|
|
In this section:
Mary Wiebe
Mary Wiebe died Apr. 6. She was born Feb. 7, 1908 near Kronsgart, Man. to Isaac and Aganetha Braun. Her father died when she was 11. They moved to the Burwalde, Man. area, and later to Winkler, Man. She married George Wiebe Aug. 26, 1928. After disappointing tries at farming they moved to Winkler. In 1945 they began farming in the Rosewell area. They retired to Winkler in 1974. George died in 1980 and Mary moved to Lions Manor. She was loved by all who were close to her. Predeceased by George, infant son Geordie in 1933, 1 grandson in 1999, 7 brothers; she is mourned by 4 children; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 11 in Winkler MB Church with Ted Goossen and Gary Loewen ministering.
Dorothy Marie Rempel
Dorothy Marie Rempel died June 22. She was born Apr. 2, 1942 in Winnipeg. The family moved to Chilliwack in 1947. She graduated from MEI in 1960. She married Henry Rempel in 1963. After teacher training at UBC, Vancouver, they taught at Hazelton, B.C., then in Vancouver. In 1968 they moved to Chilliwack. She taught primary and special education classes. They retired in 1998. She accepted Jesus as a child. Her faith was unwavering for the rest of her life, revealing a child-like purity and life-long devotion to children at home, Sunday school and public school. Her ability to impart wonder, engender trust and convey fascination endeared her to others. Predeceased by her father in 1987, son Michael in 2000, a grandson in 1994, she is mourned by Henry; sons Allan and David; mother Selma Peters; 5 grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was June 27 in Sardis Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., with Graeme Isbister ministering.
Myron Gogol
Myron Gogol died Apr. 28. He was born Dec. 8, 1909 near Canora, Sask. to Michael and Irene Gogol. He married Katie Bellows in Nov. 1929. They farmed and Myron continued to develop his land. He maintained a small stock of purebred Herefords and Shorthorns to improve his herd. Their home became known for their hospitality. In 1974 they retired to Canora. They were founding members of Gateway Community Church, Canora, where they faithfully served. Katie died in 1997. Myron moved to Sherlyn Care Home in Canora and later to Woime House in Yorkton. Predeceased by Katie, 1 brother, I stepbrother, 4 sisters, 1 stepsister, 2 sons; he is mourned by sons Elgin, Wendall and Harold; nephew Paul. The funeral was May 2 in Lesons Funeral Chapel, Canora with Greg Bright ministering.
Hilde Weidner
Hilde Weidner died June 4. She was born Jan. 3, 1924 to Bernhard and Elise Oppel in Gottliebstal/Schleiz, Thuringia, Germany. She married Hans Weidner. He was drafted into the German army and later taken prisoner to Siberia. The family was reunited in Bavaria and in 1956 immigrated to Canada. They lived in Toronto, later owning homes in Richmond Hill, Dorset and St. Catharines, Ont. She made many friends and their home was a meeting place for friends and family. Hans died in 1994. She met John and Grace Wichert and was baptized. This was a great support to her in her last years. She moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. Predeceased by Hans, she is mourned by sons Siegfried, Klaus, Bernd; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was June 7 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, with Geoff Vande kuyt and Don Middlemiss ministering.
Betty Rosa
Betty Rosa died May 22. She was born Mar. 28, 1934 in New Hamburg, Ont. to Peter and Katharina Penner. She accepted Jesus at the age of 12 with the help of her mother. The family moved to the Niagara Peninsula in 1937. After teacher’s college in Hamilton, Betty taught in Uxbridge, Perry Sound and Grimsby, Ont. She married Allan Rosa Aug. 2, 1958 in Vineland, Ont. They lived in Bermuda for 3 years. In 1961 they moved to Jordan Station, Ont., then to Vineland and St. Catharines. Because of declining health and Alzheimers, she moved to Tabor Manor in 1995. She treasured God’s Word, family, friends, prayer, reading, writing and nature. Her writing reflected God’s grace, love and patience, and the certainty of eternity. She was a prayer warrior, interceding for family daily. She was known for her hearty laughter. She is mourned by Allan; son Mark; daughter Heather Hardman; 3 sisters; 3 grandchildren. The funeral was May 27 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, with Waldo Pauls ministering.
