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In this section:
John Epp
John Epp died July 20. He was born Aug. 6, 1924 in Crimea, Russia, to Jakob and Helena Epp. They immigrated to Brazil soon after his birth, settling near Alto Kraul. He married Anna Klassen in 1950. They lived in Bage, Colonila Nova. In 1968 the family immigrated to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., later moving to St. Catharines. He led mid-week prayer meetings and preached Sunday morning German services in Scott St. MB Church. He is mourned by Anna; 11 children; 21 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.
Abraham (Abe) Schmidt
Abraham (Abe) Schmidt died May 2. He was born Oct. 1, 1927 to Abraham and Aganetha Schmidt in Kitchener, Ont. An accident at birth resulted in scoliosis and breathing problems. He worked in the office at Kitchener Collegiate Institute for 41 years, spending 25 summers at Camp Comak. He was concerned about people’s spiritual wellbeing and helped many find peace with God. He was an active member of Kitchener MB Church. He married Edith Wiens in 1989. They enjoyed travelling. He is mourned by Edith; brothers Peter, Jacob and Nick. The funeral was May 5 in Kitchener MB Church with Vidya Narimalla ministering.
Easton Heinrich Peters
Easton Heinrich Peters died June 11. He was born to Steve and Sherida Peters Oct. 25, 2002, with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and spent his first 7 months in the hospital. He spent 2 wonderful years at home with his family and was a joy to everyone. He had significant hearing loss but learned to communicate using sign language. His dramatic personality won everyone’s heart. He was a happy boy and a true fighter. He is mourned by his parents; brother Markus. The funeral was June 23 in Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, with Chris Douglas ministering.
Amalie (Malchen) Froese 
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Amalie Froese died July 22. She was born May 14, 1913 in Barwenkowo, Ukraine to Gerhard and Anna Froese. In 1918 they moved to Tschongrau, Crimea. In 1929 they immigrated to Winkler, Man. She committed her life to Jesus Christ when she was 9. She was baptized in 1930, joining Winkler MB Church. In 1932 she moved to Winnipeg with her sisters. They attended North End MB Church, later going to South End MB Church. She was involved in choir, ladies meetings, dramas and visiting the sick. In 1945 she became deathly ill, recovering by a miracle of God. In 1947–48, more family members immigrated from Russia and Brazil. She graciously hosted family and friends. At age 52 she learned to drive a car, driving until 85. She enjoyed crocheting, making booties for each of the new babies at church, and making other gifts. She was an avid reader. When her health declined she enjoyed watching TV, reading and visiting with friends and family on the phone. She appreciated her home care workers. Predeceased by her siblings, many nieces, nephews and great-nephews, she is mourned by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The funeral was July 27 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Neufeld and George Toews ministering.
Peter David Goerz
Peter David Goerz died July 31. He was born Mar. 25, 1958 to John and Margaret Goerz in Virgil, Ont. He accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour at a young age and was baptized as a teen. He enjoyed wood-working with his dad and learned gardening, preserving and cooking from his mother. He worked at C&C Yachts, building sailboats with his brothers and his dad. He sailed Lake Ontario, down the east coast to the Caribbean, and won trophies for racing his sailboat. He built houses, and later built commercial furniture at Ladson Millwork. He enjoyed fishing, and spending time with his nieces and nephews. He maintained a house with brother Ted. A highlight was a trip to Ukraine with his dad and other family. Predeceased by his mother, he is mourned by his father; sisters Aggie Martens, Lisa Schroeder, Marlene Howell, Monica Froese; brothers John and Ted. The funeral was Aug. 4 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Jim Evans ministering.
Lily Dirksen
Lily Dirksen died June 9. She was born Jan. 14, 1922 in Alexanderthal, Ukraine to Helena and Jacob Dirksen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and then settling in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1936. She chose faith in Christ as a child and was baptized at 14, joining Abbotsford MB Church. She worked in Vancouver to support the family. She trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked in Vancouver General Hospital and then as a doctor’s receptionist. After retirement in 1978 she continued visiting and caring for the sick, and was honoured for her volunteer service at the Burnaby Health Department. She enjoyed travelling and photography. She held the family together after her parents’ death. Predeceased by her parents and 2 infant siblings, she is mourned by siblings Jake, Helen, Pete, Erika, Henry and Mary; many nieces and nephews.
