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In this section:
Ernest Wilfred Schmidt 
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Ernest Wilfred Schmidt died June 27, 2005. He was born Dec. 5, 1922 in Hepburn, Sask. to Peter and Tina Schmidt, and grew up in a family of 11 children. During WW II, Ernie joined the medical corps. He served at the 24th Canadian General Hospital in Surrey, England as an operating room technician. Following the war, he graduated from McGill Medical School. Ernie married Leona Fast in 1950 and the couple entered mission service in the Belgian Congo. There, Ernie pioneered a hospital. Due to political instability and violence, the family separated, with Ernie returning to a frontline hospital in Kikwit. After returning to Canada, Ernie took training in obstetrics and gynecology, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1968. He practiced in Saskatoon for many years. He also worked as an associate professor and took a public stand in defence of the unborn. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ernie appreciated nature and photography, and was a man of strong faith and conviction. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Leona; children Howard (Jerri), Joanne (Richard) Lepp, Warren (Barbara), Kathy (Paul) Dirks, Janet (Steve) Guenther; 16 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 6 brothers. The funeral was June 30 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
Maria “Mary” Nikkel
Mary Nikkel died Mar. 5 at age 97. She was born Sept. 17, 1908 in Winkler, Man to Helena and Peter P. Dyck. Mary enjoyed quoting her mother’s sayings. She married Erdman Jacob Nikkel in 1927 and they farmed and started a family in the Altona district. In 1948, the family moved to Newton, Man. and made their home near the MB church. They served as church custodians for 30 years. Mary had a grateful heart and gave thanks to others for gestures large or small. She was hardworking, faithful, and an avid gardener. Her smile, kind words, and presence will be missed. Predeceased by Erdman; son Jake; daughter Helen; grandson Larry; 1 grand-daughter-in-law; 1 son-in-law; all her brothers; she is mourned by children Eddie, Peter, and Marian; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 10 at Newton Community Fellowship Church.
Henry Hildebrand 
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Henry Hildebrand died Feb. 7. He was born Nov. 16, 1911 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Peter and Anne Hildebrand. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925 and settled in Winkler, Man. Henry accepted Jesus as his Saviour at camp in Gimli, Man. and joined the Grossweide MB Church. He attended Winnipeg Bible Institute 1929–1933 and met his darling Inger Soyland, who became his wife in 1937. Henry studied at Wheaton College and Winona School of Theology. He was founder, president (1935–1977), chancellor (1977–1990), and chancellor emeritus (1990–2006) of Briercrest Family of Schools. He received an honorary D.Div from Providence College in 1977, an honorary Ped.D from Briercrest in 1992, the Order of Canada in 1977 for his contribution to youth in Canada, and a Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 in celebration of the queen’s 50th year of reign. “Faithful as a servant in all God’s house” (Hebrews 3:5) and dedicated to his wife and family, Henry was a leader who understood the times. Predeceased by Inger in 2003; son David; 1 daughter-in-law; 1 son-in-law; grandson Paul; he is mourned by children Marcia (Phil) Leskewich, Evelyn Moore, Paul (Corinne), and Glen (Joanne); 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.
Anne Braun 
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Anne Florence Braun died Feb. 24. She was born Sept. 26, 1915 in Wiesenfeld, Ukraine to Abraham and Maria Reimer. At 8, Anne’s family moved to Canada, first to Saskatchewan and then to Chilliwack, B.C. Anne was baptized in 1931 and joined the Greendale MB Church where she met and married Isaak Braun in 1940. Theirs was the first wedding in the second Greendale MB Church. The Brauns had several homes in the Chilliwack area. In 1948, during the Fraser River flood, their yard was covered with 13 feet of water and the family was evacuated. After the flood, Anne and Ike established Braun’s Nurseries. Anne was known for her wonderful baking and flowers, especially roses. In 1987, the couple moved to their dream home in Sardis and a year later, Isaak died. In 1995, she wrote, “I am so thankful that we can always depend on the Lord. He helps each one of us through . . . joys and sorrows. . . .” Predeceased by her husband; son Ken; 8 siblings; she is mourned by children Ben (Mary Lue), Walter (Judy), Julie (Dick) Baerg; grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister.
Della May Dueck
Della May Dueck died Mar. 26. She was born July 28, 1929 to Olive and Stanley Ball, the second child of six. Della grew up in St. Catharines and met her husband Nick while working at General Motors. In 1951, Della and Nick moved to a farm in Virgil, Ont., where they welcomed 2 children, Terry and Debra. Della was active in the life of Niagara Christian Fellowship Chapel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and later attended Cornerstone Community (MB) Church, Virgil. Although the couple moved back to St. Catharines in 1995, they continued to worship at Cornerstone whenever they could. They also enjoyed many winters in Clearwater, Florida at a Christian park. Della was predeceased by son Terry in 2001, after which her health declined. She is mourned by Nick; Debra Savoia; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 29 at Cornerstone Community Church.
