krassikov, Neu Samara, to his father’s half-sister in Ukraine in 1937, then to Sergafka. He accepted Christ on Good Friday, 1942 and was baptized in September 1942 in the Dniepr River. In fall 1943 the family fled to Warthegau, Poland. In June 1944 he was drafted into the German army. His parents gave him Psalm 121 as a blessing. He was wounded at the Russian front and taken to a hospital in Vienna, where he became a prisoner of war. He was taken to Dresden, Germany and released. He travelled to a farm in Gronau, Germany, where cousin Maria Toews worked. He learned that his parents had been sent back to Russia, where they eventually starved to death. In summer 1952 he immigrated to Canada, welcomed as a son by the Nick Sieberts, in Greendale, B.C. In Vancouver, he worked at Aylmer Vegetable Cannery, wholesale distributor Nutty Club and J.R. Murray Plywood Factory. Beginning in 1954, he laid hardwood floors for 5 years, then switched to linoleum floors and countertops. He married Annie Voth Apr. 23, 1960. They attended Vancouver and Culloden MB Churches. He was Sunday school treasurer, ordered Sunday school material and helped pack Christmas bags for children for many years. He enjoyed singing with the Ambassador Choir and Union Gospel Mission. He started his own business, Toews Floors Co. They had a wonderful, happy life. They enjoyed trips with their children to Alberta and vacationed in Osoyoos, B.C. for several years. In 1981, after he had open-heart surgery, the doctor gave him 10 years to live. In 1983 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where he did the occasional job, retiring at 65. He volunteered at the MCC furniture store. They attended Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, where he sang in the senior choir. In October 2001, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is mourned by Annie; daughters Ruth, Lorna, Marian, Linda and Anita; and 14 grandchildren. The memorial service was held Apr. 9 in Ross Road Community Church.



    Henry Willms

    Henry Willms
    Henry Willms passed away Apr. 7 of a heart attack. He was born June 26, 1929 to Abram and Mary Willms on a farm near Kelstern, Sask. He accepted Christ as a young boy. In 1947 he and brother Ab moved to B.C. He attended Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. 1951–56. While in school, he travelled a summer with a team singing in a duet and another year with a quartet. In 1957 he travelled as a soloist with a speaker visiting various churches. He married Violet Tetz July 13, 1957. They pastored their first church in La Glace, Alta. In 1960 they moved to Calgary, where he became assistant to the pastor at Highland MB Church and sold World Book Childcraft. He attended MB Bible College in Winnipeg 1962–65, serving as supply pastor in Winnipegosis and Horndean, Man. They pastored Brandon (Man.) MB Church for 10 1/2 years and Highland MB Church for 8 1/2 years. They became charter members of Highland’s daughter church, Dalhousie Community Church in Calgary, serving as pastor couple for 6 1/2 years. He was pastor of visitation and seniors’ ministry at Willingdon Church in Burnaby, B.C., 1990–94. They served interim pastoral assignments at North Langley Community Church in Langley, B.C., La Glace Bible Fellowship Church, Chilliwack (B.C.) Central MB Church, Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church, Murrayville Community Church in Langley and Peace Arch Fellowship in White Rock, B.C. On Oct. 1, 2000 he joined the staff at North Langley Community Church on a half-time basis. He enjoyed sharing the gospel and ministering to people not only in churches but also on mission trips to in South Korea and Fiji. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Vi; daughters Cheryl Schmucker and Elaine; 4 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was Apr. 20 in Willingdon Church.



