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Mennonite Brethren HeraldVolume 45, No. 12September 22, 2006
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Deaths

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Deaths

Alan James Janzen

Alan James Janzen

Alan James Janzen died peacefully July 7. He was born Sept. 30, 1962 in Abbotsford, B.C. to Harold and Martha Janzen. He lived most of his life in Abbotsford, and about 8 years in Yarrow, B.C. He accepted the Lord in his late teens, and was baptized at the Yarrow United Mennonite Church in 1999. He married Glenda Borak in 1985 and they attended South Abbotsford MB Church and then Yarrow United Mennonite Church, where he was involved in music ministry. He owned and operated a carpet cleaning business. After a painful divorce, he moved back to Abbotsford. He is mourned by daughters Danielle and Taylor; parents; brother Randy; sister Lisa (LaVerne) Eby; 5 nieces and nephews. The memorial service was July 12 at South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church.

John Braun

John Braun

John Braun died June 25. He was born Aug. 23, 1932 in Winnipeg to Isaak and Mary Braun. John was baptized on confession of his faith at Niverville (Man.) MB Church. He married Esther Friesen, the love of his life and best friend, June 9, 1956. John worked for Firestone for 33 years, managing his own store in Dauphin, Man., for 18 years. He won an award for the “most outstanding Firestone store in Canada.” He was a vital member of the Dauphin Rotary Club. A great joy was singing in the “Good News Quartet.” John and Esther moved to Winnipeg in 1993. John was diagnosed with liver cancer in January. He did not complain, and was grateful that God had given him 48 years of life after his first battle with the disease. Predeceased by son Curtis; he is mourned by Esther; son Douglas (Marti) and his stepchildren Peter, Kim, and James; great-grandson Ethan; daughter-in-law Kathlynn (Glen); mother Mary; 1 brother; 4 sisters. The memorial service was June 30 at Portage Ave. Church.

Frank Loeppky

Frank Loeppky

Frank Loeppky died June 17. He was born Jan. 8, 1921 in Michaelsburg, Russia to Frank and Anna Loeppky. They came to Canada Sept. 1926 and settled in Saskatchewan. Frank worked at various farms, a meat packing plant, and a bush camp. At 21, Frank made his decision to follow Christ and was baptized May 27, 1942. In 1950, he bought his first quarter of land to farm. In 1963 he purchased land at Tuffnell, Sask. where he met and married Frieda Schroeder July 25, 1964. Frank loved the Lord with all his heart, and also his family and nature. Predeceased by 1 sister; 3 brothers; he is mourned by Frieda; children Walter (Charlotte), Eleanor (Ray), and Victor (Lisa); 4 grandchildren; 1 brother; 3 sisters. The funeral was June 20 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask.

Elizabeth Neufeld

Elizabeth Neufeld (nee Berg) died Aug. 7. She was born July 23, 1913 in Blumenort, Ukraine. She was married to Jacob Neufeld and was widowed at an early age. In 1948, Elizabeth emigrated from Germany to Canada, settling in Swift Current, Sask. She lived on a farm with the C.K. Epp family for one year and took care of her widowed brother’s children, then went to work at the Swift Current Union Hospital. She joined Bridgeway Community Church, where she attended faithfully and made many friends. Elizabeth was always aware of God’s presence in her life. She was a generous and caring aunt who helped her family whenever she could. She is mourned by sister Mary; nephew Hank Dueck; niece Mary-Anne (Leo) Oberdorfer; 5 great-nieces and nephews. The funeral was Aug. 15 at Bridgeway Church, Swift Current.

John William Schellenberg

John William Schellenberg

John William Schellenberg died June 19. He was born Nov. 27, 1926 in Morris, Man. He is mourned by his wife of 54 years, Eveline; children Jennifer (Dan), David (Joy), Dennis, Vic (Sandy), Bert (Linda), and Virginia (Tim); 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was June 23 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Deane McDonald

Deane McDonald

Deane “Rusty” McDonald died peacefully with her family by her side June 29. She was born Nov. 17, 1944 in Saskatoon to John and Rhoda Murrey. She married Dale McDonald Feb. 24, 1987 and was baptized Feb. 27, 2000. She is mourned by Dale; children Steve, Terri-Ann, Brenda (Scott), and Stacey (Cameron); grandchildren Tomi-Jay, Jordan, Harold, Kai-Leigh, and Megan; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral was July 7 at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C.

