Deaths

In this section:

Ron Carleton Abraham A. Hiebert James Alexander Ness Sophie Fast John David Siemens Maria Klaassen Irma Willms Ben D. Falk Mary Klassen Lepp Viola Margaret Heinrichs Jacob J. Bargen Bill G. Wiebe Aron Krahn Bernard D. Enns John F. Sawatzky Elisabeth Wiens Alan Raymond Brookes Frieda Rempel Jacob John Warkentin Louise Wiens Dora Katherine Ratzlaff Anna Unruh

Correction: The obituary of Sara Suderman in the Mar. 21 issue omitted to mention that she was predeceased by her husband Peter, and that she was also survived by her daughter Helene, who had been her primary caregiver. We apologize for the error and the hurt that was caused.

—Ed.

Ron Carleton

Ron Carleton died Jan. 5. He was born Jan. 19, 1950 in Gravelbourg, Sask. to Ralph and Mary Carleton. His father was a United Church pastor; the family moved to several communities in southern Saskatchewan. When Ron was 4, his parents took over the family farm in Ravenscrag, Sask., moving to Cremona, Alta. in 1961. Ron participated in sports and music. He attended Millar College of the Bible in Pambrun, Sask., playing piano for musical groups. He played for the Messengers Quartet, touring North America and Europe. He met Gladys Magnusson in Carman, Man. when he was billeted in their home during a tour. They married in 1974. They joined Global Outreach and served on the Voice of the Gospel radio broadcast in Aix-en-Provence, France 1978–1984. During the last 2 years in France, Ron’s health began to fail, and they returned to Canada. He was diagnosed with MS. He earned a B.A. in French and M.A. in French Literature at University of Calgary but because of his illness was not able to teach. The family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1992; Gladys taught in Langley School District. Ron began writing poetry, songs and articles. He maintained his sense of humour. He put his faith in Jesus at age 10 and was baptized in his late teens at Maple Ridge (B.C.) Baptist Church. He maintained a basic faith and found grace to live each day courageously. He is mourned by Gladys; daughters Nicole, Emmy and Coralie; 2 brothers; 1 sister. The funeral was January 10 in Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, with Ike Bergen and Frank Martens ministering.

Abraham A. Hiebert

Abraham A. Hiebert of Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C., died Feb. 24. He was born to Abraham and Anna Hiebert on Feb. 3, 1909 in Fairview, Okla.  At age 9, he roped cattle for a rancher, the earnings going to his family. He worked for rich folks because food and working conditions were better. He grew up in a Christian home, but was drawn to worldly activities. In 1928 the family moved to Canada, settling near Calgary. Abe and his brother Jake returned to Oklahoma, but eventually Abe and brother Rudolph helped run the family farm in Coaldale, Alta. At age 26, at revival meetings led by Ralph Neighbour, Abe accepted Christ. He was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church. He played guitar in a musical group called “The Joyful Hour”. Abe bought a farm from the CPR and built a house. He married Anna Nikkel Dec. 6, 1941. A Holstein cow given to them by Anna’s parents was the beginning of a dairy farm operation. They worked together and were thrifty to meet the family’s needs. Abe was an usher in Coaldale MB Church for many years. In 1964 they sold the farm and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He worked for Kustom Koach in Aldergrove. He took wood scraps home making them into cupboards, trays and wastebaskets, which he gave as gifts. He helped run the PA system at church. Both hips were replaced due to arthritis in 1996–97. He had a pacemaker inserted in 1997. In 1997 Anna passed away. He moved to Tabor Home. He kept busy making notepads out of recyclable paper, giving these to nurses, friends and family. He is mourned by children Jessie Sawatzky and Edith Wiens of Abbotsford, and Irma Barkman of Saskatoon; 6 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jay Neufeld ministering.