    George James Thiessen

    George James Thiessen
    George James Thiessen passed away May 3. He was born July 1, 1910 to Rev. and Mrs. Jacob W. Thiessen in Herbert, Sask. He accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Greenfarm MB Church before graduating from high school. In 1930 he graduated from Moose Jaw (Sask.) Normal School, then taught near McMahon and Gouldtown, Sask. He was principal of a 2-room school in Main Centre, Sask., teaching all subjects grade 8–12. He was teacher and principal of Waldheim (Sask.) High School 1941–49. He continued his university education through correspondence and summer school for 10 years, and after a 1-year residence earned degrees in arts and education with a major in math. Following 2 years as “helping teacher” in the Herbert School Unit, he became superintendent of schools in the Blaine Lake (Sask.) School Unit. In 1959 he joined the faculty of Saskatoon Teachers College, which later became the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. He retired in 1975. He had a keen interest in school sports, especially track and field. He taught adult Bible classes in Sunday school for over 10 years and was the first moderator of Nutana MB Church in Saskatoon. He was a member of the Gideons for 50 years, serving on its Canadian board for several years. Predeceased by his wife Kathryn, a granddaughter, 3 brothers and 5 sisters, he is mourned by daughter Muriel Romancia; sons Roland and Burton; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held May 8 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Abe Klassen ministering.



    Agnes Barkman

    Agnes Barkman of Steinbach, Man. passed away May 8. She was born Dec. 18, 1919 in Russia. The family immigrated to western Manitoba in 1926, moved to Ste. Anne and settled in Steinbach. She married Leonard A. Barkman Dec. 22, 1945. She led a healthy life until 2000, when she broke her hip and needed hip replacement surgery, but continued to live on her own until entering hospital May 2. Her greatest joys included her children, grandchildren and gardening. Predeceased by Leonard Jan. 5, 1979, an infant sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by son Wayne; daughters Elaine Toews, Audrey, and Bev Kehler; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was May 11 in Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen ministering.



    Isaac R. Dyck

    Isaac R. Dyck
    Isaac R. Dyck passed away May 7. He was born in 1916 to Isaac Peter and Mary Dyck in Orenburg, Russia. When he was young, the family immigrated to Winkler, Man. He lived most of his life in Winkler and contributed much to the MB Church and the community. Though his first love was farming, he was general manager of Winkler Co-op Cannery for many years, chair of Winkler School Board and manager of the hockey club. He helped bring Eden Mental Health Centre to Winkler. He was named “Man of the Year” by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce in 1964. He and his wife Anne (nee Penner) served with MCC in Paraguay 1967–69 and worked with charitable organizations helping children in Kansas and Nebraska 1969–76. Upon returning to Canada, they worked with children in Calgary. In 1982 they retired to Kelowna, B.C. In 1998 he moved to Menno Home, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by daughter Elvira and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Anne; children Sylvia, Laurelly, Leslie, Elvina and Glenn; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was May 12 in Henderson’s Funeral Home, Abbotsford.



    Elisabeth (Betty) Hiebert

    Elisabeth (Betty) Hiebert
    Elisabeth (Betty) Hiebert passed away Sept. 12, 2001. She was born May 29, 1915 to Abram and Elisabeth Giesbrecht in Didsbury, Alta. When she was a year old, the family moved to Carnduff, Sask. She completed grade 8. She worked as a housemaid in various homes. She accepted Christ at 22. She met Abram D. Hiebert in Winkler, Man. in May 1938. After meeting twice, praying together for guidance and exchanging letters, they married June 26, 1938. She was baptized and joined Steinbach (Man.) MB Church in 1939. They moved to a homestead near Steinbach, where they lived in a log cabin. After living in a granary for several months, they moved to the Ekron School District, where they farmed until 1949. While she was in hospital giving birth to twins, their house was moved to Steinbach. In 1964 they moved to the renovated Ekron schoolhouse. They retired to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1985, moved to a care home in 1998 after she suffered a stroke and to Menno Home on their 60th anniversary. She was a dutiful wife who spent countless hours raising her family, memorized Scripture passages with her children and worked diligently to instill a love for the Lord in them. She could make a game out of any chore, and her singing was woven throughout household activities. Her influence was through the day-to-day acceptance of God’s will and submission to duty whether easy or difficult. Her children remember hearing her and Abram praying nightly at their bed for each of their children. She spent countless hours quilting for MCC. She was known for her hospitality, always ready with an extra place at the table, a warm greeting and sometimes a hug. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Abram; children Ruth Giesbrecht, Walter, Lydia Penner, Bill, Vi Blakeburn, Vic and Dennis; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 4 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 17 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Dave Epp ministering.



