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Mennonite Brethren HeraldVolume 47, No. 01January 2008
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Deaths

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Deaths

Hilda Siemens

Hilda Siemens

Hilda Siemens died peacefully Nov. 15, 2007 after a battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 11, 1937 to A.J. and Mary Stobbe in Abbotsford, B.C., where she grew up. She attended South Abbotsford MB Church with her family and accepted Jesus as Saviour, was baptized, and joined the church. She married Leo Siemens in 1960. Hilda took her practical nurse’s training in Vancouver and worked in hospitals for about 5 years. She provided for the family while Leo continued his training. Hilda enjoyed caring for children, singing, baking, sewing, knitting, making crafts, and doing visitations with Leo. She faithfully served God alongside her husband in several churches. Predeceased by 2 sisters; 1 brother; she is mourned by Leo; daughters Lorraine (Norm) Elgaard and Elaine (Steve) Pattimore; son Mark; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters; 2 brothers. The memorial was Nov. 21 at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.

Elizabeth Enns

Elizabeth Enns

Elizabeth Enns died peacefully Nov. 3, 2007. She was born July 4, 1920 in Felsenbach, Russia to Isaac and Elizabeth Bergen. After her father’s death, Elizabeth and her mother immigrated to Canada. In 1940, Elizabeth’s mother married widower Martin Enns who had six children. The family moved to Steinbach, Man., where Elizabeth helped on the farm and worked in a sewing factory. Upon retirement, she sewed blankets and baby layettes for MCC. Elizabeth joined Steinbach MB Church in 1968 and enjoyed the mission sisters group, mission fundraising banquets, and Christian radio programs. Throughout her life, Elizabeth had a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, and his Word gave strength and grace for each day. She is mourned by siblings Helen, Cornie (Kay), Jacob (Tena), George (Kathy), Nettie (Peter) Friesen, and John (Agatha); nieces and nephews. The funeral was Nov. 7 at Steinbach MB Church.

Lucille Wiens

Lucille Wiens

Lucille Wiens died Nov. 3, 2007. She was born July 13, 1934 in Cochrane, Alta. to Frank and Helena Wiens. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at a Bible camp in 1943, was baptized, and joined Coaldale MB Church. Her life’s passion was to spread the gospel and see others accept Christ. Lucille attended Steinbach Bible School and then became a registered nursing assistant and x-ray technician, working in Coaldale and Taber hospitals. From 1966–1970, Lucille served in Paraguay with MBMSI. After returning to Canada, she was part of many committees in the church and community, including Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Lucille valued family, took care of her parents in their latter years, arranged frequent family celebrations, and spread love everywhere. Predeceased by 1 sister; 3 nephews; she is mourned by nephew William Tymburski; siblings Katherine (Peter) Tymburski, Abe (Helen), Frank (Olive), Ellen (John) Hildebrand, Ruth Wyton, and Neil; other nieces and nephews. The funeral was Nov. 8 at Coaldale MB Church.

Quinton Spencer Hornoi

Quinton Spencer Hornoi

Quinton Spencer Hornoi died suddenly Nov. 5, 2007. He was born Apr. 30, 1945 in Regina, Sask. to Edward and Edna Hornoi and was raised on a farm south of Rouleau. He married Mary Jane Monkhouse on Apr. 13, 1968. Quinton was baptized Dec. 10, 2006 at Parliament Community Church, Regina. He will be remembered for his ability to fix anything with a zip tie and whatever he could find in his garage. He passed away with a giving heart and tired soul. He is mourned by Mary Jane; children Carissa (Daird) McKee, Robin Danielle, Spencer Edward (Heather); 4 grandchildren; 3 siblings; nieces and nephews.

Abe Neudorf

Abe Neudorf

Abe Neudorf died peacefully Oct. 16, 2007 after a battle with ALS. He was born July 24, 1933. He enjoyed golf, short-term mission projects, Chinese Checkers, country music, and watching figure skating and curling. He was a man of faith with a strong work ethic. Abe faithfully served the disabled during his 33-year career driving bus for the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, retiring in 1997. Predeceased by son Len; daughter Janice; 1 brother; 1 sister; he is mourned by Lynda; sons Ron (Sharon), Dale, Ken (Elaine), Darin (Tanya); 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 10 siblings. The funeral was Oct. 19 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.

