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David Giesbrecht
David Giesbrecht passed away Oct. 13. He was born Feb. 13, 1915 to Peter P. Giesbrecht and Elizabeth Wittenberg in Wohldenfuerst, Kuban, Russia. Many times God spared him from death through violence and disease. Over 3 years the family journeyed through Holland, Belgium, Spain, Cuba, Mexico and California to Nelson, B.C. The family worked on a rented farm and enjoyed family “church”. He moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1928. He had sporadic schooling, but learned the Bible from P.D. Loewen and David Nightingale, and read. He worked in the hop fields in summer and cut firewood in winter. At a New Year’s Eve service in Yarrow in 1934, he accepted Jesus through Matthew 23:37. He married Lydia Redekopp Apr. 21, 1940. He enjoyed working as a trucker and fruit and dairy farmer, and was grateful for God’s provision. After retiring from trucking in 1972, he worked 5 years for Yarrow Water Works. He enjoyed hiking up to Vedder Mountain Water Reservoir; bowling; visiting friends; travelling to Alaska, Mexico and California; volunteering with MCC; and sponsoring orphaned children in developing countries. He sang heartily while driving, recited poems; led daily family Bible reading and prayer, set up family trips to places such as Grand Coulee Dam; and hosted exuberant family gatherings. Lydia died Sept. 1, 1992. He moved to Bevan Lodge, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by Lydia, 4 siblings and 1 granddaughter, he is mourned by sons John, Ralph, Robert, Victor, Gerald, Philip and Harold; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 5 siblings. The funeral was Oct. 19 in Yarrow MB Church, with Ron Braun ministering.
Mary Janzen
Mary Janzen passed away Aug. 6. She was born Jan. 26, 1918 to Abram and Maria Matties near Omsk, Siberia. Her father died of a stroke 6–7 months later. Her mother remarried but died of starvation 2 1/2 years later. For 6 years, Mary was moved between relatives and an orphanage before she and her brother were taken in by her Uncle Wilhelm and Aunt Agnes. During these years, she learned to depend on the Lord and trusted Christ as her Saviour. In 1929, they immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. For 10 years, she lived with Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Penner, in Hepburn, Sask., looking after them and going to school. At 16, she was baptized and joined Hepburn MB Church. She did day work in Saskatoon for several years, stayed briefly in La Glace, Alta. and moved to Yarrow, B.C. She married Frank Janzen Jan. 28, 1951. They owned a strawberry and pig farm, then moved to Vancouver, where Frank worked for mattress companies. She enjoyed being a mother and homemaker, taught her children to love the Lord and led by example. They attended Vancouver MB Church, but switched to Willingdon MB Church where she taught age 4–5 Sunday school for many years. In February 1971, breast cancer was diagnosed; she asked the Lord to spare her until her children were grown. Mini-strokes in 1973 and an aneurysm in 1976 damaged her eyes. Frank retired in 1980; in 1981 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Shortly, Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She cared for him until he moved to Tabor Home in 1990. She moved to Sunset Manor in 1992. He moved to Menno Hospital, where he died Sept. 3, 1996. She filled the lonely hours with family, friends and handwork. She faced cancer, cataracts, a heart condition and strokes. Her trust in the Lord continued to deepen and her longing for heaven increased. Predeceased by Frank and her brother, she is mourned by children Caroline Thurley of Abbotsford, Laurinda Krause of Winnipeg, Valeria Pollard of Aldergrove, B.C. and Greg of Abbotsford; and 14 grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 12 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Herb Neufeld ministering.