Cornelius B. (Neil) Dueck
Cornelius B. (Neil) Dueck died June 28. He was born Oct. 25, 1925 to Peter R. and Anna Dueck of Gruenfeld, Man. During WW II he was a conscientious objector. He married Betty Kroeker of Rosenort, Man. in 1951. They lived on the farm. Betty died in 1964. In 1966 he married Alice Braun. Neil studied in Winnipeg while running the dairy farm in Kleefeld. In 1969 they moved to Brandon, Man. and then Boissevain, Man. where he taught history at the collegiate. In 1980 they bought a resort in Whiteshell Provincial Park, running it until 1991. During retirement they worked in the church and travelled. Predeceased by his first wife Elizabeth, 5 brothers, 1 sister, he is mourned by Alice; daughters Clarice, Gloria, Lorraine, Brenda; son David; 15 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. The funeral was July 4 in Steinbach (Man.) MB Church with Abe Klassen ministering.
Ed Wiebe
Ed Wiebe died July 26. He was born Oct. 2, 1928 in Randolph, Man. He was a truck driver, mechanic, and long distance dispatcher for Penner International. After retirement he worked on his hobbies, including repairing and restoring antique trucks and motorcycles, and designing and building a prototype snow-plane. He enjoyed cross-country skiing and breakfast out. He acknowledged Christ as Saviour and was baptized at 26. This was a real turning point for him. He was usher at the church and personal devotions were an important part of his daily routine. He prayed for his family, missionaries and current events. Predeceased by his first wife Bernice, grandson Kyle, 1 sister, he is mourned by Eleanor (Bergman), his wife of 33 1/2 years, daughter Carmelle Recksiedler; sons Darian, Riley, Jared, Jason; 11 grandchildren; 6 brothers; 4 sisters. The funeral was July 30 in Steinbach MB Church with Abe Klassen ministering.
Helen (Klassen) Abrahams
Helen Abrahams died in July. She was born Oct. 6, 1939 in Friesland, Paraguay to Abraham and Margareta Klassen. She accepted Christ as Saviour based on John 3:16, was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1956 the family moved to Ontario. She attended Eden Christian College. Scriptures memorized there became a blessing. She became a nurse, working with MCC in Newfoundland, and in Quito, Ecuador. She studied at Ontario Bible College and University of Western Ontario. In 1982 she moved to St. Catharines to be closer to her parents. She worked at the local public health department and was active in the church, Pioneer Girls and Nurses Christian Fellowship. She married Jack Abrahams July 28, 1998. They travelled until she became ill. The funeral service was July 9 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines with Bob Enns ministering.
Stephanie Jodi Robak
Stephanie Jodi Robak died Aug. 18, 2003 in an accident. She was born in Bella Coola, B.C., moving to Kelowna, B.C. 2 years later. She loved animals and rode horses competitively, and excelled in school and many activities. She accepted Jesus as her Saviour at 4 and was baptized Mar. 11, 2001 at Willow Park Church, Kelowna. She is remembered for her kind personality, her beauty, and her radiant Christian testimony.
Margareta Hamm
Margareta Hamm died Jan. 29. She was born Sept. 19, 1919 in Orenburg, Ukraine to Peter and Katharina Friesen. The family immigrated to Brazil. She married Peter Hamm July 11, 1942. In 1958 they moved to Ontario. She worked as a seamstress for Lincoln Upholstery and Shepherd Boats. She became a nurse’s aide, working at Tabor Manor in St. Catharines. Peter died Mar. 9, 1996. She developed Parkinson’s disease. She enjoyed tending to her plants, baking, sewing, knitting, reading and helping others. She wrote many letters, was a warm and compassionate person, and had a sense of humour. Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by children Gerda Lockstadt, Ursula Hinz, Jurgen, and Ralph; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 2 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Jim Evans and Herman Neufeld ministering.
