|
|
In this section:
William (Bill) P. Isaac 
|
William (Bill) P. Isaac died Nov. 24. He was born Aug. 20, 1923 in Swalwell, Alta. Bill started farming with his father in the Linden, Alta. area. In 1960, he moved to Calgary, where he purchased a farm and had a grain and hog operation. Bill married Gladys on Mar. 25, 1961 at Linden MB Church, the same building that is now their daughter’s home. When Bill was 63 years old, he retired from his farm and was employed by his brother-in-law at a dairy operation for 3 years. In 1997, Bill and Gladys moved to Linden, where they participated in the Linden Care and Share. Bill was a member of Linden MB Church for more than 40 years and served on the MCC Disaster Services Committee for 10 years. Bill was known for his devotion to family and faith. Bill enjoyed friends, reading to his grandchildren, and doing yard work. Predeceased by 4 brothers; 2 sisters; he is survived by Gladys; children Gary (Cindy), Gloria (Ron) Halliday, Gerda (Mark) Klassen, and Darlene (Dale) Rempel; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 29 at Linden MB Church.
Anne Fehr
Anne Fehr died Nov. 30 after a struggle with cancer. She was born Feb. 20, 1922. Predeceased by her husband Dave; son Larry; 7 siblings; she is mourned by her son Brian (Julie); daughter Lois Millsap; daughter-in-law Kathy; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The funeral was Dec. 6 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.
Tamara Sommer 
|
Tamara Sommer died Jan. 4. She was born Sept. 11, 1925 in Marganetz, Ukraine to Gordey Borowick and Selma Sommer. Tamara lived in Russia until 1943, when she moved to Germany with her family due to events of WWII. In 1947, the family moved to Paraguay, where Tamara attended teacher’s college and subsequently taught German and Spanish at the secondary school level. She immigrated to Canada in 1958 and found employment with Mutual Life Assurance Company of Canada in Waterloo, Ont. She resumed her studies and graduated in 1970 from the University of Waterloo, where she then worked as a professor of Russian. In 1994, she was appointed professor emeritus. Tamara was a faithful member of Kitchener MB Church and was involved with MCC’s refugee assistance program. Predeceased by 2 brothers, and followed in death 15 days later by her sister Ida; she is mourned by brothers Paul (Lydia) and Eduard; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; cousins. The funeral was Jan. 8 at Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener, Ont.
Ida Sommer
Ida Sommer died Jan. 19. She was born Oct. 13, 1927 in Norinsk, Ukraine to Gordey Borowick and Selma Sommer. Ida lived in Russia until 1943, when she moved to Germany with her family due to events of WWII. In 1947, the family moved to Paraguay, where Ida was a founding pioneer of the Volendam colony. She immigrated to Canada in 1959 and found employment with Mutual Life Assurance Company of Canada in Waterloo, Ont. She worked there in a variety of positions, including department head, for the next 30 years. Ida was a faithful member of Kitchener MB Church, where she was involved with a variety of committees. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 15 days earlier by her sister Tamara, she is mourned by brothers Paul (Lydia) and Eduard; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; cousins. The funeral was Jan. 22 at Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener, Ont.
George Wickersham 
|
George Wickersham died Feb. 1 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born March 6, 1941 in Lethbridge, Alta. to Bill and Lucy Wickersham. After his father was killed in a tragic accident, his mother married Herb Pullyblank. George now had a stepfamily. He completed his education in Coalhurst, Alta. and worked at Horton Steel in Lethbridge and then at Linden (Alta.) Machine Works. Later, he and his wife Elvera became owners of a poultry farm. George’s life was guided by his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a kind, friendly, generous, and humble man who exercised his gifts within his church and community. He served on the village council, as a board member for Kneehill Gas Co-op, the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops, and the Alberta Hatching Egg Board. George treasured his family and friends. He obtained his ham radio licence and pilot’s licence, and built and flew model airplanes and ultra-light airplanes. George enjoyed golfing, camping, and southern gospel music. Whenever possible, he and Elvera would travel. He is mourned by Elvera; daughter Lorrie (Alec) Morley; son Dennis (Marlene); 7 grandchildren; 1 brother; 3 step-siblings. The celebration of life service was Feb. 4 at Linden MB Church.
Katherine (Kay) Peters
Katherine Peters died quietly Feb. 4. She was born Aug. 25, 1922 in Orenburg, Russia to John and Sara Peters. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. After a short stay in Manitoba, they settled in Rosemary, Alta., where Kay received her schooling. She moved to Coaldale, Alta. with her parents when they retired and joined Coaldale MB Church. Kay stayed with her parents until they died and spent the last years of her life in care homes. Predeceased by 5 siblings, she is mourned by sisters Jessie Filatoff, Margaret Hiebert, Elizabeth (Menno) Friesen, Marie (John) Reimer, and Ruth (Bob) Balisky; 1 sister-in-law; 24 nieces and nephews. The memorial service was at Cornerstone Funeral Home.