    Mary Bandsmer

    Mary Bandsmer
    Mary (Mika) Bandsmer of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Jan. 1. She was born July 15, 1908 to Abram and Anna Thiessen in Einlage, Chortitza, Ukraine. Through years of hardship, loss of loved ones, war and famine, her faith in God sustained her. She enjoyed her work of drafting blueprints in Zaporozhye. She married Otto Bandsmer Nov. 4, 1936. They fled to Germany in 1943, came to Canada in 1948 and settled in Abbotsford, where they bought a farm. Everywhere she went, she made friends. She loved singing, reciting poetry, showing hospitality, and work. She was a member of South Abbotsford MB Church and later King Road MB Church. Otto died Jan. 8, 1991. She continued to live on the farm for several years, then moved to Tabor Manor; her last year was at Tabor Home. Predeceased by Otto, she is mourned by son Rudy; 3 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The memorial service was Jan. 7 in King Road MB Church, with Robert Thiessen and Heinrich Loewen ministering.



    John Jakob Siemens

    John Jakob Siemens
    John Jakob Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 19. He was born Jan. 2, 1909 in Gusarowka, Russia. He had only grade 5 schooling, but learnt the skills of a wheelwright and woodworker. He was determined to do the best he could with what he had. He fled to Germany, and immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling in Pilot Butte, Sask., where he worked on several farms. In 1935 he moved to Winnipeg. In June 1936 he married Sara Klassen. They lived in Winnipeg where they attended North Kildonan MB Church. He accepted Christ and was baptized. In 1947 they moved to Arnold, B.C., where they farmed. After the flood of 1948, he worked in the construction industry. They later moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He and Sara travelled, often with friends, to Brazil, Paraguay, Israel, Germany and California and in Canada. Sara died in June 1995. His joy and prayers were with his family. He faithfully served as an usher in church for many years. Where he saw a need, he tried to help, not because of who people were, but because of what they needed. He is mourned by son Jack; daughter Katie Neufeld; 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 23 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.



    Nellie Ann Kliever

    Nellie Ann Kliever
    Nellie Ann Kliever of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 19. She was born Nov. 3, 1912 to Jacob and Sarah Loewen in Sunnyslope, Alta. After grade 8, she worked on her parents’ farm near Linden, Alta., caring for her grandmother and siblings, cooking, gardening and helping in the fields and barns. For 10 years she regularly drove to Calgary to sell poultry and fresh produce door-to-door. She earned a practical nursing licence by correspondence and worked for a local doctor. She married Andrew Kliever in 1944. They worked on a farm near Calgary for 7 months, then rented the Loewen farm for 6 1/2 years. In 1951 they moved to Abbotsford and bought a farm. Andy became bookkeeper at a car dealership. Nellie and the 3 children did janitorial work for the dealership and worked summers in the berry fields. They lived on 2 1/2 acres, and she had a huge garden. She spent many hours canning and preserving berries, fruit and vegetables. Later, she worked at Menno Hospital as a nurse’s aid, then in the kitchen. In 1973 she left work to care for 2 granddaughters. She taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school at the Alliance church. She was a charter member of the Evangelical Free church. Retired, she spent 1 day a week at MCC sorting donations. She sewed clothing and blankets for MCC, even after losing most of her eyesight. She loved to crochet. She cared for Andy during periods of ill health. In 1999 Andy died. She moved to Terrace Apartments at Menno Home. In August 2001 lung cancer was found. Predeceased by Andy, 2 infant sisters and 4 brothers, she is mourned by children Marion, Harvey and Jean; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was Apr. 26 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.