Marion Tena Wiebe
Marion Tena Wiebe died Mar. 4. She was born Nov. 9, 1937 to Jacob Henry and Justina Wiebe in Herbert, Sask. She attended Luther College and the Music Conservatory in Regina, then UBC Faculty of Education. She taught in Burnaby and Vancouver and established a good rapport with students and parents. She especially enjoyed teaching her students to sing in a choir. She attended Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C. She sang in the choir, conducted a children’s choir, worked with Pioneer Girls Club and helped in the library. Marion had a strong faith in God, loved music, read avidly, was a good cook, had a friendly, outgoing personality, a quick wit, a keen sense of humour and enjoyed a lively exchange of ideas. She was a generous, loyal friend. She is mourned by sister Helen. The funeral was Mar. 10 in Fraserview MB Church with Herb Brandt, Dan Unrau and Adolph Redekop ministering.
John Koslowsky 
|
John Koslowsky died May 10. He was born Apr. 8, 1931 to Peter and Agatha Koslowsky in Niverville, Man. He studied agriculture at University of Manitoba and business at Success Business College. He worked for Inman Motors, then became office manager at Kehler Feed and Seed in Niverville. He developed a reputation as a hard-working, honest and respectable businessman. In 1973 he, together with 4 associates, incorporated Niverville Feed and Farm Supply Ltd. This later developed into Puratone Corporation. He was on the boards of Manitoba Egg Marketing and Canadian Millers Mutual Insurance Company. He married Helen June 13, 1959. He had a passionate consistent faith in God. He was choir conductor in Niverville MB Church, served in Sunday school, on various church boards and in his small group. He enjoyed evenings at the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra; sports such as baseball, curling, football and hockey, and particularly golf. His garden was where he went when he needed time alone. In everything he did his commitment was to God. Predeceased by 2 brothers and one sister, he is mourned by Helen; daughters Arlene Bruneau, Andrea Toews, Sheila Rempel, Tracy Perison, Kari Hertzsprung; 9 grandchildren. The funeral was May 15 in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, with Rick McCorkindale ministering.
John Paul Guenther 
|
John Paul Guenther died May 6. He was born Sept. 21, 1971 to Harvey and Gloria Guenther in Abbotsford, B.C. His early years were spent in London, England, where his parents served at a missionary training school. He was interested in classical piano, electronic music composition, computers, writing, and acting on stage and TV. John Paul loved life. He was also interested in nature, travel, boating, French Canadian literature, hiking, gardening and gourmet cooking. He obtained his BA from Waterloo (Ont.) University and B.Sc from Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C. He was diagnosed with cancer in summer, 2002. He began a serious quest for reconciliation with the Lord he once loved in his youth, and during a vacation in Hawaii with his parents, he came to clearly understand that salvation is a free gift. He is mourned by his parents; sisters Gloria Ann Morin and Carol Ann Stokes; 7 nieces and nephews. The memorial service was July 6 in Bethel Pentecostal Church, Clinton, B.C., with Dave Faber ministering.
Marina Aileen Light
Maria Aileen Light died in a car accident May 28. She was born June 14, 1991 to Bob and Joni Light in White Rock, B.C. She was on her way home from Heritage Christian School when the accident happened. Marina had a vibrant faith – she was memorizing Scripture and had a note on her desk stating, “I love God!!!” She loved her friends and had a positive impact on others. She loved dancing, studying French, swimming, playing with dolls, shopping and vacations. She is mourned by her parents, sisters Lyndsey and Alicia-Rae; grandparents Bob and Aileen Light, Joan Currie. The memorial service was May 31 in Cedar Park MB Church with Dave Esau and Tim Bartsch ministering.