Anne R. Dyck 
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Anne R. Dyck died Jan. 2 with her youngest son at her side. She was born Oct. 6, 1920 in southern Russia. She immigrated with her parents to Canada in 1930 and eventually settled in Winkler, Man. There, Anne received the majority of her education and joined the MB church, getting involved in the choir, women’s groups, library, and MCC. She married Ike Dyck in 1942. In 1967, shortly after their 25th anniversary, the couple went to Paraguay to serve with MCC. They returned to North America to help young people with mental and physical disabilities in Topeka, Kansas and then Omaha, Nebraska. They moved to Calgary in 1976 where they served as house parents for troubled teenagers. Anne and Ike retired in Kelowna, B.C. and got involved in the MB church there. They also enjoyed travelling to different countries, including Honduras, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Anne made friends easily due to her sunny disposition, so her adjustment to a care home after her husband’s death in 2002 was fairly smooth. Predeceased by Ike; daughter Elvira; granddaughter Shannon; 1 son-in-law; she is mourned by children Sylvia, Laurelly Nickel, Leslie (Nola), Elvina (Henry) Petkau, and R. Glenn (Jamie); 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers. A memorial service will be July 12 at Winkler MB Church.
Jacob J. Doerksen 
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Jacob Doerksen died peacefully Mar. 18. He was born Jan. 4, 1918 to Johan and Katharina Doerksen in Kleefeld, Russia. In 1926, the family moved to Canada and settled in Gem, Alta. At 13, Jake asked Jesus to come into his heart. He never doubted his salvation. He was baptized in 1936 and became a member of the Gem MB Church. He taught Sunday school and mid-week programs for children, and sang in the choir and quartets. He met Hertha Klassen while attending Gem Bible School and they were married Aug. 17, 1943. In 1958, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. where they bought a dairy farm and attended East Chilliwack MB Church. Jake was involved for many years with the relief sale committee of MCC. He donated beautifully crafted rocking horses to the sale. Jake developed Parkinson’s disease and moved to a care home in Abbotsford. His last days were spent together with Hertha. Predeceased by son Bob; granddaughter Brandi; 1 brother; 1 sister; he is mourned by Hertha; sons Dave (Marilyn), Les (Clara), and John (Trish); daughter-in-law Edith; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 24 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.
Tina Braun 
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Tina Braun died Mar. 3. She was born July 29, 1909 in Samara, Russia to Bernhard and Katharina Knelsen. Her family moved to Siberia where Tina had a happy childhood. At 18, Tina responded to God’s call and made a commitment to the Lord. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith and was received as a member of the Mennonite church. In 1929, the family fled from Russia to Germany where they lived in a refugee camp. From there, they moved to Paraguay. The pioneer years were difficult, but they were grateful to live in peace again. Tina worked as a domestic in Casado where she met and married Kornelius Braun. The couple moved to Brazil and then immigrated to Vancouver in 1965, joining the First United Mennonite Church. Upon retirement in 1979, they moved to Abbotsford and became members of Clearbrook MB Church. Tina enjoyed knitting and crocheting for needy people in Russia. Predeceased by Kornelius in 1999; grandchildren Dietrich and Elfrieda; she is mourned by children Katie (John) Peters, Cornie (Elsa), Irmgard Harms, Mary (John) Enns, Leni (Fritz) Friesen, and Herb (Louise); 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren.
Douglas Carl Friesen
Douglas Friesen died suddenly of a heart attack Mar. 22. He was born June 16, 1963 to Alfred and Viola Friesen in Winnipegosis, Man. Doug gave his heart to the Lord at age 9 and was baptized at Fairview MB Church in 1979. Following elementary school, Doug attended Eden High School and Brock University. In 1989, he received his certification as a chartered accountant and spent the remainder of his life as a tax auditor for the federal government. He is mourned by his parents; brother Rick (Rose) and their children Katelyn, Scott, and Kevin; brother Barry (Janice) and their children Cassie, Adam, Holly, and Jack. The funeral was Mar. 31 at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines.
