Deaths

In this section:

Erich Giesbrecht Agnes Krahn Fredrick G. Mielke Wilma Lang Gertrude Funk Peter Driedger David Neil Hartt Margaret Hitchcock Helen Wiens George Kopp Elizabeth Willms Eva Agatha Jantzen Catherine Davidson Barbara Martens Frieda Reimer Wilhelm (Bill) Toews John L. Reimer Maria Loewen Peter Reginald (P.R.) Toews

Erich Giesbrecht

Erich Giesbrecht of Filadelfia, Chaco, Paraguay died Dec. 13 at age 69. He was a humble and influential Christian leader in Paraguay. At age 12 he decided to follow Christ. He studied at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., MBBC in Winnipeg and MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. He was pastor at Volendam (Paraguay) MB Church for 6 years and at Filadelfia MB Church for 15 years. He was a teacher for 9 years and executive director of the mission to the indigenous people in Chaco for 10 years. He is mourned by his wife Erna, 3 daughters and their families. The funeral was in Filadelfia MB Church with Paulhans Klassen and Victor Wall ministering.

Agnes Krahn

Agnes Krahn died Feb. 9. She was born Jan. 30, 1912 in Reinfeld, Yazykovo, Ukraine to Daniel and Katherine Pauls. She committed her life to the Lord at 11 and was baptized 6 years later, becoming a member of the MB Church, claiming Mark 16:16. The family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. in 1923. In 1930, she married Jacob Krahn. They farmed in the Herbert area. She always maintained contact with family throughout Canada and in Germany. She enjoyed family visits, travelling, handicrafts, watching curling and the Toronto Blue Jays. Her faith and love of family kept her strong. Predeceased by Jacob in 1967, she is mourned by daughter Lory, sons Ervin, Jake, Ken and Lawrence; 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 1 sister. The funeral was Feb. 12 in Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask., with Cliff Janzen ministering.

Fredrick G. Mielke

Fredrick G. Mielke was born June 16, 1913 in Ukraine to Fredrick and Helena Mielke. The family moved to Germany in 1920 and to Herbert, Sask. in 1922. In 1925 they moved to Beechy, Sask. He attended Herbert Bible School 1929–1930 and accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour. He was baptized, joining Beechy MB Church in 1930. He married Mary Bahnmann July 7, 1940. They farmed and tended cattle in the area until he retired in 1980. He was active in church, serving as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, treasurer, deacon, usher and leader. In the community he was on the hospital board, served as school board treasurer, and helped with municipal road planning and bringing telephone service to the area. He drove school bus for 13 years. Predeceased by son Arthur, he is mourned by Mary; sons Fred, Gordon, John and Ken; daughters Irene, Betty and Louise; 17 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 19 in Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.

Wilma Lang

Wilma Lang died Jan. 13. She was born Feb. 6, 1937 in Kostopol, Poland. She was a great cook, and a lovely singer, and she loved to play piano even though she could not read notes. She was happy and filled with laughter. Predeceased by son Ron, she is mourned by Joe, her husband of 49 years; daughter Carmen; 9 grandchildren; 4 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 18 in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, with Lyndon Plett ministering.

Gertrude Funk

Gertrude Funk died Dec. 28. She was born Nov. 6, 1930 in Blumenort, Sask. to John and Helena Goosen. The family moved to Greendale, B.C. in 1944. She married Peter Funk Oct. 16, 1953. They lived in Greendale, Chilliwack, Mission and Aldergrove. She was kind, considerate and honest, desiring that the Lord be glorified in her life and death. She was a prayer warrior, always adding names and concerns to her list. She served in ladies clubs, DVBS, and choir, and volunteered at the MCC store. Gardening, vacationing, canning, baking and spending time with children and grandchildren were her joys. She is mourned by Peter; daughters Sylvia Pauls and Colleen Isfeld of Abbotsford; sons Gary of Abbotsford and Bob of Puyallup, Wash.; 12 grandchildren; 7 siblings. The memorial service was Dec. 31 in Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, with Rudi Willms ministering.

