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In this section:
Louise Janzen
Louise Janzen died peacefully on Sept. 8. She was born in Foam Lake, Sask. on Mar. 25, 1929 and grew up in a warm, loving family. She enjoyed school and sports, such as swimming and skating. In her early teens, Louise accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour and was baptized at Foam Lake MB Church. She is mourned by her husband of 51 years, Helmut; children Rhoda (Karl) Neufeld, Wes (Kim), Kathy (Scot) McLellan, and Rod (Lynda); 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The memorial service was Sept. 12 at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
Henry Peter Nikkel 
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Henry Nikkel died Sept. 22, in his 90th year. He was born Oct. 25, 1915. At age 12, Henry moved to the Lethbridge area with his family who had immigrated to Canada following the communist revolution in Russia. Henry was well-known as a businessman and for his ministry in the local and national Mennonite Brethren church community. Following the death of his wife, Katie, and his retirement from business in 1978, Henry pursued a lifelong interest in theological studies by attending seminary in Fresno, Cal. He then served as pastor of several MB churches. Henry was a man of great wisdom, integrity and infectious faith. His chief aim in life was to honour his heavenly Father by loving his family, living peacefully with others, and serving Jesus Christ. Predeceased by first wife Katie, second wife Katherine and infant daughter, he is mourned by wife Agnes; daughters Wilma Neufeld and Dorothy Frederick; sons Ron, Vaughn and Gordon; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Sept. 26 at Evangelical Free Church, Lethbridge.
Peter Heide
Peter Heide died peacefully Sept. 4. He was born Oct. 2, 1919 at Grossweide, Man. When conscription was legislated due to WWII, he chose alternative service instead, working in conscientious objector camps and as a delivery driver in Winnipeg. Peter lived 48 years in the Horndean, Man. area where he established and operated a gravel construction company. In 1967, he and his family moved to Steinbach, Man. Peter will be remembered for his inventiveness, land surveying skills, love of music, and undeniable faith in the Lord. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by his wife of 58 years, Helen; daughters Evelyn and Carrie (Win) Wachsmann; sons Irv (Tobi) and Tim; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral service was Sept. 10 at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church.
John J. Voth 
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John Voth died April 27, just short of his 99th birthday. He was born May 17, 1906 in Greenfarm, Sask. to Johann and Sarah Voth. He grew up in a musical family and enjoyed singing in the church choir, especially after he met his future wife Mary Andres. They married Oct. 1928 and enjoyed 75 years together. John was a farmer at heart, but also ventured into business, including an International Harvester dealership, a hardware store, service stations, and a plumbing and heating shop. In his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and travel. He taught his children the importance of church attendance, Bible reading and prayer. Predeceased by Mary; sons Victor and Harry; 1 daughter-in-law; 1 son-in-law; 1 grandson; 1 great-grandson; he is mourned by sons Abe (Lynn), Bill (Mary Ann), Wesley (Norlaine), and Lorne (Judy); daughter Elsie Peterson; daughters-in-law Dorothy and Carol; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 1 sister. The funeral was April 30 at Herbert (Sask.) MB church.
Helen Neufeld
Helen Neufeld died peacefully Sept. 23. She was born Apr. 17 to Johann and Helena Neufeld in Nikolaipol, Russia during the time of revolution and famine. In 1923 her family immigrated to Canada, where she quickly learned English and persevered to become a teacher. She loved young children and taught mostly grade 1. Helen loved her Lord and Saviour and had a great concern for the lost, demonstrated by her support of the church and many missionaries. She was known for her hospitality, had a flare for gardening, and loved to memorize Scripture and poetry. Predeceased by sisters Mary and Kay and brother Henry, Helen is survived by her siblings Nettie, John, Lydia, Elma, Frieda; and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral was Sept. 27 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church.