James Alexander Ness

Jim Ness of Port Rowan, Ont. died Mar. 20. He was born to Alexander and Mary Ness Jan. 8, 1930 at Niagara Falls, Ont. Upon completion of his course at Hamilton Institute of Technology, he worked for Sylvania Co. fixing TVs. When the plant closed, he opened his own TV repair business in Dunnville, Ont. He married Sheila in 1955. They had a daughter, Kim. In 1966 he began working for Signode Fasteners as a sales rep. In 1973 he married Brenda. They moved to Maple Ridge, B.C. in 1974, where he continued to excel as a sales rep for Signode. He began attending Maple Ridge Baptist Church in 1989, made a commitment to Christ in 1994 and was baptized. Jim retired in 1991 and enjoyed fishing, golfing and camping. They moved to Port Rowan, Ont. to became reacquainted with family. He joined Port Rowan MB Church in 2001. He is remembered as a kind, gentle man with an infectious laugh. He was young at heart and was involved in the community. He is mourned by Brenda; daughter Kim Sierdsma; 3 grandchildren. The funeral service was Mar. 24 in Port Rowan MB Church with Sandy Young and Phillip Uptgrove ministering.

James Alexander Ness

Jim Ness of Port Rowan, Ont. died Mar. 20. He was born to Alexander and Mary Ness Jan. 8, 1930 at Niagara Falls, Ont. Upon completion of his course at Hamilton Institute of Technology, he worked for Sylvania Co. fixing TVs. When the plant closed, he opened his own TV repair business in Dunnville, Ont. He married Sheila in 1955. They had a daughter, Kim. In 1966 he began working for Signode Fasteners as a sales rep. In 1973 he married Brenda. They moved to Maple Ridge, B.C. in 1974, where he continued to excel as a sales rep for Signode. He began attending Maple Ridge Baptist Church in 1989, made a commitment to Christ in 1994 and was baptized. Jim retired in 1991 and he enjoyed fishing, golfing and camping. They moved to Port Rowan, Ont. to became reacquainted with family. He joined Port Rowan MB Church in 2001. He is remembered as a kind, gentle man with an infectious laugh. He was young at heart and was involved in the community. He is mourned by Brenda; daughter Kim Sierdsma; 3 grandchildren. The funeral service was Mar. 24 in Port Rowan MB Church with Sandy Young and Phillip Uptgrove ministering.

Sophie Fast

Sophie Fast of Chilliwack, B.C. died Mar. 3. She was born to Franz and Katharina Born Aug. 26, 1921 in Herzenberg, Russia. When she was 12, her father died of starvation and her mother was forced to beg for food for the family. Sophie worked on a collective farm. Her mother was able to teach her Christian principles in secret. In World War II the family became refugees and were separated from one another. Sophie was employed by the German army. They were reunited in Germany. They emigrated to Winnipeg, Man. in 1948. Here she was given her first Bible and within a week accepted Christ. She spent all her spare time reading and memorizing Scriptures and hymns. Sophie moved to Yarrow, B.C. where she was baptized, joining Yarrow MB Church. She married Abram Fast June 27, 1948. She served others with joy, often beyond her health. She never went anywhere without a gift from her kitchen or garden. Her homemade perogies with cream gravy and sausage was a favourite meal with her family. She supported Abe in all his endeavours. Her earlier health problems worsened, and her pain increased, but even when on life support, she remembered people’s birthdays. She lost her strength but became more aware of Jesus and His love. She was predeceased by her parents, stepfather, 2 brothers, 1 step-sister. She is mourned by Abe; daughters Vi Wiens and Irene Fast; sons Ed, Dan and David; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 7 in Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jay Neufeld ministering.

