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In this section:
Peter A. Janzen 
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Peter A. Janzen died Feb. 28. He was born Oct. 12, 1932 in Lugowoje, Russia. His father was imprisoned and executed before Peter began school. Throughout childhood, he was displaced, travelling with his mother under the protection of the German army. In 1947, Peter and his mother immigrated to Paraguay. He was baptized in Sept. 1949. In 1954, Peter moved to Montevideo, Uruguay to work with MCC, where he met and married Erika Friesen. In 1964, they moved to Curitiba, Brazil, then immigrated to Canada in 1967, settling in Vancouver, where Peter acquired his CGA designation and practiced accounting for 17 years. Peter was a firm but loving parent. He enjoyed showing hospitality, serving with the Gideons, and giving to missions. In 1985, Peter and Erika moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Central Heights MB Church. After a stroke in 1992, Peter’s ability to remember details and compute in his head faded. After another stroke, he moved to Menno Hospital. He is mourned by Erika; children Anneliese (Herb) Friesen, Monika (Bob) Thiessen, Helmut (Carrie); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 5 at Central Heights Church.
Wilbert Dyck
Wilbert Merlin Dyck died April 1. Born Apr. 17, 1928 to John and Justine Dyck in Swift Current, Sask., he was raised in the Rockside school district, northwest of Herbert, Sask. He met Helen while working as a farmhand and they married in 1949. The couple moved to Macrorie, Sask. in 1950. Many moves followed until 1965, when they settled in Moose Jaw. Wilbert worked for the city 1969–1979, then became part owner of Swift Machine and Welding with his son Ken. He retired in 1987, taking up hobbies such as building radio controlled airplanes and horse-drawn wagon replicas. Helen died in Feb. 2003. Wilbert married Pearl Funk in Aug. 2003 and moved to Red Deer, Alta. Predeceased by Helen, he is mourned by Pearl; sons Dennis (Shawn), Ken (Evelyn), Brian (Darlene); 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings. The funeral was Apr. 9 at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask.
Heidi Anne Thiessen
Heidi Anne Thiessen died in a vehicle accident Mar. 23 at age 24. She was born Jan. 15, 1983 to Alan and Deanne Thiessen. She was a beautiful young woman with sparkle, a great sense of humour, creativity, and zest for life. What stood out most in her life, however, was her perseverance. She continually had to deal with her heart, her thoughts, her feelings, her dreams, and rebuild them. Predeceased by her father in 2004, she is mourned by her mother; siblings Jesh, Jaydon, and Kari (Marc) Goossen; grandmother Elfie Thiessen; Papa and Gran Crosby; many friends and relatives. A memorial service was held March 31 in Armstrong, B.C.
Abe Janzen 
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Abe Janzen died Mar. 18. He was born near Morden, Man., Feb. 23, 1918 to Frank and Justina Janzen, and grew up in Hamburg, Man. He worked at a CO camp on Vancouver Island during WWII, then married Annie Neufeld, the “girl from on the prairie” he’d sung about in the camp, Oct. 7, 1944. He also loved to sing in the car and while plowing. The couple first settled in Winkler, Man., then moved to Winnipeg in 1952. He worked in maintenance and caretaking for Fort Garry School Division for 28 years. They returned to Winkler some 15 years ago. Abe is remembered for the many positive qualities he taught his children, his way with animals, his enjoyment of camping and driving, and the way he bore difficulties in his life. He met and personally claimed Jesus as Lord and Saviour about a month before his death, on Feb. 10. Predeceased by 14 siblings; daughter-in-law Betty in February; he is mourned by Annie; sons Richard, Robert (Linda), David (Elaine); 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 21 at Winkler MB Church.
Orlando Allan Goertz 
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Orlando Goertz died Mar. 4. He was born Dec. 21, 1931 to John and Susie Goertz in Waldheim, Sask. From early on, he helped on the farm and showed a love of hard work. The family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. when Orlando was 11. He married his “sweetie pie” Vera Rempel July 11, 1953. He farmed until 1975, then opened a welding and fabrication shop, followed by a John Deere dealership in 1981. Orlando designed and fabricated various implements, including pruning machines still being used in orchards. He also enjoyed snowmobile racing. He was active on the Eden High School board and had a passion to provide water wells for Third World countries. He had a love for Jesus and a faith that God’s will was being done. In the last few years, he experienced deteriorating health. Predeceased by daughter Jean; son John; he is mourned by Vera; children Joan Hatcher, Jim (Stephanie); daughter-in-law Elenore Goertz; Bob and Wanda Boldt; 11 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 at Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Abraham Peter Willms
Abraham Peter Willms died Mar. 23. He was born Oct. 7, 1920 to Peter and Katharina Willms, and lived in Tiege, Ukraine until the family immigrated to Canada in 1925. They lived in Saskatchewan, then the Niagara region of Ontario. Abe made a personal decision for Christ at 22 while serving as a CO, and was baptized a year later, joining Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. Four years later, he married Anne Kliewer. Abe farmed, then began a building business. He had a strong commitment to the Lord and displayed a consistent Christian testimony. He and Anne enjoyed travelling. In the early 1990s, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they were members of Bakerview MB Church. Abe is mourned by his wife Anne of 59 years; children Shirley (Walter) Janzen, Elizabeth (Henry) Toews, Lori (Richard) Tompkins, Edward (Laurel); 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 29 at Bakerview MB Church.