Isaac Fast
Isaac Fast died peacefully Oct. 19. He was born Aug. 7, 1925 in Kubanka, Russia to Jacob and Katharina Fast. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and settled on a farm in Ready Made, Alta. Isaac accepted Christ and attended Coaldale Bible School. In 1946, Issac moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where he worked in a sawmill. He married Mary Hiebert Oct. 28, 1950. They moved to the Vancouver area and joined Fraserview Church. He worked in sawmills and then the Vancouver shipyards. Isaac valued family and faith. He enjoyed fishing and travelling. He is mourned by Mary; daughter Janet (Don); son Glen; 2 granddaughters; 3 brothers; 4 sisters. The memorial service was Oct. 26 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C.
David Heidebrecht 
|
David Heidebrecht died Dec. 26. He was born July 28, 1925 in Lisawka, Ukraine to Johann and Maria Heidebrecht. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927 and eventually settled in St. Catharines, Ont. Dave was baptized in 1945 in Port Dalhousie and became a member of the first MB Church. As a young adult, Dave enjoyed travelling, fishing trips, and practical jokes. He married Anne Thiessen April 16, 1955. In 1965, Anne was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease and died in July 1973. During his wife’s illness, Dave found solace in oil painting and drawing. He and his brothers ran Heidebrecht & Sons Painting. On Feb. 9, 1974, Dave married Sally Thiessen. The years with Sally were precious to Dave, as they spent a lot of time together. They enjoyed attending their granchildren’s sporting events and music concerts, as well as travelling. Sally died in June 1999 from a brain tumor. Afterwards, Dave served at Camp Crossroads and Out of the Cold. He was a thoughtful and generous man. Predeceased by 2 wives, he is mourned by children Ken (Ingrid), Joanne (Bob) Schellenberg, and Donna (Al) Hines; 8 grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 30 at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines.
David D. Duerksen
David Duerksen died Dec. 10. He was born May 23, 1923 in Russia to David K. and Maria Duerksen. The family immigrated to southern Manitoba, where David grew up. At 14, he was baptized and joined the MB Church. In 1954 he married Elfrieda Rempel. He was a poet, prose writer, and speaker who enjoyed sharing his thoughts with a wide audience. He taught high school English and instilled a passion for literature in his students. The major part of his teaching career was spent in Winnipeg. David had a passion for the church and enjoyed preaching and speaking at special events. He suffered a severe stroke at age 68 while giving a talk at Mennonite Brethren Bible College. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Elfrieda; daughter Joan (Bob); sons Carl (Cheryl), Don (Janice), and Mark (Kim); 8 grandchildren; 2 sisters. The memorial service was Dec. 13 at River East MB Church, Winnipeg.
Gertrude Driediger 
|
Gertrude Driediger died Dec. 16. She was born May 20, 1923 in Alexandrodar, Russia to Alexander and Katharina Fast. When she was 2, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Manitoba. Gertrude attended Normal School in Winnipeg, where she learned to teach and fell in love with Jake Driediger. They were married July 15, 1945 and moved to B.C. They joined Greendale MB Church, where Gertrude sang in the choir, performed duets with Jake, and played the piano. Gertrude taught kindergarten in the Chilliwack school district until 1993. After retirement, Gertrude and Jake enjoyed travelling, golfing, and sharing dinner with family and friends. Gertrude loved God, the church, her family, and friends. Her hospitality was spontaneous and generous. Her culinary and craft skills were second to none. Predeceased by Jake in 1999, she is mourned by children George (Helen), Walter (Evelyn), Ted (Delores), and Kathy (Randy) Grycan; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 expected great-grandchildren; 2 brothers; 4 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 20 at Greendale (B.C.) MB Church.
Louise Anne Ewert 
|
Louise Anne Ewert died Jan. 28. She was born Oct. 11, 1941 in Herbert, Sask. to Katherine and Jake Woelk. In 1958, a car accident took the life of her mother and seriously injured her father, and Louise took on the household management. By 1962, her father had remarried and Louise moved to B.C. She married Walter Ewert Mar. 28, 1964. They purchased his parents’ poultry farm in Sardis and also owned an orchard in Oyama, B.C. In 1980, Louise began working at Sears, where she developed a great interest in gems, especially diamonds. Walter died in 1990. Louise sold the farm and the orchard and built a house. Louise lived life with joy. She loved her family and her home and took pleasure in furnishing it with beautiful things. She also enjoyed her garden and travelling. She delighted in the Bible Study group she belonged to and felt blessed by their support. Predeceased by Walter, Louise is mourned by sons Ken and Chris; stepmother Minnie; 2 sisters; 5 brothers. A celebration of her life was held Feb. 5 at Greendale (B.C.) MB Church.
