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In this section:
Jessie (Justina) Wiebe
Jessie Wiebe (nee Siemens) died Apr. 29. She was 86 years old. She was born in Oklahoma. The family moved to Coaldale, Alta. during the depression. She worked as a domestic in Lethbridge, Alta. She loved the Lord and was baptized upon confession of faith, joining Coaldale MB Church. She married Jake Wiebe. Singing and music were important to her and she served as accompanist on the organ, piano, guitar or accordion. She especially loved harp music and looked forward to hearing harps in heaven. She passed her love of music on to her children. She drove the last horse-drawn milk wagon in southern Alberta, delivering milk to the homes. Predeceased by Jacob and son Wesley, she is mourned by her children, Vernon, Edwin, Ernest, Nadean, John, Richard and Charlotte; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 2 in Coaldale MB Church.
Margaret Wiens 
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Margaret Wiens died Apr. 4. She was born Feb. 15, 1919 to Abram and Justina Wiens in Issyl Kul, Siberia. The family immigrated to Gem, Alta., later moving to Saskatchewan and in 1939 to Yarrow, B.C. She received Christ into her life and was baptized as a teenager. She loved God and her heart’s desire was to be a witness to all. She loved her church family and served in many areas. Her father’s death in 1943 obligated her to take leadership in the family. She went to high school at age 26, then graduated with her RN in 1950. She and a nursing colleague volunteered with MCC in Korea, working with orphans. She obtained her degree in nursing, worked in public health and then taught nursing. She retired to Abbotsford, becoming involved in helping new immigrants and teaching healthy aging courses. Predeceased by all her siblings, she is mourned by nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral was Apr. 11 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ray Harris and Michael Dick ministering.
T. Katie Peters 
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Kay Peters died Apr. 4. She was born Nov. 23, 1932 to Jacob and Helena Peters in Blumenhof, Sask. The family moved to Abbotsford in 1944. She took nurses training and obtained a BSN from UBC, then an MA in Eugene, Ore. and a PhD from New York University. She taught in Congo under MBMSI, and worked in Trail, B.C., Rossland, B.C., Eugene, and at Matsqui (B.C.) Psychiatric Center, retiring to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1997. She enjoyed conferences and was a delegate to 4 Mennonite World Conferences. She had Bible studies in her home, attended 2 growth groups in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, and enjoyed reading, conversation, music and table games. She supported many causes, especially those tied to education. She was independent, determined, had a strong will to succeed and desired to serve the Lord. Predeceased by brother George, sisters Anna and Mary, she is mourned by brothers Jacob of Clearbrook, Bill of Penticton; sisters Helen Reimer of Reedley, Calif. and Betty Klassen of Abbotsford. The funeral was Apr. 12 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ray Harris and Wally Unger ministering.
Erna Lautermilch 
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Erna Lautermilch died Apr. 7. She was born June 18, 1911 in Morse, Sask. to Reinhold and Florentine Manske. She married Andrew Lautermilch Nov. 25, 1928. They farmed in Woodrow, Sask. She helped on the farm, running the combine, hauling grain to town while also cooking, baking and hosting social times for family and friends. She was an excellent cook, gardener and seamstress. She was baptized and joined Woodrow Mennonite Brethren Church in 1935. She sang in the choir, was president of Ladies Aid, taught Sunday school and sewed quilts for missions. Because of Parkinson’s disease Andrew could no longer farm and they moved to Medicine Hat, Alta. in 1962. They joined Crestwood MB Church. Predeceased by Andrew and 2 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Renetta Heebner of Kelowna, B.C. and Delores Sillars of Medicine Hat; son Lincoln of Winnipeg; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 3 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 12 in Wuerfel Auditorium, South Country Village, Medicine Hat, with Robert Findley ministering.
