|
|
In this section:
Gertrude Huebert 
|
Gertrude Huebert died Jan. 27. She was born Aug. 11, 1910 in Petrofka, Russia to Johann and Katharina Huebert. An early interest in missions was encouraged by her mother. Her childhood was rudely interrupted by war, fear, and famine, as Gertrude’s family lived through the days of the Russian revolution. At 12, Gertrude accepted the Lord. In 1925, her family left Russia and came to Beechy, Sask. where Gertrude was baptized and joined the church. She studied at Bethany Bible Institute, and graduated with a bachelor of theology degree from Tabor College. In 1950, she began a term with World Team Mission, working in St. Lucia and St. Vincent, sharing God’s love through preaching, teaching, and serving in the dormitory. Gertrude enjoyed writing about her overseas experiences, prayed regularly for missionaries, and gave unselfishly of her time and finances. She had the gift of hospitality and spent many hours volunteering with MCC. Gertrude’s compassionate heart was evident as she cared for her aging parents and youngest sister. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 1 sister; she is mourned by 2 sisters, Katie (Huebert) Berg and Anne; nieces and nephews. The funeral was Jan. 31 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.
Daniel Breitkreuz
Daniel Ehrenfried Breitkreuz died Jan. 4. He was born Mar. 26, 1912 in Germany. He brought his young family to Springside, Sask. in 1949 where they lived for three years. They moved to Edmonton and finally settled in Vancouver in 1964. Daniel’s first love was the Lord and he served as a deacon and choir member throughout his life. He supported his family with his hands, using his master carpentry skills to build homes. Daniel loved to work with wood, building desks, bookcases, and end tables for family and friends. Predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Herta, in 2004, he is mourned by daughters Adelheid (Josef), Gisela (Wilhelm), Monica (Don); sons Jurgen (Adina) and Erich (Ellen); 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral service was Jan. 9 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Oscar John Epp 
|
Oscar John Epp died Sept. 21 surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 20, 1933 in Rosetown, Sask. to John and Katherine Epp, and spent his youth in Winnipeg, developing interests in music, poetry, carpentry, and the outdoors. He gave his life to the Lord and was aware of God’s great love for him. As a member of Fort Garry MB Church, Oscar found many opportunities to serve his Lord and Saviour. In 1957, he married Helen Unruh, and they shared 48 years of joy and love. Oscar’s enthusiasm for life increased when his grandchildren were born. His sense of humour and optimism made him the centre of the family. He pursued a career in education for 23 years, attaining his master’s degree, and then moved to a new challenge in the insurance industry. He loved people and made those who crossed his path feel important and accepted. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Helen; son Carl (Sharon); daughter Colleen (Gerald) Dey; 5 grandchildren; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The memorial service was at Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg.
Mary Neufeld 
|
Mary Neufeld died Feb. 25 after many struggles with health. She was born Dec. 25, 1914 in Sergievka, Ukraine to John and Anna Neufeld. At 12, she immigrated with her family to Canada. The early years in Canada were difficult and Mary’s school attendance was sporadic. Mary accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour in her early youth, and was baptized in 1955. She loved children, taught in Good News Club and Sunday school, and joined the choir. Mary was an artisan and made sewing her career. She donated hours of time piecing quilt tops for MCC. Her nieces and nephews knew that “Aunt Mary” loved them, and eagerly anticipated times when they could play games, listen to stories, put together puzzles, or watch a hockey game with her. She loved gardening and kept a colourful flowerbed. She was also an adventurer and loved to travel. The church and its people were a priority for her, and her life demonstrated a faithful walk with the Lord. She spent much time in God’s Word and enjoyed memorizing Scripture. One of her goals was to memorize Luke 15. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by sisters Helene, Anna Toews, Lottie Durksen, Kathie Fast; brothers Abram and Peter; 30 nieces and nephews and their families. The funeral was at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Helena Dyck 
|
Helena Dyck died Jan. 25. She was born Jan. 20, 1915 in Koltan, Neu Samara, Russia, the eldest of 12 children born to Peter and Anna Decker. When Helena was 11, her family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling on a small farm near Fort Macleod, Alta. She was delighted to be able to go to school, but had to start back in grade one to learn English. After attending a local Bible conference, Helena gave her life to the Lord and was baptized in the Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church. She went to Bible school one winter, a highlight of her young life. On Apr. 20, 1941, she married John Dyck. They farmed near Castle River. Helena loved to bake and cook big pots of borscht, always ready to extend hospitality to others. Her gift of hospitality continued even after she became a widow in 1981. Helena moved to a care home where her sunny disposition endeared her to staff members and residents. She is mourned by children Martha (Leonard) Pauls, Trudy (John) Braun, Hildegard (Siegfried) Jabs, Albert (Alice), and Ken (Lois); 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The memorial service was at Coaldale MB Church.
