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In this section:
Sara Kornelsen 
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Sara Kornelsen died Feb. 8. She was born Oct. 28, 1897 to Henry and Margareta Reimer in south Russia. She grew up in Lichtfelde and after obtaining her teaching certificate was a governess on an estate. At age 22 she accepted Christ; was later baptized and joined the MB Church. She married Henry Kornelsen Oct. 28, 1923. They emigrated to Canada in March 1924, settling in Dalmeny, Sask. After living on a farm in Grande Prairie, Alta., they moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1927. She was a continuous support to her husband on the farm, in his ministry and in public service. She was a loving, caring, praying mother who lived a life of integrity and faith in God. In 1959 they retired to a new home in Coaldale. Henry died in 1974. In 1993 she and daughter Anne moved to a condominium. Anne died in 2000, and she moved into Coaldale Health Care Centre. She was grateful for every kindness, she prayed faithfully for her family and longed to go home. She is mourned by daughter Elvira Dueck; sons Henry, Rudy and Arnold; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 14 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Monte Blue
Monte Blue died in Lethbridge, Alta. Feb. 3, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 1, 1936 in Gull Lake, Sask. to Howard and Frances Blue. The family moved to Calgary when he was 7, and then to Langdon Corner. He attended Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. He married Dora Aug. 2, 1958 in Irricana, Alta. They lived in Calgary, where he worked for Alberta Government Telephones. He was transferred to Lethbridge in 1968. He became a Christian in 1974 during meetings led by Frank C. Peters in Lakeview MB Church, Lethbridge. He and Dora were baptized that year. He served as treasurer of College Drive Community Church, Lethbridge, for 6 years and as treasurer of the Alberta MB Conference. He retired in 1991 after 33 years with AGT. Monte enjoyed vacations in Hawaii, working in his woodworking shop and spending time with his grandchildren. He was not angry at, or afraid because of, the cancer, but put his faith in God’s promise of a future in heaven. He is mourned by Dora; son Chris; daughters Lisa Blue (Dueck) and Tess Van Dyke; 5 grandchildren; his mother; 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 6 at Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Abram Erwin Toews
Abram Erwin Toews died Feb. 18. He was born July 1, 1923 to Abram and Helena Toews in Alexanderkrone, south Russia. The family emigrated to Canada in 1926 and settled in Coaldale, Alta. in 1927. On Jan. 8, 1950, Abe married Linda Shellenberg. He worked on the family farm, taking it over when his father retired in the late 1950s. He was a loving and devoted father. In the early 1990s he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He moved to Coaldale Health Care Centre in December 1999. Predeceased by 1 brother, 1 sister, and 1 grandsonhe is mourned by Linda; sons Eldon of Calgary and Orlando of Red Deer, Alta.; daughters Lois Kesslering of Turner Valley, Alta., Marilyn Dahl of Burnaby, B.C., Lorraine of Calgary and Lynette Toews-Neufeldt of Edmonton; 12 grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 22 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Georgia Dean Fleishauer 
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Georgia Dean Fleishauer died Feb. 15. She was born May 1, 1926 in Beaver, Okla. to Pete and Anna Neufield. The family moved to Bakersfield, Calif. when she was 9. She accepted the Lord at 10 or 11 during a crusade at Full Gospel Tabernacle; she was baptized several years later. She married Irwin Fleishauer June 18, 1944 in Bakersfield. The lived in Placerville, Calif. and Tillamook, Ore., then returned to Bakersfield. Irwin was a trucker, and Georgia and son Gary Thomas travelled with him. They camped in the mountains with extended family. In 1962 they moved to Irwin’s family farm. Georgia enjoyed raking hay, chopping cotton and irrigating crops. When there was a crop failure, Georgia helped by raising young calves. She drove bus for special needs children in Bakersfield City Schools 1971–81. She was respected by and loved every one of the children. They travelled to B.C. to visit their son and his family. They bought a mobile home and lot in Anacortes, Wash. in 1979 and another in Peaceful Valley, Sumas, Wash. in 1992. She enjoyed building friendships, landscaping their home, golfing, working in the pro shop and creating crafts. She was a member of Central Heights Church in Abbotsford, B.C. and travelled with the Jubilee Choir. She recognized God’s faithfulness. She is mourned by Irwin; son Gary; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. The funeral was Feb. 22 in Central Heights Church, with Chris Douglas ministering.