John David Siemens

John David Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. died Feb. 15. He was born Oct. 15, 1914 to Peter and Katherine Siemens in Nikopol, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. John married Elsie Warkentin Oct. 9, 1943 in Vancouver. In 1944 they moved to Abbotsford and began a dairy farm, later adding poultry and raspberry farming. On June 26, 1955 they were baptized by John Stobbe and joined South Abbotsford MB Church. Philippians 1:6 was given to him. John also did seasonal work at Buckerfields in Sumas. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing in the Fraser River and spontaneous family trips to Keremeos, B.C. to get fresh fruit. He enjoyed watching his children and later, grandchildren, play in the backyard. In 1986 they sold the farm and retired to Clearbrook. John went for many walks lasting hours. In 1995 a serious gallbladder infection almost took his life; after that he looked forward to going home. He is mourned by Elsie; sons Dennis, Gordon, Walt and Sam of Abbotsford; daughters Linda Dyck of Kelowna, B.C., Edna Peters, Kathy Klassen and Rhonda Dueck of Abbotsford, Helen of Mission B.C. and, Rita Houweling of Grande Prairie, Alta.; 30 grandchildren; 14 great-granchildren; 2 brothers. The memorial service was Feb. 22 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.

Maria Klaassen

Maria Klaassen died Jan. 27 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Dec. 27 to Jakob and Helena Bargen in Schoenau, Sagradowka, Ukraine. At age 12, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB church. She married widower Jakob Klassen Oct. 14, 1921; 3 sons were born. They wanted to immigrate to Canada in 1929, following the rest of her family but were unable to because of Jakob’s trachoma. Their possessions were confiscated and Jakob was forced to do hard labour, then jailed as punishment for trying to emigrate without government authorization. He died May 8, 1933. In 1943 the family fled to Germany. The oldest sons were drafted into the German army. Son Jakob was lost in the war. In 1948 Maria and son Hans emigrated to Canada. Maria married widower Klaassen of Swift Current, Sask. He died in 1960. Son Peter came to Canada in 1951. She regularly attended Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church and participated in ladies’ aid. In 1988 she moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford. She is remembered for her gentle spirit, strength of faith, kind words and caring. Predeceased by son Hans in 1991, she is mourned by son Peter; 4 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 stepson; 1 stepdaughter. The funeral was Jan. 31 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering

Irma Willms

Irma Willms of Abbotsford, B.C. died Feb. 13. She was born Dec. 2, 1914 to Abram and Helene Rempel in Chechnya, Russia. The family lived on her grandfather’s estate. During the revolution, they moved to Ebental where they homesteaded and built a sod house. She accepted Jesus during a spiritual reawakening and was baptized in her early teens. Here father became a preacher. They moved to Neu Hoffnung, then emigrated to Manitoba in 1930. After the harvest, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. Irma worked as a housekeeper on farms, then got a job in Vancouver at 17. She became a charter member of South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church where her father was preacher. She married Henry Willms Oct. 25, 1936. In March 1937 they began a dairy farm, but also did mixed farming. In 1969 they retired and built a new house on the property. They travelled; Irma looked after her granddaughters, and spent time in her flower garden. They moved to Garden Park Tower in 1998. She led by example, was loving, patient and kind. She had great faith in God and was faithful in prayer. She is mourned by Henry; sons Walter, Rudy, John, Vic and Rick; daughters Selma Turner, Erika LeClair and MarieAnne Dick; 23 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 3 sisters; 3 brothers. The funeral was Feb. 20 in South Abbotsford MB Church with David Epp ministering.

Ben D. Falk

Ben D. Falk of Niverville, Man. died Mar. 2. He was born Sept. 14, 1910 to David and Maria Falk in Steinfeld, Ukraine. The family moved to Arkadak 6 months later, immigrating to Niverville in 1929. He was responsible for his newly-widowed mother and 6 younger siblings. He worked hard and soon bought a farm for his mother and later one for himself. He accepted Christ at age 14, was baptized in Canada and became a member of Niverville MB Church. He married Elsie Friesen Sept. 10, 1938. They farmed together with their 4 oldest sons until retiring to Niverville in 1986. He loved farming, worked hard and was not afraid to take risks like buying more land and new equipment and using new technologies. He loved animals, especially horses. He was caring and compassionate, helping neighbours by taxiing them to hospitals and appointments. He opened roads to the school and highway after snowstorms. He helped neighbours complete their fall work after his was done. They sponsored many “displaced persons” following World War II. During retirement they travelled to Russia, the Holy Land, Europe, South America; made MDS tours and travelled within North America. He contributed to missions to Russia and built a church in Tipliechny and helped build one in Berdyansk. He supported a children’s camp in Russia. He taught the value of hard work, honesty and a personal relationship with the Lord, praying daily for his children and their families. Predeceased by Elsie in April 1998, he his mourned by sons Alvin, Willie, Bernie and Erwin of Niverville, Dennis of Fresno, Calif. daughter Viola Toews of Steinbach, Man.; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 3 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 7 in Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, with Rick McCorkindale ministering.

