In this section:
Philip Willems
Philip John Willems died Nov. 9. He was born June 17, 1923 in Waldheim, Sask., to John and Bertha Willems. He was baptized in 1939 upon confession of faith and joined the Brotherfield MB Church. In 1951, he married Margaret Epp and they moved to Vancouver where Philip worked for Palm Dairies for 35 years. In April 1999, Margaret passed away after a short illness, leaving Philip devastated and lonely. However, the Lord brought Ruth, a widow, into his life. They married and enjoyed many things, like music, together. Phil loved nature and photography, incorporating the two with slides and narration. He is mourned by Ruth; son Rod (Leslee); daughters Pauline (Hugh) and Kate (John); Ruth’s family; 1 sister; 1 brother. The memorial service was Nov. 15 at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
Aganetha Funk 
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Aganetha Funk died Oct. 16. She was born Nov. 7, 1907 in Neuhalbstadt, Ukraine to Jakob and Katerina Duerksen. Aganetha accepted the Lord, was baptized and joined the Mennonite Church. Her family lost everything during the Soviet regime and lived in exile in the Ural Mountains. At 20, Aganetha fell in love with Heinrich Funk and they were married in 1928. God blessed them with five children, 2 of whom died in infancy. In 1941, Aganetha and Heinrich renewed their commitment to the Lord and were baptized in the Inguls River, joining the MB Church. During WW II, the family fled to Germany. After the war, the family was again exiled to Siberia. After Stalin’s death in 1956, the Funks moved to Kyrgyzstan where they joined the Baptist underground church and served in the choir. They immigrated to Canada in 1977. Aganetha joined King Road MB Church, Abbotsford and served in the ladies missions group until age 93. Predeceased by Heinrich; 3 grandchildren; she is mourned by daughters Tina (Christian) and Elsa (Peter); son Heinrich (Lidia); 17 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 21 at King Road MB Church.
Elisabeth Wiebe 
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Elisabeth Wiebe died Sept. 4 after a battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 10, 1922 to Nicolai and Maria Wiens in Rosenort, Russia. By age 12, both Elisabeth’s parents and one sister had died. Her aunt was the primary influence in her life, encouraging Elisabeth to a life of prayer. She committed her life to Christ and was baptized in 1943. After spending the turbulent war years in Russia, Poland and Germany, she moved to Canada in 1948. In 1951, Elisabeth met and courageously married Jacob Wiebe, a widower with 5 young children. Her energy, positive outlook and strong faith influenced the whole family. Elisabeth’s love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was apparent in all she did. She participated in the Mary Martha group at Scott St. MB church and ladies mission group at Grantham MB Church; quilting and making blankets for MCC; organizing food preparation for many functions. Predeceased by 2 sisters; 1 brother; 1 daughter; Jacob; she is mourned by children Frieda (Mel) Budarick, Hilda, John (Ingrid), Katie (Dale) Epp, Margarete and Peter (Valerie); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 7 at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines.
Helena Riediger
Helena Riediger died Oct. 29. She was born Jan. 29, 1919 to Aron and Justina Riediger in Russia. She immigrated with her family to Canada and settled in Blumenort, Sask. Helena attended the village school and enjoyed sports, especially softball. She accepted the Lord at 17 and was baptized two years later. She sang in the choir and also taught Sunday school. Her family eventually moved to B.C. and Helena settled in Vancouver, enjoying almost 28 years of working in the accounts receivable department at Sears. Helena delighted in reading God’s Word every day, in both English and German. She was generous with her time and money. After suffering several strokes in 2001, Helena’s health deteriorated and her death came without a struggle. Predeceased by 2 siblings in infancy; 1 brother; she is mourned by brother Aron (Helen); sisters Justina, Mary, Tiena and Elizabeth (Henry) Esau; 1 sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Mary Ann Wiens
Mary Ann Wiens died peacefully Oct. 4. She was born Nov. 18, 1916 in Isil Kuhl, Russia to Johann and Katharine Wiens. She moved to Canada with her family in 1927 and settled in Coaldale, Alta. Mary accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour in 1934 and was baptized the following year. In 1940, her family moved to a farm near Yarrow, B.C. where Mary enjoyed tending a large vegetable and flower garden. Her life revolved around her church and family. She took an active interest in her nieces and nephews, and passed along valuable pieces of advice. She also had a generous heart for mission organizations. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by sister Elizabeth (Jacob) Quapp; 2 sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews. The funeral was Oct. 11 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford.
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