Obituaries
Frank P. Goertzen
Frank P. Goertzen passed away Feb. 27. He was born July 11, 1923 to Peter and Katharina Goertzen in southern Russia. In April, 1924, the family immigrated to New Hamburg, Ont. where they lived with Amish Mennonites. In 1938, they moved to Vineland, Ont., working on fruit farms. Starting in his teens, he worked at C.W. Bauer Feed Mill for 20 years. He accepted Christ at Vineland MB Church through evangelist H.H. Janzen. He was baptized 6 years later by his father, joining Vineland MB Church. He married Malieta Wall in May, 1946. Their 10-year-old daughter Linda died of cystic fibrosis. He purchased his brother's fruit farm near Beamsville, Ont., where they farmed for 15 years. He suffered a stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed for 27 years. He eventually moved to Tabor Manor. Throughout difficulties, he showed a strong faith in God whom he loved and trusted. His positive attitude and thankful spirit were an encouragement to those who cared for him. He longed for heaven. Predeceased by daughter Linda, 3 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by Malieta; son Ralph of St. Catharines; daughter Eleanor Oatway of Grand Prairie, Alta.; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 1 at Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.
Peter Lodde
Peter Lodde passed away Feb. 7. He was born July 20, 1904 to Peter and Maria Lodde in southern Russia. He was a business student in Alexanderkrone when the Revolution broke out in 1917. He joined his parents in Gnadenfeld in 1919. The family immigrated to Selkirk, Ont. in 1925 and farmed, then settled west of Port Rowan, Ont. in 1927. He accepted Christ in 1927 through evangelistic services. He was baptized, joining Port Rowan MB Church. He attended Winkler Bible Institute. He married Mary Doerksen Oct. 24, 1937. After studying at Toronto Bible College, they moved to a farm near Port Rowan. They taught Sunday school and served in other areas at Port Rowan MB Church. In 1956, they purchased a farm near Vineland, Ont., joining Vineland MB Church. They became deacons in 1957. In 1987, they moved to a house closer to the church. He suffered a stroke in 1995, but recovered enough to attend church services. He suffered a second stroke Jan. 27, 1996. He is mourned by Mary; son Herb; daughter Annita Tudor; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 10 at Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.
Marie Neufeld
Marie Neufeld passed away Mar. 5. She was born May 15, 1902 to Johann and Maria Giesbrecht in Ekaterinoslaw, southern Russia. She was a bright student. Her mother died of typhus in 1919. Marie cared for her 6 brothers and 5 sisters. Her father remarried, but died of typhus in 1922. She accepted Christ at 17. On Aug. 30, 1925, she married Jacob P. Neufeld, who had earlier led her to Christ. They immigrated to Winnipeg later that year. They lived in Kleefeld, Man., then moved to Rabbit Lake, Sask. in 1930 where they ran a farm for a local doctor. In 1932, they bought some land which they cleared and farmed. In 1936, they moved to Winnipeg. She did housework in other people's homes and worked at Goodwill Industries to supplement their income. They joined South End MB Church in 1938. Jacob was ordained in 1942 and became the church's first full-time pastor. She assisted him with joy and thankfulness. In 1962, they went to Montevideo, Uruguay on a 5-year assignment with MBM/S. They served in Morden, Man., Elm Creek, Man. and Kelowna, B.C. Jacob died in 1980. She returned to Winnipeg. She is remembered as a happy, loving and generous person. Her commitment to God was total. The salvation and nurture of her children and grandchildren were high priorities. She studied her Bible faithfully. She was a prayer warrior. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing and making crafts. She was a talented cook and baker. Predeceased by Jacob and 6 brothers, she is mourned by children Jacob, Helen Schroeder and Edith Janzen; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 8 at Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Roland Marsch and Walter Janzen ministering.
Jacob Kirsch
Jacob Kirsch passed away Mar. 29. He was born Jan. 9, 1920 to Jacob and Elisabeth Kirsch in Lugowsk, Russia. He attended Russian school at 14. At 17, he became a German language teacher in another town. He was trained as an electronic communications operator in the Red Army. During World War II, he surrendered to the Germans, became a German army translator and was later transferred to Yugoslavia. He immigrated to Canada in 1949, working as a farm hand in Alberta. After buying a house in Coaldale, Alta., he married Hilda Ratzlaff. He was baptized in Coaldale in August, 1952. They moved to Calgary in 1956, where he built a house. He worked 29 years for Ratzlaff Construction. He enjoyed fishing in the mountains, gardening and watching boxing. After retirement, he travelled to Russia to visit his family. He also hosted family visitors from Russia. He was dedicated to God. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, he is mourned by Hilda; children Doris Rempel, Linda Galway, Marie Anne and Jerry; 5 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 1 at Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.