    John D. Balzer

    John D. Balzer
    John D. Balzer of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 13. He was born July 1, 1911 to David and Maria Balzer in Talma, Terek, Russia. After his father died in 1918, the family fled to Suvorovka, Schardau and Molotschna. In 1925 they immigrated to Herbert, Sask. He accepted Christ in his youth through a radio program, was baptized and joined Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church. He attended Coaldale Bible School. He married Mary Goertzen in 1936. He worked on a farm in Coaldale. They moved to Hammond, B.C. in 1942 and Pitt Meadows, B.C. in 1945. He was a mechanic, worked in the peat bog and was a millwright for B.C. Forest Products in Hammond for 23 years until retirement. In retirement, he repaired lawn mowers. They moved to Maple Ridge, B.C. in 1960, to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1980 and to Hallmark Assisted Living in 2000. He was a member of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 6 sisters, he is mourned by Mary; daughter Elsie Johnson; son Don; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 17 at Hallmark, with Don Merritt and Jake Balzer ministering.



    Murray Gerald Enns

    Murray Gerald Enns
    Murray Gerald Enns of Winkler, Man. passed away suddenly May 20. He was born Apr. 16, 1942 to Ben and Lydia Enns near Winkler. He accepted Christ as a child and was baptized in August 1958, joining Kronsgart MB Church. He later joined Winkler MB Church. He attended Winkler Bible Institute for 2 years and earned a B.Sc. in agriculture from the University of Manitoba. He married Linda Liggett of Winnipeg July 5, 1968. They adopted 2 children. He worked for Kroeker Farms, but later returned to the family farm. He loved farming, was meticulous in planning and constantly studied new methods. His preferred “restore and repair” to “replace”. He served in church as youth sponsor, secretary, moderator, music board member, missions board member, Sunday school teacher, pastoral search committee member and song leader. He was chair of the Manitoba MB Conference Missions and Church Extension board. He sang bass in the Perfect Peace Quartet for 19 years, was a member of the Garden Valley school board for 19 years, served on the pensions committee of the Manitoba Association of School Trustees, did tax returns for senior citizens, taught driver education to high school students and served with the Winkler Chamber of Commerce and Stanley Agricultural Society. He enjoyed the outdoors, growing things, music (particularly classical and gospel), stamp collecting, and reading farm magazines, National Geographic, Popular Science, his Bible and inspirational material. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1989. He was calm, steady and diplomatic, never raised his voice or argued, carefully listened to others, cautiously thought things through before making a decision and had a dry sense of humour. He managed the finances of absent family members and had a special concern for his aging parents. He is mourned by Linda; daughter Lisa Hafenbrak; son David; his parents; and 3 sisters. The funeral was May 26 in Winkler MB Church, with Victor Neufeld and Ted Goossen ministering.



    Clarence Balman

    Clarence Balman
    Clarence Balman of Waldheim, Sask. passed away May 23 after being diagnosed with cancer May 13. He was born Dec. 28, 1926 to Peter and Helen Balman in Hepburn, Sask. He was raised on a farm. At 16, he left home to work at the camp at Burns Lake, B.C., he drove truck, was a farm labourer, worked at the potash mine for 5 years and worked for the City of Saskatoon 1948–58. He was hired by the Town of Waldheim to run the outdoor arena in 1960 and became town foreman/utility man in 1961; he retired Jan. 1, 1993. He married Marlene Janzen May 2, 1964 in Zoar Mennonite Church. He also unloaded grain doors for 10 years in the evenings and on weekends and had a contract with CN to haul freight from the train station. Family was important to him. They went for drives in the country, spent a week every summer at Silver Top Cabins at Chitek Lake, spent Good Fridays at the hotel/waterslide in Prince Albert, Sask., and had barbecues. Later, he became a “hockey dad” for his son’s games. Retired, he enjoyed going for coffee, playing pool at the seniors centre, taking care of his yard, garden and trees and spending time with his granddaughters. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by Marlene; daughters Bertha Moorman, Lynn Nadeau and Pamela Friesen; son Peter; 4 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral was May 27 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.