Mary Klassen Lepp

Mary Klassen Lepp of Dalmeny, Sask. died Mar. 1. She was born to David Conrad and Agatha Klassen Aug. 21, 1896 in Visilovka, Russia. In 1903 the family immigrated to Gretna, Man. Local youth appreciated the family’s guitar playing and singing. At age 18, she accepted Jesus; two years later she was baptized by her father and joined Borden (Sask.) MB Church. She participated in a traveling Bible school held at Brotherfield, Laird and Aberdeen, Sask. She married Cornelius J. Lepp Nov. 21, 1920. The next year both her parents and their first child died. They moved to Dallas, Ore. for 3 years, then to a homestead north of Dalmeny, Sask. With faith, determination and ingenuity, they managed. They were involved with neighbours at Christmas concerts, Red Cross fundraising and picnics. Cornelius died in 1990. Her garden and flowers became more important to her. A song and a walk were included in her day. She travelled widely with family members in retirement, bringing joy and a zest for life. She moved to Spruce Manor Care Home in Dalmeny. She is mourned by sons Henry, Paul and Arthur; daughters Mary Janzen and Luella Krahn; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Dalmeny Community Church with Gary Sawatzky ministering.

Viola Margaret Heinrichs

Viola Margaret Heinrichs died Feb. 27 in Richmond, B.C. She was born Nov. 15, 1937 in Yarrow, B.C. She became a Christian in her early teens, was baptized and joined Yarrow MB Church. She moved to Vancouver after graduation from Sharon Mennonite Collegiate and began a career as a health insurance adjustor, continuing in this until retirement. She joined Fraserview MB Church and was active in Sunday school and choir. She enjoyed gardening, studying garden books and adding plants to her yard each year; needlework; rug hooking; and travelling with her sister Betty. She enjoyed listening to “Haven of Rest” and “Insight for Living” on radio. She sang in the Fraserview choir and Fraserview Singers Group. She helped her parents and her sister Betty, with whom she shared a home. She sent birthday and anniversary cards to each family member. After retirement, she joined the visitor volunteer program at Pinegrove Nursing Home. She was compassionate, cheerful and positive. In August 1999 she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had extensive surgery and chemotherapy, but continued to trust God. She is mourned by brothers Peter and George; sisters Kay and Betty; 1 niece and 5 nephews; 9 grandnieces and 6 grandnephews. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C., with Dan Unrau ministering.

Jacob J. Bargen

Jacob J. Bargen of Abbotsford, B.C. died Mar. 7. He was born Oct. 22, 1910 to Jacob Peter and Helen Bargen in Orloff, Ukraine. When he was 9, bandits pillaged his village and Jacob witnessed much death and destruction. The family immigrated to Gilroy, Sask., then moved to Glenbush, Sask. where he helped his family on the farm. He became a Christian as an adult, experiencing much joy. He married Viola Harms and homesteaded his own farm. He worked long and hard. Jacob and Viola moved to B.C. where he became a carpenter, working well into his 70s. He retired and took up quilting. In 2000 they moved to Evergreen Village, Abbotsford, and in 2003 to Bevan Lodge. The funeral was Mar. 12 in Henderson Funeral Home, Abbotsford, with Michael Dick and Wilmer Kornelson ministering.

