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In this section:
Waldemar Jacob Toews 
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Waldemar Jacob Toews died May 2. He was born Oct. 17, 1923 to Jacob and Justina Toews in Crimea, Russia. At 2, he came to Canada with his family. At 16, Waldemar committed his life to the Lord and a year later was baptized, joining the Philadelphia (Sask.) MB Church. On Oct. 17, 1947, he married Charlotte Dick. They moved to Saskatoon in 1951, since Waldemar thought he would earn good money in the city and then return to farming. However, he settled into a career at Eaton’s lasting more than 33 years. He volunteered with St. John Ambulance and was invested with the Serving Brother Award by Canada’s governor general. Waldemar’s faith was a vital part of his life. He was active in the church, singing, ushering, and serving on church council and other boards. After Charlotte’s death in 1985, he married Tina Sawatsky. They were married almost 3 years when Tina died. Waldemar then married Ruth Fast and they enjoyed more than 15 years travelling, singing, and making crafts together. Predeceased by Charlotte; Tina; 2 infant brothers; he is mourned by Ruth; children Marilyn (Larry) Buhler, Elizabeth (Melvin) Unger, Don (Dolores) Toews; 16 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The funeral was at Forest Grove Community (MB) Church, Saskatoon.
Waldo Penner
Waldo Penner died peacefully May 5. He was born Oct. 3, 1919 in Secunderabad, India to missionary parents John and Anna Penner. He completed elementary education at Breeks School and took his secondary education in Toronto. Waldo accepted Jesus in his youth, was baptized, and was active in St. Clair Baptist, Guelph Baptist, and Fairview MB churches. He received his BA and BD from McMaster University, and a MTh from Berkeley Baptist Divinity College, Cal. He married Doris Rains in 1946. Being well-suited for missionary service, he went to India where he worked for 34 years, serving at different times as an evangelist, administrator, teacher at a Baptist theological college, chaplain, and counsellor. In 1980, Waldo and Doris returned to Ontario where he used his counselling skills at Homewood Sanitarium. He was awarded an honourary DDiv from McMaster University in 1982. After Doris’ death in 1999, Waldo married Catharina Thiessen. He will be remembered for his loving ways and humour. Predeceased by Doris; 2 brothers; he is mourned by Catharina, sons George (Vera) and Bill (Julie); daughters Lois (Ismail) Cemal and Rebecca (Neil Taylor); 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters. The memorial service was May 17 at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines.
Peter David Bergman
Peter David Bergman died May 13. He was born Sept. 7, 1916. Peter was a faithful servant of Jesus, a godly man, and a gracious gentleman. The Holy Spirit touched many through his life. Predeceased by son David; 2 brothers; he is mourned by his wife of 66 years, Hilda; children Peter (Kathryn), Edelene (Lloyd) Brubacher, Don (Irene), Gary (Lynda), and Beverley; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The memorial service was May 16 at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines.
Margaret Jackson 
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Margaret Jackson died Apr. 17. She was born Aug. 15, 1921 in Toronto. Her twin sister died from pneumonia at six months. Margaret discovered the joy of a relationship with Jesus in her mid-teens. She loved children, and was involved in teaching Sunday school and children’s ministry all her life. She entered the Salvation Army Training College to become an officer and was sent to Bermuda, serving until 1944. She married Russell in August 1944. They went with Scandinavian Alliance Mission (now TEAM) as pioneer missionaries to Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and retired to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1986. Margaret lived a life of deep devotion to her Master and Saviour. She consistently displayed courage, fortitude, and adaptability during 37 years of ministry in Africa, in retirement, and in her declining years. Predeceased by Russ; sister Emma; she is mourned by children Lynnette, Bud, and Tom; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers. The memorial service was May 20 at Central Heights (MB) Church, Abbotsford.