Isaac Sawatsky 
|
Isaac Sawatsky died Feb. 6. He was born Oct. 4, 1919 in Rueckenau, Russia to Isaac and Agnes Sawatsky. His parents taught him God’s Word and encouraged him to live by it. In 1924, the family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Abbotsford, B.C. After completing elementary school, Isaac worked for neighbours to supplement the family income. He marred Nita Enns July 11, 1942. They lived in Abbotsford and then Aldergrove, on a small acreage with a “fix-it-up” house. Isaac and Nita spent countless hours making improvements and adding outbuildings. Isaac was a man of many trades and talents, including millwright, mechanics, carpentry, and plumbing. He had a strong, unwavering faith and was active in East Aldergrove (now Ross Road Community) MB Church. He was faithful, wise, independent, and generous, and had common sense. He demonstrated incredible devotion to Nita, who was blind most of their married life. Predeceased by 1 brother; 1 sister; he is mourned by Nita; sons Ron (Edna), Ed (Elaine), Bob (Colleen); daughter Ruth (Brian) Dyck; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was Feb. 11 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Gerhard Bargen
Gerhard Bargen died peacefully Dec. 3 at age 102. He was born Mar. 1, 1903 in Schoenau, Ukraine to Jacob P. and Helena Bargen. He married Suse Wiens Mar. 6, 1926. Later that year they immigrated to Canada where they farmed in the Glenbush, Sask. area. Widowed in 1981, Gerhard retired and moved to Saskatoon. He lived independently until age 101 when his daughter provided a home for him. Prayer and Bible study were essential to him. A well-worn Bible attested to his diligence. He is mourned by his children Henry (Anne), Helena (Arnold) Stobbe, Mary (Lewis) Warkentin, Sue (Bill) Born, Anne Willems, Jake (Laverne), Elizabeth Wallace, Gary (Marg); 35 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Dec. 8 at the Dalmeny (Sask.) Funeral Chapel.
Cornelius Marvin Braun
Cornie Braun died peacefully at his home Nov. 21. He was born Jan. 7, 1940 to Jacob and Agatha Braun. During his teen years, his family spent winters in B.C. where he attended Mennonite Educational Institute. He took his final year of school at Caronport (Sask.) High School, then returned to the family farm in Beechy, Sask. where he attained much satisfaction in his farming career. In 1962, he married Myrna Law and in 1966, they were baptized together. Cornie was a devoted family man. He loved nature, travel, family, and friends. He served as a church usher, was involved with the Food Grains Bank, and was always willing to help others. Even with the diagnosis of cancer in Dec. 2004, he remained positive and held fast to his faith. Predeceased by 1 grandson; 1 sister; he is mourned by Myrna; daughters Melanie (Keldon) Ratzlaff, Ronda (Neil) Thompson, Penney, Krista (Adam) Lawson; 8 grandchildren; 5 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 25 at Beechy MB Church.
Kurt Abram Kaethler
Kurt Abram Kaethler died peacefully Jan. 31 after a brief struggle with lung cancer. He was born in the Ukraine in 1919. In 1939, Kurt married Frieda and they had four children, the youngest of whom, Erika, died in 1944. Kurt was a truck driver and fluent in several languages. He was conscripted into the German army, captured by the Americans, and traded to and sentenced by the Soviets for “feeding the enemy.” He served 11 years of his sentence and was released in 1956. In 1965, after a 22-year separation, he immigrated to Canada and was reunited with his family. He worked as a machinist. He spent many years assisting others in emigrating from the Soviet Union. Predeceased by Frieda, his wife of 61 years, he is mourned by his wife of 2 1/2 years, Wanda Toman; sons Nick (June), Ernie (Margaret), Bill (Eleanor); 7 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 4 at Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church.
Rosella Marie Toews
Rosella Marie Toews died Jan. 16. She was born Nov. 19, 1919 to Katherine and Peter G. Toews in St. Anne, Man. When she was 4, her family moved to Steinbach, Man. Rosella spent her young years in constant motion, running errands, playing, and working on the family farm. She did everything with enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Rosella taught primary school for 10 years. On Aug. 11, 1946, she married long-time schoolmate Vernon Toews. In Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Rosella managed a kindergarten for the psychology and education departments of Acadia University. In 1958, the family moved to Seattle, Wa. Rosella touched countless lives with acts of practical kindness. Her fondness for people continued until her death. Predeceased by 5 sisters; 1 brother; she is mourned by Vernon; sons John (Lynn) and James (Debi); 5 grandchildren; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was Jan. 19 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Annie Harder
Annie Harder died Nov. 20 after a short battle with cancer. She was born Sept 24, 1938 in Germany to Johann and Suzanna Harder. In 1948, the family immigrated to Canada and arrived in Greendale, B.C. in the year of the Fraser River flood. Annie was a good organizer, cook, and cleaner, and kept the younger children on their toes while their mother went to work. Annie loved the church and was baptized May 26, 1963, joining the Greendale MB Church. She was employed by Fraser Valley Frosted Foods Ltd. for 37 years. She made many friends at work and church who supported, prayed, and cared for her. Annie loved music, flowers, nature, and decorating her home at Christmas. She was especially fond of her angel collection. Predeceased by 1 niece, she is mourned by sister Helen (Bill) Fisk; brothers Bernie and John (Carell); nieces, nephews and their families. The memorial service was Nov. 24 at Greendale MB Church.
