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Jacob (Jake) J. Jantzen
Jacob (Jake) J. Jantzen passed away July 8. He was born Oct. 31, 1916 to John J. and Helen Jantzen in western Siberia. In 1925 the family immigrated to a farm in Gruenthal, Man. Because his father was older, a teacher and unfamiliar with farming, Jake, from age 10, took the main responsibility for running the farm, using horses and old machinery. He attended school only in winter. In 1937 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. He accepted Christ’s salvation at a New Year’s Eve service and was baptized in 1939, joining Yarrow MB Church. He married Sara Neufeldt Nov. 8, 1942. He owned a fruit packing plant, a hardware store and later a lumber yard. He moved to Vancouver in 1953 and began building houses in the suburbs and high-rises in downtown; he engaged in land development. He was a devoted worker in Fraserview MB Church and served on several B.C. and Canadian MB Conference boards. He and Sara moved to South Surrey, B.C. in 1992. A stroke in December 1994 forced him into retirement. Predeceased by 3 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by Sara; sons Ed and Al; daughters Dorothy, Linda Klassen and Evelyn Block; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandsons; and 2 sisters. The funeral was July 15 in Valley View Memorial Gardens, Surrey, B.C., with Dan Unrau, Ralph Klassen and Loyal Funk ministering.
Jake Riediger
Jake Riediger passed away Apr. 22 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit in Lethbridge, Alta. He was born Jan. 11, 1933 to David and Neta Riediger at Stavely, Alta. He attended school in Vauxhall, Alta. He worked with Calgary Power stringing lines and later became a heavy equipment operator working in the Vauxhall area and northern Alberta. He enjoyed fishing, but church was his main focus. He worked with Christian Service Brigade at the MB church. He is mourned by siblings Kaye Haggith of Bellingham, Wash., Lydia White of Wetaskiwin, Alta., Mary Row of Prince George, B.C., Margaret Rempel of Vauxhall, Shirley Bengry of Lethbridge, David of Brooks, Alta. and Kornelius of Quesnel, B.C. The funeral was held at Vauxhall MB Church, with Bill Glasspell, Leo Siemens and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Peter John Epp
Peter John Epp of Winnipeg passed away May 26. He was born June 12, 1922 to John and Margaret Epp in Alexandrovka, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Miami, Man. After moves to McAuley, Winnipeg and Headingly, Man., they settled in Miami in 1930. In 1942 they moved to Graysville, Man. and bought a farm. He married Betty Harder May 29, 1949. Failing health forced the sale of the farm and a move to Winnipeg. He learned radio and TV electronics and the sheet metal trade. He was a master of many trades and a maker of many friends. They moved to St. Andrews, Man. in 1978, but moved back to Winnipeg within 5 years. He worked for Fleming Peddler, Arnett Co., Marveon Signs, Canadian Rodgers and Koch Stainless Products. He retired in 1987 and began making birdhouses, mosquito houses, dollhouses, tin can furniture, windmills, weather vanes and tacks shelters, which he gave away and sold. In 1974 he suffered his first heart attack. He is mourned by Betty; children Rick, Ron, Bob, Carolyn Cataldo, Anita Evans and Ken; 17 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was May 30 in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, with George Klassen, Helmut Kasdorf and Roland Marsch ministering.