Jake Siemens
Jake Siemens died Apr. 3 in the presence of his eldest daughter. He was born Jan. 17, 1930 in Russia to Jacob and Justina Siemens. The family fled Russia and eventually settled in Paraguay where they lived for 18 years. Jake was a well-respected teacher in the community. He gave his heart to the Lord at an early age. The family immigrated to Canada in 1950 and Jake married Frieda Schmidt Jan. 25, 1953 in Coaldale, Alta. Jake spent his working years in the construction industry, mostly in the Edmonton area, until he suffered a heart attack in Jan. 1995. Cancer eventually took his life. He will be missed for many reasons, including his storytelling ability that often held people spellbound. He is mourned by Frieda; children Bob (Cathy), Alvena (Phil) Tong, Ron, and Arlene (Lyle) Toop; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; mother Justina; 2 brothers; 4 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 7 at Sturgeon Funeral Chapel, Edmonton.
Tina Blatz
Tina Blatz died May 31 at age 93. She was born Oct. 29, 1912. Her early years were spent in children’s camp ministries and nursing. In 1948, she moved to Germany, serving nearly 30 years as a missionary with Janz Team Ministries. She remained active in Christian service in her retirement years. Predeceased by 14 siblings, she is mourned by sister Eva Braun; numerous nieces and nephews and their families. The funeral was June 8 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Megan Fast
Megan Fast died June 5 in the presence of her parents. She was born Oct. 31, 1969 in Windsor, Ont. to Bob and Margaret Fast. She graduated from Briercrest Bible College, University of Waterloo, and Charles Sturt University in Australia with a teaching degree. Megan was an active member of Meadow Brook (MB) Fellowship, Leamington, Ont., where she used her skill in graphic arts to design the church’s new logo. She worked for Daimler Chrysler from 2000–2005 until receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Megan’s first love was Jesus and, after spending three months with Teen Missions in Papua New Guinea in 1988 and two months in Norway in 1989, she decided she would love to be a Bible translator with Wycliffe. However, this dream was never realized. She is mourned by her parents; brother Cameron (Grace); sister Cassie; adopted sister Khong Phat-Am; nephew James; niece Elizabeth; dear friends Barbara, Deborah, and Cassie. The celebration of life was June 8 at Meadow Brook Fellowship.
Alvin Peter Pries
Alvin Pries died peacefully at home May 27 at age 39. He was born Sept. 15, 1966 to Erwin and Mary Pries. He was a dedicated employee with Circa Telecommunications in Calgary for 10 years. Alvin’s favourite things were music, playing pool, bowling, card games, and spending time with those he loved. He had a special relationship with his nephew, whom he called “My Matthew.” Alvin touched many people with his sense of humour, determination, and unconditional love and acceptance. Predeceased by brother Kenny, he is mourned by his parents; siblings Harvey (Diane), Esther (John) Huston, and Dale (Doris); nephew Matthew; other relatives and friends. The celebration of life was June 1 at Highland MB Church, Calgary.
John Stobbe 
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John Stobbe died May 29. He was born Feb. 3, 1919 to John and Suzanna Stobbe in Waldheim, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada when John was 6, settling in Schanzenfeld, Man. On May 12, 1940 he was baptized upon his confession of faith and joined the Bergthaler Church. He was registered as a conscientious objector and sent to Clear Lake, Man. to build roads. In Oct. 1943, he married Gladys Klassen. They moved to southern Manitoba and farmed in Roland until 1967. In 1956, John joined the MB Church where he faithfully attended and served. In 1967 the family moved to Winkler and continued to farm until John’s retirement in 1979. He remained active, farming part-time, working with MDS in Texas and Mexico, using his carpentry skills in family building projects, and travelling. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing with his grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 sisters; 1 brother; he is mourned by Gladys; children Ken (Lillian), Ray (Shirley), Marlene (Jim), and Sharon; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Velma Esther Dyck 
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Velma Esther Dyck died peacefully Mar. 20 after a battle with cancer. She was born July 3, 1937 to Henry and Annie Penner in the Burwalde district, Man. God and church were family priorities and as a result, Velma made a decision to follow Jesus at a young age. At 11, she was baptized on the confession of her faith. A special childhood memory was the time she spent at Gimli Bible Camp and Velma was proud of the fact that she memorized 200 Bible verses, earning her trip to camp. She met Bert Dyck through the church choir and they were married Apr. 11, 1958. They moved to Bert’s farm where Velma’s love of gardening was evident in the many flowers she planted each year. They experienced times of tight finances, but always relied on God to provide. There were also times of plenty when they shared what they had with others. A big part of Velma’s life was planning an annual family vacation. She also served in the church, helping with Pioneer Girls club, serving as a deacon, sharing her love of quilting at the Morning Out for Mothers program, and playing the piano for the Perfect Peace Quartet. Velma is mourned by husband Bert; children Charles (Audrey), Virginia (Milton), and Myron (Connie); 7 grandchildren; mother Annie; 3 sisters.
