M.B. Herald: Obituaries

Elisabeth Funk

Elisabeth Funk passed away Mar. 1. She was born Dec. 9, 1897 to Jacob and Elizabeth Stoesz in Chortitz, Man. She was baptized in 1918 by sprinkling and joined the Mennonite Church in Chortitz. In 1920, she married Peter Funk in a double wedding ceremony with her sister. They moved several times before settling on a farm near Lorette, Man. She worked hard to provide for her children. She loved gardening, canning, Christian music and the beauty of nature. She did not complain, but maintained a constant faith in the Lord to supply needs. She is remembered for her courage, integrity, patience, optimism, selflessness and keen sense of responsibility. In 1950, she moved to London, Ont. where she worked as a hospital cleaner. In 1960, she moved to Vancouver, where she made a new covenant with the Lord. She was baptized by immersion Feb. 11, 1962, joining Culloden MB Church. In spite of suffering from arthritis, she cared for the elderly until well into her 80s. She lived with her oldest daughter when arthritis became debilitating. She had a hip replacement at 96, from which she recovered fully due to regular exercise. Her hands were rarely idle; she loved to knit and crochet items such as afghans and baby blankets. Predeceased by Peter in 1956, 2 daughters in infancy and 4 brothers, she is mourned by her children Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth Morris, Helena Cox, Katarina Hardman and Jeannie Booth; 32 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.

Katherine Klassen

Katherine Klassen passed away Mar. 7. She was born Mar. 6, 1929 to Abram and Maria Thiessen in Steinbach, Man. Her father died when she was 10. Her mother married John P. Schmidt. Katherine was one of the first students at Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B.C. She was baptized July 17, 1947, joining South Abbotsford MB Church. After high school, she worked at various jobs in Vancouver, attending Vancouver MB Church. She moved to Manitoba in 1949, working at United Grain Growers. She married Jacob M. Klassen July 2, 1950. They served with Mennonite Central Committee in Korea 1958-61 and Pennsylvania 1961-63. She worked for Cambridge Publishers and Zellers during her husband's studies and work abroad. She was an active volunteer for the Red Cross, MCC and Global Crafts store. She served at River East MB Church in Winnipeg as Sunday school teacher and secretary and participated in the ladies fellowship, catering committee and choir. Health problems began in 1980, and a brain tumour was diagnosed in 1982. From then on, she experienced seizures which were partly controlled by medication. In 1993, she had surgery but her health deteriorated again in January, 1995. She loved life and lived it to the full. She was gregarious and fun-loving, enjoying travel, music, drama, family, friends and special occasions. She especially enjoyed family, friends and special occasions. River East MB Church was very important to her. Her devotion to Jesus was unwavering despite occasionally questioning the apparent unfairness of life. Predeceased by 8 siblings, she is mourned by Jacob, children Martha Koslowsky and Lorna Froese; 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 13 in River East MB Church, with Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen ministering.

Martha Suderman

Martha Suderman passed away Mar. 4. She was born Dec. 18, 1907 to Jacob and Agatha Boese in Lichtenau, Molotschna, Russia. She accepted the Lord when she was 10. She claimed Romans 10:11 when she experienced doubts about salvation. In 1920, the family moved to Halbstadt. After hearing US revivalist Rev. Hofer, she rededicated her life to Christ. She was baptized at Tiegenhagen May 8, 1923, joining the MB Church. In 1924, the family immigrated to Arnaud, Man., her father joining them in 1926. She was a domestic worker in Winkler, Man., Morris, Man. and Winnipeg. She married Henry J. Suderman June 5, 1932. They lived on his parent's farm in St. Elizabeth, Man. for 7 years. In 1939, they moved to an adjacent farm. She found assurance of salvation and a love for people after studying Romans. In 1947, they moved to a farm in Mt. Lehman, B.C. They were active in Matsqui MB Church, serving as deacons; she taught a ladies Sunday school class. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1962. In 1975, they joined Clearbrook MB Church, where she was secretary of the ladies fellowship group and helped in visitation. She suffered strokes in 1987 and 1991 and a fractured hip and loss of speech in 1992. She enjoyed Henry's visits in the Menno Hospital and their times of prayer, Bible study and hymn singing. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, she is mourned by Henry; children Betty Klassen of Clearbrook, Elsie Wiens of Prince George, B.C., Henry of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Fort St. James, B.C., Ruth Haak of Oliver, B.C.; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 8 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, John E. Klassen and Doris Rempel ministering.

Anna Rempel

Anna Rempel passed away Mar. 4. She was born Mar. 9, 1900 to Daniel and Margaret Neufeld in Eurobka, Russia. When she was 2, the family immigrated to Manitoba, then Langham, Sask. and Herbert, Sask., where her father started a flour mill. When Anna was in her teens, her mother died. Her father married Marie Penner. Her father died at 56; her stepmother married Jacob Lehn. She committed her life to God in her teens and attended Herbert Bible School. She married Jacob Rempel Oct. 19, 1922. They farmed, were talented singers and were active in Main Centre (Sask.) MB Church. They moved to B.C. in 1941, living in Vancouver, Mt. Lehman and Clearbrook. They joined North Abbotsford, (later Clearbrook) MB Church, serving as deacons 35 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Galatians 5:22 was special to her, and she strove to live by it. She often sang as she worked. She suffered from Alzheimer's disease and moved to Menno Home in 1985. Predeceased by Jacob in 1993 and 1 granddaughter, she is mourned by children Dan and Roland of Abbotsford, B.C., Mary Ann Konrad of Burnaby, B.C., Viola Bartel of Vancouver, Louise Janzen of Abbotsford; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 11 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and George Baier ministering.

Emil Sorge

Emil Sorge passed away Mar. 1. He was born June 6, 1920 to Ferdinand and Emilla Sorge in Tortchen, Russia. His mother died when he was 1, his father when he was 3. He was raised by his sister Hulda. He was drafted into the Russian army during World War II, serving in a supply division. He was captured by Germans. He was one of 2 men who survived a brutal attack. He worked on Hermann Wunder's farm 1945-1951. He immigrated to Canada in 1951. He worked in Greenwood, B.C. until 1952, when he worked for Silvertree Sawmills in Vancouver. He became a Christian through a friend. He was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church at Easter, 1953. That day, he met Helen Dyck. They married Oct. 18, 1953. They bought a house in Vancouver in 1955. After heart problems in 1974, he returned to work, retiring in 1980. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. joining Clearbrook MB Church. He was a beekeeper and avid gardener. He made many friends and always had a kind word for passersby. He is mourned by Helen; son Karl; daughter Rita Steuart; 6 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was at Mar. 5 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld, Jacob Pauls and George Baier ministering.

Tina Braun

Tina Braun passed away Jan. 23. She was born Apr. 28, 1923 to Peter and Katherina Dirksen in Elizabethtal, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Dalmeny, Sask. in 1926, then moved to a farm in Namaka, Alta. The family moved in January, 1938 to a fruit farm near Vineland, Ont. She accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Vineland MB Church in 1945. She enjoyed the fellowship of the young people in the church and sang in the choir for several years. She married Peter Braun Sept. 21, 1946. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She faithfully cared for her parents and others who needed her help. She served joyfully. She enjoyed church activities and special services. She quilted with the church ladies and helped in the kitchen. Despite being diagnosed with cancer, she was able to travel with her husband during the next 5 years. Her deep faith gave her strength and courage. She constantly shared her faith with those she met. She is mourned by Peter; children Kathy Schimpky, Gordon, Karen Gascho; and 9 grandchildren. The funeral was Jan. 25 in Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.

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