Deaths

In this section:

Stanley Thompson Shiels Cornelius Peter Janzen John Orlando Goertz James Campbell Noreen Miotto Ruth Margaret Charbonneau Sara Willms Helmut Allert Henry Neufeldt Marie Janzen Tina Warkentin Louise Anna Enns Tina Neufeld Mary Neufeld Liese Loewen Vito Strazzella Sara Wall Bertha Balzer William John (Jack) Griffiths Anna Koop Jacob T. (Jim) Schroeder

Stanley Thompson Shiels

Stanley Thompson Shiels died May 21. He was born to Samuel and Mary Shiels Mar. 2, 1942 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He apprenticed in shipbuilding, then earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized at 17. He renewed his faith in 1981. He married Margaret in May 1969. They lived in Scotland, then moved to Ontario. Stan worked for Ontario Hydro and Imperial Oil. He had his own engineering company the last 6 years. He travelled widely and was surprised at the number of believers he met. He was a devoted father. He is mourned by Margaret; daughters Sonia and Dianne; 3 grandchildren; his parents; 2 sisters. The funeral was May 24 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Ray Russell ministering.

Cornelius Peter Janzen

Cornelius Peter Janzen died Mar. 27. He was born Nov. 10, 1948 to Kornelius and Erna Janzen in Hepburn, Sask. Peter married Sylvia in 1971 in St. Catharines, Ont. Peter was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. He is mourned by Sylvia; sons Jodi and Jamie; 1 granddaughter; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 29 in Fairview Louth MB Community Church, St. Catharines, with Jeff Lockyer and Mike Krause ministering.

John Orlando Goertz

John Orlando Goertz died May 25 in a motorcycle accident. He was born Mar. 15, 1954 to Orlando and Vera Goertz. He grew up on a farm in southern Ontario and attended Eden Christian College in Niagara-on-the Lake. He graduated with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Niagara College, Welland, in 1978. He worked in several small machine shops, then joined his father in the family agricultural business, welding and repairing farm and lawn equipment. This was expanded to a John Deere dealership. In 2001 he began as provincial sales representative for Gladu Tools. He loved engines, progressing from a go-kart to snowmobiles and a Kawasaki 900. Winter weekends were spent racing snowmobiles with the family. John accepted Jesus at an early age and was baptized in June 1984. In 1982 he married Elenore Wiens. John was well-known for his dry sense of humour. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Elenore; sons John Michael, Trevor and Peter; daughter Kendra; his parents; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral was May 29 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, with Ray Russell ministering.

James Campbell

James Campbell died Apr. 25. He was born in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. He emigrated to Hamilton, Ont. in 1956, establishing businesses. He belonged to Faith Mission and carried on its work in Canada, having a profound spiritual influence on many. He joined Vineland MB Church the last 3 years. He had a winsome smile, a sparkle of joy in his eyes and he freely shared his love of the Word of God. He is mourned by Lucille; 4 children; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren.

Noreen Miotto

Noreen Miotto was born Sept. 18, 1941 and was raised in Thorold, Ont. She helped raised her younger sisters because her mother was bedridden. She married Joe and they lived in St. Catharines. She graduated from Mack School of Nursing and nursed at the Shaver Hospital for 22 years. She enjoyed travelling throughout Canada, US, Europe and the Caribbean. She loved knitting, cooking and playing cards. Noreen volunteered with meals-on-wheels; was a blood donor and a lawn bowler. She was a member of the Lioness Club. She accepted Christ as her Saviour and was a member at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines. She suffered from repeated heart attacks and kidney failure. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Joe; daughter Donna; son Paul; 2 granddaughters. The funeral was May 6 at Butler Funeral Chapel with John Wiebe ministering.

