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Mennonite Brethren HeraldVolume 43, No. 08June 11, 2004
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Deaths

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Deaths

Helen Haak

Helen Haak

Helen (Lena) Haak passed away Mar. 15. She was born Sept. 24, 1910 to Heinrich and Agnes Lepp in Tiege, Molotschna. She accepted Christ as her Saviour when she was 12. The family immigrated to Canada in 1929, settling in Dalmeny and Brotherfield, Sask. She was baptized and joined the MB Church. She married Henry Haak Dec. 30, 1930. They moved to Black Creek, B.C. where they farmed and helped start the Black Creek MB Church. They moved to a farm in Mt. Lehman, B.C. 14 years later, then to Clearbrook. They enjoyed travelling and visiting their children and grandchildren. Henry died in 1987. She is mourned by sons Ed, Hank, John; daughters Hilda and Betty; 17 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. The funeral was Mar. 18 in Clearbrook MB Church.

Sara Friesen

Sara Friesen died Mar. 23. She was born Apr. 10, 1916 in Orenburg, Russia to David and Katharina Klassen. Her father died. The family immigrated to Germany when Sara was 13, hoping to go to Canada. This was not possible so they went to Paraguay. Life was difficult. She married Gerhard Friesen Oct. 6, 1936. They immigrated to Canada, settling in St. Catharines in 1960 and joining Scott St. MB Church. Gerhard died in 1982. She is mourned by nieces and nephews. The funeral was Mar. 25 in Scott St. MB Church.

Lydia Pohl

Lydia Pohl died Mar. 10. She was born Apr. 7, 1917 in Fox Valley, Sask. to Karl and Philippine Zulauf. She married Edward Pohl Nov. 19, 1928. They farmed in the Golden Prairie area, later moving to Medicine Hat, Alta. She was baptized Feb. 25, 1973 and joined Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat. She enjoyed gardening, crafts, crocheting and knitting. Predeceased by Edward, 1 infant daughter, 1 brother and 6 sisters, she is mourned by daughter Doreen Oddan of Medicine Hat; son Elmer of Nanaimo, B.C.; 2 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 15 in Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Medicine Hat.

Anton Edward Nickel

Anton Edward Nickel

Anton Edward Nickel died Mar. 4. He influenced many lives for good. He was predeceased by first wife Lena Funk, second wife Mary Penner; 5 siblings in infancy; son Melvin; 2 grandchildren. He is mourned by sons Peter of Medicine Hat, Alta., John of Langley, B.C., Marvin of Martensville, Sask.; daughters Marlene Zentner of Marquette, Man., Ruby Cloutier of Swift Current, Sask., Evelyn of Main Centre, Sask., Ivy Tait of Orangeville, Ont. and Bea Nickel of Swift Current; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 3 sisters. He influenced many lives for good. The funeral was Mar. 9 in Main Centre MB Church.

Kathleen Hiebert

Kathleen Hiebert

Kathleen Hiebert died Apr. 20. She was born Mar. 23, 1918 in Fischau, Russia to Aaron and Katherina Doerksen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Port Rowan, Ont. She accepted Christ in her youth and joined Port Rowan MB Church. She became a housekeeper in the home of a physician. She married Henry Hiebert Sr. Oct. 12, 1978. They enjoyed travelling, spending time in Florida and playing Rook with friends. Henry died in 1992. She was a gifted quilter, helping others with their projects. She welcomed friends and family to her home and was faithful in church and prayer meeting attendance. After a major stroke she kept her trust in God. She appreciated Scripture and prayer to lift her spirits. Predeceased by Henry, 1 sister, 1 brother, she is mourned by stepchildren Gordon, Henry, Laura Thielman, John, Eleanor Wiebe, Helen, Carl, Paul; 24 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters; 3 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 24 in Port Rowan MB Church.

