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Alfred Menno Strobel
Alfred Menno Strobel passed away June 29. He was born Feb. 19, 1926 to Jacob and Rosa Strobel. He grew up on a farm near Waldheim, Sask. He completed grade 8. The family attended Salem Church. He helped on the farm; after his father’s death, he stayed on to manage it with his mother. Rheumatic fever in 1960 robbed him of much strength and changed the farm operation, including the sale of the milk cows. He married Grace Friesen in 1966. They bought the family farm that year. Over the next 12 years, mental illness made running the farm a struggle. In 1978 they sold the farm and moved to Waldheim. As health permitted, he did odd jobs. A tractor accident in 1982 ended further employment. His health steadily declined; he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In 1997 he moved to Rosthern (Sask.) Mennonite Nursing Home. He accepted Christ in his youth. His spiritual journey was marked with struggles, but he found peace and assurance when he turned to the Lord. The worn pages of the Psalms showed where he found comfort. In the nursing home, he could no longer read his Bible, but he attended services when health allowed. Predeceased by infant daughter Christine, 3 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by Grace; daughters Brenda Voth of Dalmeny, Sask. and Annette Enns-Wind of Pierceland, Sask.; 2 grandsons; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was July 3 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
David Doerksen
David Doerksen of Port Rowan, Ont. passed away June 13. He was born Sept. 28, 1915 to Aaron and Katherina Doerksen in Fischau, Ukraine. He accepted Christ at an early age. In 1926 the family immigrated to Port Rowan. At 15, he was hired out to a wonderful Irish family on a farm near Langton, Ont. He married Marie Hiebert Apr. 30, 1939. They were baptized in July 1939. In 1943 they bought a farm near Port Rowan. He loved his family dearly and was proud of them. He retired from farming at 73. After a stroke in 1999, he moved to a nursing home in Delhi, Ont. On Jan. 5, 2002 he and Marie moved to Tabor Home, St. Catharines, Ont., where he enjoyed the Christian atmosphere and activities. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Marie; children Elizabeth Kutz of Kitchener, Ont., Martin of Port Rowan, Lynda Unger of London, Ont. and Ellen Reimer of Port Rowan; 14 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was June 17 in Port Rowan MB Church, with Randy Dueck and Wilbert Unger ministering.
Isaac (Ike) Peter Born
Isaac (Ike) Peter Born passed away July 15, after a 2-month battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 17, 1930 to Peter and Anna Born in Coaldale, Alta. In 1938 the family moved to Vauxhall, Alta. In 1956 he moved to Vancouver and found work at a lumber mill. After 5 years, he became involved in building and maintaining the cutting mechanisms for sawing lumber, work he continued in for the rest of his career. In 1958 he married Betty Loewen. They lived in Vancouver, Surrey, B.C. and Clearbrook, B.C., making lifelong friends of neighbours. In 1972 the family went to Malaysia, where he worked 9 months developing a lumber mill. He became a follower of Christ as a teen. He served in church as an usher, deacon and Bible study/care group leader. In retirement, he did volunteer work at MCC. He enjoyed meeting people and often shared his faith with others. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and was like a father and brother to many people. He had an outgoing personality and was known for his friendly greetings, engaging conversation, sense of humour, Christian convictions, wise counsel and fervent prayer. He is mourned by Betty; daughters Alita, Marilyn and Tracy; 13 grandchildren and 5 siblings. The funeral was July 19 in Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., with Rudie Willms and Herb Neufeld ministering.
Peter N. Pauls
Peter N. Pauls of Saskatoon passed away June 18. He was born July 13, 1922 to Nickolai and Sara Pauls in Ufa, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Waldheim, Sask. In 1927 they began farming in Glenbush, Sask. He accepted Christ and was baptized. He took grade 12 at Rosthern (Sask.) Junior College and attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School and MB Bible College in Winnipeg. He was much involved in music. He married Martha Schoenke Oct. 16, 1955. They farmed at Glenbush, retiring to Saskatoon in 1990. In Glenbush, he taught Sunday school for many years, led the choir, worked with music and sang solos. In Saskatoon, he was involved in church and community choirs, sang in nursing homes and helped as “grandpa” for the 4 and 5-year-olds in the MOMs program. Predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Martha; sons Walter of Steinbach, Man., Lawrence of Winnipeg, Herbert of Toronto and Gordon of Edmonton; daughters Marjorie Klassen of Glenbush, Violet Kennedy of Saskatoon and Carol Rempel of Winnipeg; 5 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was June 21 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Abe Klassen ministering.