Elmer V. Nachtigall
Elmer V. Nachtigall passed away Oct. 9. He was born Feb. 5, 1915 to Abe and Lydia Nachtigall in Hampton County, Neb. His family loved the Lord and attended church regularly. As a teen, he decided to follow Jesus. He was baptized Aug. 11, 1929 at Henderson, Neb. He moved to Reedley, Calif. He married Melba Friesen Jan. 12, 1938. He worked much of his life as a carpenter and was highly regarded for his workmanship in showcase and fixture installation. He took his God-given responsibilities for his wife and family very seriously. His faith in God and personal walk with Jesus was his highest priority. He enjoyed playing games with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was hit by a vehicle while walking Sept. 16, 2002, sustaining multiple injuries. Predeceased by prematurely born triplets in 1954, he is mourned by Melba; children Judy Brescia, Dale, Paul and Bruce; 22 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 12 in Bethany MB Church, Fresno, Calif., with Jim Totzke, Wink Farrand and Robert Kroeker ministering.
Theodore Werner (Ted) Quiring
Theodore Werner (Ted) Quiring passed away Sept. 16 after a lengthy struggle with cancer. He was born May 31, 1934 to Gerhard and Anna Quiring at Namaka, Alta. He was raised on the family farm. From his family he learned the meaning of a godly life. Church attendance was vital. As a youth, he committed his life to Christ. He sang in church choirs and at times directed them. After university, he taught school in Rosebud, Alta., Linden, Alta. and Calgary. After his father died, he and his brother also operated the family farm, finding fellowship, fun and fulfillment. He married Clara Nikkel in 1960. He enjoyed his children during their growing up years and appreciated their visits after they left home. Clara died in 1994. He married Elsie in 1995. With Clara and later with Elsie, he enjoyed travelling to Hawaii and Africa and on cruises. Predeceased by Clara and 1 sister, he is mourned by Elsie; children Michael, Brad, and Shari; 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
Tina Regehr
Tina Regehr passed away Sept. 25, at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man. She was born Jan. 28, 1905 to Kornelius and Katherina Warkentin in Muensterberg, Russia. Her father died when she was 1. She accepted Christ at 14 and never wavered in her faith. She married Henry A. Regehr Nov. 1, 1923. They built a Christ-centred, loving home. In 1926, they moved to Foam Lake, Sask., where they helped start a small church and built many friendships. In 1948 they moved to Steinbach, Man., where they operated a poultry farm for many years. They were active in Steinbach MB Church, serving as pastor couple for 13 years. She is remembered as one who loved and was loved and respected in return. She was always busy with handwork, making afghans and tablecloths for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Henry Dec. 2, 1993, she is mourned by children Katie Wiebe of Abbotsford, B.C., Louise Janzen of Abbotsford, Esther Bergmann of Steinbach, Edward of Holcomb, Wis. and Wilma Poetker of Winnipeg; 23 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 28 at Steinbach MB Church, with Abe Klassen and Neil Rempel ministering.
Henry Unrau
Henry Unrau passed away Oct.15. He was born Dec. 14, 1913 to Frank and Elizabeth Unrau in Schoenwiese, Siberia. The family came to Canada in 1926. He was baptized in the Souris River in summer 1934. He married Susie Ratzlaff Apr. 4, 1943. He farmed near Margaret and Ninga, Man. 1943–2002. They moved into Boissevain, Man. in 1981. His greatest enjoyments were his family and farming; he also enjoyed curling, golfing and bowling. He was a long-time member of Boissevain MB Church. Predeceased by 3 brothers, he is mourned by Susie; children David, Peter, Walter, Esther Meisner, John, Paul, Clara Reimer, Phillip, Mary Anne Guenther and Cathy Kroeker; 33 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 19 at Boissevain MB Church.
John Frank Enns
John Frank Enns passed away Sept. 16 at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man. He was born Sept. 13, 1909 in the Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. He worked at various jobs, including farming, a bush camp in northern Ontario and the Steinbach Hatchery. He was a painting contractor for 20 years before retiring at 64. He married Louise Anna Hiebert Sept. 18, 1941. He enjoyed playing his guitar for family and friends, and in retirement kept his hobby farm looking like a park. Predeceased by 1 brother and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Louise; sons Lorne of Enderby, B.C. and Les of Winnipeg Beach, Man.; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 19 at Steinbach MB Church.
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Last modified December 16, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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