M.B. Herald: Vol. 35, No. 5 Obituaries

Zacariah Joshua Norburn

Zacariah Joshua Norburn passed away in his sleep Nov. 8. He was born Mar. 2, 1995 to Wayne and Eleanore Norburn of Sardis, B.C. He underwent major heart and esophagus surgery, and was brought home Sept. 9. He is mourned by his parents; brothers Derek, Calvin, Shawn, James, Samuel and Abraham; and sister Elizabeth.

Jacob J. Priebe

Jacob J. Priebe passed away Dec. 26. He was born Aug. 20, 1909 to John E. and Susan Priebe of Flowing Wells, Sask. He attended Gradenau MB Church, where he later taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir and a male quartet. He accepted the Lord in a revival meeting and was baptized in 1930. In 1933, he married Mary Klassen. They farmed until 1967, then moved to Calgary, where he worked until retiring in 1977. He enjoyed reading and mechanical work. Mary died in 1970. Later that year, he married Helen Willms. He is mourned by Helen; sons Dennis, Art, Al, Stan, Ken, John, Garry; daughters Doris Penner, Ruby Ohlmann and Maryann Hopf; 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 3 sisters. The memorial service was Dec. 29 at Dalhousie MB Community Church, Calgary, with Henry Willms ministering.

Jacob Neufeld

Jacob Neufeld passed away Nov. 20. He was born to George and Elizabeth Neufeld in Olgafeld, Russia. He accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized. In 1925, the family immigrated to Drake, Sask. In 1934, he married Margaret Willms of Hepburn, Sask. They moved to a farm near Virgil, Ont. in 1940, joining the Virgil MB Church, where he remained a faithful member until his passing. He enjoyed sharing about Christ with his family and non-Christians. In 1977, they moved to St. Catharines, where they enjoyed their retirement. Margaret died 2 years after their 50th wedding anniversary. He is mourned by his children Alice Penner, Reuben, Mandy, Dora Peters, Walt, Leona Buss and Lillian Bergen; 19 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was at Cornerstone Community Church, with Peter Klassen and Ben Falk ministering.

Abram H. Reimer

Abram H. Reimer passed away Dec. 31. He was born Nov. 27, 1901 to Heinrich and Margaret Reimer in Russia. He married Liese Dick May 3, 1924. He became a Christian early in their marriage. They immigrated to Saskatchewan. After a brief time in Drumheller, Alta., they moved to Agassiz, B.C. in 1931 and to Abbotsford in 1934, where they farmed. In 1965, he retired to Clearbrook, B.C. and in 1978 moved to the Tabor Home. He was a charter member of South Abbotsford MB Church and in 1966 of King Road MB Church. He served on the MEI board in earlier years. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1979. He suffered a major heart attack and stroke in 1981. Liese died in March, 1985. He suffered another stroke Dec. 31, 1994. He is remembered for his energetic lifestyle. Predeceased by Liese and 1 grandson, he is mourned by children Helmuth of Reedley, CA, Hedy of Clearbrook, Elizabeth Konrad of Aldergrove, B.C., Ernie of Lithuania and David of Celista, B.C.; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.

Katie Musselman

Katie Musselman passed away Dec. 23. She was born in Chortitz, Man. to Henry Willms and Ida Thiessen. She was baptized in Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church when she was 20. She married Marv Musselman June 2, 1956. Katie became a registered nursing assistant after her children were grown. She worked in several capacities in nursing homes. In 1988, she and Marv bought a retirement home in St. Jacobs, Ont., working there until 1992, when they both retired. Katie and Marv volunteered much time at Waterloo MB Church and Camp Crossroads and worked with Mennonite Disaster Service in Florida. She was an active volunteer in many causes. She is mourned by children Jane Pauls of Calgary, Kathy Campbell of Waterloo, Ont. and Linette Boyes of Bracebridge, Ont.; 5 grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 27 at Waterloo MB Church, with Mike Frantz ministering.

