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Mennonite Brethren HeraldVolume 45, No. 02February 3, 2006
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Stewardship ministries director retires
Hamm returns to evangelistic work
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Deaths

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Deaths

Hedwig Schulz

Hedwig Schulz

Hedwig Schulz died peacefully Feb. 12, 2005. She was born July 9, 1942 to Peter and Maria Reimer in Fernheim, Paraguay. Hedwig accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour and was baptized at 17. Hedwig lost her mother during this time. Household duties and care for younger siblings became her responsibility, causing her to rely on a strength that was far greater than her own. She immigrated to Canada in 1971 and, after a short courtship, married Cornelius Schulz in 1972. Many say the word “grace” epitomized Hedwig. She suffered from osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis and underwent many surgeries. After her husband’s death in 1992, she raised two teenage daughters on her own, but not a word of complaint escaped from her lips. She spent a great deal of time in the Word and prayer. People who called to offer encouragement often found themselves encouraged. Predeceased by Cornelius, Hedwig is mourned by daughters Monika (Mark) and Evelyn; her stepmother; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 21, 2005 at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.

Anne Neumann

Anne Neumann

Anne Linda Dyck-Neumann died peacefully Dec. 11. She was born to Abraham and Katterina Nikkel April 28, 1917. In 1924 her family immigrated to Canada from Russia. Anne’s mother died on the last train ride to Alberta. In 1928 Anne’s family settled in Yarrow, B.C. and in 1936, she married John Dyck. The family farmed, supplementing their income by picking hops, strawberries and raspberries. Anne and John were members of Yarrow MB Church and sang in the choir. They moved to Chilliwack in 1959 and joined Broadway MB Church. Anne worked in the canneries and volunteered with MCC. After John’s death, Anne married Henry Neumann in 1990 and the couple joined Bakerview MB Church. Predeceased by John; Henry in 1999; Anne is mourned by sons Jim and Irvin; family and friends. The memorial service was Jan. 9 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.

Peter P. Klassen

Peter P. Klassen

Peter Klassen died peacefully in his sleep Sept. 3. He was born Feb. 21, 1917 on a homestead at Kelstern, Sask., the oldest son of Peter and Eva Klassen. He married Helen Loewen Oct. 26, 1955. Peter loved rural life and farmed for many years. In 1990 he retired and moved to Waldeck. He was proud of his family and enjoyed it when everyone was together at family gatherings. Peter loved the Lord and spent much time reading his Bible and praying for his family. Predeceased by Helen in 1998; 1 sister; 3 brothers; he is mourned by son Delmar (Veleta); daughter Kelly (Lyle) Krause; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister. The memorial service was Sept. 8 at Community Baptist Church, Swift Current, Sask.

Marie Ohlmann

Marie Ohlmann

Marie Ohlmann died May 29. She was born Jan. 26, 1913 in Kulikow, Russia to Johann and Paulina Falkowsky. In 1920 her family moved to Germany and then immigrated to Canada in 1928. It was a hard start without money in a new land, so Marie couldn’t go to school, staying home to help her parents. In July 1928 Marie followed the Lord in a step of faith and was baptized, joining the Fenwood (Sask.) Baptist Church. She married Hermann Ohlmann June 12, 1940. The text for their life together was Joshua 24:15: “As for me and for my house, we will serve the Lord.” Despite suffering from arthritis, Marie worked for MCC, making soap and sewing quilts for missionaries. Predeceased by Hermann in 1992; 5 brothers; 1 sister; she is mourned by sons Walfried (Ruby) and Helmut (Ruth); daughter Hildegard; 5 grandsons; 3 great-grandsons; 1 brother. The memorial service was June 2 at Kelstern (Sask.) Community Church.

Anny Rischer

Anny Rischer

Anny Rischer (nee Guenther) died peacefully Dec. 10 at age 92. She was born Dec. 14, 1912. Anny enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved God, her family, church and community. Music was a large part of family life and she encouraged her children to maximize these gifts. Many people enjoyed Anny’s baking, especially at Christmas. Her faith carried her through and she often thanked God for his goodness to her. She was a charter member of South End Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by her husband Helmut in 1971; 1 brother; 1 grandson; she is mourned by children Helmut (Joyce), Astrid (Tony) Peters, Paul (Carol) and Carla (George) Toews; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The memorial service was Dec. 20 at Portage Ave. Church, Winnipeg.

