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In this section:
Katie Heidebrecht 
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Katie Heidebrecht died Oct. 14. She was born May 14, 1914 in Orechow, Russia to Abraham and Anna Martens. Katie’s mother died in 1920 and her father married Agnes Hubert in 1921. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, making their home in Crowfoot, Alta. At 16, Katie went to work as a cook on a ranch, and later as a housekeeper in Calgary. She attended Bible school for one year in Gem. Katie married David Heidebrecht Nov. 13, 1937. They began their married life in Lindbrook, Alta., then moved to Abbotsford in 1947. Katie and David were active at South Abbotsford MB and Clearbrook MB churches. Katie volunteered 13 years at the Clearbrook Community Centre and the MCC thrift store. Many knitted afghans, crocheted slippers, and tablecloths were her handiwork. Katie will be remembered for her warm smile, loving hug, and steadfast faith. Predeceased by David in 1976; 2 brothers; 1 daughter-in-law; she is mourned by children Rosa Toews, Vern (Carol), Agnes (Dan) Ratzlaff, George (Kathy), and Ruth (David) Sherk; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Alexander Dell
Alexander Dell died Mar. 26. He was born Sept. 9, 1911 in Odessa, Russia to Henry Jr. and Elizabeth Dell. The family moved to Canada in 1914 after missing the first ship sunk at the outbreak of WWI. Alex grew up near Burstall, Sask. and homesteaded south of Mankota. After four years of drought he moved to the Hampstead area in 1934. He married Velma Chamberlain Nov. 7, 1938 and the family moved to the Bertadale area in 1948. Alex loved horses and worked with and showed harness and saddle horses until his late 70s. In 1955, Alex came to understand God’s love and forgiveness, and committed his life to God. He served many years with the Gideons and desired to see people give their lives to the Lord. Predeceased by daughter Rita and son-in-law Ed; he is mourned by Velma; son Larry (Loretta); 2 grandsons; 2 great-grandsons; 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 31 at Foam Lake (Sask.) Gospel Fellowship Chapel.
John Penner
John Penner died Apr. 1. John rededicated his life to the Lord just weeks before his death and rejoiced in new-found faith and forgiveness. He was born Jan. 14, 1927 in Lena, Man. to Jacob and Elizabeth Penner. He attended Winkler Bible School and worked for Air Canada for many years. In 1954, he married Alida St. Laurent. The couple retired in Westbank, B.C., where they enjoyed their time together. John is mourned by Alida; brothers Jake, Abe (Elizabeth), David (Kae), Edward (Mary), Erwin (Emma), and Alfred (Esther); sister Susan Walker; 2 brother-in-laws; 2 sister-in-laws; nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held Apr. 7 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Kelowna, B.C.
Johanna Enns 
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Johanna Enns died Jan. 6 at age 95. She was born Oct. 6, 1910 in Crimea, Russia to Peter and Anna Klassen. Johanna fondly remembered hiking the Crimean mountains with her father to experience the beauty of the Creator. The family moved to Canada in 1925 and settled in Waterloo, Ont. where Johanna worked as a seamstress at the Forsyth Shirt Factory. She married Isaac Enns on June 25, 1938 and shortly after, they moved to Murrayville, B.C. The couple raised 9 children. Johanna fulfilled her need for serving by volunteering with MCC and the Red Cross. She is remembered for her gentle spirit and her amazing strength through faith. Johanna exemplified the “love chapter” (1 Corinthians 13). Predeceased by son Elmer, she is mourned by Isaac; children Marianne (Jack) Friesen, Alice (Bill) Granleese, Arthur, Martha Robson, Lillian (Barry) Chew, Helen (Drago) Skender, John, Joan (Paul) Willms; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 11 at South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church.
Agnes Hinz
Agnes Hinz died peacefully Apr. 8 at age 98. She was born June 12, 1907 to Isaak and Lena Wiens in Alexanderthal, Russia. In 1925 her parents and siblings immigrated to Canada. While working at farms around Dalmeny and Laird, Sask. she met John B. Hinz and they were married Mar. 17, 1929. Agnes lived at Bethany Manor since 1996 and enjoyed many happy times at game nights and programs. Predeceased by John in 1988; 9 siblings; son-in-law Louis Goseen; great-granddaughters Chantel Barnes and Amanda Sawatsky; she is mourned by her children Lenard (Marlene), Luverna Gossen, Rosella (Pete) Teichroeb, Harold (Marjorie); 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister-in-law. The funeral was Apr. 13 at Laird Mennonite Church.
Luise Goossen 
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Luise (Bettie) Goossen died Feb. 2. She was born Mar. 3, 1927 in Gretna, Man. to Bernhard B. and Elizabeth Fast. Bettie accepted Christ as her Saviour at 13 and was later baptized on confession of her faith. After graduation from Mennonite Collegiate Institute, she attended Success Business College and later graduated from St. Boniface School of Nursing, receiving an honourary medal for bedside nursing. She then worked for the Victorian Order of Nurses. She met the love of her life, John H. Goossen at the MB Bible College and they were married Sept. 29, 1951. Having lived most of her life in the city, she adapted well to country living and worked faithfully with her husband and sons on the family farm near Manitou, Man. and supported John’s 30-year teaching career at Winkler Bible Institute. Bettie was active in church work, on hospital boards, and on the Golden West Broadcasting board, and made a special trip to teach at Lithuania Christian College. She was courageous, kind, encouraging, and a prayer warrior. Predeceased by John, she is mourned by sons Paul (Valorie), Randy (Carol), Marv (Cheryl), and Jon (Fran); 10 grandchildren; 1 sister; 3 brothers. The memorial service was Feb. 7 at McIvor MB Church, Winnipeg.
