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In this section:
Jacob B. Martens
Jacob B. Martens died Dec. 14 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Apr. 10, 1938 near Killarney, Man. to Peter and Margaret Martens. He attended MB Bible College in Winnipeg and then began a farming career with the purchase of a farm in 1960. In 1963, Jake married Gertie Klassen. They enjoyed travelling. In 1978 they bought Killarney Music Centre/Radio Shack. Jake volunteered as an ambulance driver for Killarney Hospital and spent his leisure time hunting, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, and getting together with friends. For Jake, everything in life was based on his strong faith in God. He was active in Lakeview Community Church and Killarney Mennonite Church. He is mourned by Gertie; daughters Marilyn (Rob) Kroeker and Marci (Roy) Davies; 2 grandsons; 2 step-grandsons; 4 brothers. The memorial service was Dec. 19 at Lakeview Community Church.
Anna Fast
Anna Fast died Nov. 22 at age 89. She is mourned by her children Lorane and Bob; grandchildren Janet, Karen, Chrissie, and Amy; great-grandchildren Teri, Giancarlo, Darci, Jamie, Jesse, and Miranda. The celebration of life service was Nov. 29 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Kathy Doerksen Gerbrandt
Kathy Doerksen Gerbrandt died peacefully Nov. 28. She was born Mar. 28, 1932 in Eyebrow, Sask. to Frank and Helena Doerksen. In 1958, the family moved to Herbert, Sask., where Kathy met her future husband, Elmer Gerbrandt. They were married Aug. 26, 1961. Due to Kathy’s health struggles early in their marriage, happy times were interrupted by trips to doctors and specialists in search of help. Kathy spent a lot of time in different hospitals. Kathy and Elmer’s love for each other never wavered, but grew stronger. Kathy had a strong faith and never complained, dealing bravely with her many struggles. She was compassionate and gentle. She received the Lord as her Saviour at an early age, was baptized on confession of her faith, and became a member of Herbert MB Church. Later, she transferred her membership to Bridgeway Community Church in Swift Current, Sask. Predeceased by 4 brothers; 3 nephews; she is mourned by Elmer; 2 brothers; 1 sister; 4 nephews; 7 nieces. The funeral was Dec. 1 at Bridgeway Community Church.
Arthur Polnau
Arthur Polnau died peacefully Dec. 23. He was born Apr. 2, 1932 in Europe. After the war, the family moved to Paraguay. Arthur loved adventure and travelled to Uruguay, Germany, and then to Canada. He was a conscientious worker and tried various jobs, finally settling on the plumbing trade. Providing for his family was important, and he enjoyed helping others in practical ways. He trusted God for wisdom and was thankful for the Lord’s guidance in his life. Predeceased by his first wife Tina; daughter Heidi; he is mourned by his wife Lilly; son Tim (Bev); daughter Estee (Gordon) Taylor; 4 grandchildren. The funeral was at McIvor MB Church, Winnipeg.
Paul Jacob Wiebe
Paul Jacob Wiebe died Oct. 23. He was born Apr. 4, 1915 in Main Centre, Sask. to Jacob and Katharina Wiebe. At 12, Paul accepted Jesus as his Saviour. In the 1930s, he entered the teaching profession, which became his life’s vocation. He married Alma Dyck in 1938 in a double wedding with Alma’s brother. In 1967, the family moved to Abbotsford where Paul continued teaching until retirement in 1980. The same year, Alma died. Comfort was brought into his life in 1981 when Paul married Louise Dyck. In retirement, Paul enjoyed travelling, ministry to seniors, singing in men’s choruses and quartets, developing friendships, and spending time with family. Predeceased by Alma; 1 granddaughter; 1 great-grandson; 1 son-in-law; 1 brother; 2 sisters; he is mourned by Louise; 5 children; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 27 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Abram Teichrieb
Abram Teichrieb died peacefully Dec. 23. He was born Nov. 16, 1918 in Tiege, Siberia to Abram and Anna Teichrieb. When he was 10, the family left Russia due to political tensions. They stayed in China for two years and then settled in Schoenau, Paraguay, where living conditions were rough. Pastor H.B. Friesen, who would later become his father-in-law, baptized 21-year-old Abram. Irene Friesen and Abram were married Nov. 9, 1946. The couple moved to Filadelfia, Paraguay, and then immigrated to Canada in 1967. They built a home in Ladner, B.C., where Abram worked as a cabinetmaker. After retirement, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Abram always had great faith in his Lord and Saviour, and spent much time praying and reading the Bible. He took pleasure in sharing his faith with family and friends, and loved to quote his favourite Bible verses. He cared for his family and looked forward to gatherings, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed sipping maté tea with friends. Abram will be remembered for his woodworking talents, summer barbeques, and the bountiful garden he tended. Predeceased by Irene; his only son Theodor; he is mourned by daughters Marianne (Alex) Szajko, Kathy (Ed) Hildebrandt, and Margita (Bruce) Davidson; 1 daughter-in-law; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Waldemar Borowski
