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In this section:
Henry C. Born 
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Henry C. Born passed away Nov. 23 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born to Heinrich and Anna Bornn in Rosenbach, Man. in 1920. He worked as a clerk at Sunrise Co-op in Reinland, Man. He married Esther Brandt July 26, 1945. He earned a B.Th. from MB Bible College (Winnipeg), a bachelor’s degree from Tabor College (Kansas), an M.Ed. from Emporia State Teachers College (Kansas) and an M.C.S. from Regent College (Vancouver), and pursued doctoral studies at Fuller Seminary (Pasadena, Calif.). He served as a high school teacher in Volendam Colony, Paraguay; administrator of Elim Bible School in Fernheim Colony; curriculum writer/administrator/ teacher at Evangelical Theological Institute of the Mennonite Brethren in Curitiba, Brazil; president of Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.; German radio preacher for HCJB in Ecuador; instructor at Traun Bible Institute in Austria; and instructor at Trinity Western University. He pastored Parkview MB Church in Hillsboro, Kan., Olivet Mennonite Church in Clearbrook, B.C., United Mennonite Church in Mission, B.C., Chilliwack (B.C.) Central MB Church and South Abbotsford MB Church. In retirement, he was chair of the Abbotsford Ministerial for 6 years and continued to preach and teach the Bible. He enjoyed softball, golf, collecting stamps, woodcarving, photography, bird watching, music and playing with his grandchildren. He is mourned by Esther; daughters Julia Toews, Naomi, and Rebecca Janzen; 7 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 29 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Herb Brandt ministering.
Heidi Bergmann
Heidi Bergmann passed away Dec. 5. She was born Feb. 26, 1923 in Kuban, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada when she was 2. Her mother died when she was 12. Later the family moved to B.C.’s Fraser Valley. She married Abram Bergmann in April 1942. She is remembered for her ability to create a nurturing environment of order, comfort and acceptance; wonderful cooking; quiet, serene faith in God; sense of play balanced with conscientiousness and honesty; balanced life of hard work, good food, yearly vacations and Sabbath observance; love and care for her family; and ability to live peace, facing death and suffering without complaint. Predeceased by Abram, 1 granddaughter, 1 sister and 5 brothers, she is mourned by children Luella Wiebe, Sophie Klassen, Wilma Derksen, Wes, and Patricia Arndt; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 1 brother and 3 sisters. The memorial service was in Menno Home chapel, Abbotsford, B.C., with David Dick ministering.
Abraham Peter Warkentin
Abraham Peter Warkentin passed away Nov. 24. He was born Nov. 4, 1910 to Peter and Judith Warkentin in Osler, Sask. They bought a farm in Silberfeld, Sask. in 1911. He accepted Jesus at 19. He was baptized Aug. 24, 1930 and joined Waldheim MB Church. In 1939 he moved to La Glace, Alta. He married Gertrude Siebert July 17, 1941. They farmed near La Glace. In 1945, with Gertrude’s parents, they moved to B.C.’s Fraser Valley, buying 4 acres in Greendale. They lost their belongings in the 1948 flood, but he found courage in the song “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” left on the floor of the house. In 1949 they moved to a dairy farm, eventually buying it. They were members of Greendale MB Church; he served on the balloting committee, was assistant treasurer and was church janitor for several years. In 1973 they sold the farm. He enjoyed his workshop and looked after his house, lawn and garden until age 90. His faith never wavered. He was committed to reading the Bible and praying for those around him, and cared deeply about his family. Predeceased by 4 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 grandchildren, he is mourned by Gertrude, children Ken, Judy Filmer and Paul; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The memorial service was Nov. 30 in Greendale MB Church, with Reg Toews ministering.