Mimi Dyck
Mimi Dyck died Sept. 1. She was born May 19, 1927 in Rosenort, Russia to Franz and Susanna Dyck and grew up during a turbulent time of revolution and war. Her experiences included being caught in the crossfire of battling German and Russian armies during WWII, and a dangerous escape to eventual freedom in Berlin’s American zone. Mimi accepted Christ as her Saviour at 14, and was baptized on her 19th birthday. In Germany, she took a tailoring and design course, leading to her lifelong career. In 1948, Mimi immigrated to Canada. She was always thankful for her freedom in Canada. Her love and care extended to all she met, and she spent much time praying for those in need. She is mourned by sisters Elfrieda and Katie; nieces and nephews. The memorial service was Sept. 2 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Mary Koehn
Mary Koehn died Sept. 4 with most of her children at her bedside. She was born Oct. 2, 1905 in Alexanderfeld, Ukraine and enjoyed a very happy childhood. She became a Christian after having a vivid dream of Jesus hanging on the cross. She knew that Jesus was her Saviour and would lead her. In 1926, Mary immigrated to Canada with her husband John, settling in Winnipeg and then Yarrow, B.C., where they worked as farmers. Mary loved to volunteer, read, crochet and make quilts for her children, grandchildren and MCC. She was filled with love and laughter that helped smooth out the rough waters of life. Predeceased by John in 1972, she is mourned by children Dave (Betty), John (Katie), Aron (Frieda), Mary (Peter) Kaethler, Helen (Vern) Ratzlaff, Agnes (Jake) Schmidt, Al (Ruth), Wally (Doreen), Herb (Wilma); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Sept. 12 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Leola Schroeder
Leola Schroeder died peacefully Sept. 6. She was born Jan. 10, 1924 in Drake, Sask. to Albert and Marie Schroeder. Leola received Christ as her Lord and Saviour at age 12. She dedicated her life to faithful service in the Volunteers of America in Denver, Col. for 26 years, ministering to the homeless. She moved to Abbotsford in 1995. Generously giving all she had to others, she stored up treasures in heaven. Leola’s unselfishness and humility blessed many. Predeceased by brothers Marvin, Errol and Elby; sisters Myrtle and Jennie; she is mourned by sisters Mabel Bowman, Joyce Letkeman, Sharon Kasdorf and Elaine Cobett; many nieces and nephews. The memorial service was Sept. 13 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.
Peter Janzen
Peter Janzen died Aug. 12. He was born Nov. 21, 1929 in Neuhalbstadt, Ukraine to Peter and Katharina Janzen amid much political unrest. In 1937, government authorities took his father away, leaving scars on the young boy’s heart. Peter committed his life to Christ as a teenager. The family immigrated to Canada in 1948. He married Mary Pauls in 1953, and together they enjoyed volunteer work and travel. Peter worked at various jobs, with his last 16 years employed by the Delta School Board. Predeceased by 3 brothers, he is mourned by Mary; children Linda Laurenson, Wes, Carolyn Pauls, Caroline Scheer, and Lois Peters; grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral service was Aug. 18 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.
Katherina “Tina” Driedger
Tina Driedger died Sept. 3. She was born Oct. 14, 1924 to Peter and Aganetha Petkau in Rosenbach, Ukraine, growing up in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. In 1948, Tina immigrated to Canada. She lived with her uncle and aunt in Yarrow, B.C., and worked as a nanny. In 1955, she married Henry Driedger. She worked at the T.B. Sanatorium until her children were born, then began taking in foster children, welcoming them with open arms. Tina was active in her church, teaching Sunday school to preschoolers and helping in the nursery. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by Henry; sons Harold (Ann), Stan (Dori) and Carl; 4 grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral was Sept. 8 at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man.
David Henry Balzer 
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David Balzer died Aug. 3. He was born Dec. 21, 1920 to Henry and Sara Balzer in Pleshanovo, Russia, and emigrated with his family in 1924 to settle in Colonsay, Sask. They moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1942. While working in Vancouver, he came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way. David graduated from MB Bible College and married Mary Enns in Oct., 1949. They spent over 5 years church planting in Japan with MBMSI. Nothing gave him as much joy as to witness the changed lives of those who accepted Jesus Christ as Lord. While his sense of call to preach the Word never left him, David spent the remainder of his working life teaching in the public school system in Alberta and Saskatchewan. His was a thoughtful life, with a zeal for the truth, a willingness to grow and change, a deep knowledge of Scripture and an enjoyment of beauty. Predeceased by 5 brothers; 1 sister; wife Mary; 1 daughter; 2 grandchildren; he is mourned by son Roland; daughters Lil Regier, Elly Bargen, Esther Edgelow, Rosalind Klassen; 18 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The memorial service was Aug. 15 at Highland Community Church, Abbotsford.
Lydia Rempel
Lydia Rempel died Sept. 20 after a long illness. She was born Apr. 30, 1925 to Frank and Anne Kethler in Herbert, Sask. Lydia became a Christian at age 10, and was baptized at 12. In 1947, Lydia and most of her family moved to Greendale, B.C. It was during the great flood of 1948 that she met Peter Rempel. He was filling sandbags and she was a Red Cross volunteer. They married in 1950. The most important things to her were taking care of her family and her life in the church. She loved to sing and teach Sunday school. Predeceased by her brothers; 2 sisters; son Larry; she is mourned by Peter; daughters Dianna Blonski and Yvonne; 4 grandchildren. A celebration of life was held Sept. 26 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.
