In this section:
Eric David Balzer
Eric David Balzer died Oct. 21. He was born Mar. 12, 1979 to Roland and Maryanne Balzer in Edmonton. The family moved to Fort McMurray, Alta., soon after. He had a ready smile, was full of curiosity and had a quirky sense of humour. Eric struggled with autism throughout his life. In 1988 the family moved to Abbotsford. At 15 Eric was diagnosed with juvenile ALS. He was lovingly accepted by Highland Community Church and was baptized in 1996. He was carefree and at peace with himself, and yet restless. In spite of the challenges, he enjoyed life and its simple pleasures, like forest walks and surprises. Many felt at peace when in his presence. He taught the value of being a person loved of God and loving others, regardless of accomplishments. He is mourned by Roland and Maryanne, sister Angela and husband Paul Neufeld, and nephew Simon. The memorial service was Oct. 25 in King Road MB Church, Abbotsford.
George Siemens 
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George Siemens died Feb. 8. He was born Oct. 24, 1907 in Herbert, Sask. to Johann and Justina Siemens. He asked Jesus into his heart on Feb. 21, 1925 after his brother read Isaiah 53:5 to him. He was baptized at 22. He studied at Herbert Bible School for 1 year. He loved singing in a family quartet and played mouth organ, violin, guitar and organ. He married Sara Derksen Mar. 28, 1937. They lived in Main Centre, Sask., moving to Yarrow, B.C. and later to Sumas Prairie, B.C. He was a farmer and a mechanic. They retired in 1965, joining Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. He loved fishing and golfing, and singing in the Fellowship choir. His prayer was that all his family would accept Jesus Christ. Predeceased by Sara in 1997, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 great-grandchild, he is mourned by daughters Betty-Lou Rempel and Hilda Van Bergen; sons Alvin, Victor, Edward and Dennis; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 12 in Bakerview MB Church with Michael Dick and Wilmer Kornelson ministering.
George Bartsch 
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George Bartsch died Feb. 10. He was born July 17, 1926 in Hague, Sask. to Henry and Aganetha Bartsch. At 4 he contracted polio which left him paralyzed in his legs and right side of his body. He maintained a positive outlook on life. He was not able to finish high school because of his handicap. At 20, the family moved to Abbotsford, attending West Abbotsford Mennonite Church. He became a Christian at 21. He became a watchmaker, opening a small shop in Clearbrook. In 1955 he married Susan Isaak. They were founding members of Prairie Chapel, a church plant. In 1974 they joined Central Heights MB Church. He was known as an honest and respected businessman and exhibited his faith in Christ through his actions. He retired in 1992 and was a member of the Clearbrook Golden Age Society, serving on various committees, including the tour committee. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Susan; sons Ken of Abbotsford, Randal of Langley and Cris of Vancouver; daughters Lynette of Los Angeles and Joan Godard of Hepburn, Sask; 6 grandchildren; 6 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Feb. 15 in Central Heights Church with Chris Douglas and Nick Dyck ministering.
Jacob Ewert
Jacob “Jay” Ewert died Aug. 30 in Abbotsford. Predeceased by son Wayne Douglas, 4 brothers, 5 sisters, he is mourned by wife Bertha, daughter Fay Carpenter; sons David, Wally, Bill; 9 grandchildren, 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 3 at Heritage Alliance Church, Abbotsford with Ron Erickson ministering.
Henry Jantz
Henry Jantz died Jan. 28. He was born May 1, 1935 in Laird, Sask. to Henry and Helena Jantz. His faith was important to him and he dedicated his life to Jesus at age 10 while attending a children’s camp at Sand Beach Lake. The family moved to a farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in 1947. Siblings remember his love for jokes and one-liners. He was baptized in 1953, joining Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. He trained as an electrical technician, working for Ontario Hydro., then at capital building projects, Foster Wheeler and General Motors. In 1977 he rededicated his life to Christ with renewed dedication to Scripture, keeping his promise to start every day with Scripture and prayer. In 1982 he had a near death experience. This affected him profoundly and he was thankful for his recovery. He will be remembered for his projects, hobbies and exceptional gardening, in which he experimented with grafting or growing non-native plants. He was a loving and caring husband and father. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by his wife Margret (Loewen), sons Edward and Matthew; 2 sisters; 3 brothers.
George Loeppky
George Loeppky died Feb. 6. He was born Oct. 2, 1919 in Michaelsburg, Russia to Frank and Anna Loeppky. They immigrated to Canada in 1926. In 1942 he was baptized at Ebenezer Mennonite Church. He married Margaret Rempel Apr. 7 in Kitchener, Ont. They farmed in Foam Lake, Sask. He was a leader in 4-H because of his love for cattle. He passed his spiritual and life values on to his children and grandchildren. Predeceased by Margaret Feb. 1, 2004, he is mourned by daughter Pat Foot of Winnipeg; son John of Foam Lake, Sask., 3 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 10 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, with Dennis Friesen ministering.
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