Jacob J. Sawatzky 
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Jacob J Sawatzky passed away Dec. 19 in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 23, 1910 to Jacob J. and Margaretha Sawatzky in Nieder-Chortitza, and grew up in Rosental, south Russia. His father was in the transport business. After his horses were stolen, the family immigrated to Manitoba in 1923, buying a farm in Gnadenthal in 1924. He worked on various farms to help the family. He had a thirst for learning; with his first dollar, he bought an English dictionary and a pen. At 17, he accepted Christ at an evangelistic meeting led by Abram Nachtigal. He gained self-esteem and never doubted his salvation. He was baptized in Gnadenthal in 1934. He attended Winkler Bible School 1933–35. He married Katharina (Tina) Wiebe Sept. 22, 1935 in Gnadenthal. They lived in Neuenburg, moving to Gnadenthal in 1940 and Winkler, Man. in 1946. He had a trucking business, bought Winkler Photo Studio in 1946 and was a partner in Winkler Motors 1950–56. In 1956 they moved to Clearbrook B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. He owned a photo and music shop, and in 1960 bought acreage which he developed into a raspberry farm. He and Tina travelled to China, Africa, Egypt, Israel, Europe and the US. He had a great love for music and poetry, enjoyed the beauty of nature and was an eternal optimist. He did microfilming for the Golden Age Society and in retirement made 100 crokinole boards for MCC. Favourite verses were Psalm 16:5–6 and John 1:16. He is mourned by Tina; daughters Herta Thiessen of Edmonton, Erica Suderman of Abbotsford, Alice Willms of Abbotsford, Hedy Hein of Abbotsford and Ingrid Suderman of North Vancouver; sons Helmut of Abbotsford, John of Ottawa and Carl of Langley, B.C.; 22 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 23 at Bakerview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen ministering.
Ewald P. (Ed) Epp 
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Ewald P. (Ed) Epp passed away Nov. 3. He was born to Peter and Susanna Epp in Rueckenau, Ukraine in 1920. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settled in Peoria, Alta. in 1928 and bought land in La Glace, Alta. in 1935. He attended the local MB Bible school for 3 years. He married Mary Konrad July 6, 1943. They farmed 40 years in La Glace and Valhalla, Alta., the first 25 years without electricity or a phone. He was also a trucker, sawmill operator, carpenter and stockman, and bought and sold cattle, land and rental houses. They retired in Grande Prairie, Alta. in 1987 and served as volunteer staff at Peace River Bible Institute, also providing agricultural produce. In 1992 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Favourite family times were quiet Sunday evenings when Mary would read out loud, and a 5-month camping trip to the US and Mexico 1958–59. He enjoyed music, playing guitar and mandolin as a young man and singing in choirs and quartets; travelling in the US, Mexico, Europe and Israel; and engaging strangers in lively, witty conversation around campfires and in coffee shops. He collected proverbs and sayings; appreciated the skillful use of language; appreciated large machines and work well done; and gained satisfaction from making a difference in the lives of others through volunteering and charitable donations. He is mourned by Mary; children Ellie, Judie, Paul and Rudy; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 2 brothers and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Nov. 6 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Heinz Ratzlaff and Wilf Johnson ministering.
Frieda Mary Friesen Wall
Frieda Mary Friesen Wall passed away Dec. 5 of cancer. She was born June 19, 1925 to Dietrich and Anna Friesen in Provost Alta. and moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1936. In the hardships of the 1930s, her faith was nurtured by family, community and church. Early in life, she committed herself to God and to serving others through nursing in the Vancouver area. She married Fred Wall in 1955. After retiring, she remained active with volunteer groups, including MCC. For over 4 decades, she worshipped and shared herself, her faith and her gifts at 10th Ave. Alliance Church and Willingdon Church. She had deep gratitude for God’s presence and strength in all circumstances. She had extensive energy and was an avid gardener of land and people, encouraging growth and blossoming. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by children Ron, Al, Hal and Brian; 5 grandchildren; and 3 brothers.