David Francis Duncan

David Francis Duncan

David Francis Duncan died peacefully July 27 at age 67. He is mourned by his mother Vicky; sister Joyce; sons Dwayne (Lisa), Blair (June), Wade (Susan), and Tone (Juin); fiancée Linda; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. The memorial service was Aug. 2 at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C.

Blondina Heppner

Blondina Heppner

Blondina Heppner died Aug. 1. She was born July 1, 1918 to Johann and Anna Bergmann in Alexanderdorf, Russia. In May 1925, she arrived in Canada, where she lived in Manitoba and then B.C. Blondina married Peter Heppner Apr. 6, 1937. She helped him start a trucking business and was the cheery voice on the phone taking orders. Blondina and Peter were baptized Aug. 8, 1954 and joined Greendale MB Church. She was active in the Willing Helpers group, and enjoyed travelling, wintering in Palm Springs, and baking for her grandchildren. Blondina survived cancer and a heart attack in the early 1980s. In 2003, Blondina and Peter moved to the Lynnwood Retirement Residence where they were well-known by the neighbourhood children. Predeceased by 3 brothers; 1 sister; she is mourned by Peter; daughters Eleanor (Peter) Thoss and Darlene (Alex) York; son Bill (Pauline); 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 9 at Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack.

Harold Wardell

Harold Wardell

Harold “Hal” Wardell died suddenly July 10. He was born Dec. 3, 1929 in Winnipeg. At 6 months, he went to live with his grandparents while his parents looked for work. At 7, he returned to his mother and father and started school. After graduation, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force to satisfy a lifelong passion to fly. However, shortly after getting his pilot’s wings, he had an accident, terminating his flying career. He then worked for the CPR investigation department, and in renovation for Sauder Industries, moving from Winnipeg to Halifax, Calgary, and finally Vancouver. Hal was first married in 1957 and had 4 children. In 1974, he married Diana. Hal was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Chilliwack Community Services, and Sardis Doorway. Predeceased by son Robert, he is mourned by Diana; children Charles (Ellen), John, and Elizabeth; 4 grandchildren. The funeral was July 17 at Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack.

Helen Johann Wiens

Helen Johann Wiens

Helen Wiens died July 21. She was born Sept. 3, 1917 in Fuerstenwerder, Ukraine to John and Agnetha Goetz. She immigrated to Canada in 1926 and the family settled in Dalmeny, Sask. Helen married Clarence Wiens during WWII. Their sons Don and Terry were born in St. Catharines, Ont., and daughter Judy on Salt Spring Island, B.C. In 1970, they settled in Langley, B.C. Clarence died in 1983. Helen survived this loss with the support of her family and new friends at South Langley MB Church, where she was known as a prayer warrior. Helen spent many happy hours with her children, 5 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Her family and friends remember her smile, caring heart, and willingness to help others.

Katherine Koop

Katherine Koop

Katherine Koop died May 1. She was born Aug. 18, 1927 near Mullingar, Sask. to Abram and Aganeta Dyck. At 10, she moved with her family to Ontario. They attended Vineland MB Church where Katherine was later baptized and became a member. She loved and served Jesus all her life, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She met Werner Koop and, in 1954, they were married. Kay and Werner had a special partnership, operating a farm and raising 5 children. Their home was a place of welcome, complete with love, laughter, and a table of baked goodies. Kay had a way of making everyone feel comfortable. She enjoyed her grandchildren and was an encouragement to many. She is mourned by Werner; children Laurena (Donald) Kroeker, Donna, Douglas (Karen), Joanne (Dan) Voth, and Rachel (Randy) Sawatzky; 11 grandchildren. The memorial service was May 5 at Vineland (Ont.) MB Church.

George Jacob Klassen

George Jacob Klassen

George Jacob Klassen died July 20. He was born July 16, 1915 in Borden, Sask. to John and Martha Klassen. During the Depression, George’s family spent time in California before returning to Canada in 1927. In 1939, George moved to Vancouver to work as a welder. He married Ella Hoppe Aug. 1944. In 1950, they moved to Greendale, B.C. where George operated a trucking business and drove school bus. George accepted Jesus as Saviour Feb. 1963, was baptized, and joined Greendale MB Church. George was an innovator. He built an apple press, enjoyed working with antique gas engines and anything mechanical, and taught himself to play several musical instruments. George was a role model, teaching his sons responsibility, loyalty, and service to others. He had a lively sense of humour and was never ashamed to show his emotions. Predeceased by Ella in 1996, he is mourned by sons Jim (Irene) and Harvey (Bev); 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was July 26 at Greendale MB Church.

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