Emma Martha Goerzen
Emma Martha Goerzen died Dec. 15 after a battle with cancer. She was born in 1930 near Rush Lake, Sask. to Henry and Anna Klassen. Emma was a creative and skilful child. Early in life she became a Christian and, at 14, was baptized in Lake Minnewasta, joining Morden (Man.) MB Church. Emma became a teacher and taught at East and West Curtis schools in Winkler, Man. She married William (Bill) Goerzen in 1960 and they moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where both had teaching positions. They joined Eden Mennonite Church and developed some fine friendships. Emma taught Sunday school for nearly 50 years and loyally supported pastor families. She was a loving, supportive mother. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by Bill; children Charity Joy, Michael, Heather, and Shelby; 5 grandchildren; 1 grandchild born 6 weeks after Emma’s death.
Anna Schroeder 
|
Anna Schroeder died Feb. 24, just 11 days short of 100. She was born Mar. 7, 1907 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Heinrich and Aganetha Falk. Anna developed a sense of responsibility and leadership early in life. As her family was preparing to immigrate to Canada, Anna dedicated her life to Jesus Christ. In December 1926, the family arrived in Manitoba and then moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1934. Anna worked as a housekeeper and paid off her family’s travel debt to the CPR for their transportation from Russia to Canada. On Feb. 10, 1946, Anna married Peter Schroeder, a widower with 5 children. The family purchased a farm in Aldergrove, B.C., where they developed a successful mixed farm operation and became members of East Aldergrove MB Church. Anna had significant housekeeping and culinary skills, which she used over the next 40 years. In 1968, Peter and Anna sold their farm and retired to Clearbrook, B.C. Predeceased by Peter in 1993; 10 siblings in infancy; 3 brothers; 1 son-in-law; 1 granddaughter; 1 great-granddaughter; she is mourned by children Anita (Ed) Klassen, Shirley (George) Warkentin, Peter (Elinor), Dorothy (Peter) Enns, Joan Rempel, and Ramona (George) Falk; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 3 at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Henry Niessen 
|
Henry Niessen died peacefully Nov. 27. He was born July 26, 1911 in Pokrowsky, Russia to Frank and Katarina Von Niessen. In 1923, the family immigrated to Aberdeen, Sask. Henry had to learn English, but couldn’t spend much time in school because he had to help on the farm. At 17, he accepted Jesus as Saviour and at 19, he was baptized at Aberdeen MB Church. Henry married Leona Buhlin Oct. 1, 1940. Henry loved to sing, especially German hymns, and play games with his children. When Aberdeen MB Church closed in 1960, Henry and Leona began attending West Portal MB Church in Saskatoon. After retiring from farming in 1972, they led the seniors group at church and helped in the kitchen. Henry became ill with heart disease in 2001, but never stopped living for his Saviour. Predeceased by his son Hank, Henry is mourned by Leona; children Kathy (Harv) Geransky, Judith (David) Russell, and Connie (Ron) Wyman; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 1 at West Portal MB Church.
Paul G. Hiebert 
|
Paul G. Hiebert died Mar. 11 after a battle with cancer. He was born in India in 1932 to missionaries John and Anna Hiebert. After 6 years of service with MB Mission and Service International in India, Paul earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology and taught for some years in secular universities. Subsequently, he taught missions and anthropology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, Cal. (1977–1990) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Highland Park, Ill. (1990–2007). A prolific writer, Paul published more than 150 articles and 10 books. His colleagues will remember him for his efforts to bring the insights and skills of anthropology to the theory and practice of Christian mission, and for his contribution to the critical realist approach to epistemology. His students will remember him for his generosity and care. Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family will remember him for playing rough and tumble with kids, enjoying family camping, celebrating all events at Chinese restaurants, eating hot curry till dripping with sweat, travelling so much he could hardly be found, and faithfully having family devotions. Predeceased by his wife Frances Flaming Hiebert in 1999, he is mourned by children Eloise (Michael) Meneses, Barbara (Bryan) Rowe, and John (Jane) Hiebert-White; 4 grandchildren; 6 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 17 at Wellspring Church of Skippack, Pa.
|