Elizabeth (Betty) Janzen
Elizabeth (Betty) Janzen died Feb. 8. She was born Jan. 1, 1950 to Rudy and Olly Dick in Culross, Man. She loved the Lord as personal Saviour and friend and was baptized in her youth. She married Rick Janzen July 26, 1969. They lived in Winnipeg and Carman, Man., and since 1979 in Winkler, Man., where they made many friends. Betty was known for her bright smile, and her kind, quiet ways of encouragement such as cards, phone calls, and gifts of food. She touched many lives as receptionist at Eden Health Care Services. Betty and Rick made wonderful memories while camping, motorcycling, doing mission trips, and spending time with grandchildren. God’s peace shone in Betty’s life, especially in the months after her diagnosis with a fast-growing cancer. Predeceased by her father; 1 brother, she is mourned by Rick, children Lisa (Al) Giesbrecht, Tim (Heidie), Paul (Cindy); 11 grandchildren; her mother; 2 sisters; 2 brothers.
Peter Harder
Peter Harder died Mar. 11. He was born Mar. 9, 1922 to Peter J. and Agatha Harder at Schoenau, Man. After finishing grade 8 he worked as a farm labourer. During the war years, Peter did CO service on farms and at a lumber camp in Ontario. He married Esther Banman Oct. 10, 1948. They farmed for 45 years, retiring to Winkler in 1993. Esther died in May 2000. On Dec. 3, 2000, Peter was baptized and joined the Winkler MB Church. His health declined and he was admitted to Salem Home, receiving total care the last two years. Predeceased by Esther; an infant daughter; 5 siblings; 1 great-granddaughter; he is mourned by sons Don (Susan), Edward, Harold; 2 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings.
Hildegard Balzer
Hildegard Balzer died April 18. She was born Mar. 31, 1923 in Gruenfeld, Russia to Johann and Susanna Penner. The family fled Russia, settling in Paraguay. Hildegard’s caring nature was evident in the care she gave her ailing father. She married Andreas Balzer Mar. 11, 1944. They went to the U.S. to study in 1952, returned to Paraguay in 1956, then moved to Vancouver in 1960. Although subject to health problems after typhoid fever as a child, Hildegard faithfully supported her husband in his responsibilities, took a leading role in a ladies club, worked as a cleaning lady, and did many arts and crafts. She enjoyed reading Bible verses and caring for others. She also had a soft spot for animals. Upon retirement, Hildegard and Andreas moved to Abbotsford, B.C. After Andreas died Nov. 28, 1997, Hildegard was very lonely and her health declined. Eventually she became a resident of Menno Home. Predeceased by Andreas; 2 siblings; she is mourned by children Fred (Dorinda), Nancy (Don) Messere; 1 granddaughter; 1 great-grandson; 2 siblings.
Katherine E. Dyck
Katherine E. (Katie) Dyck died peacefully Dec. 24. Born Oct. 10, 1926 in Burwalde, Man. to John P. and Tina Dyck, Katie never married but gave a life of love and devotion to her childhood sweetheart, Ted Braun, who was stricken by polio. He died in 1987. She was lifelong companion and caregiver to her parents. She enjoyed helping her dad with the daily chores and was one of the “Co-op girls” at Winkler (Man.) Co-op for more than 25 years. Katie was a determined, hard-working woman with a gentle, generous heart. Her talents included the ability to cook traditional fare at a moment’s notice, gardening, sewing, quilting, and knitting. Predeceased by 3 siblings; she is mourned by sister Irene Wallace; brothers John (Erika), Don (Gloria); nephew Darren (Karen); many nieces, nephews, and their families. The celebration of her life was held Dec. 28 at Grace Mennonite Church, Winkler, Man.