John Stanley Janzen 
|
John Stanley Janzen died peacefully Feb. 13 with his wife at his side. He was born Apr. 8, 1941 in a Mennonite village in the Ukraine. His family fled persecution and arrived in Canada in 1948 as refugees. John married his high school sweetheart, JoAnne Goerzen, in 1962. He studied and worked hard, and spent 33 years as an educator with the Vancouver School Board, primarily as an elementary school principal. John was committed to whatever task he took on: his family, church, career, and love for the Lord. He also knew how to relax, gardening, camping throughout North America, and travelling in Europe, South America, and Asia. John was passionate, strong, and loving, always with a cup of coffee in hand. He leaves a legacy of helping others and thinking the best of each person he met. John gave his time to numerous charitable endeavours, volunteering with MCC in his retirement. He is mourned by JoAnne; daughter Janine Maclean; son Andrew (Charlene); 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The memorial service was Feb. 17 at South Langley MB Church, B.C.
John J. Abrahams 
|
John Abrahams died Feb. 7. He was born Oct. 20, 1921 in the Crimea, Russia. His family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Saskatchewan, then moving to Yarrow, B.C. when John was a teenager. He was a conscientious objector during the war, serving in sawmill camps. He married Gertrude Giesbrecht Sept. 21, 1946. The couple’s mission in life was to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. John went to northern B.C. for his first teaching post, travelling two days in an old panel truck with Gertie sitting on an apple box. The ensuing years were hard for the family, living in the wilderness without running water, electricity, or stores nearby. In 1955, they moved to Prince George, B.C. John was a well-loved, soft-spoken teacher. He also worked fervently for the Lord, helping establish a church. He served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and sang in the choir. John’s strength, morality, and stoicism inspired his friends and family. The memorial service was at Westwood Church (MB), Prince George.
Susanna “Susie” Regier
Susie (nee Pauls) Regier died Feb. 11. She was born Feb. 17, 1910 in Reinfeld, Russia. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1923, settling on a farm in Herbert, Sask. Her memories of life in Russia played a large part in the Regier–Pauls family history. She married John Regier in Nov. 1930, sharing a double wedding with her sister Agnes. The couple farmed until their retirement in 1972. Susie was a member of the Herbert MB Church and served in the ladies aid group. Her faith in God was an integral part of her life and never wavered. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a great cook and gracious hostess. She loved to garden, crochet, quilt, and travel, and was able to visit her homeland, Russia, twice. Susie was a gentle, loving, hard-working woman who was proud of her family and a friend to many. Predeceased by John in 1979; 1 daughter; 6 siblings; she is mourned by sons John (Tiena), Abe (Elaine), Ron (Wendy); daughter Gwen (John) Martens; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 16 at Herbert MB Church.
Edward William Dietz
Edward William Dietz died Feb. 11. He was born Aug. 22, 1921 in Mountain Lake, Minn. to Henry and Hattie Dietz. Ed grew up in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. At 16, he worked with the Conservation Corps building a dam. Ed returned home and farmed with his father until 1950. He married Violet Timian in Dec. 1954. Ed continued to farm in various locations around North Dakota, and did mechanical work and construction. Ed and Violet joined the Mennonite Brethren in 1970 and attended church in Winkler, Man. They enjoyed spending time at their daughter’s lake cabin in Minnesota. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Violet; children Blanche (Glenn) Ewert, Rachel (Bill) Dahlin, Dean (Debi), Dawn (J.D.) Carrier, Herb, and Marlene (Kevin) Useldinger; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 1 sister.
Edward Martichenko
Ed Martichenko died Feb. 9. He was born Mar. 22, 1929 in Sonningdale, Sask. After finishing high school, Ed took up farming, working at Handicraft Supplies in Saskatoon in the winter. In 1967, he married Rita Dell and the two worked as a team to develop the farm and a beautiful yard and garden. Ed put his trust in Jesus at an early age, was baptized, and became a strong, though quiet member of Arelee MB Church. He served for many years as a trustee and chair of the church board. Predeceased by 2 brothers; wife Rita; he is mourned by brothers Wilfred, Frank (Agnes), Alex, John (Doreen), Laurence; sisters Ann (Walter) Antonenko, Marion (Warren) Bowler, Irene (Ron) Slade, Ruby (Jim) Sailor, Diane (Forbes) Edie; parents-in-law; nieces and nephews. The funeral was Feb. 13 at Perdue Community Hall, Sask.
Helen Lenora Friesen
Helen Lenora Friesen (nee Dyck) died Feb. 8. She and her twin brother were born Easter Sunday, Mar. 31, 1929 in the Burwalde (Winkler, Man.) district. Helen was baptized upon her confession of faith in 1942 and became a member of the Winkler MB church. She was very proud of her first job in the Winkler Creamery. She became a teacher for a short while. Later in life she worked as a doctor’s receptionist. Helen married Jake Friesen in 1964. Predeceased by 1 brother; 1 sister-in-law; she is mourned by son Darren (Karen), grandson Damon; 3 sisters; 2 brothers.
|