Helen Loewen

Helen Loewen passed away Nov. 29. She was born Aug. 19, 1907 to Peter and Margareta Niebuhr in Kronstal, Ukraine. She accepted Christ at 16. She was baptized and joined the MB church at 17. She married Heinrich Loewen May 27, 1927. Their home was filled with music of singing and stringed instruments. They worshipped in secret to avoid persecution. The communists took her husband in 1936. Daughter Lena died Nov. 19, 1936 of a sudden illness. She was forced to put her children in daycare while she worked on a collective farm. She continued to play guitar and sing. For the first year, she was able to visit Heinrich. He was later transferred to Archangelsk, where he died June 14, 1943. In 1943, she fled westward. For the next three years, she struggled to find safety, food and shelter for her family. Her faith was often tested and rewarded. On Feb. 20, 1948, she was reunited with her sisters Margaret Klassen and Elizabeth Klassen in Canada. She worked as a housekeeper for two years. In 1950, the family moved to Winkler, Man., where she worked at Hooge Dry Cleaners for 21 years. She attended Winkler MB Church. She made many friends. She was a faithful supporter of the Gospel Light Hour program and made articles for MCC and the Red Cross. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was always active: planning the next visit, birthday or MCC sale. After a stroke in 1993, she moved to Donwood Manor, then Bethania Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. She is mourned by daughter Nettie Dueck; son Henry; 3 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.

Jacob B. Schmor

Jacob B. (Jim) Schmor passed away Dec. 3. He was born Mar. 24, 1904 in Munich, ND. He became a Christian in his teens and was baptized, joining Hepburn, (Sask.) MB Church. He later moved to Winnipeg, joining Elmwood MB Church. He worked with the Imperial Bank (CIBC) for 50 years, retiring in 1960. He was eventually promoted to manager, taking risks to help immigrants with loans in the 1930s. He had many friends in the community and in business. He was involved in Kiwanis, community service, assisting with church building loans, travelling, photography, family activities and music. He led male choruses and string quartets, taught violin, and played in several orchestras and ensembles, including Mennonite Symphony Orchestra. Predeceased by 1 brother, 2 sisters and 1 granddaughter, he is mourned by Olga; daughter Muriel Dirks; 4 grandchildren, 4 stepgrandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 8 at Elmwood MB Church, with Abe Klassen and Abe Neufeld ministering.

Jacob Koslowsky

Jacob Koslowsky passed away Dec. 11. He was born Aug. 5, 1896 to David and Maria Koslowsky in Hochfeld, Russia. He accepted Christ at 20. He was baptized in 1917 in the Dnieper River, joining the MB church. He married Agneta Ens Apr. 30, 1920. They moved to Nikolaipal, where he worked on a collective farm. In October, 1943, they fled to Poland, then Germany, reaching Salzkotten, Westfalen. He worked for a nursery gardener. They emigrated to Canada in 1948. They farmed near Smith Hill, Man. until retiring to Killarney, Man. in 1964. He loved God. Reading the Bible and prayer were first priorities in his life. He prayed much for his children, grandchildren and the church. He loved choral singing and spent long hours listening to cassettes. Predeceased by Agneta in 1978, sons David in 1921 and Eddie in 1938, 1 brother and 4 sisters, he is mourned by daughter Lena; son Victor; 2 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 15 at Lakeview MB Church in Killarney, Man., with Dan Stobbe ministering.

Annie Janzen

Annie Janzen passed away Dec. 11. She was born June 17, 1909 to Peter and Anna Siemens in Davlekanovo, Ufa, Russia. She immigrated to Canada as an orphan in 1927, joining relatives in Saskatchewan. She married Martin Janzen Dec. 29, 1929. They lived in numerous places in Alberta. She was baptized, later joining Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church with her husband. She worked with Martin on a chicken farm near Lethbridge. After retirement to Lethbridge, Alta., they joined Lakeview MB Church. She eventually moved to the Blue Sky Lodge in Lethbridge. Predeceased by Martin, Jan. 12, 1976, 2 sisters and 2 brothers, she is mourned by daughters Tena Enns of Steinbach, Man., Elsie Regier of Coaldale, Nellie Heier of Alliston, Ont. and Susie Esser of Cranbrook, B.C.; son Robert of Coaldale, Alta.; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Cornerstone Funeral Home of Lethbridge on Dec. 15, with Barry Siefort ministering.

