Deaths

In this section:

Henry Wichert Margaret Rempel Andres Katharina Huebert John Huebert Helen Thiessen Tina Dirks Katherina (Kay) Isaac Luella Krahn Rita Friesen Mary Richert Adina Reddicopp Sara Boldt Erma Alma Anhorn Hartt Mary Neufeld Ella Heinrichs Abram John (A.J.) Klassen Ann Kornelsen

Henry Wichert

Henry Wichert died Sept. 2. He was born Jan. 29, 1919 in Mariawohl, Ukraine, and came to Kitchener, Ont. as a young boy with his family. He was adventurous and inquisitive by nature. He spent his working life at Virgil Service Centre, an automotive repair shop he owned with Peter Froese. Henry was loyal, kind and patient in his dealings with clients and employees. He married Tena. He explored the world, travelling to the Philippines to visit his children and grandchildren. In his spare time he read the encyclopedia. Tena died in 1996. With the onset of Alzheimers disease, loss of driving privileges and friends’ deaths, he too longed to die. Predeceased by Tena, sons Bill and Ron, 1 sister, he is mourned by daughters Ginny Wiens and Pat Wichert; son Bob; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 5 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines.

Margaret Rempel Andres

Margaret Andres died Aug. 21. She was born June 13, 1910 to Jacob and Katharina Bartels in Fuerstenau, Russia. In 1924 they immigrated to Canada, settling in Hespeler, Ont. Margaret accepted Jesus as her Saviour. Psalm 124:7 was meaningful to her. At 18 she was baptized and joined Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church. She married John Rempel in 1930. They moved to a farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in 1938 and to St. Catharines in 1950. John died May 16, 1960. At this time Romans 8:28 and the song, “Oh God, my God, as I have learned of Thee” became meaningful. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed handcrafts. She moved to Sunset Homes, then to Tabor Manor. She married Abe Andres in 1988. He died January 2002. She looked forward to the annual family Christmas party and prayed for family. Predeceased by husbands John and Abe, son George, daughter Margaret Reid, 1 sister, she is mourned by sons John, Jake, Ed; daughters Verna, Anne, Mary; 26 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 25 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines.

Katharina Huebert

Katharina Huebert died Aug. 15. She was born June 15, 1914 in Crimea to Jacob and Anna Huebert. The family moved to Muensterberg, Molotschna, Ukraine. Her father, 2 brothers and uncles were arrested and exiled. Katharina, together with her mother and other family, moved to Germany where an older brother was living. She worked for the Red Cross. In June 1949 they immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. She married widower Abram Huebert July 15, 1951. Katharina was baptized and joined Yarrow Mennonite Church. In August 1962 the family moved to Vancouver. She had numerous surgeries but maintained her faith. She was a dedicated homemaker and her family meant a lot to her. Predeceased by Abram and son John, she is mourned by sons Harry and Jacob; stepdaughter Rita Reiber; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 20 at Ocean View Funeral Home, Burnaby, B.C.

John Huebert

John Huebert died July 18. He was born May 10, 1953 in Chilliwack, B.C. to Abram and Katharina Huebert. He lived in Yarrow, B.C. until 1962 when the family moved to Vancouver. He learned welding and mechanics in trade school. In 1972 he started working for Vancouver Waterworks Department, later working for Porter Engineering until 1996. He then became self-employed and contracted for Ballard Power Systems. He married Christine Clair, Feb. 3, 1973, the marriage ending in divorce 5 years later. He married Christa Sengbusch May 19, 1985. He is mourned by Christa, daughter Kathleen; sons Kevin, Daniel and Trevor; 2 grandchildren; 2 brothers; 1 sister. The funeral was July 22 at Ocean View Funeral Home, Burnaby, B.C.

Helen Thiessen

Helen Thiessen died July 14. She was born Mar. 1, 1927 in Davidson, Sask. and spent her childhood in Gem, Alta. She married Henry Thiessen May 31, 1948. They lived in Tofield, Alta. She accepted Christ at an early age and lived out her faith daily, prayed for her family and praised God through singing. She saw the good in people and made the best of every situation. She was resourceful, kind and forgiving. Predeceased by 1 sister; 3 brothers, she is mourned by Henry; daughters Rita of Edmonton, Del of Sherwood Park; Ruth Baerg of Tofield; son Sam of Tofield; 10 grandchildren; 1 sister; 3 brothers. The funeral was July 18 in Tofield Gospel Church.

