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In this section:
Jean Neufeld
Jean Neufeld died peacefully in her sleep June 27. She was born to John and Martha Schmidt July 28, 1935. Jean grew up near Waldheim, Sask., then attended business college in Saskatoon. In 1955, she married Wilmer Neufeld. This pleasant union resulted in 3 children, Cheryl, Douglas, and Brian, and 5 grandchildren who were the centre of Jean’s attention and dedication. Near the end of her working years, Jean and Wilmer relocated to Abbotsford, B.C., where Jean’s volunteer work with the Mennonite Central Committee book department and the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. became her passion. Her efforts will be remembered as fruitful in the ministry of the MB denomination. The funeral was July 3 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.
Emma Louise Epp
Emma Epp died peacefully May 11. She was born Jan. 3, 1915, in Waldheim, Sask. to Jacob and Ida Siemens. After high school Emma trained to become a dental assistant and worked in a dentist’s office in Saskatoon. In 1945, she married Carl Epp and they moved to Algonquin Park, Ont., where Carl’s electronics expertise helped build the Pinetree Line. They retired in the early 1970s to Victoria, B.C. where Emma continued her passion for piano music, photography, and charity work. Carl’s death in 2000 devastated Emma, but she immersed herself in communicating with relatives, playing music, and participating in church groups, particularly the Women’s Missionary Fellowship. Emma was known for her charitable attitude and giving ways. Predeceased by Carl; 1 sister; she is mourned by sisters Adeline Hulse and Verna Steele; sister-in-law Ethel Van Epp; nephews and nieces. The memorial was May 28 at Central Baptist Church, Victoria.
Jakob (Jake) Dyck 
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Jake Dyck died June 21. He was born Sept. 19, 1933 in Osterwick, Ukraine to Gerhard and Nettie Dyck. The family moved to Russia, but were forced to flee to Canada amidst the turmoil of WW II. They settled in Morden, Man., where Jake attended Winkler Bible School. At 18, he declared his faith and was baptized in the Red River. In 1953, Jake moved to Ontario. He married Eleonore (Lori) Goossen Nov. 19, 1955 and they had two daughters, Rita and Brenda. Jake played for the Hamilton Tiger Cats football team for one season and then joined General Motors in St. Catharines, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor. He was also an instructor at Niagara College. Following a move to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in 1975, Jake and Lori joined Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, where they served as deacons for 12 years. After retirement, Jake enjoyed travelling and helping out at a local car wash. Jake was known for his charisma, ready smile, strong handshake, big heart, and endless generosity. The celebration of life was June 25 at Fairview MB Church.
Helen Dyck 
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Helen Dyck died June 28 after an extended battle with leukemia and osteoporosis. She was born Mar. 4, 1927 in La Salle, Man. to Johann and Helena Friesen. At 16, Helen gave her heart to Jesus Christ and was baptized two years later. As one of four girls in a family of 11 children, Helen quickly learned to cook, clean, and sew, but also milked cows, bailed hay, and worked as hard as the boys. When she was in her 20s, Helen travelled to Abbotsford, B.C. to pick berries. There she met Henry Dyck whom she married June 27, 1954. Helen enjoyed sewing for others. As word of her creative talents spread, she soon had full-time work that became a 30-year career. She was well-known for her wedding gown creations, some of which she sewed working from photographs alone. After Henry died in 1989, Helen joined Jubilee Singers at Central Heights Church, her home congregation. She is mourned by son Leonard (Helen); daughter Doris (Peter) Fleck; 2 grandsons; 7 brothers; 2 sisters. The celebration of life was July 5 at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.
Carol Anne Wolfe
Carol Anne Wolfe died peacefully June 22. She was born Dec. 25, 1955 in Yarrow, B.C. to Frank and Anna Dahl. Family life involved singing together and attending Yarrow MB Church. Carol studied at Briercrest Bible College and then at the University of British Columbia, where she trained as a teacher. She grew up with a young man who became the love of her life. Carol and Peter Wolfe were married July 28, 1979. Carol was passionate about raising a family and enjoyed taking vacations and spending time with friends. She decided to follow Jesus at age 9, saying, “I began a relationship that at times was close, many times distant, and often confusing. I experienced many things that, at times, made me wonder how much I really wanted this relationship. I came to realize how much God actually loved me as I am. This realization gave me a joy and purpose in my life. My relationship with the God of creation is worth living for.” Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Peter; children Rachel (Chris) Richardson, Erik (Holly), Kelly (and fiancé Conrad MacIntyre); mother Anna; 7 brothers and sisters. The funeral was June 27 at South Langley (B.C.) MB Church.