Peter Driedger

Peter Driedger died Jan. 14. He was born Feb. 27, 1926 in Carman, Man. to John and Marie Driedger. He accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized as a teenager, joining Justice (Man.) MB Church. He attended Winkler Bible School for 2 winters. In July 1951, he married Margaret Reimer. After farming in Moore Park, Man., they moved to Port Rowan, Ont. where he worked at a factory in Simcoe, Ont. until his retirement. He volunteered for numerous agencies, witnessing to those people he served. He was also Sunday school teacher, boys club leader, deacon, and sang in choirs. He had Parkinson’s disease. Predeceased by 1 grandson, 1 sister, 3 brothers, he is mourned by Margaret; children Ken, Judy Heidt, Esther Wiebe, Ron, Bill, Robert, Howard, Shirley Young; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 3 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 20 in Port Rowan MB Church with Sandy Young ministering.

David Neil Hartt

David Neil Hartt was born Feb. 25, 1919 in Silverdale, Wash. to David and Jenny Hartt, and grew up in the western U.S. He graduated from Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. in 1941. He married Erma Anhorn, who died in August 2003. He was a missionary with West Indies Mission (Worldteam) in Duba, Guadeloupe and Haiti, working with Radio Lumiere in Haiti until retiring to Abbotsford in 1986. Predeceased by Erma, he is mourned by sons Paul, Bellevue, Wash.; Samuel, Kent, Wash.; Joe, Waynesboro, Penn.; Daniel, Boulder, Col.; Jonathan, Pomona, Calif.; Nathan, Placerville, Calif; 19 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The memorial service was Jan. 13 in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, with Paul Dyck ministering.

Margaret Hitchcock

Margaret Hitchcock died Jan. 19. She was born Sept. 11, 1926 in Saskatchewan to David and Agnes Penner. She married David Redekop. In 1982, she married Robert Hitchcock. The grandchildren appreciated their grandma’s zest for life, her humour and her brown cookies. She had a strong faith in the Lord. She organized meals for the church and for the youth at Camp Crossroads. She retired to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, enjoying an active social life and organizing lunches with other widows. Her ready wit and irrepressible spirit livened family gatherings. Attention to detail, the ability to laugh at oneself, a sound inner strength and a penchant for shopping are part of her legacy. Predeceased by twins in infancy and Robert, she is mourned by children Clifford, Shirley Perrault, Gordon, Wanda McInnis, Brenda Bullivant; 9 grandchildren; stepdaughter Wendy Mand and 2 step-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 22 in Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, with Waldo Pauls ministering.

Helen Wiens

Helen Wiens died Jan. 19. She was born May 26, 1917 in Alexanderthal, South Russia to Bernard and Maria Petkau. The family immigrated to Duff, Sask. in Dec. 1926, moving to Main Centre, Sask., Turnhill, Sask., and then to Herbert, Sask. Helen did housekeeping before attending Herbert Bible School 1935–36. She married Jake Wiens Nov. 8, 1938. They farmed with his family until 1945 when they bought their own farm. In 1976 they moved to Swift Current, Sask. Jake died in 1982. In 1998 she moved into a condo and in 2002 to Dinsmore Health Centre. She was committed and loyal, supporting Jake in his farming, community and church involvements. She was hospitable and caring, hosting preachers and missionaries and welcoming needy families, widows, single teachers, travellers, refugees and salesmen. She valued the Bible, underlining and highlighting many verses. She taught VBS and Sunday school, hosted Bible studies. She and Jake were members of the Gideons. Her children learned how to pray from her. Predeceased by Jake, 7 siblings, 2 daughters, she is mourned by 6 children; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren.

George Kopp

George Kopp died Jan. 29. He was born Dec. 30, 1913 in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Borden, Sask. in 1926, moving to Coaldale, Alta. in 1927. He was baptized and joined the MB Church. He married Katie Thiessen May 26, 1938. They farmed in the Coaldale area until retiring in 1981, and moving into Coaldale. Family was important to him. They enjoyed travelling to visit family. Predeceased by infant son Johnny, he is mourned by Katie; children Peter, Marianne Thiessen, Elsie Reimer, Nettie Karr, Helen Baerg, Martha Ratzlaff, Bertha Thiessen, Elvin, and Lillian Jeschke.

Elizabeth Willms

Elizabeth Willms died Jan. 25. She was born Jan. 9, 1906 in Tiege, Molotschna, South Russia to Gerhard and Anna Klassen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Kingsville, Ont. In January 1927 she married Peter P. Willms. They farmed until 1958, when they moved into town. She volunteered with the Red Cross and the hospital ladies auxiliary. She had a strong personal faith and together with Peter served as deacon in Leamington (Ont.) MB Church. She saw the positive in every situation. Predeceased by Peter in 1988, son Henry in 1967, 2 grandsons and 1 great-grandson, she is mourned by children Peter, George, Elsie, Walter, Alice Toews and Jack; 20 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister.