Jacob Martens 
|
Jacob Martens died July 7. He was born Oct. 3, 1925 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine to Isaak and Agatha Martens. He worked with his father in the farm business. Because of political unrest, the family fled to Upper Silesia, Germany in 1943. Jacob was conscripted into the German army. He was wounded and sent to Austria to recover. The family was reunited and lived in a refugee camp in Gronau, north Germany after the war. He expressed his faith in Jesus and was baptized in the General Conference Mennonite Church in 1947. He immigrated to Montevideo, Uruguay in 1951. He worked at various jobs. He rededicated his life to Christ and joined the MB church in Gartental. He married Erna Heide Mar. 12, 1955 and they homesteaded in Gartental. The family emigrated to Canada in 1959. He became a baker and worked at that until retirement. They joined Vancouver MB Church, where he was usher, parking lot attendant, transportation provider and choir member. He visited his mother weekly until her death. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. He is remembered for his sense of humour, his zest for life, his concern for family and friends, and his love for Christ. Predeceased by infant daughter Elfrieda, he is mourned by Erna; children Walter, Ingrid, Marianne, Dietrich, Heidi Harms; 4 sisters.
John Warkentin
John Warkentin died June 17. He was born to G.P. and Elizabeth Warkentin Sept. 17, 1925 in Mexico. They moved to Gem, Alta. He accepted the Lord at age 11 and was baptized at age 18. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1946. He married Mary Unger in 1952. They farmed for almost 25 years. He was a charter member at East Aldergrove MB Church (now Ross Road Community Church). He was a teacher. During retirement they camped and travelled. He patiently persevered through failing health. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Mary; children Ron, Judy Coleman, Dan, Lydia Haak, Alan; 16 grandchildren; 5 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was June 23 in Ross Road Community Church with Rudie Willms ministering.
Mary Neufeld 
|
Mary Neufeld died June 8. She was born Mar. 3, 1908 to Jacob and Sara Schroeder near Main Centre, Sask. She accepted Christ in her youth, was baptized and joined Main Centre MB Church. She helped the family and served in the church. She married Nick Neufeld in 1935. They farmed in Main Centre. They moved to Delta, B.C. in 1942 and continued farming. They were charter members of Strawberry Hill (later Kennedy Heights) MB Church. Her daughter Verna’s death in 1964 greatly impacted her. They retired and moved to Vancouver in 1967. Their home was a place of love and acceptance. After Nick’s death in 1984, she maintained the family home. In 1998 she moved to Surrey. She donated her sewing talents and her prize plants. Photos of family reminded her for daily prayers. Predeceased by Nick and daughter Verna; all her siblings; she is mourned by son Leo of Victoria, B.C.; daughter Dora Adams of Surrey, B.C.; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. The funeral was June 13 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with Mark Fitz ministering.
Henry Theodore Klassen 
|
Henry Theodore (H.T.) Klassen died July 9. He was born June 11, 1912 in Kronsgarten, Ukraine, to Theodore and Katharina Klassen. They immigrated to a homestead in Rabbit Lake, Sask. in 1923. He was led to the Lord by his Bible school teacher, J.J. Nickel, in 1934. He was ordained Jan. 8, 1938 in Rabbit Lake. He married Clara Epp Oct. 14, 1939. He served in church and farmed. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School one year and MB Bible College, Winnipeg, one year. He taught at Rosthern (Sask.) Bible School 1946 to 1957, and was principal the last 4 years. He pastored Hague church for 9 years; hosted the weekly radio program “Wings of the Morning”; toured the churches with a school singing group. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1957. He studied at CMBC and pastored Sterling Ave. Mennonite Church part-time. After completing his studies he became full-time pastor at Sterling Ave. Mennonite Church. He served on the Board of Education until 1962. He was chaplain in 18 hospitals and institutions until his retirement to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1977. He was interim pastor in Yarrow Mennonite Church; served in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico; was associate pastor at Olivet Church, Abbotsford, B.C. and spoke in various churches. He was a faithful prayer warrior. His motto was “Looking unto Jesus”. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Clara; daughters Margaret Schapansky, Port Coquitlam, B.C.; Elsie, Denver, Col.; Kathy Stauffer, Abbotsford; son John, Denver, Col.; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 12 in Olivet Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, with Jim Ratzlaff and Henry Claassen ministering.