Waldemar Borowski died Sept. 21. He was born Sept. 27, 1932 to John and Lydia Borowski in Nikolaipol, Russia. The family immigrated to Germany before WWII and came to Canada in 1949, settling in Yarrow, B.C. Waldemar received Jesus as Saviour in his youth. He loved to read and memorize Scripture. He was baptized on July 20, 1952 and became a member of Yarrow MB Church. He lived with his parents until moving to Clearbrook, B.C., where he became a member of Clearbrook MB Church. He loved his Lord and attended worship services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings as long as his health allowed. Predeceased by 1 brother; he is mourned by his brother Bill; nephews Pete (Kari) and Steve; great-nephews Colton and Devin. The memorial service was Nov. 3 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Henry John Wiebe 
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Henry Wiebe died Dec. 5. He was born Feb. 26, 1918 in Waldheim, Siberia to Johann and Katherina Wiebe. He met his wife-to-be, Agnes Epp, in Germany in 1944 and they were married in 1947. The family immigrated to Canada following the birth of their first daughter in 1948. Henry accepted the Lord and was baptized at Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church Sept. 30, 1951. He worked as a chicken farmer and carpenter. He was involved in many construction projects throughout B.C., including the CN railway, the Peace River Dam, Westminster Abbey in Mission, the Surrey Co-op feed mill, and various shopping centres. He was also involved in the community as a coach for boys’ and men’s fastball, board trustee at Clearbrook Waterworks, Matsqui municipal councillor, and board member at Mennonite Educational Institute. Henry served in his church as an usher, treasurer, and building trustee. He loved God, enjoyed serving his church, was enthusiastic about sports, and was devoted to his family. He is mourned by Agnes; children Mary Lou (Ron) Barkman, Luella (Dave) Neufeld, Rudy (Hilda), David (Lesley), and Loren (Heather); 13 grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 11 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Mary Riediger
Mary Riediger died Jan. 4. She was born Apr. 20, 1926 in Blumenort, Sask. to Aron and Justina Riediger. The family moved to B.C. in 1945. At an evangelistic meeting when she was 10, Mary went forward and asked Jesus to forgive her sins and come into her heart. She was baptized in Swift Current, Sask., after which she joined the MB church in Blumenort. In B.C., she became a member of East Chilliwack MB Church, Vancouver MB Church, and then Culloden MB Church. Mary had the gift of caring. She worked at Vancouver General Hospital until her retirement, first as a ward assistant and then in the lab. She enjoyed her work immensely. She loved to help people and knew just what to do when someone needed her. Mary took care of her mother, who had terminal cancer, and her sister, who had a stroke. Predeceased by 2 siblings in infancy; 1 brother; 1 sister; she is mourned by brother Aron (Helen); sisters Justina, Tiena, and Elizabeth (Henry) Esau; 1 sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
William H. Klassen 
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William H. Klassen died Nov. 6, just short of his 100th birthday. He was born Feb. 13, 1907 in Podgorodne, Ukraine. His family immigrated to Canada in 1923, settling in southern Manitoba. William accepted Christ as his Saviour during revival meetings. He was baptized and joined Morden MB Church in 1933. He married Elizabeth Pauls Oct. 6, 1935. The Lord blessed them with 71 years of marriage. William taught his children the importance of faith and was a committed Sunday school teacher. He was a farmer most of his life, sustained by God’s grace in the years the farm didn’t produce much of a crop. In retirement, he worked as a custodian of the church until age 80. William loved his family and cherished the times they spent together. Predeceased by 1 son-in-law; he is mourned by Elizabeth; children Ruth, Adina (Neil) Tiessen, Waldo (Diana), Grace, and Betty (Gilles) Piché; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 11 at Westside Community Church, Morden, Man.