Eva Agatha Jantzen

Eva Agatha Jantzen died Dec. 22. She was born Feb. 28, 1921 to Peter H. and Mary Jantzen in Brotherfield, Sask. She accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized Aug. 25, 1935, joining Brotherfield MB Church. She attended Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, and took teachers’ training. She taught for over 31 years. She related well to young children, helping them to become good people. She retired to Waldheim, Sask., then to Saskatoon. She cared for family and friends and was very generous. Her prayer list was long. She is mourned by sisters Hanna Plett and Miriam Jantzen; brother Vernon.

Catherine Davidson

Catherine Davidson died Jan. 28. She was born Feb. 28, 1922 in Ukraine, Russia to Aron and Catherine Friesen. The family immigrated to Borden, Sask., then moved to Winkler, Man. and finally Elie, Man. where they farmed. Her father died in 1946. Catherine accepted the Lord as her Saviour and was baptized, joining Newton (Man.) MB Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and played piano. She moved with her mother to Oakville, Man., then to Winnipeg, where she was a telephone operator, helped at camp and completed high school. She married John Velhelm Davidson from Edenborough, N.D. in 1973. They farmed for 25 years, then moved to Abbotsford in 1998. They joined Bakerview MB Church where they attended regularly. Predeceased by John in 2002, she is mourned by brothers Edward, Arthur and Alfred. The memorial service was Feb. 3 in First Memorial Funeral Home, Aldergrove, B.C.

Barbara Martens

Barbara Martens died Dec. 17. She was born Feb. 20, 1909 in Rudnerweide, Ukraine to David and Barbara Janzen. Her mother died when Barbara was 7. Her father married Margaret Thiessen. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1924, coming to Pincher Creek, Alta. after a year and a half. She married Peter Martens Aug. 5, 1928. They farmed in Coaldale for 13 years. In 1941 they moved to Arnold, B.C., joining Arnold MB Church. In 1963 they moved to Clearbrook, attending Clearbrook MB Church. She served on the food committee and sewed. She worked for Clearbrook Frozen Foods. She enjoyed gardening, particularly dahlias and gladioli, and reading. In 1986 they moved to Evergreen Village, Abbotsford. She prayed faithfully for her family and her church. She sewed children’s outfits for MCC and crocheted about 80 afghans each year for the last 10 years. Predeceased by Peter in May 1993, 1 grandson, 2 brothers, 1 sister, she is mourned by children Peter of Woodburn, Ore., Margaret Symons of Richmond, B.C., David of Waterloo, Ont., Frank of Panama, Vic of Abbotsford and Barbara Wilkie of Coquitlam; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 28 in Clearbrook MB Church with Walter Wiens ministering.

Frieda Reimer

Frieda Reimer died Dec. 28. She was born Oct. 21, 1935 in Schoenau, Ukraine to Arnold and Agnete Rempel. The family fled to Kreis Birnbaum, Warthegau in October 1943, then to Sachsen. Her father was in the army. After the war they travelled to Unra Lager in Berlin. In January 1947 they immigrated to Volendam, Paraguay. She became a Christian at 19 and was baptized in Volendam at 20. In 1957 she married Henry Reimer. In 1967 they immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. She was involved in her children’s lives, learning English through helping them with their homework. She was hospitable and the youth group met at their house. She did daywork for many years and cleaned buildings, including Vancouver MB Church. She suffered various illnesses over the years. Predeceased by Henry in June 2004, she is mourned by children Eleonore Wall of Washington, Gisela Reimer of Abbotsford, Sylvia Ottom of Aldergrove, Karin Barr of Washington, John of Langley; 14 grandchildren; 2 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 3 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff, Johannes Stolz and Walter Wiens ministering.

Wilhelm (Bill) Toews

Bill Toews died Jan. 6. He was born June 14, 1915 in Gretna, Man. to Jacob J. and Agatha Toews. He married Hilda Penner Oct. 31, 1937 in Plum Coulee, Man. They lived in various towns in Manitoba until Bill retired from Winnipeg Metro Transit System in 1977. They moved to B.C. Predeceased by son Edward Kenneth in 1954, he is mourned by Hilda; children Rose Janzen, Roberta Loewen, Lorna Clark, Clifford, Hilda Gryba, Bill, Jim, Caroline Seeley, Sharon, Bob, Jennifer Gryba, Lynda Toews; 34 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Heinz Ratzlaff and William Thiessen ministering.