Helen Froese 
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Helen Froese died July 24. She was born Sept. 1, 1904 to Johann and Aganeta Rempel in Georgstal, South Russia. The family moved to Olgafeld. At 18 she found peace and salvation and was baptized by Jacob Epp, joining the MB church. In 1926 she and 2 sisters immigrated to Manitoba. She lived at the Maedchenheim in Winnipeg. She taught girls’ club and counselled young girls, leading them to the Lord. Most of what she earned she sent to Russia to support her parents who were not able to come to Canada. In 1944 she married widower Henry Froese of Elm Creek, Man. In 1947 they moved to a farm in Abbotsford, B.C., later moving to Clearbrook. She cared for elderly semi-invalid patients as well as a mentally and physically handicapped girl in her home. They attended East Aldergrove (B.C.) MB Church, later joining Clearbrook MB Church. In 1980 Henry passed away. She moved into an apartment, then into Tabor Home in 1996. Predeceased by Henry, daughter Anne, 1 infant brother, 5 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Helen Bergen, Kay, Marion Phillips; sons Henry, John, Art; 14 grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 29 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Rudie Willms ministering.
Bernard (Ben) Neufeld
Bernard (Ben) Neufeld died July 21. He was born Aug. 7, 1920 to Wilhelm and Anna Neufeld in Lindenau, Molotschna, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Whitewater, Man. in 1923. He accepted the Lord as his Saviour at age 16, based on John 3:16. In 1928 the family moved to Leamington, Ont. Ben was baptized, joining Leamington MB Church. He was choir director, served in radio and other areas of church life. In 1946 he married Molly Willms. He worked at H.J. Heinz Co. In 1991 they moved to B.C. He was nicknamed “Gentle Ben” for being a praying, supporting and encouraging person, modelling servanthood and providing hospitality. He had a good sense of humour. Predeceased by 4 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by Molly; sons Richard of Oshawa, Ont., Don of Raleigh, N.C., Bill of Winnipeg, Ken of Brantford, Ont., Chris of Abbotsford; 7 grandchildren; 3 brothers; 1 sister. The funeral was July 28 at Menno Hospital Chapel with Beverly Bradford and Jay Neufeld ministering.
Anna Dueck 
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Anna Dueck died June 25. She was born Mar. 3, 1908 to Kornelius and Anna Penner in Ukraine. When Anna was 11 her mother died and she helped raise her siblings. At 13 she accepted the Lord and at 16 was baptized. She married Franz Johann Dueck in 1934. In Sept. 1941 Franz was taken away and she never saw him again. In Sept. 1943 she fled to East Germany. She was urged to go to Berlin after the war together with 6 other families where they were helped by MCC. They immigrated to Sardis, B.C. in 1948. In Sept. 1949 she was baptized by immersion, joining Greendale MB Church. When they moved to Vancouver, she joined 43rd Ave. MB Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, working in her garden, knitting and crocheting. She made many afghans for her family and MCC. In 1956 she heard that Franz had died in 1942. Predeceased by Franz, she is mourned by son Cornie and daughter Anne F. Dueck; 5 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was June 30 in Clearbrook MB Church with Heinz Ratzlaff and Walter Wiens ministering.
Herman Lenzmann 
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Herman Lenzmann died Aug. 14. He was born Oct. 9, 1909 to Hermann and Emma Lenzmann in South Russia. Forced off their estate, they moved to Halbstadt to live with his grandparents. The help sent by MCC in the early 1920s may have saved his life. His mother died in 1922 and his father remarried. They immigrated to Kitchener, Ont. in 1924, moving to Herschel, Sask. the next year. He enjoyed farming, first in Saskatchewan and later as a successful raspberry farmer in Yarrow, B.C. He accepted Christ as his Saviour in 1930, was baptized and joined the MB church. He studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School for 5 years. He married Tina Wiens in 1935. They became missionaries in the Belgian Congo, but had to leave after 2 years because of Tina’s health. They studied at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., then moved to Yarrow, B.C. where he taught Bible school until 1952. He pastored Yarrow MB Church from 1950–1959. They lived in Winkler, Man. from 1959–1967 where he taught at Winkler Bible School and pastored Winkler MB Church from 1962–1967. He studied at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., pastored Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church 1968–1976, and then was pastor to seniors at Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C. until 1981. They retired to Winnipeg. Predeceased by Tina in 1990, he is mourned by daughters Mary Braun, Elvira Lysack, Luella Pauls, Irene Warkentin; son Edwin; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Aug. 19 in North Kildonan MB Church with George Klassen and Roland Marsch ministering.