Annie Brown 
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Annie Brown (nee Kornelson) died June 12. She was born Oct. 27, 1916 in New Samara, Russia. When she was 8, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Brotherfield, Sask. and then moving to Agassiz, B.C. via boxcar. Annie achieved a grade 5 education and then went to work. In her later teenage years, Annie worked as a domestic in Vancouver. At 19, she married Henry Brown, an older bachelor. They spent their first years on Sumas Prairie, where Henry was a dairy milker, and then moved to Clearbrook and finally Matsqui (now Abbotsford). After the children were grown, Annie learned to drive and gained employment as a homemaker. In retirement, Annie enjoyed gardening, cooking, and quilting. Predeceased by Henry, her husband of 66 years in 2002; sons Ben and Ernie; she is mourned by children Arnold (Bernice), Martha, Walter (Irene), Herb (Dorie), John (Evelyn), David, and Caroline (Hermann) Matis; daughter-in-law Marilee (Ron) Yorke; 26 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was June 18 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
John Benjamin Unruh 
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John Benjamin Unruh died peacefully June 26. He was born Mar. 11, 1913 in Schoenwiese, Russia to Benjamin and Meta Unruh. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, homesteading in Indian Head, Sask. and then moving to Ste. Rose, Man. John married Elizabeth Janzen on Nov. 24, 1942. In 1946, they moved to B.C., where they farmed. When farming became a hardship, John started a business, John Unruh Excavating, which he enjoyed until retirement in 1971. He built a dream home in 1972 with a spectacular view of Mt. Baker. John was baptized in 1938. His faith and church involvement were important to him. He and Betty were charter members of East Aldergrove MB Church, which John helped build in 1947. A quiet and reserved man, John enjoyed travelling, driving, and fixing things, especially sewing machines. During his last 3 years of life, John’s greatest sorrow was not being able to live with his wife. He visited her daily and took her out on dates. John is mourned by Betty; children Harry (Marlene), Ruth (Elvin) Warkentin, and Frieda (Ron) Kruchak; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was June 29 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Lena Walmer
Lena Walmer died June 8, seven weeks before her 100th birthday. She was born July 27, 1907 in Krydor, Sask. to John and Mary Walmer. In her 20s, Lena moved to Blaine Lake, Sask., where she worked as a seamstress, and then to Winnipeg. In her 30s, she relocated to Edmonton. In 1947, she began her career with the CN Railway. She served as head seamstress in charge of linens until she retired in 1972 to Vancouver. The last 13 years of life were spent in Abbotsford near family. Lena enjoyed travelling, cooking, gardening, photography, and knitting. Friends and family depended on Lena to keep their feet warm and their dolls dressed. A generous woman, Lena also donated many of her creations to the CNIB and supported more than a dozen children through World Vision. Lena had a productive life and touched many with the gifts God gave her. The memorial was June 14 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford.
Maria Penner 
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Maria Penner died May 7. She was born Nov. 9, 1915 in Nieder Chortitza, Ukraine to Johann and Elizabeth Guenther. In 1936, Maria married Johann Valkowsky and they had 3 children, one of whom died in infancy. In 1941, Johann was drafted into the army and died during the war. In 1943, Maria began a flight to Germany by train. During the flight, the train derailed and her son Hans was killed. Maria and her daughter travelled alone for the rest of the journey. In 1945, Maria married Victor Penner and they had two daughters, both of whom died when they were children. In 1948, the family moved to Paraguay, where both Maria and Victor accepted Christ and were baptized, becoming members of the MB church. They had 7 more children and then immigrated to Canada in 1961, settling in Abbotsford, B.C., where they built a chicken farm and joined Clearbrook MB Church. For 30 years, Maria was involved in a ladies’ group at the church, and she and her husband also served as deacons. Victor died in 2002. Maria was a strong Christian woman who enjoyed baking, cooking, and praying for her family. The memorial service was May 14 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mary Doerksen 
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Mary Doerksen died July 5. She was born July 17, 1927 in Russia to Bernard and Elizabeth Doerksen. In 1930, the family immigrated to Canada, staying first in Crowfoot, Alta., then settling in Coaldale, Alta., where Mary lived for the rest of her life. She attended Coaldale Bible School for three years and spent several years working in retail stores before becoming a paraplegic. Mary accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized on her confession of faith at Coaldale MB Church. She taught Sunday school and VBS, sang in the church choir, and played violin in an orchestra. After being confined to a wheelchair, she spent many years at home. In 1998, she moved into long-term care. Mary never became bitter and maintained a friendly disposition. Predeceased by 1 infant brother, she is mourned by sisters Elizabeth, Margaret (Ben) Reimer, Ann (Harold) Kasper, Helen (George) Penner, Katherine (John) Willms, and Esther (Abe) Hiebert; brothers Ben (Agnes), Henry (Kay), David (Carolyn), and Arthur (Eleanor); nieces and nephews. The memorial service was July 10.