Ruth Margaret Charbonneau

Ruth Margaret Charbonneau died Apr. 13. She was born Sept. 15, 1940 to Jacob and Agathe Loewen in Minnedosa, Man. She accepted Jesus into her life as a young girl, was baptized and joined Justice (Man.) MB Church. She attended Winkler Bible School for one year. The family moved to Brandon. Ruth worked at CKX Radio Station. She married Neil Campbell Jan. 24, 1961. In 1967 they moved to Vancouver, where Ruth worked as a waitress. The marriage ended in divorce in 1972. In 1977 she married Charlie Charbonneau. They moved to Port Alberni, B.C. and operated “Papa Charlie’s Steak and Lobster”. They moved back to Vancouver after a few years. Charlie died in 1987. Ruth was admitted to George Pearson Hospital because of multiple sclerosis. She received care and through weekly church services was nourished spiritually. She made many friends and was able to encourage other residents. She is mourned by daughter Cynthia; sons Jeffrey, Sheldon and Ian Scott; 7 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 2 brothers. The graveside service was May 11 in Justice, Man., with Gerry Harms ministering.

Sara Willms

Sara Willms died May 11. She was born Feb. 28, 1907 in Orenburg, Russia to Peter and Susanna Dueck. She made a commitment to Christ at 14 and at 17 was baptized and joined the MB Church. In 1925 the family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. She married John Willms in 1937. She faithfully read Bible stories and prayed with her children. She played her guitar while they sang. She encouraged family members to get a good education and always demonstrated love and concern for their welfare. She moved to Sunny South Lodge and appreciated the kindness received. Following a heart attack in October 1997 she moved to daughter Elinor and George Hooge’s home in Calgary. In 1999 she moved to Linden (Alta.) Nursing Home. A few weeks prior to her death she expressed a desire to go home to heaven. She is mourned by Edwin of Brooks, Alta.; Elinor Hooge, Arthur and Victor of Calgary; Johnny of Port Moody, B.C.; Herb of Vernon, B.C.; Willie of the Bahamas; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Coaldale MB Church with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.

Helmut Allert

Helmut Allert died Oct. 28. He was born to Cornelius and Aganetha Allert on Sept. 9, 1934 near Wembley, Alta. In 1944 his family moved to Yarrow, B.C. His mother led him in a prayer of salvation when he was a young child. At 18 he was baptized in the Yarrow MB Church. He worked hard to help his family. In 1956 he completed teacher training, and in 1957 he married Lily Toews. Between 1960 and 1992 he was principal of a number of elementary schools in Kamloops, district supervisor in Merritt, head of the Native Indian Teacher Education Program and head of Kamloops school district Learning Resources Centre. He organized conferences for school principals and was president of the Kamloops Social Credit constituency. As a member of Kamloops Alliance Church, he served as PA system operator, Sunday school superintendent and chair of the board. He worked as business manager for Sevenoaks Alliance Church, Abbotsford, B.C., owned a Christian bookstore in Kamloops and helped develop a church summer camp at Eagle Bay, B.C. After his retirement in 1992, he worked for Burden Bearers and for Chilliwack Alliance Church. He later joined Sardis (B.C.) Community Church. He enjoyed his grandchildren, gardening, house maintenance and working on his computer. Predeceased by 4 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by Lily; children Cynthia Wildeman and Russell; 3 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The memorial service was Nov. 2 at Sardis Community Church with Graeme Isbister ministering.

Henry Neufeldt

Henry Neufeldt died Apr. 16. He was born Feb. 20, 1911 in Aberdeen, Sask. He accepted Jesus June 25, 1942, basing his assurance on John 6:37. He farmed in the area until 1958 when the family moved to Victoria, B.C. and he worked in the construction industry. He married Lydia Wiltermuth. She died in 1974. He married Viola Penner in 1975. Following retirement he oversaw the building of churches and houses, and enjoyed his acreage in Brentwood Bay, B.C. In 1995 he moved to Linden, Alta. He enjoyed playing snooker with his friends at the Care and Share. He was faithful to the Lord. He was thankful for all his blessings even during illness. He is mourned by Viola; daughter Louise; sons David and Paul; 4 grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 21 in Linden MB Church with Konrad Loewen and John Block ministering.