Frank F. Froese
Frank F. Froese died Sept. 19. He was born in Barvenkowo, Ukraine on Oct. 8, 1908 to Franz and Anna Froese. When he was 15, his family immigrated to Canada. He married Bertha Goossen, whom he met at Bethany Bible Institute, in Dec. 1940. Frank was ordained to the ministry in 1943, and served as pastor at Lucky Lake, Warman and Foam Lake. In 1974 he went to work at Bethany Bible School. He served actively in the church until his health declined last spring. Frank was always concerned about the spiritual well-being of his family. Predeceased by 5 siblings, he is mourned by Bertha; children Ruby (Bill) Regier, Don (Edna), Marilyn (Julian) Hudson, Elmer (Esther), Lois (Cameron) Linder; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren;1 brother. The memorial service was Sept. 23 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.
Con J. Adrian
Con Adrian died Sept. 17 after a struggle with cancer. He was born Nov. 8, 1929 in Warman, Sask. His first claim to fame was his birth weight of 14 pounds. The great depression forced the family to move to Saskatoon in 1937. At 23, Con moved back to a rural area where he met and married Mathilde. Con was good with his hands and his biggest achievement was the house he built almost completely by himself. He was very involved with his church, both as an elder and a handyman, serving God best by helping in practical ways. He is mourned by Mathilde; daughters Laura Knight, Shirley (Jim) Crites and Marlene; sons William (Terry) and Richard (Rhonda); 12 grandchildren; brothers and 1 sister. The memorial service was Sept. 21 at Linden (Alta.) MB Church.
Helen Justina Schoenke
Helen Schoenke died July 8. She was born Aug. 16, 1932 to John and Elisabeth Schoenke in Hespeler, Ont. Growing up in a small church, Helen attended Sunday school, played the piano for congregational singing and attended girls’ club. She was baptized as a teenager and became a devoted member of Kitchener MB Church. Helen became a successful kindergarten teacher and for 30 years influenced the lives of many young children through her dedication and skill. Family and friends were a priority for Helen. She cared for her aging parents. She had a zest for living, family gatherings, visiting, celebrating milestones and travelling. Predeceased by 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by sister Marlene (Bill); 3 nieces and 1 nephew and their families.
Dwayne Kevin Harms
Dwayne Harms died Aug. 16 after a brief battle with cancer. He was born July 27, 1967 in Killarney, Man. He began his relationship with Jesus Christ at age 8, and was baptized at 12. He married Janet, the love of his life, in 1989. Dwayne passionately pursued his love of Jesus, and enthusiastically shared it with others. He was a pastor for 12 years and loved his ministry and church family. During his final illness, his faith remained strong. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Janet; daughter Ashlynn; son Tyler; parents Dan and Helen Harms and father-in-law George Wiebe; 1 sister; 1 brother; grandparents Agatha Harms, and Abe and Susan Bergen. The celebration of life service was Aug. 19 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
Aaltje “Alie” Kalis
Alie Kalis died suddenly Sept. 12. She was born Sept. 5, 1920 in Haolenmeer, Holland. Predeceased by husband Pieter in 2001; 1 sister; she is mourned by daughter Ineke (Don) Cameron; son Pieter (Penny); 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The memorial service was Sept. 19 at Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, B.C.
Mary Thiessen
Mary Thiessen died peacefully Mar. 31. She was born April 3, 1928 in Winnipegosis. Mary’s family moved to Greendale, B.C. in the late 1940s where she completed her high school. She obtained a job in medical records at Vancouver General Hospital, completing 38 years of loyal service until her retirement. Mary accepted the Lord as her Saviour at a young age and was baptized in 1949. She loved God and served Him with all her heart. Many benefitted from her prayers, faithfulness and generosity. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 1 sister; she is mourned by brother Nick and sister Helen Neufeld; numerous nephews and nieces. The service was Apr. 6 at Culloden MB Church, Vancouver.
Mary Isaak
Mary Isaak died Sept. 3. She was born Jan. 29, 1928 to Henry and Anna Isaak in Zeneta, Sask. Shortly afterwards, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. Mary accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour in her late teens. She took nurses’ training at St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, and worked as a registered nurse at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, as well as Chilliwack Hospital, B.C. Her co-workers called her “Smiley” because she was always happy. She loved babies and children, and attended the births of several nieces and nephews. She enjoyed travelling, needlework, and games. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 1 sister; 1 nephew; she is mourned by brothers Henry (Freda), Peter (Dorothy), Jim (Susan), Ernie (Maryanne); sisters Agnes Spenst and Annie (Jerry) Peterson; sister-in-law Lydia; many nephews and nieces. The service was Sept. 9 at Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church.
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