Peter George Klassen

Peter George Klassen

Peter George Klassen died Feb. 7. He was born July 12, 1925 to Gerhard and Elizabeth Klassen in Manitou, Man. He taught at AMHS in Coaldale, Alta. from 1949 to 1953, at MCI in Gretna, Man. from 1953 to 1959 and was principal of MBCI in Winnipeg 1960 to 1963. He was professor and associate dean of Education at Brandon (Man.) University for 24 years and retired as Professor Emeritus in 1987. He was committed to the church, serving as Sunday school superintendent, moderator and mentor to several pastors. He served on provincial and Canadian MB Conference boards. He was lay pastor at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, for 5 years and provided pastoral counselling to the sick and elderly. He was known for his willingness to stand in the midst of conflict and draw people back into relationship. He encouraged his family to pursue gifts and opportunities. His grandchildren were especially dear to him. He and Lydia, his wife of more than 54 years, moved to Kelowna, B.C. in Sept. 2001. He is mourned by Lydia, daughters April and Heidi; sons Ken, David, Rob, Gerald, Lloyd and Ray, and their families. Memorial services were held Feb. 9 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, and Mar. 6 in Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon.

Helen Friesen

Helen Friesen

Helen Friesen died Mar. 16. She was born to John and Katerina Reimer June 13, 1912 in Osterwick, Old Colony, Ukraine. Because she was sickly, she was taken to live with her grandfather and maiden aunts. The extended family moved to Canada in 1923. She lived with her aunt and uncle Annie and John Janzen. At age 14 she went to Winnipeg to work as a domestic for 13 years. She took a stenography course and because secretary to the manager of Eaton’s mail order department. The family moved to Yarrow and Helen went to work in Vancouver. She married widower Willie Friesen. She helped run his business and picked berries. Their home was filled with love and laughter. Predeceased by Willie in 1994, daughter Olga McCutcheon, 1 brother, 3 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Katie McLaughlin, Elvie Butler, Rita McCunn and Rene Watt ; son John; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 19 in Clearbrook MB Church.

Anna Peters

Anna Peters died Apr. 24. She was born to Jacob and Maria Wolf in Mexico. She married Gerhard Peters in 1959. She worked in the vegetable fields. They moved to Vienna, Ont. in the 1960s. She enjoyed activites in her Windsor rest home. Predeceased by Gerhard in 1973, she is mourned by daughters Gertruda and Maria Moore of Grand Bend, sons George of Fingal, Peter Dawson and John Dawson of Sarnia and Jacob of Grand Bend.

Esther Pearl Kissick

Esther Pearl Kissick

Esther Pearl Kissick died Apr. 24. She was born Jan. 31, 1929 to Henry and Gertrude Schellenberg. The family moved frequently. She became a teacher in Manitoba, then took Bible college training and went to Kenya as a missionary teacher in 1957. She married Bill Kissick in 1970. They lived on a farm near Killarney, Man. and travelled. Predeceased by Bill and 1 sister, she is survived by stepdaughter Roberta; 2 grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 26 in Lakeview Community Church, Killarney, Man.

Jake Abrahams

Jake Abrahams

Jake Abrahams died Apr. 5. He was born to Jacob and Tina Abrahams in Rosser, Man. The family moved to BC in 1936. He accepted Jesus in his youth and was baptized. He married Lillian Klassen in 1948. They lived in Victoria where he worked for the Provincial Lands and Forest Dept., then the Attorney General’s office at the Supreme Court in Vancouver. He also became involved in real estate. He ardently read the Bible and prayed. Church life was very important. He served with Christian Service Brigade, on the board of Columbia Bible College and volunteered at Stillwood Camp. He was also on the Board of Governors of BCIT. He and Lillian sang with the Jubilee Choir in Abbotsford, as well as in the Fellowship Choir at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by 3 siblings in infancy, he is mourned by Lillian, daughters Darlene Loewen of Kamloops, B.C., Angela Firth of Chilliwack, B.C. and Janice Siemens; sons Darrell of Abbotsford and Norman of Squamish; 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 8 in Bakerview MB Church.