John K. Guenther
John K. Guenther died Dec. 24, 2005. He was born May 7, 1915 in Hague, Sask. to Isaak and Aganetha. He became a Christian at an early age and his favourite Bible verse was Philippians 1:21. He loved books, writing poetry, and playing the violin (crafting his first at age 16). On Oct. 29, 1940 John married Nettie Neufeld. They moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., where they attended Virgil MB Church for more than 60 years. John worked for General Motors for 28 years, retiring in 1980. He moved to Pleasant Manor in 1994 where he said he felt like a king because he enjoyed the food, people, and playing his violin. Predeceased by Nettie; 15 siblings; son-in-law Gary McLeod; he is mourned by children Alf (Kathy), Ernie (Pat), John, and Dorothy McLeod; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers. The memorial service was Dec. 28 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil.
Lydia Redekopp
Lydia Redekopp died peacefully Mar. 15 at age 93. She was born July 30, 1912 in the Kelstern, Sask. area to David and Maria Wilm. She was baptized in the Kelstern MB Church. Lydia married David Redekopp Feb. 10, 1935. In 1950, they moved to Birsay, Sask. to manage the co-op store. Lydia enjoyed her flowers, even last summer, and lived in her home until two weeks before her death. Her Bible and prayer list were very important to her. Predeceased by David in 1977; 1 sister; 2 infant brothers; she is mourned by daughter Eleanor (Laverne) Bagshaw; son Ed (Betty); 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. The celebration of life service was Mar. 21 at Lucky Lake (Sask.) Christian Fellowship Church.
Irma Margareta (Rita) Block 
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Irma Margareta (Rita) Block died Dec. 11 after an 8-year battle with heart disease. She was born July 9, 1933 in Chilliwack, B.C. Her mother, Maria Baerg, died when Rita was 3. She lived with her father David Peters and sisters at their paternal grandmother’s home in Vancouver until her father remarried. In 1942, the family moved to a farm in Surrey. At 16, Rita graduated, took a job as a nurse’s aid in Vancouver, and began nurse’s training. At this time, her husband-to-be, Arthur Block, came into her life, but the romance was interrupted when he went to Harvard. The couple married Dec. 30, 1954, beginning a 51-year marriage. Rita worked tirelessly at everything she undertook, supporting her husband in business functions, entertaining, and travel, as well as serving with the Vancouver General Hospital auxiliary. Rita and Arthur were active in Fraserview MB Church, serving as youth sponsors. Countless young people flowed through their home, all blessed by Rita’s generosity and attention. She is mourned by Arthur; children Barbara (Tom) Phillips, Janet (James) Toews, Leslie (Scott) Carpenter, and Adrian (Julie); 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson.
Otto Rast 
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Otto Rast died Mar. 18. He was born July 13, 1930 just outside Eatonia, Sask. At 15, he went off to seek his fortune. He went to Bible school in Calgary, teachers’ college in Vancouver, and then northern B.C. to practice his new career and share his faith in aboriginal villages. He married Katie Esau and the couple moved to Greenwood, B.C. in 1964, where he worked as a principal. They transferred to Cranbrook, B.C. where Otto’s thoughtful wisdom had an impact on many families through his work as a counsellor. Otto bought a farm for his family to share the values and experiences of farm life he cherished from his childhood, and served in leadership at Cranbrook Alliance Church. Otto loved music, especially old hymns. Upon retirement, Otto and Katie surprised their family by buying a condo and enjoying life from the 17th floor. They were active at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, serving on the church council and in other ways. He is mourned by Katie; children Wilf, Martin, Cecil, Valerie, and Randy; grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 23 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Margaret Neufeld 
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Margaret Neufeld died Mar. 23. She was born May 18, 1912 to Gerhard and Aganetha Reimer in the Ukraine. Her father died in Poland during WWI and her mother married a widower. At 14, Margaret accepted Jesus as her Saviour and two years later was baptized and received into membership at the MB church. At 22, she married Jacob Neufeld. After 7 years of marriage, they were separated when Jacob was arrested and exiled by communist authorities. The family never saw him again. After fleeing to several European countries, Margaret and her children immigrated to Canada in 1948. They settled in Yarrow, B.C. where Margaret bought an acre of land and a small house. She enjoyed growing raspberries and a vegetable garden. She moved to Vancouver and then to Abbotsford in 1983. In early January 2003, she fell ill. Margaret had a difficult and lonely life, but always trusted her Lord and Saviour. Predeceased by husband Jacob; daughter Agnes; she is mourned by children John (Anne), Erna (Tony) Janzen, Margaret Janzen; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 30 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
John Barg 
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John Barg died peacefully in his sleep Jan. 19. He was born July 20, 1925 in Orenburg, Russia to Peter and Katherina Barg. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling on a farm in Beechy, Sask. At 17, John invited Jesus into his life. He was baptized and joined the Beechy MB Church. He attended Herbert Bible School and then moved to Abbotsford, B.C. He finished high school in Vancouver and received his teaching certificate. He married Irma Arnot in 1954 and they moved to Mission, B.C. John taught school for 11 years, drove truck for Canada Post, and worked for the Summerland (B.C.) post office 17 years. At 62, he retired and went to work on his farm until a tractor accident in 1995 prevented him from continuing. He was active at Summerland Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school, serving as a deacon, treasurer, and usher. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. His gentle and uncomplaining spirit inspired many. He is mourned by Irma; children Nancy (Paul) Hughes, Brian (Karen) Barg, Pam Barg, Sharlene (Randy) Wheeler; 5 grandsons; 5 siblings. The funeral was Jan. 27 at Summerland Baptist Church.
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