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In this section:
Mary Giesbrecht
Mary Giesbrecht died Jan. 23. She was born in Trubetzkoy, Ukraine, Nov. 11, 1914 to Heinrich and Susanna Derksen. She worked to help the family. She married Henry Giesbrecht Dec. 4, 1934. In 1943 they moved to Germany. Henry was conscripted into the German army and became a prisoner of war. She refused to return to Russia, even though threatened with death. The family was reunited in 1948. They immigrated to Canada. She and the children worked to help the family. She and Henry decided to follow Jesus on New Year’s, 1950 and were baptized, joining Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church. They served the church in catering and as deacons. She was courageous and had strong convictions. She prayed for her family. Predeceased by 10 siblings, Mary is mourned by Henry; sons Henry of Abbotsford, Helmut of Terrace, B.C.; daughters Zena Locken and Mary of Abbotsford; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 30 in Clearbrook MB Church.
Liese Peters
Liese Peters died Jan. 20. She was born July 4, 1920 in Russia. The family immigrated to Germany, then to Paraguay. She married Gerhard Neufeld. In 1967 they immigrated to Vancouver. She did housecleaning. They moved back and forth between Paraguay and Canada a number of times. Gerhard died in 1978. In 1981 she married Frank Peters, settling in Yarrow, B.C., then moving to Abbotsford. They travelled to Paraguay, Russia, Germany and in Canada. They sang in the German choir at Clearbrook MB Church. Liese worked hard and had high ethical standards. She had a strong faith and was active in church. Predeceased by Gerhard, she is mourned by Frank; sons George, Eric and Ernie; daughters Mika, Susie and Nita; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 22 in Menno Chapel, Abbotsford.
Andrew Shier
Andrew Shier died Dec. 10. He was born in Winnipeg Aug. 9, 1917. He worked for CN Rail 40 years. His favourite sports were baseball, golf, curling and bowling. He was active in Elmwood MB Church. Family was important to him. He was known for his optimistic spirit and well-grounded faith. Predeceased by 5 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Olga, daughters Marilyn Redekop, Anita Peters, Beverley Shier; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 16 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.
Benjamin Klassen
Benjamin Klassen died Jan. 2. His parents were Henry and Anna Klassen. He accepted Jesus at age 11. He received a call to full-time service at age 12. He attended Winkler Bible School. He married Anne in 1950. They served in Zaire for 14 years, in Quebec for 14 years and in St. Catharines, Ont. for 14 years. He raised money for orphans in Uganda by building picnic tables and outdoor furniture. He helped those in need. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 grandson, he is mourned by Anne; sons Willy and Dave; daughters Irene and Ruth; 12 grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 8 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines.
John David Woelk
John David Woelk died Feb. 1. He was born Aug. 24, 1927 to David and Katharina Woelk in Chortitza, Ukraine. His father was taken prisoner by the communists in 1938. The family fled to Germany in 1943 and immigrated to Paraguay in 1947. He was baptized Jan. 18, 1948 in Tiefenbrunn, Volendam. He immigrated to Winnipeg in 1952. He married Anna Enns Mar. 13, 1954. He established an upholstery business, taking pride in his work. Family was important as were times spent camping and at the cottage. He was a kind, gentle, compassionate man. He was active in church, serving on church council and as an usher. He loved people and telling stories. He was faithful in prayer and Bible reading. He is mourned by Anna; daughter Hedy Falk of Winkler; sons David, Peter and Timothy of Winnipeg; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 4 in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.
Albert John Dyck 
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Albert John Dyck died Dec. 16. He was born June 30, 1938 to Cornelius and Anna Dyck in Coaldale, Alta. He was a mechanic and heavy equipment operator. He married Audrey Wohlgemuth Dec. 19, 1959 in Coaldale. He rededicated his life to God and grew in his faith. They moved to Linden, Alta. in 1974. He was service manager at Linden Agri-Center. He served as usher, snow remover and encourager in Linden MB Church. The family enjoyed camping, skiing and visiting. He bought a poultry farm in 1977. He served on the Alberta Hatching Egg Board and assisted with the Linden Senior Lodge. Audrey died in May 1985. He married Janice Waddell June 20, 1987. They travelled to many places, visiting family, missionaries and friends. They sold the farm and moved into Linden in 2000. Predeceased by Audrey, he is mourned by Janice; son Ron of Nanton, Alta; daughter Norma Enns of Coaldale; stepson Steve of Red Deer, Alta; stepdaughter Lynnette Harder of Prague, Czech Republic; 14 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 20 in Linden MB Church.