Tina Hintz
Tina Hintz of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 17. She was born May 24, 1903 to the Jakob Dicks in the Crimea, Ukraine. Soon after, the family moved to Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, Ukraine. She attended high school and enjoyed choir and youth activities in church. She accepted Christ during evangelistic services led by Jacob Dyck, was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. She worked near Waldheim, Sask. and sang in the church choir. She married Cornelius Hintz in June 1928. A house fire in 1929 destroyed everything they owned. They moved to Agassiz, B.C. They joined a small MB church. Prior to the 1935 flood, they moved to Abbotsford. After the birth of their third child, her health was poor, and she was unable to care for her family for a time. They were charter members of South Abbotsford MB Church, located on their property. Her mother lived with them 1945–55, and she enjoyed hosting other relatives. In 1965 they retired from farming and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She helped care for her sister Agnes, who suffered from Parkinson’s. In 1986 they moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford. Cornelius died in 1994. In the last 8 years, her only activity was praying for her family. Her favourite verse was Isaiah 43:1. She is mourned by children Edwin, Elsie Warkentin and Jake; 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was held June 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and H.H. Epp ministering.
Bernard (Ben) Thomas Klassen
Bernard (Ben) Thomas Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 28. He was born May 10, 1913 to David and Anna Klassen at Borden, Sask. His father died when Ben was 2. A few years later, his mother married Henry Goertz, a loving stepfather who emphasized Christ’s love. Ben completed high school in Borden. He gave his life to Christ at 19; he was baptized and joined Borden MB Church in 1934. In 1938 he married Agnes Harder of Borden. They moved to British Columbia. After 2 years in Chilliwack, they moved to New Westminster, where he drove truck. He took accounting. In 1945 they moved to Surrey, B.C. They were charter members of Kennedy Heights MB Church; he was secretary and treasurer for most of his time there. In 1965 they moved to Abbotsford; they attended Central Heights MB Church. He worked in the accounting department of a building supply company, retiring at 65. He continued to work part-time. He loved to golf, bowl and do crossword puzzles. He studied God’s Word daily. He was a true gentleman and a quiet man who made many friends. In December 2001 cancer was found. Predeceased by a brother, he is mourned by Agnes; daughters Valerie Rahn and Connie Rahn; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was June 1 in Central Heights MB Church, with Chris Douglas ministering.
Jakob Eckert
Jakob Eckert of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away June 27. He was born Mar. 12, 1923 to Jakob and Maria Eckert in Friedensdorf, Molotschna, Ukraine. His father, a teacher and pastor of Lindenau Allianz Church, was sent to prison in Siberia in 1933; he died of malnutrition on the way. Jakob accepted Christ May 14, 1942, based on Psalm 33:4. He was baptized in August 1943 at Lindenau. In 1949 he, his mother and 2 siblings moved to Canada. He married Tina Wiebe Sept. 29, 1951. They joined the MB church in St. Catharines. They were ordained as deacons May 25, 1958; he also served as an usher and was involved in finance administration. He worked at McKinnon Industries and General Motors for 32 years, retiring in 1982. He and Tina then travelled and enjoyed their friends. He read the Bible through over 11 times, memorized many passages and shared his faith unashamedly with many. Predeceased by 1 sister in childhood, 1 brother in Russia and daughter Rita Wall in 1993, he is mourned by Tina; children Lisa, Henry, and Marilyn Fediuk; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was July 2 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Eckert and John Wiebe ministering.
Peter Klassen
Peter Klassen passed away June 14. He was born May 19, 1934 to Abram and Aganetha Klassen in Fernheim, Paraguay. His childhood was spent on the family farm in Waldesruh. He was baptized at 15, joining the EMB Church in Filadelfia. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. He had 2 years of high school and attended Bible school. He had a heart for missions. He married Berta Balzer Aug. 13, 1960. He had a sharp mind for details and could do math in his head. He worked as a bookkeeper in the industrial department of Fernheim Mennonite Colony. In 1964 he and Berta moved to Vancouver. They maintained close connections with their families in Paraguay. He began working for B.C. Millwork as a labourer and forklift operator two years later, retiring after 29 years. He was a dedicated worker, grateful for his job. In Vancouver MB Church, he served as youth leader, treasurer, Sunday school superintendent, council member and deacon. He was always early for church, had his favourite pew, strongly supported Conference ministries and loved attending MB conventions. He was generous and giving, hosted many people in his home and visited and encouraged others. He was a quiet, calm, supportive husband and father. He loved reading and listening to music. Though legally blind by 1997, he never complained. His physical health deteriorated, but his spirit did not. He had confidence in God and was committed to prayer. He regularly went for walks, played games and drank maté. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Berta; son Leonard; 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Elizabeth Block
Elizabeth Block of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away July 22. She was born Aug. 15, 1910 to Peter and Liese Petkau in Orenburg, south Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. She was baptized and joined Steinbach (Man.) MB Church June 7, 1927. She married Abram J. Block Oct. 20, 1929 at Oxbow, Sask. She was a skilful homemaker. She faithfully supported Abram, whose ministry as a preacher and teacher required many moves. She did not complain. Her family was her first priority. She loved music, had a beautiful singing voice, encouraged her children to be involved in music and enjoyed playing guitar duets with Abram. In 1980 they moved to Tabor Apartments. Predeceased by Abram in 1982 and son Peter in 1992, she is mourned by children Elsie, John, Agatha Braun, Abe, Frieda Peckham, Lydia Wiens, Daniel, Dave and Walter; 25 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 26 at Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Block and Tom Friesen ministering.