Martha Friesen
Martha Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 16 due to complications following heart surgery. She was born June 19, 1924 to Abraham and Katherine Friesen at New Rhineland, Man. The family lived near Morden, Man., then moved to Vauxhall, Alta. in 1936 and to Finnegan, Alta. in 1940. She accepted Christ about 1937 and was baptized in 1942. She married Peter J. Loewen Jan. 24, 1943. While Peter served as a conscientious objector, they moved to B.C. They moved to a large farm in Bassano, Alta. in 1944, then to Vauxhall, where they raised hay, hogs and cows. In 1963 they moved to Matsqui, B.C., where Peter operated Bungalow Garage, for which Martha did bookkeeping and office management. They were charter members of Mountview Gospel Chapel in Mission, B.C., and were very busy in the work of this church. In 1973 they moved to Abbotsford. After Peter became ill, they moved to an apartment next to Central Heights MB Church. Peter died of cancer in September 1991. She married Abe Friesen in May 1992. He died in April 2001. She rallied to make a new life with friends, singing in the Jubilee Choir and crocheting afghans. She is remembered for her beautiful smile, abounding energy, grand hospitality, stylish clothing and happy socializing. She was resourceful, making almost anything out of almost nothing, and perfected her crafts of sewing and crocheting. Her strength of character and faith in God helped her through difficulties. Predeceased by both husbands, son Irvin in infancy and 2 siblings, she is mourned by son Charles Loewen; daughters Marjorie Toftager, Evelyn Neufeldt and Karen Bergen; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; stepdaughters Betty Falk and Renetta Neumann; 3 stepgrandchildren; 3 stepgreat-grandchildren; and siblings. The memorial service was July 23 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Michael Dick and Herb Neufeld ministering.
Jacob A. Giesbrecht
Jacob A. Giesbrecht of Steinbach, Man. passed away June 23. He was born Feb. 3, 1916 to Abram and Maria Giesbrecht in Lichtenau, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Hawksville, Ont. in June 1924; they moved to Hochfeld, Man. 8 months later and to a farm in Fortier, Man. in 1935. He attended school until grade 9 because a severe leg ailment rendered him useless as a farmhand. He accepted Christ Nov. 6, 1937 in the Newton Siding Church and was baptized in spring 1938. He married Sarah Bergmann June 8, 1941. They farmed near Fortier, then Ste. Anne, Man. He served 2 years as a conscientious objector at Clear Lake, Man. and on Vancouver Island. They returned to farm at Clear Lake, then Clearspring, Man. He supplemented his income by working on building a highway. They moved to Steinbach. He worked for 12 years as a mechanic at Loewen Garage, for a short time at CT Lowen and Son and for 18 years as a bookkeeper for Bergmann Meat Products. He and Sarah served in Sunday school and as deacon couple for several decades, visiting the needy 2 evenings a week. He was a man of unwavering principles who sought the will of God in all things. He is remembered for his faithful prayer life, love of Scripture, concern for others, consistent thankfulness and love of nature, especially birds and wildflowers. In 1992 Sarah moved to Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach. He visited her twice daily for 5 years. Not long after her death, he moved to Rest Haven. Predeceased by Sarah and a great-granddaughter, he is mourned by children Ruth Penner of Landmark, Man., Edie of Winnipeg, Jake of Blumenort, Man. and Hildie Wiebe of Kelowna, B.C.; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 27 in Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen ministering.
Katharina (Tienne) Janzen
Katharina (Tienne) Janzen of Winkler, Man. passed away Aug. 15. She was born Dec. 5, 1909 to John M. and Maria Elias near Winkler. After high school in Winkler, she attended Normal School in Winnipeg. Her teaching career began in 1929 in Chortitz, Man., where she taught the upper grades in a 2-room school and was “principal”. In 1934 she married John J. Janzen, also a teacher. They moved to the Meath School District, Kleefeld School District and numerous rural school districts in southern Manitoba. She worked with girls in sewing and the women of the communities in various ways. She creatively turned teacher’s residences into a home. Winkler MB Church was her spiritual home throughout life. She was baptized and joined the church, and began teaching Sunday school at age 16. She served as church reporter to the Mennonitische Rundschau for over 30 years beginning in 1958. Later, she led the Bible studies for the senior women of the church. She enjoyed reading, writing, teaching and public speaking. She gave recitations at weddings, anniversaries and other gatherings. Her faith was the basis for her poetry and teaching. She suffered bouts of depression, but was helped by Eden Health Care Services. She found it easy to be generous. She spent her last year in Salem Home. Predeceased by John in 1992, a brother and 3 sisters, she is mourned by sons Alan, John and James; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 19 in Winkler MB Church, with Ted Goossen and Brad Huebert ministering.