Marie Janzen

Marie Janzen died May 23. She was born Aug. 23, 1922 to Peter and Maria Falk in Steinfeld, Schlactin-Barotov Colony, South Russia. Her father and sister died in 1925 of typhus. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. They settled in Gnadental, Manitoba. Her mother married Gerhard Matthies. They moved to Vineland, Ont. In 1936 her stepfather died. Marie had to work out to help put food on the table. In 1939 she accepted Jesus and was baptized in 1940, joining Virgil MB Church. She married John Petkau Oct. 18, 1941. They operated a fruit farm together with John’s sister’s family. In 1943 twin boys were born but they soon died. In 1944 twins again were born and they also died. In 1947 they moved to Waldheim, Sask. buying a farm. In 1950 they moved back to Niagara area in Ontario. They farmed until John suffered a heart attack. They sold the farm and retired in Waldheim. John died in 1979. In June 1981, Marie married John Janzen. They enjoyed travelling. John died July 28, 1990. She continued to travel, served in the Golden Age choir and worked at the MCC store in Rosthern. In 1998 she moved to Westview Lodge, Waldheim. Here she made friends and enjoyed the lodge functions. Predeceased by 8 siblings, she is mourned by sons Kenneth, Robert and Donald; daughter Elizabeth Andres; stepsons Edwin and Waldemar; stepdaughter Elnora Cole; 38 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was May 28 in Waldheim MB Church with Clarence Peters ministering.

Tina Warkentin

Tina (Rempel) Warkentin, died May 29. She was born Sept. 5, 1912 in Arkadak, Russia. The family immigrated to Rosenfeld, Man. in 1924. Life was hard. The older children helped out on other farms to provide income for the family. The family conducted church services in their home. Tina accepted Christ at 14 and was baptized in 1935. She worked as a maid in Winnipeg. In 1934 she moved to Vancouver and worked as a maid. Tina married Abe Warkentin Nov. 10, 1935 in South Poplar Church, Abbotsford, B.C. She was his close and supportive companion until his death in 1998. She worked hard, using the skills she learned as a maid in setting up her household. They joined Vancouver MB Church where her husband became head usher. Bible reading, prayer and depending on God were values she passed on to her children. They joined Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. She moved to Menno Hospital in 2001. Predeceased by her husband, she is mourned by daughters Dorothy Redekop of Langley, B.C. and Carelin Penner of Burnaby, B.C.; sons Bill of White Rock, B.C. and Bob of Tsawwassen, B.C.; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters. The memorial service was June 4 in Bakerview MB Church, with John Neufeld and Michael Dyck ministering.

Louise Anna Enns

Louise (Hiebert) Anna Enns died Apr. 16. She was born Apr. 30, 1915 in Main Centre, Sask. The family settled in Steinbach, Man. She married John Enns Sept. 18, 1941. She enjoyed participating in the Steinbach MB Church Mission Sisters group. She enjoyed travelling, spending time at Falcon Lake, Man. with family, bowling, doing needlepoint and cross-stitch, as well as having friends over for crokinole. Predeceased by John in 2002; 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by sons Lorne of Enderby, B.C. and Les of Winnipeg; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 19 in Steinbach MB Church with Abe Klassen ministering.

Tina Neufeld

Tina Neufeld died June 3. She was born Mar. 17, 1917 to Reinhold and Mathilda Fischer near Hepburn, Sask. She married Clarence Neufeld Sept. 1, 1936. They farmed for 55 years west of Waldheim, Sask., retiring to Waldheim. She worked hard milking cows and doing chores. She took great pride in her garden. They enjoyed winter vacations in Hawaii and Las Vegas. Clarence died in 2000. She moved to Westview Lodge, Waldheim, then to Mennonite Nursing Home, Rosthern, Sask. in 2002. She enjoyed the visits of her children and grandchildren. Her strong faith kept her through difficult times. Predeceased by 5 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by daughter Verna Peters, Hepburn; son Roger Neufeld, Hepburn; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was June 6 in Waldheim MB Church with Clarence Peters ministering.