Anna Reimer Wiens
Anna Reimer Wiens died June 11. She was born in 1901 in Wiesenfeld, Russia. She immigrated to Canada in 1925 with her husband Nick and their son. They settled in Hepburn, Sask., then moved to Killarney, Man. They moved to Essex County in 1937. They bought a farm in Wheatley, Ont. in 1947. Nick died in 1979. Anna moved to Mennonite Home in 1988. Although confined to a wheelchair, she retained her love of music and maintained her hearing and a clear mind. She is mourned by daughters Nettie Dyck; Irene Clark; Anne Neufeldt; sons Jake, John, Harry, Harold; 24 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 16 in Leamington (Ont.) MB Church with Henry Regier ministering.
Viola Bargen
Viola Bargen died July 1. She was born Apr. 17, 1921 to Arnold and Anna Harms in Waldheim, Sask. The family moved to Glenbush, Sask. She had to quit school to look after her younger siblings. She became a Christian in 1935 and was baptized. At age 21 she went to Normal School in Saskatoon. She taught in Bluebell School in northern Saskatchewan. She married Jacob Bargen in 1948. They farmed. They moved to B.C. in 1968 and Viola substitute taught. In 1971 she had surgery to remove brain tumours. They spent quiet times listening to gospel music and radio broadcasts. They enjoyed day trips. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, for her cookies, her great sense of humour and her ability to be positive and see the good in people and in situations. Predeceased by Jacob in March 2003, she is mourned by son Jim; daughters Verna and Norma Dyck; 3 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was July 7 at Henderson Funeral Home, Abbotsford, with Michael Dick ministering.
John Letkemann 
|
John Letkemann died of a massive heart attack while playing hockey Mar. 8. He was born Jan. 20, 1944 to Jakob and Katharina Letkemann in Zwiekau, Germany. They moved to St. Catharines, Ont. when he was 4. He accepted Christ at 10 at Eden Camp. He married Betty Thiessen July 7, 1967. He completed his teaching degree and taught at Eden Christian College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. for 4 years. They moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil where John was athletic director and coach at a school. Many students came to know the Lord and were discipled. They returned to London, Ont. John studied at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif. 1982–85, pastoring Pilgrim Armenian Church part-time. He pastored at Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. and Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C. He taught at Yarrow (B.C.) Elementary School. He was on the board of Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre for 8 years. He was a loving, caring, encouraging husband, father and grandfather. He loved sports, particularly golf and hockey. He had a great sense of humour and loved nature. He had a boldness to tell people about Christ. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Betty; son James; daughters Judy Funk, Sandra Boldt; 8 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 12 at Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, Lindell Beach, B.C. with Robert Friesen and Herb Neufeld ministering.
Mary Enns
Mary Enns died June 25. She was born Dec. 5, 1926 in Coaldale, Alta. to Cornelius and Elizabeth Enns. She loved people and had a heart for those who suffered because she too suffered. She sent get well cards and other greeting cards. She did embroidery work, crocheting and wall hangings. She accepted Jesus at age 12 after seeing a film about Jesus’ crucifixion. She was baptized at the Evangelical Free Church, Abbotsford, B.C. They loved her and accepted her as she was. She lived with her parents. The last 26 years she lived at Menno Home, Abbotsford. She is survived by sisters Nita Sawatsky, Betty Klassen and Helen Braun. The funeral was July 2 at Menno Home Chapel with David Dick ministering.
|