Ella (Ratzlaff) Neufeldt
Ella (Ratzlaff) Neufeldt died Aug. 11. She was born in Wymyschle, Poland Jan. 1, 1938. Near the end of WW II she fled with her family to Germany and later immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. She committed her life to Christ at 17, was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church. Her faith was important to her and she demonstrated it through her kindness and her willingness to accept others for who they were. She married Peter Neufeldt. They had a plumbing–heating business and revenue properties. She is mourned by Peter, sons Colin of Edmonton, Gerald of Coaldale and Glen of Abbotsford; 8 grandchildren; 1 brother; 2 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 15 in Coaldale MB Church with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Katherine Martens-Harder
Katherine Martens-Harder died Aug. 10. She was born July 19, 1910 to Johann and Katharine Goerzen in Blumenort, Ukraine. She married Jake Warkentin Oct. 18, 1930. They fled to Germany. Jake was killed in the war. She married Abram Martens. In 1948 they immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. In 1986 Abram died. In the 1990s she moved to Sunny South Villa, Coaldale. She married Jake Harder. He died a year later. Her faith in the Lord, her optimistic nature and hard work ethic sustained her throughout her life. Predeceased by Jake Warkentin, Abram Martens and Jake Harder, daughter Agnes, 1 sister and 2 brothers, she is mourned by sons Jake of California, John of Lethbridge, Alta.; daughters Katherine Bartel and Betty Sznerch of Lethbridge, Mary Quapp of Calgary; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters. The funeral was in Coaldale MB Church with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Henry Frank Kaetler 
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Henry Frank Kaetler died Aug. 2. He was born Sept. 21, 1911 in Romanowka, Orenburg, Russia, to Frank and Anna Kaetler. The family immigrated to Saskatchewan when he was 15. He became a new creature in Christ at 22. He owned and operated a country store in Carrot River, Sask. He married Eva Miller. They moved to B.C. in 1951. Eva died 3 years later. He married widow Eva Klassen in 1956. They farmed in Matsqui, B.C. until a heart condition was discovered. They moved to Mission, B.C., where he worked for Stave Lake Cedar and Meeker Cedar, and did custom haying. He was Sunday school teacher, elder and song leader. Eva died in 1976. He married Sarah Brucks in 1977. He lived in Menno Hospital the last years. Predeceased by his first wife Eva, his second wife Eva, 3 infant children, 1 sister, he is mourned by Sarah; daughters Lydia Klassen, Linda Rempel; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 6 in Clearbrook MB Church with Walter Wiens, Beverly Bradford and Ed Goerzen ministering.
Mary Neufeldt
Mary Neufeldt died July 13. She was born Mar. 31, 1909 in Terek Colony, Caucasus, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada. She married widower Peter Neufeldt in Yarrow, B.C. After retirement they moved to Abbotsford, joining Clearbrook MB Church. She loved singing and serving the Lord. The funeral was July 18 in Clearbrook MB Church with Walter Wiens and Heinz Ratzlaff ministering.
Jake Siebert
Jake Siebert died Aug. 2. He was born Dec. 20, 1938 to Peter and Susanna Siebert in Coaldale, Alta. He accepted the Lord as his Saviour as a teenager and was baptized in 1958. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School. He loved music, sang in choirs, music groups and conducted a church choir. He married Elsie Poettcker July 25, 1964. They farmed in Dawson Creek, B.C. He loved the outdoors and sitting on the combine. In 1979 they moved to Abbotsford. He had his own trucking company. Predeceased by 1 sister, 2 brothers, he is mourned by Elsie, sons Les and Mel; daughter Wendy Larsen; 6 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Aug. 5 in Central Heights Church with Korky Neufeld and Len Chmelyk ministering.
