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In this section:
Aganeta (Nettie) Doerksen
Aganeta Doerksen died Feb. 22 after a more than 30-year battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 27, 1923 in Adelsheim, Russia, to Daniel and Aganetha Friesen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling near Herbert, Sask. They moved to Hepburn, Sask. in 1933. Nettie received Christ at a revival meeting and, at 17, was baptized. In 1947, she took nurse’s training in Winnipeg. On Oct. 18, 1952 she married Jacob Doerksen. Nettie worked as a nurse while her husband farmed. The family moved to White Rock, B.C. in 1985, where she joined Peace Portal Alliance Church. She moved to Abbotsford after Jacob died. Nettie was diagnosed with cancer in 1971 and endured surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation over the years. Predeceased by Jacob; 1 brother; she is mourned by daughter Colleen; 1 sister; 5 brothers. The memorial service was Feb. 28 at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
John Toews
John Toews died peacefully Feb. 24. He was born Aug. 26, 1925 in Colonsay, Sask. to Heinrich A. and Helena Toews. John’s childhood was spent in Watrous, Sask. In 1940, the family moved to Gretna, Man. In early 1942, John moved to B.C. He was hired by Dueck Building Supplies and was a loyal employee for 28 years, both in Chilliwack and Abbotsford. He married Elfrieda Krause in 1964 and they attended Clearbrook MB Church. In 1970 John was baptized and became a member of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. John retired in 1986 after a second bout with cancer, and spent the next 14 years as a volunteer driver for the Cancer Society. In Feb. 2003, John suffered a debilitating stroke. He is mourned by Elfrieda; daughter Ruth; son Robert (Heather); granddaughter Sydney; 1 brother, 3 sisters. The memorial service was Mar. 1 at Bakerview MB Church.
David Goertz 
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David Goertz died peacefully Mar. 8 at age 90. He was born July 16, 1916 in Kamenetz, Russia to Peter and Maria Goertz. In 1924, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Crowfoot, Alta., and later Lindbrook, Alta. Dave married Susie Martens Mar. 25, 1940 and for 6 years worked on the Jones Ranch in Bassano, Alta. In 1946 they moved to Coaldale, where Dave worked as a farmer, welder, and meatpacking plant maintenance worker, using his skills as an inventor to design and build labour-saving machinery. In 1989, Dave and Susie moved to Claresholm, Alta. On confession of his faith, Dave was baptized as a teenager and joined the MB Church. He served in Coaldale MB Church, Lakeview MB Church, and Claresholm Faith Community Baptist Church. Predeceased by 2 brothers; 2 sisters; he is mourned by his wife of 66 years, Susie; children Martha (Dave) Hubert, Dave (Kathy), Erv (Lorna), Mary Ann (Norm) Elford; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings. The memorial service was Mar. 24 at Claresholm Faith Community Baptist Church.
Abraham Arthur (Art) Hamm 
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Art Hamm died suddenly Feb. 20. He was born Sept. 21, 1932 in Gouldtown, Sask. to Abraham and Helen Hamm. Art was an overcomer. He experienced the deaths of his mother and 2 stepmothers, and the loss of 2 family farms. At 9, Art received Jesus as Lord and Saviour. At 12, he was trampled by a horse and then contracted polio in the hospital. Told he would never walk again, he went on to win track and field races. Art attended Briercrest Bible Institute and Canadian Theological Seminary in Regina. While at Briercrest, he met and married Shirley Memory. In 1958, the family left for mission work in India. They served with India Mission and Far East Broadcasting Company, pioneering Christian radio and literature, and running a recording studio, printing press, and bookstore. In 1970, Shirley died of a heart attack. Art and his 4 young children settled in Outram, Sask., where Art worked in construction and management. Subsequently, he worked as a printer and recording technician at Briercrest. He spent many Sundays speaking and travelling with his singing daughters. In 1979, Art married Hilda Froese. They were a dynamic team with unending resolve and energy. In 1981, Art and Hilda relocated to Virgil, Ont. to represent Far East Broadcasting Company and Every Home for Christ. In 1993, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. and began a home-based charity called Cross Cultural Mission Support Ministries. Art completed 18 trips back to India and was able to see the fruit of his labour. Predeceased by Shirley; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 1 grandchild; he is mourned by Hilda; children Darene, Debbie, Darrell, Darla, Alan, Carolyn, Donna, and Brenda, and their spouses; 16 grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The memorial service was Feb. 26 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
C.A. (Neil) Klassen 
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C.A. (Neil) Klassen died peacefully Mar. 22. He was born Sept. 16, 1929 in Drake, Sask., and moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1942. On Dec. 31, 1946, he recorded that “a relationship with Jesus was established – the beginning of a lifestyle change.” He completed several years at Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School. While there, he was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that shadowed and formed many of his life decisions. He took teacher training and taught for two years in Richmond, B.C. In July 1953, he married Laura Baerg. Neil taught in Fort Fraser and Vanderhoof, B.C. In 1966, he was appointed principal of Nechako Valley Secondary School and, from 1968–1987, served as coordinator of vocational services. Neil made his life count for God, working with the Gideons, Christian Service Brigade, Echo Lake Bible Camp, the Gospel Chapel, and Nechako Community Church. He combined his love of music, Vanderhoof, and Jesus by starting the Community Carol Sing. In retirement, Neil built a new home, provided retraining for Bond Brothers personnel, worked with the Nechako View Seniors’ Society, created beautiful wood products, and led Alpha Bible studies. He is mourned by Laura; children Kay (Lawrence) McAllister, Evelyn, and Marvin (Rozella); 6 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 2 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 30 in Abbotsford, B.C. and a memorial service was Apr. 9 at Nechako Community Church.