Clarence Janzen

Clarence Janzen

Clarence Janzen died Nov. 5, 2007. He was born Mar. 28, 1924 to Peter and Ida Janzen. He accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age and rededicated his life to God in 1965. Soon after, he was baptized and joined West Portal Church. Clarence married Mary Thiessen Sept. 3, 1966 and they made their home in Saskatoon. He worked as a truck driver and in a furniture store. Clarence enjoyed travelling and exploring new places. Predeceased by 5 siblings, he is mourned by Mary; sisters Esther Klassen, Linda Rempel, and Anne Fredrick; 2 sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. The funeral was Nov. 9 at West Portal Church.

Aganetha (Nettie) Penner

Aganetha (Nettie) Penner

Aganetha (Nettie) Penner died suddenly Nov. 13, 2007. She was born June 7, 1936 on the family farm near Hague, Sask. to Jacob and Sarah Fehr. Nettie was baptized upon confession of faith May 25, 1958 in the Old Colony Mennonite Church. She married Jacob Penner July 8, 1961. Nettie cared for her family and friends, and had a knack for remembering birthdays. She enjoyed tending her vegetable and flower gardens. She knew Jesus as Saviour and often drew on his strength. Nettie was active at West Portal Church, Saskatoon, as a custodian, Sunday school teacher, and lunch committee member. Predeceased by 6 brothers, she is mourned by Jacob; children Grant (Elaine), Kevin (Linda), Teresa (Peter) Woelk, and Curtis (Janeen); 9 grandchildren; 7 siblings; 5 sisters-in-law. The funeral was Nov. 17 at West Portal Church.

Sophie Charlotte Martens

Sophie Charlotte Martens

Sophie Charlotte Martens died Nov. 19, 2007. She was born Jan. 18, 1925, in Zagradovka, Ukraine to Wilhelm and Maria Martens. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling near Sperling, Man., where they experienced the rigors and hardships of pioneer life. As a young girl, Sophie came to faith in Jesus Christ. At 18, she rededicated her life to Christ, was baptized, and accepted into membership at Sperling MB Church. At 19, Sophie enrolled in a dressmaking course and became an accomplished seamstress. In 1946, she married David Wiens and the couple made their home in Kitchener, Ont. Sophie was grateful for family and was a devoted mother. She cherished her church, Kitchener MB, where she served as a deacon and loved to sing in the choir. Sophie also volunteered at the MCC Thrift Shop. Predeceased by David in 1992; 2 brothers; she is mourned by children Beverly (Rick) Biggar, Donald (Shelley), Brian (Wendy), Mary (Bob) Somerville; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister; 5 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 23 at Kitchener MB Church.

Ann Schroeder

Annie Elizabeth Schroeder died Oct. 28, 2007. She was born Dec. 2, 1922 in Alexandrovka, Russia, to Abram and Anna Funk. When Ann was young, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in northern Alberta. At 17, Ann accepted Christ as Saviour, was baptized, and joined LaGlace MB Church. Ann married Ben Schroeder Aug. 4, 1943, after the couple had been secretly dating. They moved to Matsqui, B.C. in 1958 and began life on a dairy farm. Ann enjoyed reading, sewing, and quilting, and shared her handiwork with MCC and Helping Hands. She was humble, frugal, and an avid recycler. She always had a positive outlook, even when dealing with ongoing health problems. Predeceased by Ben in 2005; 1 brother; 2 sisters; Ann is mourned by children Mel, Irene, and Bob; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The memorial service was Nov. 2 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Rudy Dueckman

Rudy Dueckman

Rudy Dueckman died Nov. 16, 2007. He was born in El Rosario, Mexico Nov. 21, 1924 to John and Anna Dueckman. When he was young, Rudy’s family moved to Dominion City, Man. and then to Coatsworth farm in Kingsville, Ont., where Rudy formed many close and lasting friendships. At 19, Rudy confirmed his decision to follow Christ and was baptized at Leamington MB Church. He married Frieda on August 11, 1945. The family moved to the Brampton, Ont. area due to Rudy’s employment at American Motors. Rudy used his gifts of generosity, hospitality, and selfless love to help start Toronto MB Church and later Brampton MB Church. His passion was to see many come to know Jesus as Saviour. In 1996 Rudy and Frieda moved to Cambridge to be closer to family. Rudy enjoyed singing with the Jubilation Male Chorus and listening to classical music. Predeceased by Frieda in 2005; a stillborn baby in 1946; he is mourned by children Leonard, Loris, Cheryl, and Lee Ann; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 21 at Kitchener MB Church.