    Lynnette May Beth Friesen

    Lynnette May Beth Friesen
    Lynnette May Beth Friesen passed away Apr. 28 in Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal. She was born Oct. 11, 1951 to Frank and Dora Friesen in New Westminster, B.C. She attended elementary and high school in Abbotsford, B.C. She was baptized Feb. 25, 1968 while attending Lake Errock (B.C.) MB Church. She was a member of Willingdon MB Church in Burnaby, B.C. for many years while working for the Royal Bank. She spent a year in Holland on a student exchange program. She earned an M.Div. from MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., worked in the library and was administrative assistant to the president for 2 years. She moved to Montreal, where she enrolled in the master’s program in library and information studies at McGill University. She found a church home in the Mennonite church in Montreal. She made friends wherever she went. She had good health during her first year of studies, but a brain tumour was discovered in her second year. Surgery was successful, but radiation and chemotherapy damaged her lungs. She is mourned by her parents; sister Sally and brothers Tim, Paul and Jonathan.



    Annie Quiring

    Annie Quiring
    Annie Quiring of Dalmeny, Sask. passed away Apr. 18. She was born Aug. 3, 1910 to John and Sara Buhler near Dalmeny. After grade 8, she worked on her parents’ farm. She accepted Christ at 14, was baptized Aug. 31, 1924 in the North Saskatchewan River and joined Dalmeny MB Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir. She attended Dalmeny Bible School for a year. She married Peter H. Quiring Oct. 21, 1930. After 49 years of farming, they retired to Dalmeny. She faithfully served as an usher in church, was on the lunch committee with Peter for many years and participated in the ladies group. She had the gift of hospitality, welcoming family and friends. Gardening was a big part of her summers; in winter she quilted, sewed, crocheted, knitted, embroidered and read. She was diagnosed with adenoid cyst carcinoma in 1993, but this did not deter her zest for life. When Peter’s health was failing, she lived with daughter Dorothy and her husband John for 2 years. Peter died Nov. 3, 1999. In September 2000 she moved to Spruce Villa, Dalmeny, where she found new and old friends and enjoyed her independence. She moved to Spruce Manor Special Care Home in March 2002. She had a kind, gentle spirit, loved unconditionally, was always there for her family, had an unwavering faith in God, prayed for her family and modelled Christ. Predeceased by Peter, 5 sisters and 7 brothers, she is mourned by daughter Dorothy Goetz and son Sam, both of Dalmeny; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Apr. 23 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky and Alvin Penner ministering.



    Agnes Dueck

    Agnes Dueck passed away May 12. She was born Nov. 12, 1930 to John A. and Maria Dueck in Manitoba. She accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at 14. She continued to find assurance of salvation in John 14:1-6. She started school late and struggled due to poor eyesight. The family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. At 15, she left school to help at home. She attended Bible school and decided to become a teacher. At MEI, she skipped grades 9–10 and took grades 11–13 in 3 years. She attended Vancouver Normal School with her sister Doreen. Their first teaching assignment was in Glassy Plains, B.C. She loved children. She taught at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. for 15 years, at Rainbow Christian School in Vanderhoof, B.C. for 9 years, in Japan for 3 years, in St. Anthony, Nfld. for 2 years, in Abbotsford for 1 year, in Salmon Arm, B.C. and in Quesnel, B.C.  40 years in all. She volunteered in special education at Heritage Christian School and tutored students in her home. She taught Sunday school from age 16 to March 2002, and Daily Vacation Bible School. In her last years, she struggled with heart problems and cancer. She found comfort in Isaiah 26:3. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by brother Albert; sisters Doreen Neufeld and Erna Wedel; stepfather Abram Olfert; and 6 stepsiblings. The funeral was May 18 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C., with Mark Burch and Hugo Neufeld ministering.