Wally Falkenburger

Wally Falkenburger

Wally Falkenburger died Mar. 11. He was born Nov. 3, 1950 in Salzburg, Austria and came to Canada at age 2. He married Doris July 27, 1973. At 23 he trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour. He was baptized and joined Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church, later joining Glencairn as charter member. He had a deep passion for people and God’s kingdom. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but chose to look for the good in everything and everyone. His sense of humour helped him through his difficulties. He taught his children many Bible verses. His favourite verses were Philippians 3:10–11. He is mourned by Doris, daughter Julia, son Mark; 9 siblings. The memorial service was Mar. 20 in Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener.

James Elvin Cornelsen

James Elvin Cornelsen

James Elvin Cornelsen died Apr. 7. He was born Jan. 19, 1927 in Herbert, Sask. to George and Kathrina Cornelsen. When he was 7 the family moved to Turnhill, Sask. Here he was led to Jesus by his mother. At 15 he was baptized and joined the MB Church. He became a teacher. The family moved to Kelowna, B.C. He married Dora Hauff. Jim taught at numerous schools. He then taught at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. They moved to Valleyview, Alta. where he was teacher and vice-principal. He served as president of the school division and as vice-president of the Grande Prairie Country Local. He was named Honorary President of the Teachers Convention Board. His staff remembers him fondly. He was “Mr. Fix-it” and helped friends, family and the church. He served as lay pastor, choir director, moderator, youth leader, teacher and on the provincial MB Conference board. He was not ashamed of his faith. He loved music. They retired to Kelowna in May 1991. He became ill but suffered silently. He was a loving husband and father, spiritual leader, and a walking encyclopedia. Predeceased by 1 grandson, he is mourned by Dora, daughters Lucille McKee, Rhonda Harvie, Monica Rowson, Cynthia Olson; sons James, Geoffrey and Gregory; 21 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 12 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna.

Henry M. Hiebert

Henry M. Hiebert

Henry M. Hiebert died Apr. 9, at age 106. He was born Aug. 6, 1897 to Martin and Helena Hiebert. He grew up in the Grossweide District near Plum Coulee, Man. He accepted Jesus as Saviour at age 10 and was baptized in 1909. He became a teacher for a short while. He married Martha Karlenzig. They farmed in Rosenort with his brothers, then moved to a farm in Blumstein. They retired in 1959 and moved to Winkler. He became more involved in church, including custodial work, Christian education and evangelism. He enjoyed coffeeing with friends and sharing Jesus with whoever would listen. He financially supported the church and other ministries, praying for their staffs. Martha died in 1979. He married Nettie Martens in 1981. She died in 1990. He moved to Salem Personal Care Home in 1999. He enjoyed worship, visiting, playing games, field trips and singing. Predeceased by his first wife Martha, second wife Nettie, son Angus in 1989, daughter Hilda in 2000 and 1 grandson, he is mourned by daughters Elsie Klassen, Amanda Ewert, Lil Thiessen, Ruby Dyck, Clara Wiebe and Vi Lindsey; son Henry; 24 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 12 in Winkler MB Church.

Philip Edward Lindquist

Philip Edward Lindquist

Philip Edward Lindquist died Apr. 10. He was born Jan. 16, 1915 near Waldeck, Sask. He trusted Christ as a young man. He was interested in language and kept a dictionary close at hand. He taught himself to play piano. He farmed until retirement at 76, developing the ditch irrigation system on his farmland. He married Mildred Nelson in July 1945. They moved to Swift Current, Sask. in 1969 but he continued farming until 1991. They moved to Abbotsford. He enjoyed prayer group and Bible study, Jubilee singers and helping in the church as elder, Sunday school teacher, pianist, organist, choir member and Boys’ Brigade leader. He was involved on the local school board, hospital board, municipal council, Swift Current Creek Protective Association, and Water Users Association. He enjoyed writing briefs to forward good causes. He expressed ideas persuasively and had good mediation skills. He enjoyed spending time with his children and their families. He had a good sense of humour and used language exquisitely. He praised God for his provisions and blessings. Predeceased by 1 sister and son Keith, he is mourned by wife Mildred, sons Bryan, Les and Kevin; daughter Phyllis Cook; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.