Velma Lillian Dell
Velma Dell died Mar. 31. She was born in Sutton, Que. Mar. 10, 1920 to Clara and Jesse Chamberlain. The family moved to Wiseton, Sask. where Velma attended Welcome Valley School. She moved to the Hampstead area in 1934, where she worked for the Andersons. In 1938 she married a neighbour, Alex Dell. They moved to the Bertdale area in 1948, farming until 1991. Velma was noted for her patience, quiet spirit, and faith in God. She taught Bible classes and influenced many lives. Predeceased by Alex in 2006; daughter Rita; son-in-law Ed; she is mourned by son Larry (Loretta); 2 grandsons; 2 great-grandsons. The funeral was Apr. 5 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask.
Mary Klassen
Mary Klassen died peacefully Nov. 14. She was born June 17, 1925 in Turnhill, Sask. Mary taught school for 35 years at General Brock and Sir Sanford Fleming in Vancouver. Upon retirement, she volunteered at care homes, Science World, and the Vancouver Airport Chaplaincy. Predeceased by 9 brothers; 4 sisters; she is mourned by sisters Helen Dyck and Martha Martens; 4 sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. The memorial service was Nov. 24 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C.
Theodore Wesley (Ted) Cornelson 
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Ted Cornelson died Jan. 9. He was born in Main Centre, Sask. Sept. 9, 1923, to Frank and Anna Cornelson. He began military service in 1941, and married Allison (Sunny) Bell in 1946. They led a typical military life, moving often to places like Calgary, Sidney, Toronto, Germany, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. Ted ran extremely efficient supply depots for the armed forces. He retired in 1974, having achieved the rank of major, and he and Sunny moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Ted then worked at Conair Aviation, as a customs officer, and as consultant in condominium law. Sunny died in 1988. Ted found love again and married Anne Delesky. They enjoyed being part of Central Heights Church. Ted was a man clearly filled with joy, who showed unwavering support and care for those around him, especially his family. As a younger man he was a strict father who loved his children at a distance; once he recommitted his life to the Lord his affection knew no bounds. His laugh was unique and infectious. Predeceased by wife Sunny; 1 brother; he is mourned by wife Anne; children Wes, Lorne (Carrie), Barb (Ron) Denney, Darlene (Ed) Tait; 4 grandchildren; 7 siblings. The celebration of life was Jan. 16 at Central Heights Church.
Jake Wolfe
Jake Wolfe of Portage La Prairie, formerly of Haywood, Man., died Mar. 21 at 43. He was born Dec. 2, 1963 to Jake and Helen Wolfe. He is mourned by his wife Donna; son Robert; his parents; many relatives and friends. The funeral was Mar. 26 at Elm Creek (Man.) MB Church.
Ellen Helgason
Irene Ellen Helgason died Apr. 9. She was born Dec. 25, 1922 to Ira and Myrtle O’Dell, and lived on a farm near Sheho, Sask. until relocating with her family to Foam Lake, Sask. when she was 7. On Oct. 27, 1941 she married Christian (Chris) Helgason. They raised a family of eight children. Chris died in 1989 and Ellen moved into a suite in her daughter’s home. She enjoyed crocheting afghan blankets for her children and grandchildren, making her famous “gramma Ellen” buns, watching junior hockey, and attending adult Sunday school and church. She was a loving, supportive mother who truly loved her family. In March 1993 Ellen dedicated her life to Jesus Christ. She is mourned by children Barbara (Gary), Grant (Inge), Patsy (Wilton), Carol (Lorne), Sharon (Russ), Rae Dawn (Ed), Blair (Val), Ronda (Darcy); 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 12 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask.
David Braun 
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David Braun died Feb. 3. He was born Oct. 25, 1932 in Yarrow, B.C. At 14, David accepted the Lord as Saviour at an evangelistic meeting. He attended Bible school and, in 1956, moved to Vancouver. He served in the Sunday school program at Pacific Grace Mission for more than 20 years. There he also met his true love, Mary, whom he married Sept. 21, 1957. David was a faithful employee of Woodward’s for more than 30 years, then began a second career in construction and finish work. Steadfastness and loyalty also marked service to his church family at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford. David enjoyed outdoor activities, including riding motorcycle. The word of God was an integral part of his life, particularly sustaining him during the deaths of 2 sons. He experienced God’s healing from lymphoma in 2004; when a second cancer came in 2006, he was not healed but experienced great peace. Predeceased by sons Ronnie and Milton, he is mourned by Mary; sons Stanley, Richard, Carey; 6 grandsons. The funeral was Feb. 8 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.
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