Linda Thiessen

Linda Thiessen died in a car accident Dec. 19 near Waldheim, Sask. She was born Jan. 31, 1926 to George and Sara Berg in Waldheim. She accepted Christ at 13 and was baptized at 17, joining Waldheim MB Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and club, led ladies auxilliary and served as the church's recording secretary. After high school, she attended Normal School in Saskatoon. She taught two years in Snowbird, Sask., and three in Danzig, Sask. She married Walter Thiessen Oct. 15, 1950. They returned to the Berg farm, working it together for 30 years. Walter died of a brain tumour in 1981. She was a special education teacher's assistant for 6 years, gaining satisfaction from her involvement with the students and teachers. After visiting daughter Kathy in Indonesia during Christmas, 1989, she stayed to teach missionary children for a semester. One year later she taught missionary children in Angola. She willingly sacrificed time and effort to serve her children. She enjoyed the seniors and the Praise and Prayer Ladies group. Her hospitality will be remembered by many. She considered training her children in the Lord to be of utmost importance. Predeceased by Walter, 3 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by children Art of Waldheim, Evelyn Loose of Mortlach, Sask., Kathy Varcoe of Regina, Roland of Hepburn, Sask.; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 23 at Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.

John Siemens

John Siemens passed away Dec. 19. He was born Jan. 31, 1927 to Johann and Katherina Siemens in Main Centre, Sask. He attended Herbert Bible School for 2 years. As a boy, he enjoyed working in the field with horses. He had a love for music. He sang in the choir, loved to yodel and learned to play the violin and harmonica. He accepted Christ in his early teens. He was baptized Aug. 10, 1941 in the South Saskatchewan River and joined Main Centre MB Church. When he was 16, he quit school to help on the farm. In his late teens, complications following surgery resulted in his being diagnosed as schizophrenic. However, with the help of treatment programs, he led a productive life in sheltered workshops. He moved to Waldheim, Sask. in 1991 and worked at Menno Industries. He suffered a major heart attack in February, 1995, but recuperated sufficiently to return to work. The memorial service was Dec. 28 at Salem Church in Waldheim with Bob Vogt ministering.

Helen Unruh

Helen Unruh passed away Dec. 4. She was born Mar. 29, 1918 to David and Maria Falk in Arkadak, Russia. Her father died when she was 11. The family immigrated to Germany in 1929, then to Niverville, Man. in 1930. Helen accepted Christ at an early age, and was later baptized, joining the MB Church. She married Abe Unruh Oct. 25, 1942. They moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1946. They shared a special love for children. Over 26 years, they were foster parents to 47 children, some remaining in their home for up to 16 years. She delighted in keeping the children clean and well-fed. She trained them to help with house and garden work and helped them with school work. She began and finished her day with prayer. She is remembered for trusting the Lord. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1975, joining the Clearbrook MB Church. She had several major operations. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Abe; son Alvin; adopted son Gary; adopted daughter Grace; 6 grandchildren; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and Jay Neufeld ministering.

Peter Foth

Peter Foth passed away Dec. 8. He was born Feb. 6, 1915 in Wymyschle, Poland. He became a Christian in his teens. He married Erna Maas Sept. 19, 1949. They emigrated from Germany to Gem, Alta, then Freedom, Alta. In 1952, they moved to Barrhead, Alta. He suffered a heart attack in 1981. They then moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. He served on the PA system committee as long as he was able. He also worked at the MCC furniture store. He was a great blessing to his wife and family. He treasured his Bible, underlining many verses, especially Psalms 23 and 24. He is remembered for trusting the Lord throughout his life, singing many songs about going home. He is mourned by Erna, children Peter, Henry, Dennis and Linda; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 13 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, with Jay Neufeld ministering. A second funeral was Dec. 15 in Barrhead, Alta.