Ryan Wiens
Ryan Michael Henry Wiens died in a motor accident Jan. 15. He was born in Three Hills, Alta. Aug. 27, 1986 to Nic and Linda Wiens of Linden, Alta. He was baptized and joined Linden MB Church Mar. 5, 2000. His energetic and enthusiastic spirit delighted the elementary children to whom he taught Sunday school. Athletics were a large part of his life. He played in provincial tournaments in basketball, volleyball and soccer. He played competitively and was respected by other athletes. He played games with his parents, visited his grandmother and read to his nephews. 2 Timothy 4:7–8 illustrates his life. He is mourned by Nic and Linda; sisters Kathryn Harder of Vulcan, Alta. and Reta Richert of Cottage Grove, Minn.; brother Jonathan Wiens of Calgary; 2 nephews; grandmothers Elizabeth Heidebrecht and Margaret Ratzlaff of Linden. The funeral was Jan. 20 in Linden MB Church.
Helen Lepp
Helen Lepp died Jan. 3. She was born June 1, 1914 to Franz and Elizabeth Enns in South Russia. The family immigrated to Winkler, Man. in 1926, then moved to Lena, Man. She worked in Winnipeg as a housekeeper. She was baptized and joined Killarney (Man.) MB Church. She married Peter Lepp Nov. 17, 1940. They lived in Winnipeg, then moved to St. Catharines in 1956. They were charter members of Fairview MB Church. She worked on fruit farms and at a senior citizens’ home. She enjoyed working with the kitchen committee at church. She was an excellent homemaker and enjoyed entertaining, reading, playing games, and handwork. Predeceased by sons Ronald, Bill and Arnold; daughter Linda; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; she is mourned by Peter; daughter Charlotte; 2 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 3 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 6 in Fairview MB Church.
Fred Kowalenko
Fred Kowalenko died Jan. 17. He was born Jan. 6, 1916 to Jacob and Chimka Kowalenko, one of the first Russo-Ukrainian families to homestead at Arelee, Sask. Fred was baptized in his mid-teens and joined Arelee MB Church. He sang in the choir, supervised the church cemetery and was on the church board. He married Clara Nesdoly in 1940. They raised purebred Shorthorns together with his brother. Predeceased by Clara in 2000, 6 brothers, 3 sisters, he is mourned by sons Bill, Albert and Grant; 6 grandchildren. The funeral was at Park Funeral Chapel in Saskatoon.
Elizabeth Wiebe
Elizabeth Wiebe died Feb. 10. She was born Nov. 17, 1912 in Georgsthal, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. They moved to Steinbach, Man. in 1936. She accepted Christ at 16. She married Jacob Wiebe Dec. 7, 1941. Jacob died in 2001. Her Scripture reading increasingly focussed on the realities of heaven. Predeceased by Jacob, son Walter; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; she is mourned by daughter Irene Warkentin; 2 grandsons; 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 14 in Steinbach MB Church.
Tina Goerzen
Tina Goerzen died Feb. 6. She was born Mar. 13, 1910 to John and Maria Enns in Fuerstenwerder, Ukraine. Her mother died when Tina was 1. Her father married Katherina Peters. Tina received Christ at 13. The family immigrated to Stirling, Alta. in 1925, then to Coaldale, Alta. in 1926. She was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church as one of 5 charter members. She married Abram H. Goerzen in 1933. They farmed until 1976, then retired to Coaldale. She is remembered for her friendly smile and hospitality. Predeceased by Abe, son John, 4 brothers, 4 sisters; she is mourned by sons Henry and Abe; daughter Magdalene Dyck; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters. The funeral was in Coaldale MB Church.