    Peter Willms

    Peter Willms
    Peter Willms of Watrous, Sask. passed away Feb. 27 of cancer. He was born Apr. 1, 1920 in Ukraine. He, his widowed mother and his brother came to Canada in 1929. He married Anne Driediger May 10, 1942. During World War II, he served with the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers in Holland and Belgium. He and Annie farmed in the Plymouth district, retiring to Watrous in 1986. He enjoyed farming, especially working in the design and repair of equipment. He loved reading, experimenting and taking courses through the community college to learn more about welding, diesel mechanics, air conditioning and photography. He patiently passed his knowledge onto his family. He was a caring, gracious, gentle man who loved his family, the church and the Lord. He was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent and deacon. He was a member of the Plymouth School Board and Plymouth Snow Plow Club. He loved his community and did all his business in Watrous. In retirement, he helped in the operation of the family farm, visited his family and spent time with his grandchildren. He is mourned by Anne; children John of Edmonton, Ray of Portage la Prairie, Man., Edie Friesen of Regina and Phil of Watrous; 8 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 1 in Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, with Darren Holland and LaVerne Jantz ministering.



    Anne Olenick

    Anne Olenick
    Anne (Unger) Olenick of Winnipeg passed away May 19. She was born May 3, 1923 in Russia. The family immigrated to Manitoba via Mexico in 1927; they moved to Ontario 9 years later. She returned to Winnipeg in 1947. Her most enjoyable employment was working 14 years with human resources at CBC Radio. She retired a year after her marriage to Harry Olenick on Sept. 1, 1969. She enjoyed travelling to some of the earth’s beautiful places, loved animals, connected easily with people and was a loyal sister, aunt and friend. Predeceased by 3 brothers, she is mourned by Harry; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was May 23 in Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, Winnipeg, with John Regehr ministering.



    Sara Janzen

    Sara Janzen
    Sara Janzen passed away May 28. She was born Apr. 13, 1905 to David and Suzanna Klassen in Osterwick, Chortitza, Russia. In 1925 she and her parents immigrated to Canada, joining her siblings and settling near Winkler, Man. She accepted Christ at 16 and was baptized in Gnadenthal in 1931, joining Winkler MB Church. She cared for her ailing mother, who died of cancer in 1931. She then worked for various families and was a housekeeper for 7 years for teacher Wiens in Winkler. In 1941 she married John H. Janzen, a widower with 4 children; a daughter was later born. They farmed in Burwalde, Man., retiring to Winkler in 1964. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing and handwork, knitting many pairs of slippers until her sight failed. She read her Bible through several times; when she could no longer read, she continued to pray for her family. In 2000 she moved to Donwood Personal Care Home, Winnipeg. Predeceased by John in August 1987, son John in 1996, 3 sisters and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Anne Schroeder, Dave, Clarence, and Ruth Kroeker; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 10 in Winkler MB Church, with Ted Goossen ministering.



    Richard Esselink

    Richard Esselink of Kelowna, B.C. passed away May 15. He was born Apr. 19, 1913 in Zalk, Holland. In 1929 he came to the Peace River area of Alberta, where he homesteaded with his brothers. For a while, he farmed near Bentley, Alta., then returned to the Peace River. They missed being near an evangelical church. In 1975 he moved to Grande Prairie, Alta. He married Helen Giesbrecht in 1977. They moved to Vernon, B.C. in 1983 and Kelowna in 1992, moving into a Willow Terrace condominium. In 1999 he was baptized and joined Willow Park Church. In November 2001 he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and on Mar. 8 he moved to Cottonwoods Extended Care Facility. He is mourned by Helen; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was May 20 in Willow Park Church, with Rob Dyck and Mark Burch ministering.

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