|
|
In this section:
Katie Wall 
|
Katie Wall died Nov. 22. She was born to Henry and Tina Toews on Sept. 2, 1930 in Watrous, Sask. At 11, she accepted Jesus as her Saviour, was baptized and joined the Watrous Philadelphia MB Church. As a teenager, Katie taught Sunday school and started a daily vacation Bible school in her hometown. She graduated from Bethany Bible School in 1953 and married Milfred Wall on Aug. 4, 1954. During pregnancy with her first child some health problems emerged, but God provided a miracle; Katie recovered and had a healthy baby boy. Katie was a loving, supportive companion to her husband. She was a devoted, creative homemaker and her home was always open to visitors. In spite of her own physical ailments, her desire to help and bless others was uppermost in her mind. Predeceased by 1 brother; infant daughter Dorothy; 1 daughter-in-law; she is mourned by Milfred; children Richard (Linda), Jayne (Al) Campbell, Valerie (Grant) Ratzlaff; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 26 at Hepburn (Sask.) MB Church.
Lena Friesen
Lena Friesen died suddenly Nov. 24. She was born Nov. 7, 1923 in Grigoryevka, Ukraine to Cornelius and Maria Friesen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Kleefeld, Man. She asked Jesus into her heart at a young age and was baptized in 1942. The family moved to B.C. in 1944. Lena worked for Woodward’s in Vancouver, as a secretary for Haven of Rest and as a housekeeper at Pinegrove Place in Richmond. Lena and her sister owned a summer cottage at Point Roberts where Lena loved to go clam digging and cook clam chowder. She also loved to share vegetables and flowers from her garden. She had an artistic flare and enjoyed painting, cross-stitch and attending the symphony. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by sisters Olga Wiens, Netti (Henry) Wall, Annie (Frank) Suderman, Cathy; brother Abe (Mary); 14 nephews and nieces. The memorial service was at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
Lena Hilda Giesbrecht
Lena Giesbrecht died Nov. 20. She was born April 10, 1921 in Barvenkovo, Russia to Jacob and Annie Krause. In 1925, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Davidson, Sask. They rented a farm for 3 years, finally settling in Wishart, Sask. Lena married Cornelius Giesbrecht May 18, 1941. They raised a family of 8 children. They farmed until 1977 and then retired to Foam Lake. Among her greatest joys in life were her family, teaching Sunday school, singing and tending her flower garden. After Cornelius’ death in 1991, Lena learned to drive so she could attend church and drive her friends around. Predeceased by her husband, she is mourned by children Agnes, Anne, Henry, Erma, Alvin, Joyce and Jerry; 25 grandchildren; 23 great and great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 26 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask.
Erna Doerksen
Erna Doerksen died Dec. 1. She was born Jan. 17, 1926 to the Kornelson family in Waldheim, Sask. They moved to Agassiz, B.C. in 1928 and the following year Erna’s father died, leaving a family of 11 children for her mother to raise alone. Erna began working to assist the family with money, gaining a reputation as a hard worker and champion berry picker. She met John at youth group at South Abbotsford Church and they were married Aug. 7, 1947. Erna enjoyed glass blowing and making freezer jam, a huge hit with her grandchildren! She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, which took her life. She is mourned by her husband; children Dennis, Donna, David, Douglas, and Debbie; grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 7 at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
James Isaak
James Isaak died Nov. 25 at Valley Haven Home, Chilliwack, B.C. He was born March 25, 1929 in Yarrow, B.C. to Henry and Anna Isaak. He was converted in 1971, was baptized and joined the Yarrow Alliance Church. He loved singing with the “Abbotsford Men of Song” and was active in his church. For many years, he worked for Snowcrest Packers in Abbotsford. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 2 sisters; he is mourned by wife Susan; sons Danny (Julia), Larry, Ron, Tim (Tammy); 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers; 2 sisters. A private memorial service was held Dec. 1 in Abbotsford, B.C.