Sadie M. Esau 
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Sadie M. Esau of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Nov. 13. She was born July 27, 1929 to Sara and Jacob Reimer in Rosenort, Ukraine. At a young age, she cared for her younger siblings; by her preteens she was working in the fields. In 1943, the family fled to Germany, where they found work on a farm. In 1948, they came to Winnipeg. She worked as a mother’s helper and in the kitchen at the veteran’s hospital to help pay the travel debt. In December 1951, she married Martin Esau, a bachelor 18 years older. They worked hard running a small mixed farm in Headingly, Man. Martin accepted Christ, they were baptized in 1963, and church became a regular part of their life. Relationships grew in the context of work. In 1975 they sold the farm and retired to B.C. She worked in the church and filled her life with volunteering. After Martin died in 1986, she learned to read and was thrilled to read the stories of her heritage. At 69, she had surgery for cancer, but the cancer returned. She is mourned by daughters Helen Ho and Betty Schroeder; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 18 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Dan Unrau ministering.
Margarita Fast 
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Margarita (Rita) Fast passed away Nov. 22. She was born Feb. 20, 1907 to Kornelius and Agnetha Penner in Orenburg, Russia. In 1908, the family moved to Alexandrovka, Slavgorod, Siberia. Her mother was injured in a fall and after long suffering died in 1914. Her father remarried 2 years later. In 1922 her father died of typhus. At 15, she decided for Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. Her sister married and took over the family farm; Rita stayed with them. In 1929, they went to Moscow to immigrate to Canada but were sent back to Siberia. In 1931 she married Jakob Fast. They moved to Minsk. She borrowed a sewing machine and began sewing for other people. They worshipped with Russian Christians. Jakob worked in a glass factory, but often was not paid; he was arrested July 6, 1938 and sent to northern Russia, where he died of starvation in April 1942. She sold as much as she could and sewed for customers to support her 5 children. She was arrested May 10, 1939. Released 8 years later, she could not find her family. She settled with 4 other women in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, fellowshipped at a Russian Baptist church and found work in a hospital. Eventually she learned that Jakob had died, found daughter Frieda in an orphanage in Orenburg and learned 3 daughters had immigrated to Canada in 1948, but she never found youngest son David. She depended on God. She came to Vancouver in 1968. She worked as a homemaker and lived in a basement suite. In 1976 she moved to a condo in Clearbrook, B.C. She joined Clearbrook MB Church. For 15 years, her life was filled with sewing and crocheting blankets for MCC. Her last years were spent in Tabor Home. She longed to go home. She is mourned by daughters Frieda Maerz of Germany and Olga Schwabi of Vancouver; and grandchildren. The memorial service was Nov. 27 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Walter Wiens and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.
Victor Penner 
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Victor Penner passed away Nov. 3. He was born Jan. 22, 1921 to Johann and Anna Penner in Nieder-Chortitza, Ukraine. After leaving school, he worked on a collective farm. In 1943, the family fled to Dresden, Germany. He went to Yugoslavia in spring 1944 and to Austria at the end of the war. He did not know where his family was, except 1 brother in Austria. He was reunited with his friend Maria and her daughter Anne. They married Nov. 20, 1945. They went to Germany, where he was baptized and joined the MB church. They immigrated to Volendam, Paraguay in 1948 and to Canada in 1961. They settled in Abbotsford, B.C., bought land and had a chicken farm for 25 years. They joined East Aldergrove MB Church, moving to Clearbrook MB Church 3 years later. He and Maria served as deacons as long as health permitted. He spent his last years in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford. Predeceased by daughter Katie at 18 months in Austria, daughter Hilda in Paraguay, son Ernst in a car accident at age 20 in 1971, and 6 siblings, he is mourned by Maria; children Annie Loewen, Luise Elphick, Erwin, John, Henry, Helga VanAsseldonk and Mary Willock; 26 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was Nov. 7 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Heinz Ratzlaff and Peter Gunther ministering
Elizabeth (Betty) Unrau
Elizabeth (Betty) Unrau passed away Dec. 6. She was born Oct. 13, 1908 to Kornelius and Anna Driediger in Gnadenthal, Russia. When she was 16, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Oak Lake, Man. She worked as a maid in Winnipeg to help support the family. She married Peter Unrau in 1944. They farmed near Minto and Margaret, Man. for 25 years, retiring to Boissevain, Man. in 1971. After Peter died in 1998, she moved to Evergreen Place, Boissevain. She gracefully accepted her situation and never lost her positive attitude even when she could no longer bake. She is mourned by daughters Marlene Friesen and Lisa Loewen; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. The funeral was Dec. 13 in Boissevain MB Church, with Tom Warner and Wally Kroeker ministering.