Cathy Friesen

Cathy Friesen

Cathy Friesen died Dec. 30. She was born Aug. 23, 1930 in Kleefeld, Man. to Cornelius and Maria Friesen. Her family moved to Yarrow, B.C. when Cathy was 14 and she was baptized in a local creek in 1947. She graduated as a registered nurse from St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a nurse for 34 years. Cathy and her sister, Lena, moved to Abbotsford to enjoy their retirement. About 15 years ago, Cathy was diagnosed with a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. She always enjoyed life and made up her mind to accept what came her way, trusting God for his strength in all things. Cathy loved music and travelling. Predeceased by 2 sisters; 2 brothers-in-law; she is mourned by 3 sisters, Olga Wiens, Nettie (Henry) Wall and Annie (Frank) Suderman; 1 brother Abe (Mary); 14 nieces and nephews. The funeral was at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.

Otto Derksen

Otto Derksen

Otto Derksen died peacefully Dec. 5. He was born April 10, 1923 in Borden, Sask. to George and Maria Derksen. At 15, he committed his life to God. He was baptized at 19 and joined the Borden MB Church. Shortly after, he attended Bethany Bible School. While there, he met Adelaide Fehr and they were married Oct. 19, 1946. Otto and Adelaide felt called to join West Indies Mission (now World Team) and began missionary work on the island of St. Vincent in 1952. During the next 13 years they worked as pioneer missionaries in St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Bequia, establishing churches, teaching, preaching and building a Bible school. Due to Adelaide’s poor health, they returned to Canada and pastored at Lashburn MB Church until 1971. They moved to California where Otto attended seminary and pastored a church in Raisin City. After graduating from MBBS in 1974, Otto pastored at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church, worked as a representative for World Team, served as a pastor-at-large, taught at Peace River (Alta.) Bible Institute and did prison visitation. Otto always remained dedicated to God and left an enormous legacy as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. He ministered with vision, passion and perseverance. His greatest passion was preaching and he was admired for his enthusiastic sermons. He was also a loving father and husband. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter; 1 brother; he is mourned by Adelaide; children Berdeena, Lesly, James, Ray and Keith; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 9 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.

Peter Kasper

Peter Kasper

Peter Kasper died suddenly Aug. 24. He was born April 22, 1925 in Einlage, Ukraine to Peter and Anna Kasper. In 1943 Peter’s family joined the trek with the retreating German army into western Europe. Shortly after arriving in Germany, Peter was drafted into the army and found himself back on the eastern front where he was severely wounded. In 1948 Peter and his family immigrated to Winnipeg, where he met and married Hilda Gauer. Peter was employed as a machinist, metal man and tool and die maker. He worked for Progressive Manufacturing Ltd. 45 years. Peter was a man of many interests and enjoyed metal work, oil painting, photography, woodworking, stained glass work, lapidary, travelling, camping and fishing. Peter loved the Lord, becoming a Christian and getting baptized in 1953. He served as church usher for over 40 years. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by wife Hilda; daughters Susan, Nora (Albert) Plett, Maria (Jack) Funk; 3 grandsons; his 104-year-old father Peter. The funeral was Aug. 29 at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.

Michael David Schmidt

Michael David Schmidt

Michael David Schmidt died July 11. He was born Mar. 22, 1984 in Regina to Ed and Marie Schmidt. Mike had a school career of excellence, finishing high school at the top of his class, delivering the valedictorian address and winning a scholarship to the University of Regina. In March 1998, Mike knelt with his mom and asked Jesus Christ to be his Saviour. His father had the privilege of baptizing him the same year. Friends and family enjoyed his theatrical talents and sense of humour. Mike was involved in several plays and delighted in performing scenes from his favourite movies. Mike went to Westbank Bible Camp as a camper and later as a counsellor; it was a special place for him. Mike became depressed in 2004 and was later diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, a disease that eventually claimed his life. Mike is mourned by his parents; sisters Jennifer and Brenda (Tevis) Schultz; brother Cory (Lisa); 1 great-grandmother; 2 grandmothers; 1 grandfather; aunts, uncles and cousins. The funeral was July 16 at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask.