Katie Hildebrand 
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Katie Hildebrand died Aug. 10 at age 87. She grew up in the Kronsgart, Man. area. She played guitar in the school orchestra, and took sewing and piano lessons. She learned 500 Bible verses and as a reward went to Gimli (Man.) Bible Camp. She married Abram D. Hildebrand Sept. 24, 1939. They accepted Christ as their Saviour and were baptized Aug. 4, 1940, joining Kronsgart MB Church. They participated in numerous church committees. They lived with his parents before moving to their own farm at Myrtle, Man. Their 2-room house burned and a new larger home was built. They began attending Carman Gospel Light Church in 1973 and in 1986 retired to Winkler where they joined Winkler MB Church. Vacations included trips to Niagara Falls, Vancouver Island and Hawaii. She lost most of her vision in 2004 and was no longer able to read. Predeceased by 1 great-grandchild, 3 sisters and 1 brother, she is mourned by Abram; son Laurence of Winkler; daughters Irene Friesen of Surrey, B.C. and Ruth Zacharias of Abbotsford; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother.
Ella A. Dyck 
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Ella Agatha Dyck died Aug. 14. She was born May 18, 1926 to Jacob and Bertha Dyck in Winkler, Man. She became sickly after 1 year. She lived with her parents. In 1961 she received her first cornea transplant, and 10 years later her second. In 1967 she began working at Valley Rehab Center in Winkler. In 1977 her parents moved to Salem Home and she lived first with Mrs. Buhler, then 2 other foster homes before moving into Crocus Manor. Aunt Nettie Kroeker explained the way of salvation to her and she believed in Jesus as her Saviour. She was baptized, joining Winkler MB Church. She was a happy person with a sense of humour. She reminded people of her birthday and how old she would be. She enjoyed visits by her friends, particularly James and Charity Peters. Predeceased by her parents, sister Lillian with husband Peter and 6 children, sister Evelyn, brothers Bill and Pete, she is mourned by brother Jake of Winnipeg; sisters Lena Voth of Winnipeg and Annie Buhler of Saskatoon; many nieces and nephews.
Walter Herman Friesen 
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Walter Herman Friesen died June 16. He was born June 8, 1908 in Hepburn, Sask., to Herman and Sarah Friesen. He helped his dad operate the grain elevator and worked at Monarch Lumber Co. in Hepburn. At 16 he accepted the Lord and was baptized, joining Hepburn MB Church in 1924. He married Martha Mandtler from Dalmeny, Sask. on Nov. 29, 1931. They lived in Rosthern, Sask., where he worked for Monarch Lumber. Because of the depression he was laid off and they moved to Hepburn, then to Saskatoon in 1938 and later to Regina where he worked with Great West Saddlery Co. They returned to Saskatoon until his retirement in 1974. They moved to Abbotsford in 1976. He was involved in choirs, quartets, the church treasury and the Men of Song in Central Heights Church. Devotions were important to him. He prayed that his family would all love the Lord. They remember him as a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man who welcomed friends and family into his home. In 2003 he moved to Menno Home. Predeceased by 4 brothers, 3 sisters, he is mourned by Martha, daughter Jeanette Voth; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Erna Mann 
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Erna Mann died June 11. She was born Mar. 7, 1922 in Dobrepohl, Russia, to Albert and Dorothea Mann. The family immigrated to Elie, Man. in 1930. She took on household duties due to her mother’s illness. She studied at Winkler Bible School for 3 years. She was baptized Sept. 12, 1937, joining Newton (Man.) MB Church, later joining Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg. She completed nurses training at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, in 1951 and worked at Children’s Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, for many years. She continued to look after her parents. During retirement she travelled, played games and spent time with family. She was a devoted Christian, living out her faith in love and service to others. Serving as deaconess at Elmwood, she was an encourager and a prayer warrior. She was positive, generous and grateful to God and her family. She is mourned by brothers Wendelin of Winnipeg, and Leonard of Elie; 4 nieces; 4 nephews. The funeral was June 17 in Elmwood MB Church with Alvin Enns and Victor Kliewer ministering.
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