Nick Wall 
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Nick Wall died Dec. 9. He was born June 30, 1909 in Orloff, Russia to Heinrich and Elizabeth Wall. At 12, Nick accepted Christ as Saviour. On Nov. 29, 1919, Machno bandits murdered many in Orloff, including Nick’s father and grandfather. This changed the family’s life; they decided to immigrate to Canada. They settled in Saskatchewan, where Nick was baptized at 19. He married Katie Isaak July 25, 1936 and they farmed in Glenbush, Sask. Due to severe drought, Nick and Katie moved to Manitoba, where they worked many jobs before settling in the Marquette area to run a mixed farm operation. They were active in Marquette MB Church and hosted many visiting ministers and singing groups. After 43 years on the farm, Nick and Katie moved to Winnipeg, where they were active in Central MB Church and Elmwood MB Church. Due to declining health, they moved to Donwood Manor in 2005. Nick is mourned by Katie, his wife of 70 years; daughter Hedie (John) Derksen; son Alvin (Marianne); 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 14 at Elmwood MB Church.
Susan Penner
Susan Penner (nee Goertzen) died Mar. 5 at the age of 94. Susan grew up near Dalmeny, Sask., and married Henry Schultz in 1934. He passed away in 1978 and Susan married Henry Penner in 1980. They first moved to Chilliwack, B.C. and then to Abbotsford. Henry Penner passed away in March 2005 and a year later Susan moved into the Menno Terrace, where she enjoyed the fellowship of many friends. Susan’s life centred around caring for her family and showing hospitality. She was an encourager, prayer warrior, Bible teacher, and writer. Susan is mourned by her children Loyal (Ruby) Schultz, Janice (Harvey) Kuntz, Iris (Rick) Schellenberg, and Darrel (Joan) Schultz; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 24 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Walter Jacob Balzer 
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Walter Balzer died Feb. 26. He was born June 23, 1926 in Scottsburg, Sask. to Daniel and Sarah Balzer. He accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1946 and was baptized, joining Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church. Several years later he moved to Vancouver to work with B.C. Electric. He married Mary Gossen Aug. 17, 1952. They moved to Ontario and became house parents to some 20 delinquent boys. Fourteen months later, they started working at Bethesda Home in Vineland, Ont. with physically and mentally challenged adults. Walter obtained contracts from businesses to create jobs for people with special needs. In 1976, Walter and Mary responded to the call to direct Calgary Gospel Light Mission, where they served for 5 years and ministered to people struggling with substance abuse. They also served as pastoral couple in Snow Lake, Man. and as church planters in Nipawin, Sask. Walter and Mary enjoyed training students in evangelism and pastoral ministries. Upon retirement, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where Walter became involved in local evangelism and preached in senior care homes. He is mourned by Mary; sisters Dora Friesen, Margaret, Mary Petriew, Verna (Peter) Derksen; brothers Jake (Esther), Dan (Kay), and John (Isabelle). The memorial service was Mar. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Frieda Annie Arendt
Frieda Annie Arendt died peacefully Feb. 28. She was born July 27, 1931 in Rush Lake, Sask. to Johann and Helena Neufeld. She accepted the Lord as Saviour at an early age and later rededicated her life. During her school years, she developed a love for reading, which remained with her for life. After high school, she taught and then worked as a secretary. Frieda married John Arendt in 1962 and they moved to Manitoba. Bible reading and prayer were high priorities. Frieda could often be seen reading her Bible or bowing her head with prayer list in hand. She befriended people, had a listening ear, and prayed for them. Predeceased by 1 daughter-in-law; 1 grandson; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 1 foster sister; 1 sister-in-law; she is mourned by John; sons John David, Daryl Mark (Rowena); 1 granddaughter; 3 sisters; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 5 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
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