David Niessen 
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David Niessen died Feb. 12. He was born May 8, 1914 in Aberdeen Sask. to Maria and Peter von Niessen. He grew up on the farm. He attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. He helped begin the MB church in Regina. He married Mary Teichrob in 1944. He became a teacher in 1947 and taught near Saskatoon in La Bassee School, Steele School, Clear Spring School and Delisle (Sask.) Composite High School. He enjoyed teaching and found unique ways to teach music, arts, crafts and sports. They entered into the lives of their communities and made many friends. After retiring from teaching in 1975, they taught in Nuevo Ideal, Durango, Mexico under MBMS International for 4 years. They formed lifelong friendships. In the 1980s they travelled in Canada and the US, exploring, visiting family and friends and fishing. Mary died in 1994. He married Edna Lepp in 1996 and settled in Hepburn. He is remembered as caring, dedicated, creative, hardworking, helpful and friendly. He freely shared stories from the past, spiritual insights and blessings. Predeceased by first wife Mary, 4 sisters and 4 brothers, he is mourned by Edna, daughters Maryann Schellenberg, Elaine Schultz and Kathryn Dauncey; son David; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 stepsons; 2 stepdaughters; 15 step-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 19 in West Portal Church, Saskatoon, with Andrew Fehr and Reuben Andres ministering.
John Striemer 
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John Striemer died Feb. 17. He was born Aug. 16, 1919 to Carl and Elizabeth Striemer in Osler, Sask. They lived in various places in Saskatchewan. He married Mary Penner Oct. 22, 1952. They lived on a farm near Hague, Sask. for 9 years, then moved to Waldheim, Sask. He worked at various jobs such as digging wells, concrete work and carpentry. He spent 11 years doing maintenance at Waldheim golf course. He accepted Christ Jan. 1, 1946, was baptized that summer, and lived his life for the Lord. He fought a courageous battle for health for 10 years and longed to go home. Predeceased by son Abe; 9 siblings, he is mourned by Mary; daughters Shirley Weenk of Herschel, Sask., Martha Friesen of Saskatoon, Mary Ann Smith and Hilda Finlay of Mayfair, Sask., Olga Fletcher of Calgary, Ruth Loewen of Waldheim, Margaret Unruh of Dalmeny, Sask. Cheryl Havoshi of Toronto; sons Wes and John of Saskatoon, Harvey of Calgary; 23 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 20 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
John Durksen 
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John Durksen died Jan. 23. He was born Nov. 9, 1923 in Alexanderthal, Ukraine to David and Sara Durksen. The family emigrated to Canada when he was 1 1/2 and settled near Arnaud, Man. He accepted the Lord as a young child. He came to cherish music in his teens. He attended Winkler Bible School for 2 years, where he rededicated his life to the Lord based on Ephesians 2:8,9. He never wavered in his faith. In 1947 the family moved to a farm near St. Catharines, Ont. John was invited to become church choir conductor and for the next 40 years either led the choir or sang in it. On Aug. 5, 1950 he married Lottie Neufeld. He worked at GM but gave it up because it interfered with his church work. Son Bobby died in 1964 at age 11; this became a time of deeper commitment to God. In 1967 John and Lottie were ordained as deacons in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines. Later they served as deacons in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines. In Niagara Falls (Ont.) Christian Fellowship, he helped with music and they taught Sunday school, Bible studies and discipleship classes. John held many jobs: farming, construction, trucking and driving school bus. He would settle down the students on the bus by involving them in a sing-a-long. He and Lottie sang at Tabor and Pleasant Manors, and led sing-a-longs at Tabor. The motto for their life was Matthew 6:33. Predeceased by son Bobby, 1 brother and 1 sister; he is mourned by Lottie, daughters Carol Doerksen and Lisa Hildebrand of St. Catharines, Kathleen Eckert of London, Ont. and Beth Gangel of Toccoa Falls, Ga.; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 3 brothers; 6 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 27 in Grantham MB Church, with Bob Enns, Abe Neufeld and Stephen Mortley ministering.