Katherine “Kay” Wiebe 
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Kay Wiebe died peacefully Jan. 21 with family members at her side. She was born Aug. 15, 1914 in Alexandrodar, Russia, to Abram and Anna Wiebe. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925 and settled in Hochfeld, Man. In 1934, they moved to Poplar Point. Kay worked as a domestic in Winnipeg during the winter to supplement the family income. Continued hard times caused the family to move to Yarrow, B.C. in 1944. Kay worked in Vancouver doing housework during the winter, while picking berries in the summer. For many years, Kay owned a berry farm. At 16, she accepted the Lord as her Saviour and was baptized Sept. 17, 1944, becoming a member of the Yarrow MB Church. Kay lovingly and generously gave to those in need, caring for her elderly parents, giving people rides to appointments, and visiting shut-ins. She had the gift of hospitality, and enjoyed the beauties of nature, especially Minter Gardens. She is mourned by sisters Martha, Annie, Erma, and Mary (John) Unger; nieces and nephews Lois (Erv) Warkentin, Mark (Sheryl) Unger, Eunice (Stan) Kroeker, Paul (Kathryn) Unger; 8 great-nieces and nephews. The memorial service was Jan. 28 at Yarrow MB Church.
Agatha Thiessen
Agatha Thiessen died Feb. 22 at age 89. She was born Jan. 11, 1917 in Russia to Jacob and Justina Thiessen. The family moved to Alberta in 1924, farming in various locations. In 1937, they moved to a fruit farm in Jordan Station, Ont. Upon her confession of faith, Agatha was baptized and joined the Vineland MB Church. Agatha did housework for families in St. Catharines, studied to become a RNA, was employed in a doctor’s office, and worked at the Hotel Dieu Hospital. In 1969, she moved to Toronto to be a nurse and companion for Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael until their deaths. She then returned to Jordan Station to relax and tend her gardens. Every Tuesday for the last 27 years of her life, she worked at the Christian Benefit Shop, making her last appearance 9 days before her death. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 3 sisters; she is mourned by brothers Peter and Abe; many nieces, nephews, and friends. The memorial service was Feb. 25 at Vineland MB Church.
Arthur Labun 
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Arthur Labun died peacefully Dec. 4 with family by his side. He was born Aug. 15, 1934 near Winkler, Man. to George and Nettie Labun. Arthur was a hard worker and enjoyed helping on the family farm. He accepted Christ at 11 and was baptized into the MB church in 1951. Arthur married Margaret Klassen on Apr. 19, 1965 in Vancouver. The couple moved to Winkler the following year to work on the family farm. Soon after, they moved to Winnipeg where Arthur worked as a carpenter. He enjoyed singing and had many opportunities to lend his beautiful tenor voice to singing groups, including the family quartet and church groups at McIvor MB Church. Family highlights included yearly trips to B.C. to visit family and relatives. In the last years of his life, Arthur suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but was lovingly and faithfully cared for by his wife. He is mourned by Margaret; children Elizabeth (Lawrence), Daniel, and Naomi; family and friends. The funeral was Dec. 9 at McIvor MB Church, Winnipeg.
Jacob Frank Siebert 
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Jacob “Jim” Frank Siebert died Mar. 8. He was born Feb. 8, 1922 in southern Ukraine to Frank and Agatha Siebert. In 1926, the family fled to Canada in the wake of the Russian Revolution, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Jim’s teaching career was put on hold during WW II while he spent two-and-a-half years as a conscientious objector in the Banff area. He was baptized in the Coaldale MB Church after accepting Jesus as his Saviour in early youth. The family moved to Ontario in the mid-1940s where Jim worked as a school principal and later as a consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Education. Jim loved the Lord and served his church as a Sunday school teacher and MB conference board member. The Psalms were precious to him. He was happily married to Nita Enns in 1949 and the couple had 5 children, Jean, Allan (Judy), Paul (Moira), Lorne (Colette), and John (Carolyn), and 7 grandchildren. In retirement, Jim enjoyed travelling until struggles with his health became apparent. The funeral was at Vineland (Ont.) MB Church.
David “Dave” Martens 
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David “Dave” Martens died Apr. 1 at age 88. He was born Nov. 26, 1917 to Frank and Anna Martens in Hague, Sask. He lived and attended school in Hague until 16. The family then moved to Capasin, homesteading in the bush. Dave became a Christian about this time. He branched out into bachelor life, working at a sawmill in B.C., as well as spending some time in a conscientious objector lumber camp during WW II. Dave married Frieda on Sept. 22, 1946 and the couple moved back to Capasin where they owned and operated a sawmill, and lived in a log cabin. In 1948, Dave began a farming career lasting more than 50 years. As a resourceful, self-taught welder, he attracted a lot of business and made much of his own farm equipment. After Frieda’s death, Dave married Helen Johnston in 2000. Dave’s health began to fail in late 2004, and a stroke necessitated a move to a care home. Predeceased by Frieda; son Robert and 1 son in infancy; 2 brothers; he is mourned by Helen; children Howard (Eva), Paul (Karen), Allen, Les (Laurie); 5 step-children; 2 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; 4 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 4 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.
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