Tina Dirks

Tina Dirks died July 26. She was born Sept. 21, 1912 in Schoenau, Sagradovka, Russia to Jacob and Susana Klassen. The family moved to Alexanderwohl, Molotschna and Nov. 29, 1926 to Canada. They settled in the Arnaud, Man. area. Tina accepted the Lord and was baptized, joining Arnaud MB Church. She worked on the family farm and in Winnipeg as a housekeeper. She married Jake Dirks on May 24, 1936 in Yarrow, B.C. They farmed until 1972 when they retired and moved to Abbotsford, joining Central Heights Church. They travelled and spent time with children and grandchildren. She was able to keep her driver’s license until age 90. She was known for her spiritual guidance and prayers for her family, as well as family dinners. She is mourned by son Roland, daughter Ruby Falk; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 1 in Central Heights Church.

Katherina (Kay) Isaac

Katharina (Kay) Isaac died Aug. 25. She was born Mar. 28, 1924 to Abraham and Marie Hiebert. They immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. in 1927. She accepted Christ as her Saviour at a young age and later was baptized in Greendale (B.C.) MB Church. She went to Bible school in Coaldale then moved to Greendale. She worked in Vancouver. She married Menno Isaac Oct. 29, 1951. They moved to Manitoba for 3 years, then back to a hobby farm in Greendale. In 1964 they moved to Brandon, Man. where they farmed until 1982. They retired in Chilliwack, B.C. She had numerous surgeries, but maintained her faith and a positive attitude. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, she is mourned by Menno, sons Daryl and Rod; 4 grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was in Greendale MB Church.

Luella Krahn

Luella Krahn died July 22. She was born Sept. 13, 1933 to Cornelius and Mary Lepp in Dalmeny, Sask. She accepted Christ as her Saviour at her mother’s knee and was baptized and joined Dalmeny MB Church as a teen. She attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., then went to Saskatoon Teachers’ College and University of Saskatchewan. She taught near Waldheim, Sask., in Prince Albert, Sask. and in Saskatoon. She married Henry Krahn in July 1964. She was an evangelist at heart; she worked with the children in Mom’s program at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, and enjoyed the fellowship. Her love of music and singing carried her through tough times. She had a positive Christian influence on people and enjoyed serving her family, gardening at the family farm in Aberdeen and having coffee with friends. Predeceased by a sister in infancy, she is mourned by Henry; daughter Valerie Martens; son Darryl; 3 grandchildren; 3 brothers; 1 sister. The funeral was July 28 in Forest Grove Church.

Rita Friesen

Rita Friesen died July 15. She was born Apr. 23, 1929 in Nikolaipol, Borissovo, Ukraine to Johann P. and Maria Braun. The family immigrated to Morden, Man. when she was 6 months old, and in 1943 moved to Arnold, B.C. She married Ernie Friesen on Aug. 21, 1949 and moved to Vancouver. She worked for Mac & Mac Wholesalers, then for Western Wholesale while also managing a small apartment building. In 1961 they moved to Burnaby. She was involved with her children’s activities, enjoyed golfing, entertaining and camping with the family. In 1974 she and Ernie rededicated their lives to Christ and were baptized in the Jordan River, Israel, in 1975. They joined Fraserview MB Church in Vancouver. In 1975 Rita became a real estate agent. After retirement they travelled to Hawaii biannually and to Europe and Ukraine. She enjoyed services and the Life Group at South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church, as well as working in the library. E-mailing friends and family was a delight. Predeceased by a stillborn son, 2 sisters, she is mourned by Ernie; daughter Mary Ann Quiring; son Eric; 4 grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was July 19 in South Abbotsford MB Church.

Mary Richert

Mary Richert died Sept. 4. She was born June 28, 1918 to Aron and Helen Wiens in Sagradovka, Russia. Her father died when she was 3 and the family moved in with her grandparents. They immigrated to Tourond, Man. in 1928. When she was 14 she began working in Winnipeg and lived in the Mary Martha Home. She accepted Jesus and was baptized. She married John Richert Oct. 5, 1952. They farmed near Niverville, Man. John died in 1987. She loved to cook, bake, knit, crochet and garden. She loved books, so she found her blindness in 2000 difficult. She served others, was soft-spoken and refined yet opinionated. She lived out her faith, knowing that “He would never leave her or forsake her.” Predeceased by John and 1 brother, she is mourned by sons John, Victor, Walter and Harold; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 8 in Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville.

Adina Reddicopp

Adina Reddicopp died Aug. 21 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born April 25, 1915. The funeral was Aug. 27 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford.