Clarence Roy Hiebert 
|
Clarence Hiebert died Nov. 14 at his home of 42 years. He was born July 12, 1927 in Winnipeg to C.N. and Tina Hiebert. The family moved to Hillsboro, Kan. when Clarence was a teen. In Dec. 1939, Clarence expressed his faith in Christ. He was baptized in 1942 and joined Hillsboro MB Church. In 1950, after graduating from Tabor College, Clarence married Ferne Kornelsen. He served in a variety of educational and ministerial roles. His pastorates included Enid MB; Hillsboro MB; Henderson MB; Christian Community Church, Kabul, Afghanistan; Ebenfeld MB; Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan. Clarence served at Tabor College as professor of Biblical and Religious Studies for 30 years, intertwined with more than 50 service trips overseas. He wrote several books, and worked on the Worship Together hymnal (1995). Clarence enjoyed woodworking, writing song lyrics, translating and singing. He is mourned by Ferne; sons Tim and Bob (Carrie); daughters Beth (Sheldon) Klassen and Sue (Mark) Scheer; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 1 brother-in-law. The funeral was Nov. 17 at Trinity Church, Hillsboro, Kan.
Elizabeth Toews 
|
Elizabeth Toews died Oct. 24. She was born July 18, 1913 in Orloff, Russia to Jacob and Helene Bargen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Gilroy, Sask. Elizabeth made a commitment to Christ early in life, was baptized and joined the church. At 18, she moved to Winnipeg to work as a nanny. She married John Jacob Toews in 1937. They farmed in Aldergrove, B.C., lived in Vancouver, and owned and operated a store and gas station in the Fraser Valley. South Abbotsford MB Church was their spiritual home. Elizabeth taught Sunday school and served as church secretary. She enjoyed visiting friends and relatives, gardening and travelling. After John’s death in 1988, Elizabeth struggled with health issues, yet she loved life, had a strong faith in God and remained positive. She is mourned by children John (Linda), Hal and Vic (Bev); 2 granddaughters; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces (to whom she was guardian), Johanna (Doug) Vogel, Linda (Paul) Binding, Helen (Jake) Konrad and Adina (Peter) Poole; 1 nephew; 1 brother; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was Nov. 1 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Trevor Teigrob
Trevor Teigrob died suddenly at his home Oct. 23. He was born Dec. 25, 1965 to Ed and Elsbeth Teigrob. The family lived in St. Williams, Ont. the first few years of Trevor’s life, then moved to nearby Port Rowan in 1973. In high school, Trevor participated in athletics, including basketball and volleyball. He received Christ as his Saviour at 8 and was baptized at 18, joining the Port Rowan MB Church. As an adult, he participated in the church choir and Christmas cantatas. Trevor’s death came as a shock to his family, as he had no known underlying medical condition that would explain his passing. Although no cause of death was found, his family is comforted in the assurance that they will be united with Trevor again for eternity. He is mourned by his parents; sister Kimberly (Wayne) Neufeld; nieces and nephew, Lauren, Joel and Haley. The funeral was Oct. 28 at Port Rowan (Ont.) MB Church.
Anna Ratzlaff
Anna Ratzlaff died peacefully Nov. 13 at age 80. She was born in Deutsch Wymyschle, Poland to Hermann and Wilhelmine Pauls. After immigrating to Canada from Germany, Annie and Bernhard were married in Coaldale in 1949. The couple then resided in Linden. Annie was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Predeceased by Bernhard; 3 sons; 2 sisters; 1 brother; she is mourned by daughter Betty (Bill); 2 grandchildren, Alicia and Eric; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 17 at Linden (Alta.) MB Church.
Katherine Jean (Rose) Stedman
K. Jean Stedman died Nov. 20 after a brief bout with cancer. She was born March 21, 1934 to Adam and Mabel Cartney in Crandall, Man. In 1953, she married Stan Rose and together they served the Lord in Uranium City. Jean’s hospitality was exemplary. Even when her children thought they didn’t have much, there was always room for one more at the table. Jean made many friends. They appreciated her cheerful nature. After Stan’s death, Jean married Jim Stedman, and they enjoyed six years together. Predeceased by husbands Stan and Jim; 2 brothers; she is mourned by her children Bob (Mervalyn), Brenda (Art) Gervais, Ken (Charlene), Carol Nootgedagt, Peter (Joanne) and Louise Marcal. The funeral was at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.