Peter Edward Reimer
Peter Edward Reimer died Dec. 25. He was born Apr. 15, 1915 in Kaltan, Russia to Johann and Helena Reimer. He immigrated to Canada in 1926 at age 11 with his mother, brother, sister, and brother-in-law. They first settled in Alberta and then moved to the Fraser Valley, B.C. Peter met Mary Falk in Yarrow and they married in 1937. He retired in 1980 from the Chilliwack Municipality, where he was a heavy machine operator for many years, and a supervisor for the last few. Mary died in 1997. In 2004, Peter married his long-time friend, Margaret Matties. She brought great joy to the last years of his life. Peter was a long-time participant at Yarrow MB Church and was baptized in Oct. 2006. He valued family and faith, and loved baseball, good food, gathering with friends, playing games, telling jokes, and trying new things. He is mourned by Margaret; children Betty Carlson, Evelyn Bartsch, Diane, and Ed; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
John Cornelius Nickel
John Cornelius Nickel died Dec. 2. He was born Apr. 13, 1924 in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine to Cornelius and Justina Nickel. The family suffered much during the political unrest before and after WWII. After the war, John moved to Canada, first settling in Manitoba in 1949. He married Anna Zielke June 7, 1952 and they moved to Virgil, Ont. John was a construction worker until 1963. He then worked for General Motors until retirement in 1989. John accepted Jesus as Saviour in the early 1960s. He had many interests such as reading, music, the outdoors, and working at Camp Crossroads. In 1994, he was diagnosed with cancer and not expected to live. Yet God gave him 12 more years. Predeceased by Anna in 2002; he is mourned by his children Frank (Judith), Henry, Anneliese (Barry) Adams, and Marlene (Doug) Englisch; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother. The memorial service was Dec. 7 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil.
Lawrence John Toole
Lawrence John Toole died Dec. 12. He was born Dec. 16, 1930 in Calgary. Lawrence lived all his life on the family farm in the Bircham District, doing what he loved best – farming. He was a member of the Secan Growers Association and took great interest in growing new varieties of certified seed. Lawrence enjoyed curling and spent many seasons at the local curling rink with neighbours and friends during the regular draws and at the bonspiels in surrounding towns. Lawrence was a member of the Linden (Alta.) MB Church, where he loved to worship and fellowship with others. He is mourned by brothers Robert (Diana), Elgin (Marlene), and Neville (Wendy); sisters Beatrice, Patricia (Carl) Willberg, and Grace (Dorne) Fyten; many nieces and nephews. The funeral was Dec. 16 at Linden MB Church.
John Isaak Jr. 
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John Isaak Jr. died peacefully Nov. 30. He was born in Winnipeg Jan. 25, 1950, to John and Agnes Isaak. After graduating with the first computer technology class from Red River Community College, Winnipeg, he spent the next 30 years at Manitoba Telecom Services in a variety of computer-related jobs. An early retirement package allowed John to pursue other interests and to continue working with computers part-time for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. John’s faith in God was the guiding principle in his life. This was reflected by the way he treated others and cheerfully greeted them. John’s unique sense of humour and playful manner infected those around him. John’s hands were rarely idle; he enjoyed woodworking and a plethora of other hobbies. He readily shared his skills with anyone in need. He also had an unquenchable desire to experience the world through travel. He was a member of Jubilee Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. He is mourned by his parents; wife Bonnie; children Nathan (Alanna), Tristan, and Rachel; 2 grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was Dec. 6 at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.
Rick Lyle Penner
Rick Lyle Penner died Oct. 19. He was born Sept. 29, 1956 in Swift Current, Sask. Predeceased by 1 nephew; he is mourned by his mother Dorothy Carleton; wife Brenda; children Cody and Missy; 3 brothers; mother and father-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law. The memorial service was Oct. 23 at Dalmeny Community Church, Sask.
Ronald Douglas Mogdan 
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Ron Mogdan died Nov. 4 after a battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 12, 1952 in Edmonton, Alta. to Herb and Helen Mogdan. The family moved to Coquitlam, B.C. in 1967. Ron graduated with honours from high school in 1970 and then studied electronics at the B.C. Institute of Technology, graduating in 1972. He worked for several companies, including CNCP, Canon, and Canada Post. He also worked as a beekeeper and groundskeeper. He married Beverly Thornton July 24, 1976. The family moved to Dalmeny, Sask. in 1997. Family was important to Ron and he dedicated several years to periodically homeschooling his five children. His brothers-in-law became the brothers he never had, and Ron treasured the time he spent with them. Church family was also very special to him. Ron enjoyed gardening, growing vegetables, fruit trees, grapes, figs, and lemons. He was a good cook and enjoyed baking different breads. He loved music, and played the piano and mandolin. He loved reading the Bible and had a heart for the poor, supporting several children through World Vision. He even took Spanish classes in hopes of travelling to El Salvador to meet them. Predeceased by 1 brother-in-law; Ron is mourned by his parents; wife Beverly; children Corey (Kim), Maria, Jon, Becky, and Jared; sister Crystal. The memorial service was Nov. 9 at Dalmeny Community Church.
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