John B. Andres

John B. Andres

John B. Andres died Apr. 11. He was born Sept. 23, 1912 in Ukraine to John J. and Tina Andres. They immigrated to Canada in 1929. He married Lydia Engbrecht in 1937. He worked in Altona, then moved to Steinbach to farm. The farm was a source of pride. In his retirement he was miller at Mennonite Heritage Village Museum. He had a good sense of humour and loved to tell stories. Predeceased by Lydia, and stepson Alvin Reimer, he is survived by his wife Helen; daughters Adina Robb, Erna Friesen, Elsie Godwin, Nellie Marcoux, Karen Andres; sons John and Ronald; stepchildren Amanda Cundal, Vic Reimer, Jake Reimer, Edna Joyce; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 15 in Steinbach MB Church.

Mary Voth

Mary Voth

Mary Voth was born Mar. 25, 1906 in Neuhoffnung, Man. to Cornelius and Elizabeth Andres. They moved to a farm in Greenfarm district, south of Herbert, Sask. She worked as a domestic. She accepted Christ and was baptized, joining the MB Church. She sang with the family and in the church choir. She married John Voth Oct. 28, 1928 in the Greenfarm Church. They farmed and she had a huge garden, fruit trees, chickens and other animals. She was a good cook, accomplished at sewing, quilting, embroidery and crocheting. She was involved with the Ladies Aid in Greenfarm and later in Herbert. She enjoyed reading her Bible. She loved company and visiting, and had a great sense of humour. She often sang while she worked. They moved to Herbert in 1955. They travelled with their children and with their siblings. Predeceased by son Victor, 1 grandson, 1 great-grandson and her siblings, she is mourned by John, sons Abe, Bill and Lorne of Herbert, Harry of Calgary, Wesley of Riverhurst; daughter Elsie Peterson of Herbert; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 step-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 20 in Herbert MB Church.

Elizabeth Penner

Elizabeth Penner

Elizabeth Penner died Feb. 23. She was born Oct. 9, 1900 to Heinrich and Maria Andres in Rosenbach, Russia. In 1901 the family moved to Manitoba and in 1909 to Herbert, Sask. She accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1917 and was baptized Aug. 1, 1917, joining Greenfarm MB Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir, Sunday school and Bible studies. Her mother died in 1917 and her father remarried. She married Jacob Penner Mar. 28, 1920. He died Nov. 9, 1969. She had great faith and prayed for her family. Predeceased by Jacob, 1 daughter in infancy, 1 great-grandson, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, she is mourned by daughters Mary of Herbert, Elizabeth Gerbrandt of Salmon Arm, B.C., Lena Gerbrandt of Herbert, Anne Andres of Swift Current, Sask; sons John of Waldeck, Sask. and Henry of Herbert; 22 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 27 in Herbert MB Church.

Adina Martens

Adina Martens

Adina Martens died Feb. 4. She was born May 5, 1925 to Abraham and Justina Wiens in Russia. The family immigrated to Yarrow, B.C. She married Aron Martens Aug. 13, 1944. She was a member of Central Heights Church, Abbotsford. She sang in the choir and supported Aron in his choir endeavours, practices and concerts. She enjoyed her grandchildren, needlework and baking. She was a woman of faith, a prayer warrior, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is mourned by Aron, daughters Angie Barnes, Viola Krueger, Dot Hiebert; sons John and Len; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 10 in Central Heights Church.

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