Anna Peters

Anna Peters

Anna Peters died Nov. 18, 2007. She was born July 21, 1914 in Gruenfeld, Siberia to Peter and Margaretha Epp. Anna’s family immigrated to Canada in 1929. She married Henry H. Neufeld in 1939, and they farmed in Countess, Alta. until moving to Manitoba. The family relocated to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1945, where Anna carried the responsibilities of operating a small farm while Henry immersed himself in church work. They ministered in congregations in Vancouver and Chilliwack until Henry’s death in 1967. Anna married George Peters in 1973. They enjoyed travelling and being involved in the Golden Age Society. Anna served as a foster parent, Bible school cook, activity director, hospital worker, and MCC volunteer. She will be remembered for her graciousness, gentleness, hospitality, feistiness, and humour. Predeceased by husband George in 1996, husband Henry; she is mourned by children Mary (Henry) Loewen, Nita (Rudy) Dyck, Elnora (Henry) Martens, Ruth (Bill) Smolyn, Walt (Linda) Neufeld, Elaine (Charlie) Thiessen; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; stepchildren Eleanor (Vic) Froese, Margaret (Gerry) Reinhardt, Arnie (Ruth) Peters and their families. The funeral was Nov. 23 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Frieda Witherspoon

Frieda Witherspoon died Oct. 25, 2007. She was born Mar. 2, 1960 in Balder, Man., to Jacob and Annie Kroeker. Frieda married Mark Witherspoon on Aug. 16, 1980. She underwent a series of surgeries in 1985 that left her severely handicapped. The loss of ability to play piano discouraged her most. Frieda’s greatest joy was giving birth to two sons. Though she was never able to run and play with them, she raised them and protected them with the love and tenacity of a mother lion. Frieda also loved her Saviour. She is mourned by Mark; sons Tyrell and Graeme; mother Annie Kroeker; 5 sisters; 1 brother; mother and father-in-law Glen and Agnes Witherspoon; 2 brothers-in-law. The funeral was Oct. 29 at Lakeview Community Church, Killarney, Man.

Johann Regehr

Johann Regehr

Johann Regehr died Nov. 2, 2007. He was born Oct. 15, 1922 in Kalontarowka, Russia to Johann and Anna Regehr. In 1930, the family immigrated to Chaco, Paraguay. There, John enjoyed horseback riding and hunting, and was baptized in the Filadelphia MB Church. Hardship and disease resulted in the deaths of Johann’s mother, sister, 2 brothers, and other extended family members. John eventually immigrated to Canada in 1955, settling in Vancouver. He joined Vancouver MB Church and married Susi Rahn June 13, 1964. Over the years, John and Susi lived in several communities, including Ladner, Vancouver, and Abbotsford, B.C. John was a robust individual who worked as a landscaper, construction worker, and church custodian. He enjoyed tending his garden and prefered to serve quietly in the background. He is mourned by Susi; son Paul (Geni); daughter Leona (Sheldon); 3 grandchildren; 2 brothers; 2 sisters. The memorial service was Nov. 9 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

William (Bill) Goosen

William (Bill) Goosen

William (Bill) Goosen died Aug. 18, 2007. He was born Sept. 16, 1918 in Main Centre, Sask. to Aaron and Anna Goosen. In the early 1950s, Bill took over the family farm, where he farmed until the early 1970s. He also worked with an electrician wiring homes and other buildings. He built a boat and spent many afternoons taking children waterskiing and fishing. Bill enjoyed woodworking and gardening, the fruits of which he shared with everyone. He was well-known for his dill pickles. Bill loved his church, community, and functions at the Bertdale School. Predeceased by 8 siblings; 2 sisters-in-law; 3 nephews; he is mourned by brother Leonard (Donita); 6 nieces; 4 nephews; special friends Kris and Ann Eyolfson. The funeral was Aug. 22 at Gospel Fellowship Church, Foam Lake, Sask.

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Last modified: Jan 16, 2008


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