Adina Martens
Adina Martens died Feb. 4. She was born in Russia May 5, 1925. The family immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. She married Aron Martens Aug. 13, 1944. She delighted in the activities and aspirations of her grandchildren and always brought them goodies. She is mourned by Aron; 3 daughters; 4 sons; grandchildren; 6 great-grandsons. The funeral was Feb. 10 in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.
Frank J. DeFehr
Frank J. DeFehr died Jan. 5. He was born Apr. 9, 1912 to Frank and Lena DeFehr in Herbert, Sask. He accepted Jesus Christ at evangelistic meetings. He was baptized and joined Main Centre MB Church. He taught Sunday school and sang in choir and male quartets. He married Katherine Martens June 14, 1934. In 1945 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. They joined Central Heights Church where he became part of the original Men of Song, and continued singing in male groups into his 80s. He taught Sunday school and was letter superintendent, hosted Bible studies, served as deacon and elder. He had a strong faith in the Lord and found strength through Bible reading and prayer. Predeceased by Katherine in 1999, son Glen in 1994, 2 sisters; he is mourned by sons Eldon, Don and Gordon; daughters Evelyn Schmidt and Ruby Harder; 16 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 13 in Central Heights Church.
Margaret Wiebe
Margaret Wiebe died Feb. 15. She was born Apr. 20, 1947 to Peter and Elizabeth Wiebe in Germany. The family immigrated to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in 1949. She accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1959 and was baptized Aug. 18, 1963, becoming a member of Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. She enjoyed singing and teaching Sunday school and VBS. She worked at the Tuck Shop at Pleasant Manor and for MCC, and cared for her aging parents. She is mourned by sisters Erna Hubert, Suzanne Wiebe and Mary Friesen. The funeral was Feb. 18 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil.
Elvina Martens
Elvina Martens died Feb. 3. She was born Apr. 11, 1925 in Fairview, Okla. to Cornelius and Louise Martens. In 1928 the family moved to High River, Alta., then to Lethbridge, Alta. Elvina accepted Jesus and was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. She attended Coaldale Bible School. In 1947 the family moved to Matsqui, B.C. She worked at MSA Hospital. She joined Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, where she taught Sunday school and Pioneer Girls Club, and sang in the Jubilee Choir. She enjoyed travelling. She was hospitable, friendly and helpful to friends and neighbours. She is mourned by sisters Agnes Koop and Louise Koop; brother Cornelius. The funeral was Feb. 10 in Central Heights Church.
Peter H. Enns
Peter H. Enns died Jan. 30. He was born in Winnipeg May 14, 1925 to Gerhard and Agatha Enns. He accepted Jesus and was baptized, joining Steinbach MB Church. He married Elvira Pankratz July 4, 1952. He operated Enns Sales, was a car salesman, sold real estate, and drove bus for school and Red Rock Bible Camp. He encouraged family conversation to motivate independent thinking. He encouraged education, music, sports and camp attendance. He wanted his sons to be respected citizens with strong Christian values. He sang first tenor in church choirs and quartets. He maintained his friendly, gentlemanly manner even when ill. Predeceased by 1 brother; 1 sister; he is mourned by Elvira; sons Charles, Garnet and Elwood; 7 grandchildren; 4 brothers; 6 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 2 in Steinbach MB Church.
Jack Friesen
Jack Friesen died Feb. 9. He was born to Jacob and Helena Friesen Apr. 11, 1923 in Sumanovka, Siberia. The family immigrated to Aberdeen, Sask. in 1925, then moved to Bruderheim, Alta. and Coaldale, Alta. He served as conscientious objector during World War II. He worked in Pincher Creek, Alta. where he lost his right eye. He learned the meat cutting trade. He accepted Jesus in 1952. In 1956 he moved to Chilliwack, B.C., was baptized and joined Broadway MB Church. He married Sue Klassen June 30, 1957. They joined Greendale MB Church. In 1968 they moved to Abbotsford where they joined Bakerview MB Church. He worked as meat cutter for Funks Supermarket. They travelled to sightsee and visit family. He was a man of few words, had strong convictions and integrity. He was aware of the grace of God. He is mourned by Sue; son Alan; daughter Iris Falk; 6 grandchildren; 7 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 16 in Bakerview MB Church.
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