June Irene Rusk

June Irene Rusk

June Irene Rusk died Nov. 1 surrounded by her family. She was born June 7, 1920 in Woodrow, Sask. to Vernon and Mary Chisholm. June attended teacher’s college and took her first position at Wideview School. On April 11, 1942 she married her childhood sweetheart, Raymond Rusk. June taught at Banff School until they started their family. She later completed ten years of teaching Belmuir School. June was a tireless worker, expert seamstress and wonderful homemaker. She grew large gardens and loved flowers. She enjoyed music and was extremely creative at making things with paper. She had a strong faith and was a dedicated member of the Woodrow Gospel Chapel where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Ladies’ Mission Circle. After moving to Assiniboia in 1994, June and Raymond became part of Dominion Road Baptist Church. Predeceased by 1 son; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; she is mourned by Raymond; children Donna (Eldon) Fortnum, Joan (Leonard) Johnson, Clifford (Sharon) and Bob (Deldene); 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 4 at Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel.

Mary Striemer

Mary Striemer

Mary Striemer died Nov. 25. She was born Jan. 9, 1934 on a farm near Hague, Sask. to David and Maria Penner. She married John Striemer Oct. 22, 1952. Throughout her life, Mary devoted herself to the Lord, her husband and 12 children. Mary loved gardening, singing, reading and doing her daily devotions. Times weren’t always easy for Mary, especially with such a large family, but she worked hard to teach her family about God and the value of family and life. She kept a positive attitude and found time to discuss many issues with her family. Predeceased by John in 2003; son Abram; she is mourned by children Shirley (Gordon) Weenk, Wes (Shirley), Martha (Albert) Levesque, Mary Ann (Ron) Smith, Harvey (Cathy), Hilda (Brian) Finlay, Olga (Mike) Fletcher, Ruth (Harvey) Loewen, Margaret, John, Cheryl (George) Havoshi; 24 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 28 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.

Mary Rempel

Mary Rempel

Mary Rempel died Oct. 19. She was born March 21, 1911 in Hochfeld, Russia to Jacob and Anna Martens. At 12, she and her family immigrated to Canada. One night Mary couldn’t sleep, saying, “I’m afraid the Lord will come and I’m not ready.” Her mother then had the joy of leading Mary to the Lord. Mary was baptized upon her confession of faith in 1930. She married Henry Rempel in 1939 in a double wedding. Mary enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. She also enjoyed cooking, painting, handiwork and sewing. Quilts became a specialty during her retirement years. Mary loved the Lord and valued his Word, church attendance, Bible reading, prayer and supporting missionaries. Predeceased by Henry; 2 sisters; 1 son-in-law; she is mourned by children Jac (Gladys), Alvina Irons, Vic (Marilyn); 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral service was Oct. 22 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church.

Grace Waldner

Grace Waldner

Grace Waldner died Oct. 21. She was born Sept. 11, 1931 to Henry and Maria Boehr. She was baptized by Rev. J. J. Thiessen at First Mennonite Church. On May 28, 1958 Grace married Jacob Waldner. They spent their honeymoon at a cabin in Waskesiu, awakening to a snowy day in May. She trained at Marvel Beauty School and worked as a hairdresser at various locations. Grace was an outgoing, friendly person and loved serving meals at Bethany Manor. She was often asked to read poems and give recitations at programs. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, often cheering for the “underdog” and supporting her grandsons in their sports endeavours. She also enjoyed sewing, reading and playing games. Predeceased by Jake in 1999; 3 brothers; she is mourned by daughters Corinne (Ben) Tan and Myrna (Len) Foth; 3 grandsons; 4 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral service was Oct. 24 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.

William Edwin Neufeld

William Edwin Neufeld

William (Bill) Edwin Neufeld, died peacefully Sept. 11. He was born Sept. 17, 1909. Bill came to Canada from Russia in 1924. He was service manager at C.A. DeFehr and Sons in Winnipeg for 38 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed the art of clock repair, especially mantel and grandfather clocks. Predeceased by wife Anne (Koslowsky); 8 siblings; he is mourned by son Robert (Donna); daughter Lynda (Dale) Mieske; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 15 at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.

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