Adam Stickel
Adam Stickel died peacefully Nov. 26 at age 95. He was born Sept. 4, 1910 in Bessarabia, Russia. His family immigrated to Canada in 1911, settling in the Medicine Hat area. After working at a variety of jobs around the country, he returned to southern Alberta where he met Margaret Reimer. They married in 1952. Adam worked as a machine operator at Consolidated Concrete, retiring 30 years ago. He enjoyed walking, bowling, curling and travelling. Early in his adult life, Adam made the decision to trust Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was baptized and became a member of Coaldale MB Church. Even in his last difficult days, he continued to trust Jesus. Predeceased by 7 brothers; 3 sisters; he is mourned by Margaret; daughter Audrey (John) Blaylock; son Ron; 1 sister. The memorial service was held at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.
Martha Wall
Martha Wall died Nov. 18 after suffering a severe stroke in Sept. She was born Sept. 11, 1931 to Abraham and Aganetha Dyck in Mullingar, Sask. The family moved to Campden, Ont. in 1937 where Martha attended public school and then Bible school. She made a personal commitment to the Lord at 13, was baptized at 18 and became a member of Vineland MB Church. She recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Gerry whom she married June 4, 1955. She assisted in a fruit farm operation with her husband throughout her life. Martha served in Sunday school, church choirs, Christian benefit stores, quilting and the deaconate. Predeceased by 1 daughter; 1 granddaughter; she is mourned by Gerry; daughter Sharon; sons David and Donald; 7 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 21 at Vineland (Ont.) MB Church.
Mary Penner 
|
Mary Penner died Sept. 3 following a heart attack. She was born July 19, 1915 to Franz and Maria Regehr in Waldheim, Russia. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, settling first in Steinbach and then in Niverville, Man. At 18, Mary left her childhood home and became a nanny. During this time, Mary received Christ as her Saviour. She was baptized and joined the Vineland (Ont.) MB Church. In 1944, she married Peter Penner. They lived in several locations across Canada, including Vancouver Island where they homesteaded a small property. Mary was an excellent seamstress and cook, and was known for her hospitality and handiwork. She was also a well-loved Sunday school teacher. In 1985, Mary was in a car accident. After being in a coma for 10 days and told she would never walk again, her determination took over and she recovered most of her abilities. Predeceased by Peter in 2000, she is mourned by children Ron (Linda), Irene Wiens and Leona (Art) Peters; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The memorial service was Sept. 8 at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford.
John D. Krahn
John D. Krahn died Oct. 19. He was born in Gnadenthal, Man., March 20, 1928 to David and Elizabeth Krahn. During the time he worked on the family farm, John became a Christian. He married Mildred Trinke in 1948 and was baptized in the Gnadenthal MB Church in 1949. John spent most of his working years in sales. He enjoyed nature, hiking, bird watching, fishing, spending time at Clear Lake and travelling. Gideons and church work were important to John, and he served on committees in both the Boissevain and Brandon MB churches. His humour lit up a room, and his integrity and wisdom helped many people along the way. Predeceased by 3 brothers, he is mourned by Mildred; daughters Sharon (Vic) Peters, Sheila (Mike) Davis and Chris (Walter) Martens; 5 grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 24 at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man.