Bill G. Wiebe

Bill Wiebe died Mar. 17 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Dec. 30, 1912 in Hepburn, Sask. and grew up on a farm in Dalmeny, Sask. He moved to Abbotsford, B.C. with his wife and children in 1944. He worked in sales for DeLaire Milking Machine Co., Creamery Package Bulk Tank Co., Eatons and Peacock Furniture. He enjoyed his small hobby farm. He was president of New Horizons Senior Fellowship for 14 years; was a board member of Abbotsford School District and Columbia Bible College; and served in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford as elder, deacon, teacher, adult Sunday school superintendent and member of the welcoming committee. He volunteered at the Gleaners until age 90. Predeceased by 1 son, 1 granddaughter, 3 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by his wife of 66 years Elizabeth; daughters Delores Brandt of San Jose, Calif and Elaine Allen of Dallas,Ore.; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers; 3 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 21 in Central Heights Church.

Aron Krahn

Aron Krahn died Feb. 27 in Chilliwack, B.C. He was born to David and Mary Krahn Feb. 17, 1931 in Oxbow, Sask. The family moved to various places in Saskatchewan before moving to B.C. when Aron was 15. He accepted Christ at age 8 and was baptized at age 11. He attended Bible school in the winters of 1947 and 1950. He worked on a dairy farm at age 17, and later at UBC in Vancouver, milking cows and driving tractor. He showed a champion cow at the Pacific National Exhibition in 1954. Aron married Mary Spenst on Sept. 27, 1956. In 1957 they moved to Agassiz, B.C. where Aron worked for Agriculture Canada, in the swine department at the research station, and later as senior herdsman for cattle. He was a sport and outdoor enthusiast. He helped begin the Agassiz baseball Little League, and a gymkhana. At Harrison Gospel Church he was treasurer, moderator, bell ringer, greeter, usher, bus driver and member of the building committee. In 1978 they moved to Sidney, B.C. to work on soils at the research station. They were members of Saanich Community Church where he served as moderator, usher, greeter and member of the building committee. He retired in 1991, due to ill health. They settled in Chilliwack, B.C. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Mary; sons Stan and Len; daughters Lori Gillingham and Joyce Lingg; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 8 in Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Wilf Richert and Brad Hagkull ministering.

Bernard D. Enns

Ben Enns of Winkler, Man. died Mar. 25. He was born to C.B. and Anna Enns May 16, 1910 near Herbert, Sask. The family moved to Kronsgart, Man. He completed grade 12 in Winkler, Man. In fall 1921 Ben accepted Christ during evangelistic services; he clung to this faith until the end. He worked on the farm with his father and developed a love for the soil. Ben married Lydia Dyck Nov. 26, 1933. In 1934 they were baptized and joined Kronsgart MB Church. Ben was Sunday school superintendent, treasurer and deacon. A windstorm which blew down the barn in 1960 ended his cattle farming. His son Murray assumed responsibility for the farm in the mid-70s, but Ben continued working with him. In 1964 Ben and Lydia moved to Winkler. Ben was treasurer and deacon in Winkler MB Church. He was on the boards of the Co-op, Manitoba Pool Elevator, Rosewell School District and Winkler Bible Institute. The unexpected death of son Murray in 2002 forced him to sell the farm. He is mourned by Lydia; daughters June Friesen, Hazel Reimer and Mabel Kikat; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 30 in Winkler MB Church with Victor Neufeld and Ted Goossen ministering.

John F. Sawatzky

John F. Sawatzky of Coaldale, Alta. died Mar. 16. He was born Dec. 4, 1913 in Osterwick, Russia. He accepted Christ in his youth, was baptized and joined the MB church. The family immigrated to Canada in the early 1920s, settling in Saskatchewan. He married Tina Wiebe Jan. 19. 1936 and moved to Coaldale. They both worked on farms, eventually buying their own land. He was hard-working, fun-loving and happy. He loved sports and laughter. After retirement he golfed and curled. He had a strong faith in God and gave freely of his time and talent to help others. Predeceased by Tina, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and 1 grandson, he is mourned by Alvin, Jack, Alice Unger and Ken, all of Lethbridge and Coaldale, and Esther Sawatzky of Edmonton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 21 in Coaldale MB Church with Lorne Willms ministering.