Mary Neufeld

Mary Neufeld died May 18. She was born to Peter and Regina Repphun Feb. 20, 1905 in Schoensee, Molotschna. To ease the economic hardship Mary was sent to live with Wilhelm and Maria Neufeld, wealthy land-owners in Fuerstenau. The Repphun family emigrated to the US in 1912, leaving Mary and sister Emily in Russia. Because of the Revolution, the Neufeld family was forced to flee. Mary never saw them again. The Abram Wieler family took her in. These were happy years for her. In 1922 she moved to Alexanderkrone in preparation for leaving Russia. Her parents paid for Mary’s and Emily’s fare to the US but immigration quotas were filled, so attempts were made to come to Canada. They came to Rosthern, Sask. in Feb. 1924, then moved to Rosenort, Man. On Dec. 20, 1924 they were reunited with their family. Mary married John Herman Neufeld July 18, 1926 in Winkler, Man. They moved to Winnipeg, joining North End MB Church, and later South End MB Church. They moved to Regina, Sask. in 1935 and to Geraldton, Ont. in 1939. In 1944 they moved back to Winnipeg. Mary worked in a coat factory to augment family income. Mary accepted Christ as her Saviour at age 10; at age 17 she rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized by Abram Nachtigal. God’s Word was important to her and she read through the Bible many times. She is remembered as a devout person with a strong faith. She was quiet, beautiful, shy and always working. Friends were welcome, as were animals. She doted on her grandchildren. She was a great cook. John died in 1983 and daughter Eleanor in 1999. She is mourned by sons John, Walter, Herman and Wally; daughter Ruth; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was May 23 at Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Neufeld ministering.

Liese Loewen

Liese Loewen died May 22. She was born Apr. 26, 1906 in Rosenort, Molotschna, Ukraine, the youngest of 12 children. She immigrated to Canada in 1928 with her mother and older sister. They settled in Gilroy, Sask. She married Peter Loewen Apr. 12, 1930. Before they married, they pledged to have regular private and family devotions, be involved in a Bible-believing church, show unconditional love and never argue in front of the children. Liese’s faith remained strong through her life. Her desire was to be faithful to the end. Predeceased by Peter in 1969, daughter Tina in 1938; daughter Mary in 1996; 1 granddaughter in 1995, she is mourned by sons Dick and Henry; daughters Lena Thiessen, Liese Loewen, Anne Loewen, Sue Dyck; Netha Hayes; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 26 in Vanderhoof, B.C. with Mark Engel and Bill Friesen ministering.

Vito Strazzella

Vito Strazzella died May 24. He was born May 1, 1948 in Vallata Avellino, Italy to Felicia and Francesco Strazzella. He immigrated to Canada in 1970. He married Carol. They lived in northern Ont. where Vito worked for a contractor building houses. When he and Carol were diagnosed with cancer they moved to St. Catharines to be near health care. He worked in sales. They attended, and later Vito joined Scott St. MB Church. Carol died in 1999. Vito found encouragement in a care group. He occasionally attended the Italian Evangelical Christian Church which used Scott St. Church facilities Sunday evenings. He appreciated pastor Minniti’s encouragement to him and his parents. His commitment to Christ during his illness was a witness to all who knew him. Predeceased by Carol, he is mourned by children Rita, Frank, Laura, Vince and Mona; his parents; 2 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was May 27 in Scott St, MB Church with Patrick Bartley and pastor Minniti ministering.

Sara Wall

Sara Wall died May 31. She was born Mar. 17, 1909 in the Ukraine to Johan and Sara Unruh. She dedicated her life to the Lord at 13. She married Peter Wall in Ebenfeld, Crimea Nov. 3, 1929. They fled for their lives 2 days later, living in a refugee camp in Germany before moving to Paraguay. They emigrated to Virgil, Ont. in 1954, settling on a fruit farm. Peter died Sept. 17, 1964. Sara sold the farm and built a home in Virgil, moving to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines in 1989. She always sensed God’s presence. Predeceased by Peter, daughter Frieda Hubert in 1972, son Cornelius in 1982, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, she is mourned by daughters Hilda Vogt, Anne Reimer, Louise Krahn, Sally Enns, Kaethe Guenther; sons John, Werner, Eric, Peter and Rudy; 28 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 3 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Vic Loewen and George Wichert ministering.