Olga N. Wiebe

Olga N. Wiebe passed away Nov. 24. She was born May 8, 1900 to Isaak and Katharina Neufeld. Her father died when she was 7, her brother 2 years later and her oldest brother who was shot by Communists in 1923. After 2 years of Girls' School, she looked after 2 farms. She became a Christian through a Bible study and fellowship group for girls, founded by Heinz Toews. She was baptized at 19, joining the Allianz Church. In 1925, the family immigrated to St. Anne, Man. They moved to Winnipeg, then Greendale, B.C. She married John Wiebe in 1942. They farmed together for 20 years. She was active in Greendale MB church and was an effective Sunday school teacher. In 1963, they sold the farm and moved to Chilliwack. John died in 1966. She eventually bought a condominium in Clearbrook. She often drove to MCC on her three-wheeler to work. She had a great interest in prophecy and was eager to see the return of the Lord. She moved to the Menno Home in 1990. She suffered a stroke and lost much of her ability to communicate. On Nov. 20, 1992, she was moved to the Menno Hospital. She is remembered as a hard worker. She is mourned by many relatives and friends. The funeral was Nov. 29 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and Peter J. Froese ministering.

Susie Wiens

Susie Wiens passed away Sept. 24. She was born June 9, 1920 to Jacob and Susie Block in southern Russia. The family immigrated to Winkler, Man. in 1925. They moved to Main Centre, Sask. in 1927, then Beechy, Sask. She worked as a housekeeper. She was an efficient homemaker and an excellent cook. She married Peter Wiens Oct. 27, 1940. They bought a farm near Beechy in 1941. They were members of the MB Church. She enjoyed choir and ladies aid meetings. She always kept busy: vegetable and flower gardening and various other chores. She loved to cook, bake, sew, crochet, embroider and knit, winning many prizes at Beechy and Swift Current Fairs. Peter died in 1988. She moved to the Swift Curent Care Centre in 1989. She continued to enjoy her hobbies, activities and her new friends. She loved her children and grandchildren, always making sure they left with cookies. Predeceased by Peter, 1 daughter in infancy, 1 brother and 2 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Linda Straub, Sharon, Gennesa Summers and Brenda Tomlinson; 4 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 28 at Hillside Christian Fellowship Church in Beechy, with Mike Housek and Lorne Willms ministering.

Alfred A. Wiebe

Alfred A. Wiebe of Herbert, Sask. passed away Jan. 7. He was born Nov. 1, 1920 near Main Centre, Sask. He became a Christian in his teens. He loved curling, hockey and playing horseshoes. He was a quiet man who worked hard at various jobs, including trucking. He worked as an ice maker for 13 years before retiring in 1988--he had finally found the job he loved. He also had a strong interest in aircraft and flying; he attended every Saskatchewan airshow. He and his wife, Zelda flew to Scotland in 1995 and toured part of Europe. He was diagnosed with advanced cancer in December. Predeceased by his father Henry Wiebe in 1962 and mother Katherine Martens in 1990 and 1 brother, he is mourned by Zelda; daughters Darcy Friesen of Regina and Brenda Andres of Herbert, sons Gary of Swift Current, Sask., Randy of Vancouver and Rob of Swift Current; 8 grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. A memorial service was held at Herbert Evangelical Free Church, with Tim Klassen and Gordon Grieve ministering.