Anton Peter Lind
Tony Lind died Oct. 27. He was born Sept. 20, 1920 in Lovrin, Romania. Just prior to WW II, the family moved to Germany and Tony was able to avoid conscription. He met and married Helene Janzen. He was able to claim conscientious objector status and work as an airline mechanic rather than bear arms. Tony was trained as an electrician and was known as an exceptional handyman. In 1949, the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Vancouver. He spent 25 years working for Weldwood of Canada as a hot press and sander operator. He was patient, tolerant and devoted to his family, and had a forgiving spirit. Predeceased by Helene in 1993; 1 daughter; he is mourned by wife Margaret; son Ron (Darlene); daughter Caroline (Manfred) Harder; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. The celebration of life service was held Oct. 31 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Elsie Thiessen
Elsie Thiessen died Nov. 11 while on a Carribbean cruise with her husband. She was born March 26, 1933 in Multingar, Sask. to Peter and Katharina Teichgrab. The family moved to Yarrow, B.C. when Elsie was 4. At 14, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour. She married Isaac (Ike) Thiessen in 1954. Elsie never sought attention and always supported her family in whatever they did. She welcomed her sons-in-law with open arms and delighted in her grandchildren. She is mourned by Ike; daughters Joyce (Walter) Goossen, Shirley Thiessen, Diane (James) Martens, Colleen (Bill) Goodwin and Debra (Mike) Taylor; 4 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 19 at South Langley (B.C.) MB Church.
Katharina Stobbe
Katharina Stobbe died Nov. 1. She was born May 20, 1909 in Rosental, Ukraine to Martin and Margaretha Neufeld. Katharina attended school and learned Russian and German. In 1921, tragedy struck when her father was murdered. At 17, Katharina dedicated her life to Christ. In 1930, she married Abram Quiring. The happy marriage ended abruptly in 1937 when Abram was arrested and executed by the KGB. Throughout WW II, Katharina and her sons fled the Ukraine through Poland and Germany, finally arriving in Canada in 1948 to start a new life. In 1962, she married Henry Stobbe and they had several happy years together. Predeceased by first husband Abram, 1 son and Henry in 1974; she is mourned by sons Henry (Erna) and Peter (Katie); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 4 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont.
Susan Sawatzky
Susan Sawatzky died peacefully July 4. She was born Dec. 31, 1924 in southern Siberia to Isaak and Katherine Braun. In 1929, Susan’s father obtained the necessary documents for the family to flee Russia. They went to Yarrow, B.C., joining other immigrant families, then settling on their own in Sardis, B.C. In 1939, following an altar call by J.B. Toews, Susan accepted the Lord as her Saviour. One of Susan’s favourite Bible verses was Proverbs 3:5–6 and that is how she lived her life. She is mourned by her husband of 59 years, Norm; daughters Carol (Gus) Schmidt and Janet (Ernest) Frers; son Wayne (Anita); 7 grandchildren; 1 sister.
Eric Arthur Elgert
Eric Arthur Elgert died peacefully Dec. 2. He was born Aug. 16, 1912 in Germany. His early years were marked by the loss of the family’s farm and citizenship due to the relocation of European borders following WW I. After spending time in a refugee camp and four years in Mexico, where Eric’s father died, the family immigrated to Canada. In 1937, he met and married Mae Kathleen Coburn. In 1947, Eric and Mae accepted the Lord into their hearts and became members of the Mennonite Church. In 1964 they moved to Terrace, B.C., where Eric did carpentry and custodial work in the schools. In his retirement, Eric lovingly restored old furniture and wrote his memoirs. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Pioneers flag hanging in many seniors’ centres throughout Alberta. Predeceased by Mae, he is mourned by children Norma (Elvin) Blosser, Ray (Debbie), Linda (Rick) Pringle and Michael (Laurel); 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Helen Giesbrecht
Helen Giesbrecht died peacefully Oct. 17. She was born Aug. 9, 1909 to Johan and Margarethe Giesbrecht near Omsk, Russia. As a young girl, Helen committed her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized. Since Russia offered little security, her parents decided to immigrate to Canada. Helen helped her parents during the first difficult years in Manitoba, and then was able to attend high school and Winkler Bible School. She received her RN in 1942 and attained much satisfaction from her work as a nurse. In 1971, she retired and helped her sister manage a bookstore. Helen spent the last 8 years of her life in Bethania Care Home, tended with great kindness by the staff. She is mourned by sisters Mary Wiebe and Margaret Froese; brother Peter (Lena) Dueck; nieces and nephews. The funeral was Oct. 24 at Klassen Funeral Home, Winnipeg.
|