Ulrich Matis 
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Ulrich Matis passed away Oct. 17. He was born Aug. 15, 1929 to Eduard and Lydia Matis in Sady (Sendykowczysna), Poland. He grew up on the family farm. They fled to Gutenach, Germany in August 1944 and to Schleswig-Holstein in 1945. They immigrated to Paraguay in 1948. He married Margarete Winter May 21, 1953. They immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. with his extended family in 1955. In June 1956 they moved to Vancouver. He worked in upholstery, finish carpentry and framing, co-owned a framing business with Ed Schmidt for 6 years and became an independent contractor. They attended Vancouver MB Church, Sherbrooke Mennonite Church and Culloden MB Church. In 1971 he was baptized at Culloden MB Church. He taught Sunday school and served on the food and other committees. In 1974 they bought a hobby farm in Abbotsford, B.C. They joined King Road MB Church, where he served on the German school, building, deacons’, food/kitchen and visitor/billeting committees and church council. He set a wonderful example of service. He enjoyed travelling to Paraguay, Australia, Germany and Hawaii. Lymphatic cancer was diagnosed in January 2000 and returned aggressively in October 2001. He told his family, “I’ll see you in heaven.” The funeral was Oct. 19 in King Road MB Church, with Andrew Dyck and George Baier ministering.
Mary Stobbe 
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Mary Stobbe passed away Dec. 7. She was born Nov. 27, 1927 to Jacob and Susanna Stobbe in Hochfeld, Man. In 1929 the family moved to Readymade, Alta. She became a Christian at age 11 through a lay visitation ministry. She attended Bible school in Coaldale, Alta. 1944–45 and Chilliwack, B.C. 1948–49. She worked at a variety of jobs until 1974 when she moved with her mother and sisters Gertrude and Annie to Kelowna, B.C. She then remained at home to care for their mother until her passing in 1981. From then on, she struggled with many short-term illnesses, but continued to cheerfully serve in whatever capacity she could. She was given a pacemaker in March 2002, and a pituitary tumour was diagnosed in October 2001. She is remembered as a faithful prayer warrior with a quiet, gentle spirit. She contributed delicious peanut butter chocolates to family gatherings and enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Predeceased by brother Herman and sister Gertrude in March 2000, she is mourned by her siblings Annie of Kelowna, Peter of Armstrong, B.C. and Helen Stephan of Kelowna. The funeral was Dec. 11 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnie Peters and Mark Burch ministering.
Samantha Jo Swain 
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Samantha Jo Swain was fatally injured in a car crash in Brandon, Man. Dec. 4. She was born Jan. 10, 1986 in Regina. Sammie came into foster care in early childhood and came to live with Bill and Marianne Hildebrandt at age 2 along with siblings Tracey, Tara and Kyler. She accepted Christian faith at age 5. She enjoyed Turtle Mountain Bible Camp and came away from her last year of teen camp with a renewed sense of commitment. She loved swimming, horseback riding, hiking, track and field, crafts, art, piano, cooking, baking, Pioneer Girls and, in Caronport, Sask., kids choir and junior youth. She later moved to Cartwright, Man. to live with Tom and Diane Miller and to Brandon, where she worked at Maple Leaf and moved into an apartment with her friend Nicky, but she stayed in touch with the Hildebrandts. She was planning to return to high school in January. She is remembered for her resilience, zest for life, generous spirit and ready smile. She is survived by her birth mother Loretta Swain; foster parents Bill and Marianne Hildrebrandt; and siblings Stephanie Hildebrandt, Kelvin Hildebrandt, Tracey Gray, Kathy Hildebrandt, Tara Swain, Kyler Swain and Bill Swain.