Jacob Rogalsky
Jacob Rogalsky of Coaldale, Alta. passed away July 10. He was born Mar. 13, 1913 to Jacob and Katherina Rogalsky in Schumanovka, Siberia. In 1929 he came to Coaldale. In addition to farming, he worked at Coaldale Cheese Factory, Elison Mills, the University of Lethbridge (landscaping) and Neufeldt Industries. He was married to Helen Goossen for 67 years. He loved his family and was proud of each member. He knew most people in town by name. He enjoyed food, especially Mennonite sausage, watermelon and rollkuchen. He loved music, especially male choirs. He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized and joined the MB church. Predeceased by his parents, stepmother Agatha, a stepsister and 3 sisters, he is mourned by Helen; children Marlene Loewen of Calgary, Linda Graber of Seattle, Wash., Warren of Calgary, Edwin of Calgary, Victor of Coaldale, Lenora Overn of Coaldale, Elsie Rombough of Medicine Hat, Alta. and Kenneth of Coaldale; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. A memorial service was held in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Jacob A. Schmidt
Jacob A. Schmidt passed away May 28 in Saskatoon. He was born Dec. 10, 1911 to Class and Anna Schmidt near Waldheim, Sask. He was raised in a farm family of 9 children. He accepted Christ at 13 during a tent revival meeting and was baptized soon after. He studied 2 winters at Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. He married Annie Wall Oct. 25, 1931. They farmed on his parents’ homestead for 31 years. They became deacons at Brotherfield MB Church in 1948 and were ordained in this ministry in 1952. In 1963 they moved to Saskatoon, where they served as deacons in Central MB Church; they later joined West Portal MB Church. He was responsible for janitorial services at the University of Saskatchewan’s Veterinary College. He affected many people with his positive, friendly, caring nature. Despite 2 bouts with cancer, from which he recovered, he remained self-reliant and was active in helping many during his retirement. In 2002 he and Annie moved to Bethany Manor. Predeceased by all his siblings, he is mourned by Annie; children Klinten, Lois Block, Wayne, and Sophie; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was May 31 in West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon, with Dwayne Barkman ministering.
Edgar Merton Penner
Edgar Merton Penner of Linden, Alta. passed away July 8. He was born Jan. 1, 1925 to Abram W. and Katherine Penner in Rosenort, Man. He married Edna Megli July 27, 1951 in Linden. They moved to Linden, where they took up grain and dairy farming, working with brother-in-law Sam Megli. In the 1980s son Ron rejoined him on the family dairy farm, and he began to pursue his interest in woodworking. He eventually sold the farm and moved to Linden, where he launched his business, “Grandpa’s Woodshop”. He never really retired, enjoyed working in his woodshop and made many new friends. He and Edna travelled throughout North America and to England. He sang in the choir and men’s chorus, and was church registrar and a deacon in Linden MB Church. He was hospitalized with an inoperable brain tumour in May 2002. He is mourned by Edna; children Robert of Calgary, Dawn Ritz of Edmonton, Heather McCutcheon of Calgary and Wayne of Calgary; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was July 11 in Linden MB Church, with Konrad Loewen ministering.
Barbara Pankratz
Barbara Pankratz of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 21. She was born Mar. 15, 1905 to Heinrich and Anna Unruh in Paulsheim, Ukraine. Her father and her teacher Julius Thiessen instilled in her a love for singing. When she was 14, her mother died; she left school and took over the household duties. Her father married Gertrude Hamm 3 years later. At 18, she received assurance of salvation based on Isaiah 43:1, which was a source of strength during difficult times. In 1926 she married John Pankratz. They immigrated to Canada in 1930; she never saw her 5 brothers and 1 sister again. They moved to Gem, Alta. John taught in Newell, Alta. for several years. For many years they had a bee business. They retired to Clearbrook, B.C. They joined Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, where John was a lay minister. Predeceased by John in 1974, she is mourned by children Clare, Arvid and Leonard; and 5 grandchildren. The memorial service was July 24 in Ross Road Community Church, with Rudie Willms ministering.
Aron Lepp
Aron Lepp of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away July 17. He was born Feb. 8, 1907 to Jacob and Katrina Lepp in Dejevka, Orenburg, Russia, the 3rd of 10 children. When he was 16, the family immigrated to Canada. They farmed through the depression in Altona, Man., then moved to Ontario. At 32, he married Susan; they farmed in the Niagara area. He enjoyed working the land and spending time with his family. In later years, he and Susan travelled and wintered in Florida. He loved growing nut trees, especially walnut trees, and taking care of his yard and garden. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At 52, he was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1991 he had a heart attack. Shortly after, they moved to Tabor Apartments, St. Catharines. He is remembered for his devotion to his Saviour and his gratefulness to live in a safe country. He is mourned by Susan; children David, Rita Petkau, Kenneth, Arnold, and Barbara Pearson; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 20 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Wiebe ministering.
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Last modified October 3, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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