Elisabeth Wiens

Elisabeth Wiens died Mar. 11. She was born June 20, 1916 to Gerhard and Sara Neufeld in Lustigtal, Crimea. She married Johan Wiens Feb. 24, 1935; 3 children were born, but the eldest died in infancy. When the Germans occupied the area, they were able to worship and Elisabeth accepted Christ. In June 1942 she was baptized. Johan was conscripted into the German army Feb. 28, 1945. Elisabeth and her sons were forced back into Russia. In April 1967 she came to Canada and was reunited with Johan. Her sons were able to come in 1993 and 1998. Johan died Aug. 21, 1989. In 1990 she moved into Tabor Apartments in St. Catharines, Ont. She is mourned by sons Johan and Nikolai; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 13 in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, with Peter Janzen ministering.

Alan Raymond Brookes

Al Brookes died Sept. 30. He was born Sept. 10, 1950 in Vancouver. He worked for Crown Packaging for 22 years, moving to the City of Surrey’s Maintenance Dept in 1999 and Southside Harley-Davidson in 2002. He had always felt that something was missing in his life, was drawn to Panorma Community Church in Surrey, B.C. and was baptized there with his wife Maria Apr. 18, 1999. He enjoyed serving the Lord as part of the hospitality and on worship teams. He was involved with NeighbourLink, Alpha and Growth Group. He shared his passion for riding motorcycles with his wife and son and especially enjoyed riding with his brothers and sisters in Christ. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2002, the church family helped him realize his dream of travelling to Italy. He accepted his diagnosis bravely, placing his trust in the Lord, commenting that whether he was healed here or in heaven, it would be for God’s glory. He is mourned by Maria; son Lee; 1 granddaughter; his parents; 1 brother; 2 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 5 at Valley View Memorial Gardens with Peter Nikkel and John Wiens ministering.

Frieda Rempel

Frieda Rempel died Mar. 9 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Dec. 30, 1929 to Peter and Nettie Ewert near Hepburn, Sask. When she was in grade one, the family moved to the Fraser Valley in B.C. At South Abbotsford MB Church she committed her life to the Lord and was baptized. When Abbotsford MB Church (now Central Heights Church) was organized, the family became charter members. She graduated from MEI. She married Peter Rempel in July 1952. They moved to Hedley, B.C. for a year, then back to Abbotsford. She loved sewing and for 6 years operated her own fabric business. She then worked at Clearbrook Credit Union, soon becoming office manager. A small cancerous growth was removed from her lung in 1982 She worked as bookkeeper at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, for 8 years. After retirement, she read, helped in the church library and quilted. She and Peter volunteered at Haggai Institute Training Center in Maui. Predeceased by 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by Peter; daughter Sandra Graham; son Darrell; 4 grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 13 in Bakerview MB Church with Michael Dick and Vern Heidebrecht ministering.

Jacob John Warkentin

Jacob John Warkentin died Jan. 20 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Feb. 1, 1909 in Sagradovka, south Russia to Johann and Elizabeth Warkentin. During the revolution, his grandfather, father, 6 brothers and 1 sister died of typhus and other diseases. His mother and the remaining 2 sons immigrated to Canada. At age 16, he started to learn English in grade 1, but because he was needed on the farm, stayed only 6 months. At age 14 Jacob accepted Christ in Russia; he was baptized June 17, 1927 in Bergthal, Man. He married Annie Siemens Oct. 8, 1932 in Gem, Alta. They were charter members of Gem MB Church. In 1943 they moved to a farm in Aldergrove, B.C. and became charter members of Aldergrove MB (now Ross Road Community) Church. He drove teachers to outreach Sunday school in Brookswood and collected children for vacation Bible school. He and Annie were ordained as deacons. He volunteered to help the needy. After 15 years, they moved to Clearbrook and joined Clearbrook MB Church. Here they served as deacons and sang in choirs. He loved music and the family often sang together. He was respected and trusted by neighbours. He taught his children to love God and value time. He cared for Annie through many illnesses. In 1997 they moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Annie, daughter Kay, 1 great-grandchild and all his siblings, he is mourned by children Martha Pauls, Lily Jantz, Albert, Alvin and Hilda Martin; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.

