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In this section:
Bernard P. Epp
Bernard P. Epp died peacefully Mar. 31. He was born June 29, 1922 in Steinfeld, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1929. Bernard married Susie Dueck in 1940 and they worked as missionaries in Paraguay. In 1950, they returned to Canada and bought a farm in Vauxhall, Alta. In 1959, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. and farmed. Throughout his life, Bernard studied, taught the Bible, and served the church. After Susie’s death in 1999, Bernard moved to a condo. He served at Clearbrook MB Church, especially in the German Bible study and prayer meeting, making valuable contributions to the discussions. Bernard inspired his family and loved unconditionally. He is mourned by his children Harold (Mary Anne), Erwin, Elmer (Susan), Dorothy (Paul), Victor (Nellie), Lillian (Len), Rosalind (Francois), and Judy; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters. The celebration of life service was Apr. 10 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Mary Klassen
Mary Klassen died Apr. 4. She was born Aug. 15, 1913 in Gruenfeld. Her family immigrated to Canada when Mary was 10, settling in Swift Current, Sask. She had to leave school in grade 8 to help on the farm. Later, she had the opportunity to attend Bible school where she found lasting friendships and happy memories. Mary married Wilhelm Klassen in 1937. Their early years were spent farming, in Saskatchewan and then in Manitoba. In 1944, they moved to Chilliwack, B.C. In 1988, they moved to a condo and Wilhelm died shortly after. Mary loved to read, travel, entertain, crochet, knit, and quilt. Predeceased by Wilhelm; son Victor; 1 brother; she is mourned by sons Rudy (Mary Ann) and Alvin (Kathy); daughter Wilma (Herb) Koehn; 1 daughter-in-law; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The celebration of life service was Apr. 12 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Gerhard Warkentin
Gerhard Warkentin died suddenly in his apartment Apr. 10. He was born Dec. 1, 1931 to Nickolas and Liese Warkentin in Fernheim, Parguay. He married Hildegard Friesen on Sept. 3, 1955 and they had 7 children. Gerhard worked as a truck driver for the Friesland colony in Paraguay. In Mar. 1974, the couple immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver. Gerhard worked as a labourer on construction sites and was self-employed as a drainage installer. Gerhard and Hildegard separated, bringing pain to the family. Gerhard came back to the Lord during an evangelistic crusade approximately 16 years ago. Predeceased by brother Hans; he is mourned by former wife Hildegard; sons Wilfred (Joanne), Eric (Regina), Hugo (Anita), Harry (Alice), Rudy (Wendy), Alfred (Brenda); daughter Urzsula (Bruce); 17 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. The memorial service was Apr. 20 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Menno B. Dyck 
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Menno B. Dyck died Apr. 16. He was born Dec. 3, 1932 in Hepburn, Sask. to Benjamin and Marie Dyck. At 8, he made his first public confession that Jesus was his Lord. He attended the Dalmeny church until 1946 when his family moved to Abbotsford. He was baptized at the Abbotsford MB Church. At 18, Menno moved to Vancouver and started his career at Woodward’s. He married Luella Pankratz in 1953. The couple attended Vancouver MB Church, Fraserview MB Church, and Killarney Park MB Church with Menno assisting in the construction of the latter two. Menno put his whole life under God’s leading. He started a business in the wholesale electrical field, which evolved into Buy-Rite Lighting. After much consideration and prayer, Menno closed the business in 2003 after 38 years to spend more time with church and family. They joined Clearbrook MB Church in Abbotsford. However, Menno’s health was already failing. Predeceased by 1 sister; 2 brothers; he mourned by Luella, sons Allan, Marvin, Carey, and Gerald; 3 grandchildren; 1 sister; 3 brothers. The memorial service was Apr. 24 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Gerhard “George” Penner
Gerhard “George” Penner died Apr. 22 after a 10-year battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 5, 1929 to Peter J. and Tina Penner in Myrtle/Kronsgart, Man. George was raised in a Christian home where music was important. At 16, George’s family moved to Manitou where he was baptized and joined the Manitou MB Church. He attended Winkler Bible School before moving to Winnipeg. George and Helen Thiessen were married Nov. 8, 1958 at Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church. George was employed at Marsland Engineering for 22 years and later at Uniroyal. He enjoyed singing in the choir, woodworking, reading, puzzles, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was faithful in prayer, loved the Lord with all his heart, and was an example to his family and friends. Predeceased by 1 brother; he is mourned by Helen; children Edward (Barbara), Anne (David) Maier, Katherine (Walter) Schulz; 7 grandchildren; 6 siblings. The celebration of life service was Apr. 29 at Kitchener MB Church.