Susanna Dick Friesen 
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Susanna Dick Friesen passed away Dec. 12. She was born Oct. 31 1907 to Peter Dueck and Justina Klassen in Schoenfeld, Schoenfeld Colony, Ukraine. In 1910 the family moved to an estate near Besheran, Crimea. Her mother died in 1911. Her father married Katharina Rempel in 1912. They moved to Tsche-Tsche, Crimea in 1915 and to Gnadenfeld, Molotschna in 1918. She accepted Jesus during revival meetings, was baptized at 17 and joined the MB church. They immigrated to Waterloo, Ont. in fall 1925. For the next 2 years she milked cows and did housework on the Hallman farm, separated from her family. She met Jacob Friesen at George St. Mennonite Church youth activities. They married Oct. 5, 1929 and lived in Waterloo until 1932. Jacob then found work at E.D. Smith in Winona, Ont. for 2 years. When Peter Wall offered land to Mennonites near Virgil, Ont. in 1935, they chose 10 acres. They worked hard on this farm and became charter members of Virgil MB Church. She taught Sunday school, first nursery moms and then, for almost 40 years, preschoolers. After Jacob died in 1965, she moved to the retirement home they had built in Virgil. Here she hosted many visitors. In 1986 she moved to Pleasant Manor, where she participated in singing groups, sewed quilts for MCC and visited other residents. She was a faithful prayer partner for her family and missionaries. She was a prolific letter writer and kept a personal journal from her teens until mid-1999. She is remembered as cheerful, gentle and energetic. She is mourned by children Hedwig Enns of Sanford, Fla., Henry of Penticton, B.C., Lou of St Catharines, Ont., Ernie of Virgil, Margaret Borne of Kelowna, B.C., Bert of Winnipeg and Edith Block of Saskatoon; 31 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and 1 sister. The memorial service was Dec. 16 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Victor Loewen and George Wichert ministering.
Henry John Dyck 
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Henry John Dyck passed away Oct. 3. He was born Jan. 29, 1911 to John and Elizabeth Dyck in Gruenfeld, Russia. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1927. At 19, he became a Christian and joined an MB house church in southern Manitoba. He married Katie Braun in 1933. In 1941 they moved to Ontario. He farmed near St. Catharines and later Queenston. They joined Virgil MB Church; he taught Sunday school, served as youth leader and was on the church board. In 1956 they moved to St. Catharines and established a construction company. They joined Scott St. MB Church and later Fairview MB Church. He was a member of the Gideons, serving as treasurer of the memorial fund for 25 years. In 1992 he moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter, he is mourned by Katie; children Lynn Regier, Esther Dueck, Helmuth, and Irma Ruth; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 5 at Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.
Thelma Mary Huesken 
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Thelma Mary Huesken passed away Nov. 4. She was born May 24, 1922 to Wilfred and Elizabeth Mower in New Westminster, B.C. She was an accomplished violinist, playing solos in retirement homes, playing for weddings and funerals, and playing with the Melody Ensemble. She and husband Erwin lived in North Delta for 25 years, moving to acreage in the Columbia Valley in the 1970s. She made home a warm, welcoming place and fed many a haying crew to the point where it was difficult for them to go back to work. She was a member of Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church, active in the Dorcas-Ruth sewing circle and making quilts for MCC. She was a faithful supporter of Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, for a number of years corresponding with campers as “Aunt Nettie” as part of the camp’s follow-up. She greatly impacted her family through her prayers, availability and faithfulness. Even while in hospital with leukemia, she continued to encourage others through her conversations and prayers, reminding them of the things that really matter. She is mourned by Erwin, her husband of 59 years; children Claudia Janzen, David, and Paul, all of Chilliwack, B.C.; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The memorial service was Nov. 8 at Yarrow MB Church.