Cornelius Barg
Cornelius Barg passed away July 14. He was born Sept. 1, 1917 to Kornelius and Elizabeth Barg in Tiege, Molotschna, Ukraine, the youngest of 6 siblings. The family immigrated to Kitchener Ont. in 1926, later moving to Vineland Ont. He attended high school in Beamsville, Ont. He accepted Jesus as a young man and was baptized by H.H. Janzen. During World War II, he served as a conscientious objector in the forests of northern Ontario and B.C. In 1950 he moved back to Kitchener with his parents and joined Kitchener MB Church. He taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He enjoyed sports and played in the Mennonite Softball League. In 1961 he married Inge Kriese. He worked 17 years at Spac-Nour and 12 years for P.C. Dick Electric, After retiring in 1982, he was a salesperson for Bergen Electric for 5 years. He loved the Lord, prayed and read God’s Word daily. He loved his family, did kind things for them where he could and supported his children where needed. In 1999 he contracted Alzheimer’s. In August 2001 he moved to Sunnyside Home. He is mourned by Inge, children David, Timothy, Marion, and Petra Becker; 5 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was in Kitchener MB Church, with Grant Gordon and John Wall ministering.
Cornelius (Neal) Warkentin
Cornelius (Neal) Warkentin passed away July 23. He was born Jan. 3, 1915 to Cornelius and Katherina Warkentin in Arkadak, Russia. The family immigrated to Borden, Sask. in 1925. They moved to Zeneta, Sask. then to a farm near Margaret, Man. in 1930. In 1939 he moved to Vancouver and worked in the shipyards. He married Alice Morton of Deloraine, Man. in 1942 in Vancouver. Their home was filled with music and singing. They moved to Haney, B.C., after the war. He worked in the Haney school district as a carpenter and custodian till he retired. Alice died in 1975. He married Katie Gibbons in 1987. They moved to Claresholm, Alta. Katie died in 2001. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother, he is survived by brother Allon, sisters, Helen St. Louis, Anne Friesen, Susan Duerksen and Elsie Siemens. A memorial service was held at Leyden’s Chapel of Remembrance in Claresholm on July 26, with his brother Allon Warkentin ministering.
Elsie Thiessen
Elsie Thiessen passed away Aug. 8. She was born July 16, 1930 in Hague, Sask. An energetic member of a family of 4, she was active in home, school and church. She committed her life to Christ at a young age. Health problems prevented athletic involvement, but she was a vocal cheerleader. She enjoyed poetry, art and dramatic presentations, and did well academically. Her mother suffered from a weak heart and Elsie, the youngest, was often placed with relatives. When home, she cleaned the house and entertained her mother on the pump organ. The organ was a source of strength to Elsie emotionally and physically. When Elsie was 16, her mother died. She committed herself to baptism and joined Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church. She attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. and college in Winnipeg, making good friends. She volunteered working with the mentally challenged and later went back and forth from Saskatchewan to Ontario to work and reside with siblings. She married David Thiessen, whom she met in church activities in St. Catharines, Ont. Her children and grandchildren were her joy. She delighted in serving in the church and camp kitchens, and hosted relatives and friends on their farm. In 1985–87 they went as missionaries to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where Dave taught and she worked in a school library. An intestinal tumour was found and removed in 1998, and multiple myleoma was diagnosed in June 2002. The funeral was Aug. 12 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Wiebe ministering.
Martha Kruger
Martha Kruger passed away July 21. She was born Feb. 25, 1917 to Jacob and Katharina Wiebe in Main Centre, Sask. When Martha was 1, her mother died, leaving 4 children. Her father married Lydia Janz; 4 more children were born. It was a happy family with lots of singing. Martha made the Lord her personal Saviour during evangelistic meetings with H.D. Wiebe. A few years later, she was baptized and joined Main Centre MB Church. She sang in the youth and senior choirs and taught Sunday school. She attended Herbert Bible School for 2 years. She lived with her parents and 2 siblings in Herbert, Sask. In 1961 she married widower George.G. Kruger and moved to California. In 1982 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. and joined Clearbrook MB Church. She sang in the choir, helped with blanket sewing and performed other services. George moved to Menno Hospital in 1997 and died 2 years later, at age 97. In April 2002 she was diagnosed with cancer. Predeceased by George and 1 brother, she is mourned by 4 sisters and 2 brothers; 1 stepson; 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was July 26, with Jay Neufeld and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.