Erna Neufeld-Klippenstein 
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Erna Neufeld-Klippenstein died Apr. 14. She was born Feb. 12, 1926 to Peter and Justina Sawatzky in Davlekanovo, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, settling in Herbert, Sask. and moving to Main Centre, Sask. in 1935. She married Alvin Neufeld in 1944. They were stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Charlottetown, P.E.I. After WW II they returned to Saskatchewan, then moved to Calgary where they established a rental business. They were founding members of Highland MB Church. Alvin died at age 52 and son Marshall a year later. She was comforted by her faith, and by reading authors such as Muggeridge, Bonhoeffer and Solzhenitsyn. In 1984 she, together with others, started a Ten Thousand Villages store. In Dec. 1980 she married Dick Klippenstein. They enjoyed travelling, hiking and visiting family and friends. She was an attentive listener and accepted others as they were. She had an infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Her favourite Scripture was Isaiah 40:31. Predeceased by Alvin, Marshall and 2 brothers, she is mourned by Dick; daughter Julie; son Donald; stepsons Terry and Randy; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 18 in Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary, with Abe Quiring ministering.
Nettie Thiessen
Nettie Thiessen died Mar. 19. She was born Aug. 17, 1934 in Osterwick, Ukraine. She immigrated to Canada in 1948. She was baptized, joining Coaldale Mennonite Church June 1, 1952. She married Arthur Thiessen in 1955, and in 1960 they moved to Seven Persons, Alta. to farm. In 1969 they moved to Medicine Hat, Alta. They helped establish the Mennonite church in Seven Persons and later served in Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat. Her profound love and compassion exemplified the peace and love that God provides. Her deepest desire was to serve her Saviour and be faithful. She encouraged others with handmade notes and home-cooked meals. She prayed faithfully. Predeceased by infant sister Margaret, she is mourned by Arthur; daughters Linda Fenrick and Anita Schlenker of Seven Persons; sons Ron and Randy of Calgary; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 24 in Crestwood MB Church with Jim Miller ministering.
Henry Herman Penner
Henry Herman Penner died Mar. 29. He was born July 24, 1910. Favourite Scriptures were Romans 8:35,37 and Job 19:25. He had a loving heart and a sweet spirit. Predeceased by sons Wilford and Johnnie in childhood and granddaughter Bonnie Witherall who died as a martyr in Saida, Lebanon, he is mourned by his wife of 24 years, Susan; son Al; daughters Evelyn Sagert and Lydia Christian; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
John Klein
John Klein died Jan. 17. He was born Sept. 13, 1926 in Morris, Man. Predeceased by his first wife Margaret, and 1 brother, he is mourned by wife Frieda; Frieda’s children, Lindy Davis, Dietmar Bartel; 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 4 in Central Heights MB Church with Pete Unrau ministering.
Helen Engel
Helen Engel died Apr. 16, 2005. She was born in Siberia July 20, 1917. The family lived in Germany, then immigrated to Hilda, Alta. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1932. She married Gustaf Engel Jan. 20, 1946. She looked after her aging parents until their deaths. Gustaf died July 13, 1980. Helen loved the Lord and trusted him. She attended church regularly. A favourite Scripture was Psalm 121:2,3. Predeceased by Gustaf and 1 brother, she is mourned by daughter Ivy Brimble; son Bill; 4 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
Nora Martens
Nora Martens died Dec. 9. She was born Sept. 19, 1936 to Peter and Helena Martens in McMahon, Sask. She attended Bible college, teacher’s training and university, earning a BSc in Home Economics. She taught in Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and then at MEI in Abbotsford from 1964 to 1995, where she also worked with drama groups, conducted fashion shows, accompanied students on tour and as a counsellor. She continued sewing after retirement, valuing her interaction with former students. She took a keen interest in her nieces, nephews, and their children, becoming a confidante to many. Her siblings enjoyed her compatibility, helpfulness and competition in Scrabble. She travelled extensively. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 great-nephew, she is mourned by brother Peter; sisters Helen Lofton, Daisy Megli and Erna Martens; nieces and nephews.
Victor Ronald (Ron) Chowns
Ron Chowns died Feb. 25. He was born in Ontario, Dec. 10, 1955. He moved to Langley, B.C. in summer 2000. He attended South Langley MB Church. He was baptized Nov. 30, 2003 by pastor Wes Dahl. He was diagnosed with cancer in Dec. 2004 and returned to Ontario in Feb. to be with his family. His kindness, humility, gentleness and love for others touched many lives, especially those in his care group. He is mourned by 1 brother; 2 sisters; nieces and nephews.
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