Bertha Balzer

Bertha Balzer died May 18. She was born Sept. 24, 1930 in Fairholme, Sask. She accepted Christ as her Saviour at age 10. She became a nurse. She married John Balzer Oct. 5, 1962. She faithfully supported him through 35 years of pastoral ministry. She enjoyed friends and strangers from around the world. She was known for her cooking and baking, especially butterhorns. She loved to give. She sewed blankets for MCC and knit for underprivileged children as well as for friends. She loved the Lord and her greatest ambition was to see people come to Jesus. Predeceased by infant daughter Marilyn, she is mourned by John; son Glenn; daughter Sharon Pound; 3 grandchildren; 3 sisters. The memorial service was May 28 in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C. with Glenn Balzer ministering.

William John (Jack) Griffiths

William John (Jack) Griffiths died June 1. He was born to William John and Elizabeth Griffiths July 5, 1918 at Tony Pandy, Wales. In 1926 they emigrated to Canada, settling in Edmonton. He loved sports, especially softball. He enlisted in the RCAF in World War II where he worked as a supplier for 4 years. After the war he worked for Northern Alberta Dairy Pool. In April 1957 he moved to B.C. and worked for Palm Dairies until retirement. He was in charge of the Cariboo operations. He married Myrtle Mabel Bonner in 1942. She became ill in the early 80s and Jack retired to take care of her. They travelled in B.C, to Europe and to Wales. She died Jan. 6, 1990. Jack married Mary Block Aug. 4, 1990. They travelled across Canada, to Asia, the Middle East and cruising to Alaska. Jake made friends easily. He served as greeter in church. He loved singing and joined the Jubilee Choir, serving as treasurer. Fellowship at Wednesday morning prayer group was a highlight, as was participating in a Care group. Here he accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour. He was baptized and joined Central Heights Church. He is mourned by Mary; daughter Irene Potter; son David; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 9 in Central Heights Church with Christopher Douglas ministering.

Anna Koop

Anna Koop died Apr. 19. She was born Mar. 13, 1927 to Johann and Maria Janzen in Schoenau, Sagradowka, Ukraine. At age 5 the family moved to Kronau. In 1943 they relocated to Sachen in the Reich, Germany, and in 1945 to a refugee camp in Berlin. Here she met Peter Koop and on Sept. 22, 1946 they married. On Feb. 1, 1947 they left for Volendam Colony, Paraguay. Youngest son Heinz died from cancer of the eyes at age 2-and-a-half. In 1949 Peter and Anna were baptized and joined the local church. In 1960 they moved to Vancouver. In 1993 son John died. In November 2001 they moved to an apartment in Abbotsford, B.C. and joined Clearbrook MB Church. Anna was diagnosed with a tumour and needed surgery. The cancer spread to other parts of her body. Daughter Anita cared for her. Anna had confidence that the blood of Jesus Christ would save her. She is mourned by Peter, daughter Anita Isaak; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff, Art Isaac and Walter Wiens ministering.

Jacob T. (Jim) Schroeder

Jacob T. Schroeder died May 27. He was born to John and Susanna Schroeder Sept. 3, 1915 near Plum Coulee. His siblings named him Jimmy. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed geography, history, politics and religion. Jim accepted Christ at 18; he was baptized and joined Grossweide (Man.) MB Church. He was Sunday school teacher, choir member, church treasurer, usher and food committee member. He was trustee and secretary–treasurer of the Grossweide School District. He took over the family farm. Jim married Annie Harder Mar. 26, 1944. Son Vernon passed away at birth. In the mid-70s Jim began insurance sales with Red River Valley Insurance Company. In 1975 they sold the farm, moved to Winkler, Man. and joined Winkler MB Church. In 1988 he retired. In September 2002 he moved to Salem Home, Winkler. He is mourned by Annie; sons John and Ken; daughter Verna; grandchildren. The funeral was May 31 in Winkler MB Church with Arnie Neufeld ministering.