Peter P. Wiens
Peter P. Wiens passed away July 18. He was born June 13, 1911 to Peter P. and Elizabeth Wiens in Omsk, Siberia. When he was 9, his father died in the Russian Revolution. In 1926 he immigrated to Laird, Sask. with his mother and 3 brothers. Through the ministry of missionary F.J. Wiens, he received Jesus at age 20, based on John 1:12. He was baptized and joined Laird MB Church. He studied 2 years at Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School. In 1934 he married Tina Epp of Laird. He worked on her parents’ farm for 7 years. They moved to Kitchener, Ont. for 2 years, where he worked for Dominion Rubber and they joined Kitchener MB Church. They returned to Laird and operated the Epp farm. In 1948, they moved to a dairy farm in B.C. and joined Arnold MB Church. Due to Peter’s back problems, in 1958 they sold the dairy farm and bought a chicken and berry farm in Abbotsford, B.C. They joined South Abbotsford MB Church. They were blessed spiritually and financially. In 1969 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He worked part-time delivering parcels for the Abbotsford and Clearbrook post offices. He sang in choirs and groups and served as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, pulpit committee member and church council member. He also served on the boards of Columbia Bible Institute, Tabor Home, Clearbrook Golden Age Society and Evergreen Village. He is mourned by Tina; children Marlys Welsh of Abbotsford, Grace of Mountain View, Calif., Marjorie Taverner of Toronto, Carol Boschman of Abbotsford, Dennis of Honolulu and Vic of Sao Paulo, Brazil; 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The memorial service was July 23 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Helena Peters
Helena Peters passed away July 12 in Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Oct. 30, 1904 to Abram and Katharina Konrad in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, Russia. She grew up in a happy Christian home and accepted Christ. She was baptized in 1919 and joined the MB church, where she remained a lifelong member. During the Russian Revolution, she experienced great emotional trauma and tragedies. At 14, she witnessed her father’s murder by bandits. She married Franz A. Peters Oct. 30, 1924. In August 1926 they immigrated to Canada, living briefly in Manitoba and Alberta, then moving to B.C. The early years were very difficult financially and emotionally. Faith in God and the support of family gave her the strength to carry on. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and upheld them in prayer. She was lonely after Franz died in 1989. After a fall in December 1996, she moved to a nursing home. She is mourned by children Henry of Chilliwack, B.C., Katherine Reynolds of Winnipeg, John of Winnipeg, Frank of Abbotsford, Helen Lotimer of Hamilton, Margarite Hazlewood of West Vancouver and Pauline Kliewer of Fresno, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 1sister and 1 stepsister. The memorial service was July 20 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.
Abram (Abe) Goerz
Abram (Abe) Goerz passed away July 28. He was born May 8, 1918 in Ladekopp, Molotschna, Russia. When he was 8, the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. At 16, in Dalmeny, Sask., he accepted Christ through Abraham H. Unruh’s ministry. In the summer, he taught daily vacation Bible school. He graduated from Tabor Bible School, worked on farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta, attended Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School for 2 years and taught Bible school at Speedwell/Fairholme for a few months. Serving as a conscientious objector near Banff, he held Bible studies and many were saved. He married Helen Penner in Kitchener, Ont. May 19, 1945. He graduated from MB Bible College, pastored in Lindal, Man. for 3 years, managed a nursing home in Morden, Man. for 2 years, earned a B.A. and B.D. at Waterloo College, pastored in Main Centre, Sask. for several years and Swift Current, Sask. for a couple of years, then began teaching at Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1957. He painted many pictures, including murals at MEI and Clearbrook MB Church. In 1962, the family moved to Kitchener, Ont., where he operated a massage clinic for 13 years. In 1971 Helen died of cancer. In 1972 he married Wanda Hiebert. In 1977 they moved to Abbotsford, joining Bakerview MB Church. After several moves, they returned to Clearbrook and Clearbrook MB Church. In his last years, his health was poor. Predeceased by Helen, he is mourned by Wanda; children Don, Elmira, Margaret Stevens, Edith Loewen, Douglas and Gilbert; 10 grandchildren; and 3 sisters. The memorial service was July 31 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Mary Petkau