Sara Boldt

Sara Boldt died Aug. 15. She was born May 23, 1924 to Gerhard and Katherina Willms in Hamburg, Ukraine. She came to Canada in 1948, worked in a hospital in Perth, Ont., then moved to the Niagara area. She married Peter Boldt July 5, 1952. They bought a fruit farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. She was a hard worker, a great seamstress, cook and baker, and had the gift of hospitality. Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by daughters Hilda of Winnipeg, Ruth of Oakbank, Man; Marlene of Anola, Man.; son Walter of Welland, Ont; 2 sisters. The memorial service Aug. 21 was at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont.

Erma Alma Anhorn Hartt

Erma Alma Anhorn Hartt was born Feb. 25, 1919 in Torrington, Alta. to Paul and Eva Anhorn. She graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in 1941 and applied to be a missionary with West Indies Mission (now Worldteam). She married David Hartt after a few years on the mission field in Haiti. She served as a missionary in Cuba, Guadeloupe and Haiti until 1986. They settled in Abbotsford, B.C. She is mourned by David; sons Paul of Bellevue, Wash., Samuel of Kent, Wash., Joe of Waynesboro, Penn; Dan of Boulder, Col; Jon of Pomona, Cal. and Nate of Placerville, Cal.; 1 brother; 1 sister; 19 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford.

Mary Neufeld

Mary Neufeld died Aug. 11. She was born May 6, 1941 in Filadelfia, Paraguay to Kornelius and Aganeta Federau. She accepted Jesus and was baptized at 13, joining the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church. She worked as a cook. She married Hans Neufeld Jan. 23, 1960. On May 21, 1965 they immigrated to St. Catharines, Ont. She joined Scott St. MB Church. She enjoyed playing accordion in a group. She is mourned by Hans; sons Ferd and Bert; daughters Angie and Renee; 10 grandchildren; 4 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was in Scott St. MB Church.

Ella Heinrichs

Ella Heinrichs was born Aug. 14, 1911 in Omsk, Sibera to Johann and Luise Rempel. The family moved to Margenau where she was baptized and joined the MB Church. In 1929 they moved to Einlage, Ukraine and Ella became a draftsperson at the hydroelectric plant in Zaporoshje. She married Herbert Heinrichs. Herbert, her father and her brother were arrested and exiled. In 1943 Ella and her family settled in Gothenhafen, Germany, where she continued her career. In 1948 they immigrated to Vancouver Island. In 1953 they moved to the Niagara, Ont. region. She was an active musician and volunteer in the church and at Tabor Manor for 20 years. She loved quilting and used her drafting skills to design and sew more than 100 quilts. She is mourned by daughter Erika; son Nicholas; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 3 in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catherines.

Abram John (A.J.) Klassen

Abram John (A.J.) Klassen died July 15. He was born Apr. 12, 1926 in Kamenez, Neu Samara, Russia to John C. and Elizabeth Klassen. The family immigrated to Alberta that year. He accepted Jesus as Saviour, was baptized and joined Lindbrook (Alta.) MB Church at age 14. He attended Bible school in Coaldale, Alta., and Abbotsford, B.C. He married Betty Suderman on Aug. 23, 1953 in Matsqui (B.C.) MB Church. He took seminary studies in Goshen, Ind. and Wheaton, Ill., then taught at MB Bible Institute (now CBC) in Abbotsford. Beginning in 1965, he taught at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal. for 14 years, returning to Abbotsford to pastor King Road MB Church. They also went on short-term mission assignments. He went on numerous Church Partnership Evangelism and Discipleship assignments to India and Russia. He was a gifted storyteller and together with Betty edited a number of books. He is mourned by Betty; daughters Grace Klassen of Three Rivers, Cal., Esther Klassen-Isaak of Fresno, Cal., Charlene Klassen Endrizzi of New Wilmington, Penn; son Daniel of Richmond, B.C.; 4 grandchildren; 4 brothers; 3 sisters. The funeral was July 19 in King Road MB Church.

Ann Kornelsen

Ann Kornelsen died Sept. 16. She was born Mar. 21, 1927 in Steinbach, Man. to Abram and Anna Nikkel. The family moved to Coaldale, Alta. She worked at the Municipal Hospital, McGavins and at Water Resources. She married Arnold Kornelsen in 1962. She treasured time spent with family and enjoyed travelling. She made crafts and sewed items to give to family and friends or to sell in a craft store. She also enjoyed sending cards and letters via e-mail. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by Arnold; son Richard of Vancouver; daughter Tamara of Pentiction, B.C.; 2 sisters; 3 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 22 in Lakeview Bible Church, Lethbridge, Alta.