John L. Reimer

John L. Reimer died Jan. 12. He was born June 24, 1909 in Blumenort, Sagradovka, Ukraine. The family moved to Sergavka, then to Millerovo and later to Osterwick, Chortitza Colony. In 1923 the family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. He worked on a farm. His father was killed by lightning. John had to run the farm and continue working for others. He married Katie Klassen Dec. 21, 1930. They moved to Altona, Man. where he learned blacksmithing and welding, returning to Main Centre, Sask. to go into business with his father-in-law. In 1940 they moved to Yarrow, buying the blacksmith shop. Later they became rural mail delivery postal contractors. After retiring they moved to Abbotsford, joining Clearbrook MB Church. He lived a full, eventful life. The Lord was his constant guide. Predeceased by Katie Dec. 9, 2000, he is mourned by daughters Lou Isaak, Alita Neufeldt; sons John, Frank, Vern and Jim; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 17 in Clearbrook MB Church with Jay Neufeld ministering.

Maria Loewen

Maria Loewen died Jan. 6. She was born July 21, 1919 in Neuendorf, Ukraine. Her mother died in 1933, and her father remarried in 1934. She came to Canada in 1948. She married Leonard Loewen Aug. 12, 1950. She was a wonderful homemaker and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening. Cooking, particularly bread, buns and soup, was a specialty. She was a sports fan, listening to Canucks games on radio. She loved the Lord with all her heart and wished she could go to her heavenly home. Predeceased by Leonard July 30, 1988, she is mourned by her 4 children; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 11 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff, Larry Locken and Walter Wiens ministering.

Peter Reginald (P.R.) Toews

Peter R. Toews died Jan. 15. He was born Aug. 29, 1916 in Waldheim, southern Ukraine, to Peter and Aganetha Toews. When he was 5, his parents were killed by a bomb. The 4 children were taken to live with relatives. Peter lived with the Abram Toews family. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling on irrigation farmland in Coaldale, Alta. in 1928. Peter became responsible for the irrigation tasks. When his mother encouraged him to attend Bible school he refused because he was not a Christian. When the family went to church, he and his friends would either go to town or stay outside the church, enjoying themselves. At an evening service in January he accompanied his father to church but arrived too late to join his friends. That evening his parents prayed with him and he found peace. Romans 10:10 became his anchor. He attended Coaldale Bible School, then Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. He became Sunday school teacher of teenagers. He married Lydia Janz Apr. 17, 1941. They farmed but a hailstorm devastated most of their crops the first year. He became angry with God but during prayer week the next year, he was able to thank God for His leading, goodness and mercy. In 1943, B.B. Janz, the leader of Coaldale MB Church, invited him to preach a sermon the following Sunday. After the war he and Lydia both felt a call to ministry. They moved to Winnipeg to attend MB Bible College. Peter finished his high school and started theological studies. On weekends he would preach in different churches. He preached in Elmwood MB Church one Sunday evening and then was asked to preach every evening for a week. At the same time he had become speaker for the Gospel Light Hour, a weekly radio broadcast. After College he taught at Coaldale Bible School. He and Lydia, together with David and Lena Ewert, were ordained to ministry. He pastored churches in Hepburn, Sask., Vancouver, Dinuba, Calif., Winnipeg, Watrous, Sask. and Armstrong, B.C., and served as moderator of the Canadian MB Conference. He also taught at Columbia Bible Institute, Abbotsford, and served as president for 8 years. In 1986 he retired in Abbotsford to enjoy his hobbies of woodworking, fishing and growing roses. In 1997 they sold their house and moved to a condo in Garden Park Tower. When he had word that his sister Frieda had died in Kazakhstan, he planted a rose garden in her memory on the grounds of Garden Park Tower. He spent many happy, contemplative hours there, enjoying the beautiful flowers. He is mourned by Lydia; sons Victor and Peter of Abbotsford; daughters Ruth Heinrichs of Fresno, Calif; Elfrieda Hiebert of Santa Cruz, Calif; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Jan. 20 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ray Harris, John B. Toews and Michael Dick ministering.