Henry J. Letkeman 
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Henry Letkeman passed away Feb. 26. He was born Nov. 15, 1919 to Johann M. and Aganetha Letkeman near Rosthern, Sask. He took over the family farm in 1934. He was baptized May 29, 1939 and joined Eigenheim Mennonite Church. He married Sarah Rempel July 8, 1953. Sarah died Feb. 20, 1964, leaving 2 children. He married Linda Dyck Apr. 2, 1965. Eventually they sold their farm and moved into Rosthern. He developed his love for woodworking, making glider rockers. He enjoyed playing pool, gardening and landscaping. He and Linda volunteered at Mennonite Youth Farm and The Clothes Basket. They moved to Pioneer Lodge in Waldheim, Sask. in the mid-1990s. He was a gentle quiet man, a loyal and dependable husband and father. His steady faith carried him through heartaches and hardships. His quiet strength and faithful church attendance were an example to others. Predeceased by Sarah, 5 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by Linda; daughters Verna Nagorski and Lorna Luiten; 2 grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 3 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
Justine Wiens
Justine Wiens died Mar. 6. She was born Apr. 10, 1922 in Rosenort, Ukraine to Nikolai and Margaretha Wiens. The family lost their voting rights and were not able to get jobs, find accommodations or talk to others. At 16, she worked on a collective farm. On Aug. 22, 1943 Justine was baptized and joined the MB Church. The verse given to her was Rev. 2:10b. The family came to Ontario in November 1948, settling in the Niagara, area. Justine was employed on local farms, at a canning factory and at Warren Knitting. She worked as a cook at Eden Christian College and Pleasant Manor Retirement Complex. She enjoyed fellowship with the Ladies Mission Group at Virgil (Ont.) MB Church and volunteered at the Christian Benefit Shop in St. Catharines and at Tabor Manor Apartments, St. Catharines after she moved there in 1994. Predeceased by 6 siblings, she is mourned by sister Erna Quiring and brother Jake. The funeral was Mar. 11 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Vic Loewen ministering.
Margaret Dueck
Margaret Dueck died Mar. 1. She was born June 4, 1921 in Dolinsk, Neu Samara, Russia to Abram B. and Anna Wiens. In 1930 the family emigrated to Paraguay. In Germany her sister died; her father and brother died in the first year in Paraguay. Margaret accepted Christ at an evangelistic meeting in 1940. She was baptized the next year and joined the MB Church. In 1943 she married Willy Dueck. In 1967 the family moved to Vancouver and in 1997 to Abbotsford, B.C. Here they joined King Road MB Church. Son Helmut died in an accident at work in 1992. Willy died Mar. 3, 2001. In September 2002 she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She moved to Sherwood Care Home Jan. 31, 2003. Predeceased by Willy, son Helmut; 2 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Edith Hildebrandt, Elfriede Hildebrandt, Elvira Hildebrand and Irene Klassen; son Edwin; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
John Isaac 
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John Isaac died Feb. 16. He was born Sept. 9, 1910 in Alexanderfeld, Russia to Johann and Aganeta Isaac. His father died when John was 4. His mother married Bernhardt Peters in January 1919. John married Elisabeth Klassen Dec. 17, 1933. He worked as a supervisor in the farming cooperative in Alexanderfeld. Daughter Liese died in 1942. In 1943 the family was moved from Ukraine to Poland. John worked on a farm until taken into the army in September 1944. He served in Germany and Italy until May 1945, when he became a prisoner of war. He was released in 1947. His wife and children had been sent back to Russia in 1948. John came to Miami, Man. in 1948, moving to Ontario a year later. He worked in construction, starting his own business in 1952. In 1951 John accepted Christ. He was baptized and joined Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines in 1953. He served on various committees at church, including the building of Fairview and Grantham MB churches. In 1956 he had news that daughter Liese (born in Poland) had died in 1948. He began trying to get his family to come to Canada. Elizabeth and daughter Tina came Nov. 11, 1966; son John and family Dec. 7, 1971; daughter Aganeta and family Sept. 20, 1973. He enjoyed spending time with family, playing dominos, fishing and swimming. He was a father and grandfather of few words and lots of patience. Predeceased by 2 daughters and 7 siblings, he is mourned by Elisabeth; daughters Tina Wiens and Aganeta Schmidt; son John; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers and sisters. The funeral was Feb. 19 at Scott St. MB Church, with Pat Bartley ministering.