Mary Petkau passed away July 20 after a quiet, courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 23, 1924 to Bernhadt and Maria Froese in Andreasfeldt, Ukraine. In 1926 they immigrated to a farm in Mullingar, Sask. She accepted Christ at 12 and was baptized and joined Mullingar MB Church at 15. For 2 years she attended Winkler Bible School. She married George Petkau July 7, 1945. They farmed in Elm Creek, Man. In 1950 their house burned and they moved to Newton, Man. In 1957 they returned to Elm Creek to farm. In 1976 they moved to Winnipeg and joined Portage Ave. MB Church. They were active in ministries such as the deaconate, food committee and seniors’ group. She was hardworking, always knitting, baking and sewing. For many years she worked at the MCC thrift store and sewed many quilts for MCC. She enjoyed serving family, friends and others. Predeceased by a daughter, a grandson and a sister, she is mourned by George; children Grace Loewen of Winnipeg, John of Vancouver, Judy Penner of Winnipeg, Kathy Penner of Winnipeg and Gerald Petkau of Atlanta, Ga.; and 13 grandchildren. The funeral was July 24 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with Claude Pratte ministering.
Agatha Conrad
Agatha Conrad passed away Aug. 19. She was born Dec. 23, 1898 to Johann and Helene Dick in Gnadenheim, south Russia. She attended the girls’ school in Halbstadt. In her early teens she accepted the Lord. In 1922 she married Daniel H. Conrad in Spat, Crimea. They immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. After almost 40 years, they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. Daniel died in 1975. She moved to Pleasant Manor, Virgil, Ont. in 1982 and to Heritage Place, Virgil, 3 years ago. She was an avid reader; her other interests included sewing, singing, travelling and gardening. Predeceased by Daniel, 9 siblings and 1 grandson, she is mourned by sons Edgar and John; daughter Helen Wilson; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 23, 2002 at Pleasant Manor Chapel, with George Wichert and Victor Loewen ministering.
Craig Jacob Reimer
Craig Jacob Reimer was born July 7, 2002 to Rob and RaeAnn Reimer. He was quickly taken to the neo-natal unit at McMaster University Hospital in Hamilton, Ont. It was determined that he had a rare genetic disorder and would not be able to sustain life without the support of machines. On July 8, he was taken off the ventilator and his parents were able to hold him for an hour. He is mourned by his parents; brother Justin; and grandparents Bert and Helen Warkentin and George and Heidi Reimer. The funeral was July 11 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Ray Russell ministering.
Dora Huebert
Dora Huebert passed away Aug. 23. She was born Sept. 15, 1917 to Gerhard and Sara Berg near Waldheim, Sask., the 5th of 10 children. The family was not well-to-do, so they lived simply and creatively. She learned to sew clothes, knit, crochet and embroider. Later she went to work in the homes of other families and became an excellent cook and homemaker. In Brotherfield MB Church, she made the decision to follow God’s ways. She was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River. Her quiet, strong faith was nurtured by 2 years at Bethany Bible Institute. She married David Huebert Aug. 4, 1942. They lived for a short time on the Huebert yard, then moved to a small house to develop their own farm. Farming, homemaking and raising a family were both a joy and a hardship. In 1971 Dora had cancer surgery and their crop was destroyed by hail. In 1976, they retired to Waldheim. They enjoyed gardening, singing in the Golden Age choir and developing relationships with family, friends and relatives. In 1990 David died of a heart attack. She found support in family, friends and Isaiah 41:10. Her last years were spent in a duplex in Waldheim. She spent many hours playing games with family, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is mourned by children Carol Willems of Waldheim, Ron of Halifax and Shirley Siebert of Hepburn, Sask.; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The memorial service was Aug. 27 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
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Last modified October 25, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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