Peter Wedel

Peter Wedel passed away Dec. 15. He was born Dec. 19, 1925 in Swalwell, Alta. to Henry and Sara Wedel. He was baptized Aug. 19, 1945, joining the Black Creek (B.C.) MB Church. He married Margaret Falk Apr. 11, 1948. He worked in the logging industry on northern Vancouver Island for 33 years. He enjoyed the beauty of God's creation and seemed to feel closest to God out in the woods. He later drove gravel truck until his retirement. He was actively involved in church and community. He was a member of the church council, a member of the board of trustees and a deacon. He sang in the choir for many years. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, bowling and travelling. He enjoyed many friendships. Predeceased by 7 siblings and 1 grandson, he is mourned by Margaret; children Vi Ellis of Black Creek, Bert Enns of Recife, Brazil, Len of Armstrong, B.C.; 6 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 19 at United Mennonite Church in Black Creek, with Peter Neudorf ministering.

Benjamin Nickel

Benjamin Nickel passed away Dec. 8. He was born Aug. 1, 1931 at Osterwick, Man., to Jacob K. and Anna Nickel. He grew up on a farm near Gnadenthal, Man. He was baptized at Rhineland, Man., joining the Blumenorter Mennonite Church. He married Tina Kehler Sept. 8, 1956. They continued farming on the homestead previously owned by his father. In 1963, they moved to Rosetown, Man., where they continued to farm while managing interests in Grandeur Homes. In 1985, they moved to Winkler, joining Winkler MB Church. In 1984, he was diagnosed with Lupus disease. On May 15, 1993, he became critically ill, but partially recovered. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Tina, daughter Colleen Bueckert; sons Wayne and Andrew; 7 grandchildren; 2 brothers; and 1 sister. The funeral was in Winkler MB Church, with George Baerg ministering.

Dorothy Wilson

Dorothy Wilson passed away Dec. 27. She was born July 10, 1926 to LeRoy and Mabel Drew in Toronto. She was baptized in 1943 at Yorkminster Baptist Church in Toronto. She married Thomas R. Wilson Dec. 28, 1953. Thomas passed away June 20, 1985. She was involved in the choir over the years. Predeceased by Thomas, she is mourned by children Janis, Liane and Michael. The funeral was at Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., with Pete Unrau and Michael Wilson ministering.

Samuel Derksen

Samuel Derksen died of cancer Dec. 25. He was born Aug. 13, 1921 in Waldeck, Sask. He attended Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School. He sang in choirs and male quartets, and tutored a girls' trio that won a music competition in Minneapolis. He married Erma Klassen. He was involved in many areas of church leadership during his lifetime. He was a carpenter, eventually becoming chief estimator at Myers Construction in Saskatoon. They were members at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, transferring to Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1989. He is mourned by Erma; daughters Gloria, Sandy and Gayle; son Don; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 28 in Central Heights MB Church, with Pete Unrau and Harry Engstrom ministering.

Martha Schultz

Martha Schultz passed away Jan. 8. She was born Feb. 7, 1908 to Abram and Justina Friesen in Waldheim, Sask. She married Philip Schultz Oct. 7, 1928. They farmed north of Waldheim on the Schultz home farm until 1940. They moved to Ontario, but moved back to Waldheim 2 years later. Philip died in 1988. Martha later moved to Westview Lodge in Waldheim. She moved to Goodwill Manor Special Care Home in Duck Lake, Sask. in August 1994. She and Philip accepted Christ in 1934 through the ministry of Ed Erikson. They were baptized Sept. 2, 1934, joining Salem KMB Church. She was later an active member of Waldheim MB Church. She was known for her energy and giving attitude. She loved quilting, singing, weekly bus trips to Saskatoon, eating out, walking and entertaining. She especially loved family gatherings and cooking for her many boarders. Predeceased by Philip, 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Laura Williams of Waldheim, Edna Berg of Saskatoon, Harold of Saskatoon and Laverne of Vancouver; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 12 at Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.

Katie Marie Bartel

Katie Marie Bartel passed away shortly after birth Oct. 5. She is mourned by parents Gord and Shelley Bartel of Chilliwack, B.C.; sister Nicole; grandparents Walt and Doris Wiebe and Werner and Frieda Bartel; and many relatives. The funeral was Oct. 11 at Broadway MB Church with Robert Friesen ministering.