Wilfred Daniel Rempel
Wilfred Daniel Rempel died June 6 after a battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 5, 1934 in Hodgeville, Sask. Predeceased by his first wife Doreen Rempel, Wilfred is mourned by his wife Pat; children Mona (Jonathan) Kolish, Danny (Shirley), and Wayne (Deanna); 11 grandchildren; step-children Linda (Howard) Gehl and Leslie Enns (Robert Bray). The funeral was June 11 at Kelstern (Sask.) Community Church.
John Cornelius Isaak 
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John Cornelius Isaak died May 20. He was born Dec. 28, 1916 in Alexanderpol, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Quebec City Aug. 14, 1924 and settling on a farm in Manitou, Man. John met the love of his life, Kay Fote, in 1938 and they were married 2 years later. John registered as a conscientious objector during WWII and worked as a machinist. In 1947, the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where John worked as a logger and raised raspberries. John rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized in 1958, joining Broadway MB Church. There he served as an usher and Sunday school worker. In 1968, John and Kay moved to Port Coquitlam, B.C. and joined Willingdon Church, where they enjoyed many years of service as kitchen stewards. They moved to Abbotsford in 1981 and transferred their membership first to East Aldergrove MB Church (now Ross Road Community Church) and then to Clearbrook MB Church. In retirement, John enjoyed travelling, golfing, watching hockey, and fishing. Predeceased by 4 brothers; 1 sister; son Ron; he is survived by Kay; sons Bob (Julia Blanchet) and Ken (Esther Klassen); 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 sister. The celebration of life service was May 28 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Wally Elfriede Isaac
Wally Elfriede Isaac died July 9 at age 86. She was born in Ukraine to Peter and Elizabeth Isaac, and immigrated to Canada as a child. She was a dedicated member of Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church, where her involvement was diverse, including such things as singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and taking an active part in the Women’s Missionary Service and other committees. Wally’s faith was strong to the end. Predeceased by 4 brothers; 3 sisters; she is mourned by lifelong friend Anne Thiessen (with whom she travelled to many parts of the world); nieces and nephews. The funeral was July 12 at Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener, Ont.
Abraham Enns Thiessen
Abraham Enns Thiessen died peacefully Jan. 6 with his family by his side. He was born May 18, 1940 in Cd Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico to Jacob and Susan Thiessen. He joined the work force at a young age to help support his parents and siblings. The family moved to B.C., then to California, and eventually back to Mexico, where Abraham met Sara Wiebe. It was at this time Abraham made a commitment to the Lord and was baptized on his 24th birthday. He and Sara were married Sept. 13, 1964. They moved to Canada in 1971, where Abraham worked at Guenther Doors, now known as Masonite, for 30 years. He retired a year before falling ill with a rare and aggressive autoimmune disorder. Abraham and Sara attended South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church for the past 12 years, where they were blessed with a wonderful life group. Abraham is mourned by Sara; children Glen (Allison), Marian (David) Spenst, and Ed; 5 grandchildren; surviving siblings. The memorial service was Jan. 10 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Marguerite Rempel
Marguerite Rempel (nee Barg) died Aug. 4. She was born July 24, 1915 in Tiege, Russia and came to Canada with her family in 1926, settling in Vineland, Ont., then moving to Kitchener. She married Cornelius (CJ) Rempel in 1938. When Cornelius became the first executive secretary of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Canada, Marguerite had the opportunity to travel to numerous countries and welcome many guests from around the world into her home. There was always room for friends and family around her table and she loved to cook for a few or a crowd. Marguerite lived a life of service to others through her commitment to Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church, MCC, the Gideons, her family and friends. Predeceased by Cornelius, she is mourned by children Carol (Norman) Giesbrecht, Paul, and Betsy (Ron) Petker; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 8 at Kitchener MB Church.
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