Anne Warkentin 
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Anne Warkentin passed away Nov. 13. She was born Mar. 17, 1911 in Borden, Sask. to Abram and Agatha Wiebe. The family moved to Shafter, Calif. Anne was able to attend school until age 16, when they moved back to Borden. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and joined Borden MB Church at 18. She loved to play piano and sing in choirs. She married Cornelius Warkentin June 28, 1931 and they farmed at Hepburn, Sask. In 1938 they moved to the Niagara region in Ontario. They became fruit farmers. They were charter members of Virgil MB Church and ministered in music and other areas. Cornie died at 63. Anne moved to Niagara Falls and became involved in Niagara Falls Christian Fellowship, singing in the choir and providing flowers almost every Sunday. She travelled, visiting family in Canada, California, Kenya, Hawaii, Argentina and Costa Rica. She baked and sewed for the family. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2000 and lost her eyesight. She came to accept this and trust the Lord who had always been her shepherd. She moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. Anne was known as an articulate, artistic person who loved reading, music and gardening. Her love for God and her trust in Jesus formed the basis of her life. She is mourned by sons Dalbert, Harvey and Gerald; daughters Rosella Harkness and Arlene Wiebe; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 18 in Niagara Falls Christian Fellowship, with Herm Plett and Henry Wiebe ministering.
George Fast 
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George Fast died Feb. 28. He was born Mar. 13, 1929 in Beechy, Sask. The family moved to Ontario. George accepted Jesus at vacation Bible school in Beechy, then recommitted his life at an evangelistic service at age 14. At 16 he was baptized and joined St. Catharines MB Church. He worked at Yale and Town for 8 years, then in construction in B.C. Returning to Ontario, he married Kathie Neufeld. With a family and little money, he learned to trust the Lord. He served an apprenticeship as a finish carpenter and soon opened his own business. He worked together with son Don. He had a reputation as a man of integrity. He served as usher, worked with boys’ club for 20 years, sang in choirs, drove for Good News Club, hosted college and career groups in their home and worked as a deacon in the church. His love for his Saviour radiated from him, and conversations quickly turned to his faith. He is mourned by Kathie; daughters Judy Schmidt and Kathy Campbell; son Don; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters; 5 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 3 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with Bob Enns and Abe Neufeld ministering.
Esther Krahn 
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Esther Krahn died Dec. 18 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born June 13, 1940 to Gerhard and Helena Hildebrand in the Birkenhead area south of Winkler, Man. She attended Winkler EMMC Church and made a commitment to follow Jesus, from which she never wavered even when daughter Cindy was severely injured in a car accident at an early age and husband Neil died when the children were young. She trained as a teacher and taught mathematics and other subjects in Sperling and Carman, Man. She was involved with Brandon (Man.) University native teacher training programs as adjunct professor and taught mathematics to aspiring teachers. She taught math to young adults in River East School Division in Winnipeg. She became involved in the group home in Brandon where daughter Cindy lived and later formed a group home in Winnipeg with Anita Dueck. She became a strong advocate for people with needs. She was a woman of prayer and often led prayer time in small group settings. She maintained contact with mission and outreach agencies. She was a hiker, swimmer, skier and tennis player. She enjoyed bird watching and the wonders of nature. She loved music. She married Alan Janzen 2 years ago and enjoyed the new family and friends. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by Alan; daughter Cynthia; son Lyall; Alan’s son Mark and daughter Rachel Koller; 2 step-grandchildren; 7 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 23 at Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg.
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