Helmuth Toews
Helmuth Toews died Nov. 26, 2005 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 7, 1948 in Filadelphia, Paraguay to Peter and Margarete Toews. The family was involved in a train accident in which Helmuth’s brother Rudy died. The family immigrated to Canada in July 1953. Helmuth married Margaret Kampen July 18, 1970. After the death of his brother-in-law, he dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized at the First United Mennonite Church in Vancouver. For many years he enjoyed singing in the church choir in Vancouver and at Willingdon Church in Burnaby. He met a lot of people through church involvement and his drywall business, and they often referred to him as the gentle giant. He learned construction skills and renovated his home beautifully. He is mourned by Margaret; children Dave (Wenda), Waldon, Jeff (Natalia), 2 granddaughters; 1 brother; 4 sisters. The celebration of life service was Dec. 2, 2005 at Willingdon Church.
Annie Kroeker
Annie Kroeker died June 7. She was born Jan. 10, 1910 to Peter and Susanna Penner in Friedensfeld, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1923 and settled in Laird, Sask. Annie was baptized July 31, 1927 and married Frank Kroeker July 24, 1934. After several years in Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, they moved to Ontario in 1947. Annie generally enjoyed good health, but in the last few years her memory failed her. Although she could not express herself, the family felt that she knew they were with her. Predeceased by Frank in 1989, she is mourned by daughters Doreen, Marianne, Clara (Arnold) Willms, and Valida (Peter) Wall and their children Cheryl (Darrell) Burgess and Sylvia (Dennis) Matis; 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 10 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont.
Peter Koop 
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Peter Koop died May 7. He was born Oct. 12, 1925 in Rueckenau, Molotschna to Johann and Katharina Koop. In 1941, Peter went to Rostov as a cattle herder. Upon his return to Rueckenau, he was surprised to find the village already occupied by the Germans. In 1944, Peter was conscripted into the German army. Towards the end of the war, he was taken prisoner by the Russians but managed to escape one night while walking to a train station. He made his way to Berlin where he met other refugees, including his future wife Anna Janzen. They were married Sept. 22, 1946 and sailed to Paraguay. Peter came to the Lord Mar. 1945 on the eastern front, asking Jesus for forgiveness and protection from death, and promising to praise him for the rest of his life. He was baptized in 1950. In 1960, Peter and Anna immigrated to Vancouver, where Peter worked at a door and window factory for 20 years. He served in the church, ushering and transporting elderly people to church. In his last years, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and was cared for by his granddaughter. Predeceased by Anna in 2002; sons Heinz and John; he is mourned by daughter Anita (Art) Isaac; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 11 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Peter Heinrich Kasper
Peter Heinrich Kasper died May 12 at age 104. He was born July 1, 1901 in Eichenfeld, Ukraine. He married Anna Martens July 7, 1922. From 1914–1948, Peter lived through WWI, the Russian Revolution, the Great Depression, and WWII. His eyewitness accounts of these times were riveting to hear. Peter immigrated to Canada with Anna and their children Oct. 20, 1948. Peter was an industrious and hard-working man, and spent the next 21 years working for Monarch Industries as a machinist. In retirement, he enjoyed building carpentry projects, travelling to the U.S., and spending time with his grandchildren. His home was always open to church youth. Having never owned a car, he did most of his travelling in the city on foot, which helped keep him vigorous and strong. He was blessed with health until his last day and was still living independently in his own apartment. He is mourned by daughter-in-law Hilda Kasper; 3 granddaughters; 3 great-grandsons.
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