William F. Braun 
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William F. Braun passed away May 10, 2002. He was born March 29, 1924 to Frank and Aganetha Braun near Herbert, Sask. He was energetic, always running to his next activity. Gifted with a creative, inquisitive mind, he collected spools and paper to make his own inventions. He accepted the Lord in his early teens and was baptized. He studied 3 years at Herbert Bible School. He married Elma Penner. They farmed until 1976, then moved into Herbert. He taught Sunday school and served as a deacon in Herbert MB Church. Later they joined the Gideons. He enjoyed fishing, reading and travelling, making over 20 trips to the southern US. He stayed involved with the farm as much as health would allow. He whistled spontaneously and enjoyed his mornings with friends at New Horizons Centre. He was a man of few words but deep thoughts and evident wisdom. He had a passion for his family, sitting on the floor to relate to the grandchildren. He faced health challenges bravely and left a legacy of honesty, integrity and generosity. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Elma; children Judy, Phyllis, Darryl, and Sandra; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 3 brothers. The funeral was May 14 in Herbert MB Church, with Corny Braun and Ed Schmidt ministering.
Margaret Grace Peters 
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Maragaret Grace Peters passed away Jan. 1. She was born Nov. 19, 1928 to Robert and Eva Stevens in Pennfield, N.B. She attended the Reformed Baptist Church, became a Christian at an early age and was baptized. She believed in helping the poor and needy and was very generous. She attended Bethany Bible Gamp for 10 summers. She worked at the Brunswick Sardines fish plant and later as housekeeper and nurse’s aid in an orphanage. Caring for her sick brother-in-law in Red Deer, Alta., she met John Peters through correspondence. They married Sept 18, 1982, and she joined Yarrow (B.C) MB Church. She loved travelling, photography, beautiful flowers, God’s creation, playing games and visiting. They moved to Abbtosford, B.C. Feb. 21, 1992. She lived 2 years at Menno Home and her last 3 months at MSA Hospital. She looked forward to meeting Jesus and loved ones in heaven. Predeceased by 7 siblings, she is mourned by John; and siblings Frank, Pauline, Edna, Millard, Isabel, Paul, Mae and Murl. The funeral was Jan. 6 at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly with Dave Rathjen and Jack Keys ministering.
Charles Stephen Green
Charles (Charlie) Stephen Green passed away Dec. 13. He was born July 20, 1925 to Joseph and Edith Green in Tantallon, Sask. The family moved to Meadow Lake, Sask. in 1932. He had very little schooling and at about 16 started working for farmers, enjoying the work on threshing crews. He worked for the town of Meadow Lake for many years, in jobs ranging from garbage collection to cemetery maintenance, until retirement. He liked playing ball, old-timers hockey, fishing at his favourite spot at the lake and bowling, making many lifelong friends in the process. He lived at Golden West Manor for a number of years, then Northland Pioneer Lodge. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 half-sisters and 2 half-brothers, he is mourned by brothers Jim of Saskatoon and Robert and Donald of Meadow Lake. The funeral was Dec. 17 at Northwest Community Church, Meadow Lake, with Bob Cappelle ministering.
John Wieler 
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John Wieler passed away Dec. 10. He was born Sept. 19, 1927 to Julius and Anna Wieler in Markowka, Russia. When he was 2, the family immigrated to Lichtfelde, Chaco, Paraguay. The first years were very hard. In 1936 his mother died. His father married Maria Wohlgemut, a widow with 1 daughter; they had 2 daughters together. His father died in 1940. John worked hard all his life. In 1953 he bought his own farm in Lichtfelde. He married Kaethe Sept. 18, 1954. At an evangelistic meeting with G. Neufeld, he gave his heart to the Lord. In November 1961 he was baptized and joined the MB church in Filadelfia. They moved to Blumental. He helped out in the village and taught Sunday school after the Blumental church was started. He loved to work on his farm, but after several crop failures they immigrated to Ontario in 1969. He worked in construction, then at Port Weller Dry Docks 1972–92. On a visit to B.C. in 1992, he suffered a heart attack from which he didn’t fully recover. He endured much pain, and at the end wished to go home. He spent much time in prayer for his children, grandchildren and the church. Predeceased by his twin brother, 2 small siblings in Russia and a brother and 4 sisters in Paraguay, he is mourned by Kaethe; children Gisela Teske, Marga, Esther, Bert, Monica, and Rudy; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 10 at Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., with John Epp and Patrick Bartley ministering.
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