Hertha Siemens
Hertha Siemens died peacefully Mar. 24. She was born July 10, 1935 to Henry and Marie Dyck near Guernsey, Sask. At 12, Hertha gave her life to Christ after revival meetings and was later baptized in the river. At 17, Hertha moved to Saskatoon to attend Saskatoon Business College. She married Henry Siemens May 5, 1956 and stayed busy as wife, bookkeeper, mother, gardener, cook, seamstress, and friend. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, volunteering on the catering committee, and babysitting for the Mom’s program. Her quick smile and gentle spirit drew people to her and as a result, she kept a wide circle of friends. Predeceased by 3 brothers, she is mourned by Henry; children Robert (Linda), Garnet (Charlyne), Jim (Janet), Judy (Rod) Sheppard, Val (Nathan) Bosch, and Fred (Robin); 15 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The memorial service was Mar. 30 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
Agnes Adina Friesen
Agnes Adina Friesen died suddenly Apr. 15. She was born Sept. 3, 1920 in Zagradovka, Ukraine to Abram and Anna Wiens. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925. They settled first in Hamburg, Ont., moved to a farm in Manitoba, and then relocated to B.C. in 1942. Agnes trained as a nurse and ended her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Abbotsford. She married John Friesen on her birthday in 1983. The couple lived in Abbotsford until John’s death Nov. 2, 2001. John had been in Menno Hospital due to a series of strokes, and Agnes moved to Menno Terrace so she could visit him daily and assist with his meals. She is mourned by step-daughter Lidia Tchourilov and her husband, their children and grandchildren; step-son Heinrich Wallmann and his wife, their children and grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister-in-law. The memorial service was Apr. 21 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Otto Alfred Martens
Otto Alfred Martens died Apr. 14. He was born June 29, 1914 to Peter and Marie Martens in Main Centre, Sask. He was baptized in 1950 and joined the MB church where he served in various ministries, such as Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, church secretary, and church auditor. He was also involved with the Rush Lake Water Users Association and the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He enjoyed farming and bought his own farm in 1945, just one year after marrying Wilma Engel on Apr. 9, 1944. Predeceased by 1 brother; daughter Marnie; he is mourned by Wilma; son Brian (Sharon); son-in-law Harry Unger; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 18 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church.
Katherine Reimer
Katherine Reimer died Dec. 3, 2005. She was born June 18, 1910 to Jacob and Gertrude Reimer in Rueckenau, Ukraine. Her mother died when she was 10. The family immigrated to Kitchener, Ont. in 1924 and then moved to Steinbach, Man. Katherine studied in Toronto, graduated as a registered nurse in 1938, and worked at various seniors homes and hospitals. Upon retirement, she moved to Abbotsford, B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. Her later years were spent at Tabor Home. Katherine loved singing with those who visited her, including her son Bill Stewart and his wife Joanne Nelson, and granddaughter Karen. Katherine inspired many, served all, and loved Jesus. The funeral was Dec. 9, 2005 at Bakerview MB Church.
Liese Neufeld 
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Liese Neufeld died peacefully Mar. 22. She was born June 2, 1907 in Margenau, Russia to Gerhard and Barbara Reimer. She enjoyed a happy childhood. At 14, Liese accepted Jesus Christ as her Saviour, was baptized upon the confession of her faith, and joined the MB Church in Margenau. After WWI, the family immigrated to Germany and lived in a refugee camp. They decided to move to southern Brazil where they had a hard beginning clearing the jungle. Liese married Johann in 1932 and they moved to Curitiba where Liese enjoyed singing in church choirs. After her husband’s death, she moved back to Germany to join some of her children and, in 1966, they all immigrated to Canada. Liese was blessed by the spiritual nurture she received at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg. It was her prayer that her whole family would accept Jesus as Saviour. Predeceased by Johann; brothers and sisters; she is mourned by children Elsa Maria, Gerhard (Ruth), Hans (Anni), Viola, Lili (Carl) Thorlakson, and Jake Waldemar; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.
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