Louise Wiens

Louise Wiens died Feb. 13 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Mar. 18, 1910 in Alexandertal, Alt Samara, Russia to Henry and Minna Van Bergen. At age 14 she immigrated to Canada with her family. She worked as a housemaid for wealthy families. She accepted Christ at a young age and this sustained her to the end. She married Peter A. Wiens Jan. 31, 1932 in Gem, Alta. They lived in Gem, Yarrow, B.C., Black Creek, B.C. and Sea Island, B.C. before settling in Arnold, B.C. Peter died Sept. 10, 1981. Louise moved to Evergreen Village, Clearbrook in 1985 and then to Sherwood Crescent Guest Home in August 1999. She was creative and industrious. Her flower beds were a joy to behold. She volunteered at the MCC store, the Community Centre kitchen, The Golden Age Society and the ceramics shop. She produced many lovely ceramic products and large needlepoint pictures. She and Peter spent several winters in Mexico, travelled to Europe, eastern Canada and the US. She enjoyed hunting and fishing trips in fall. She suffered several major strokes in July 1968 but recovered. She lost sight in one eye in 1995 and suffered from arthritis but she not complain. Predeceased by Peter, son Henry in infancy and 2 infant grandchildren, she is mourned by children Ruth Cahais, Esther Fadeeff, George, Minna Malmstrom, Mary Dyck and Bernie; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Jacob J. Neufeld ministering.

Dora Katherine Ratzlaff

Dora Katherine (Harder) Ratzlaff of Abbotsford, B.C. died Jan. 31. She was born Jan. 20, 1906 in Cordell, Okla. The family moved to a homestead in Turnhill, Sask. She accepted Jesus and was baptized June 5, 1919, joining Turnhill MB Church. She married Barney Ratzlaff Jan. 11, 1933. They farmed in Saskatchewan until 1941, then moved to Abbotsford, where they again farmed. Upon retirement, they bought a house in Abbotsford. Barney died Mar. 20, 1969. Dora bought a house in Clearbrook, then a condominium. She moved to Tabor Home in August 2002. Predeceased by Barney and son Lorne of leukemia in 1961, she is mourned by son Myron of Nanaimo; 1 grandson. The funeral was Feb. 6 in Clearbook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff, Walter Wiens and Eldon DeFehr ministering.

Anna Unruh

Anna Unruh of Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. died Feb. 15. She was born July 21, 1914 to Franz and Aganeta Sawatzky in Saratov, Slavgorod, Siberia. When she was 5, her father died, leaving 4 children. Her mother married Peter Warkentin, a widower with 11 children, 6 years later. In 1928 her mother died. Anna accepted the Lord when she was 15. She was later baptized and joined the MB church. In 1929 she fled to Harbin, China as the foster daughter of Isaac and Liese Wiens. In 1932 they moved to Paraguay. She married Isaac Martens Oct. 16, 1932. They had 7 children. In 1969 Isaac died. In 1974 she married Abram Dyck of Clearbrook, B.C., a widower with 3 children. She volunteered with MCC and at the Clearbrook Community Centre. In 1982 Abram died. On Nov. 23, 1996 she married Abe Unruh. Predeceased by husbands Isaac and Abram, 1 daughter in infancy, son David of leukemia at 42, 1 grandson and 2 great-grandchildren, she is mourned by Abe; sons Franz, Helmut, Eric and Edwin; daughter Elsie; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; stepchildren Alvin, Gary and Grace Unruh. The funeral was Feb. 21 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.