Ed Podjan
Ed Podjan of Port Coquitlam, B.C. passed away Jan. 25. He was born Dec. 25, 1942. He accepted the Lord as a teen and soon after won a trip to the Parliament Buildings, which had a marked effect on his life. He met his wife Doreen in Hope, B.C. and was later baptized in Leaf Rapids, Man. They lived in 23 communities during their marriage. Most recently, they lived in Port Coquitlam, B.C., joining Hyde Creek Community Church, where he taught Sunday school, served as usher and cooked for Sunday school picnics. He was known for his kind and faithful service. He is mourned by Doreen; 2 daughters; and his father.
Jacob F. Enns
Jacob F. Enns passed away Mar. 10. He was born Oct. 6, 1925 to Henry and Maria Enns in Schoeneberg, Russia. They immigrated to Rosengard, Man. in 1929. He moved to Ontario in 1945, working at General Motors. He and Helen Wall were baptized June 5, 1949 in Vineland (Ont.) United Mennonite Church and married Oct. 14, 1950. They settled in Vineland Station, Ont. In 1980, Jake retired after 33 years with General Motors. They spent 8 years in Sunridge, Ont., then moved to Welland, Ont. Jake was sensitive to the needs of others. His faith and commitment to the Lord led him to quiet service in many practical ways. His love for life and God's world was evident in the way he treasured each day. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Helen; children Irene Boldt, Ed and Rick; 7 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 13 at Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.
Aganetha Klassen
Aganetha Klassen passed away Apr. 15. She was born Feb. 28, 1902 to Johann and Maria Martens in Sergeyewka, Ukraine. She became a Christian at 21, and was baptized in the Dneiper River, joining Sergeyewka MB Church. She married Jacob Klassen May 19, 1925. They immigrated to Germany in October, 1929 and to Canada in March, 1930, living with relatives near Sperling, Man. In 1933, the family moved to Swift Current, Sask. where they farmed, to Barkfield, Man. in 1937, and to Steinbach, Man. in 1946. They joined the MB church in Swift Current in 1933 and Steinbach MB Church in 1937. They retired to Steinbach in 1962. Jacob died in May, 1964. She moved to Fernwood, a seniors residence in Steinbach, in 1982. She enjoyed the company of friends and the church programs. As her strength failed, she depended on the help of friends, particularly Sara Janzen. She moved to Bethesda Personal Care Home in February, 1996. She was a strong person, a hard worker and an avid reader who kept current with world events. She had a strong faith and a heart that included a wide variety of people. She took particular pride in her family for whom she prayed faithfully. Predeceased by Jacob, 2 children in infancy, 1 grandson, 12 siblings and 3 step-siblings, she is mourned by sons Jacob, Ernest, Walter and Helmuth; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 22 at Steinbach MB Church, with Cornelius Rempel and Keith Poysti ministering.
Dolly Nicolson
Dolly Nicolson passed away Dec. 6. She was born June 19, 1939 to Albert and Lillie Plautz in Keephills, Alta. After graduating, she worked at the Royal Bank in Edmonton. She married Don Nicolson May 6, 1961 in the United Church in Edmonton. They moved to Drayton Valley, Alta., then Fort. St. John, B.C., where she continued to work for the Royal Bank. In 1975, Don's youngest sister, Karen, passed away at 29, leaving 3 small children. Dolly and Don accepted the children into their family. She is remembered as a true follower of Jesus and an active community volunteer, always ready to help anyone in need. She is mourned by Don; children Dawn, Norman and Leslie; and Sharon, Carla and Norman. The funeral was Dec. 11 at North Peace MB Church in Fort St. John, with Rick Hall ministering.
Lydia Neufeld
Lydia Neufeld passed away Mar. 15. She was born Sept. 10, 1903 to Wilhelm and Marguerita Neufeld in Altona, Man. She grew up in Main Centre, Sask., where she came to love the Lord and became a member of the MB Church. After teaching school in Main Centre, she completed nurse's training in Saskatoon. She spent 50 years of her 53 nursing years assisting in the practice of her brother W.P. Neufeld in Saskatoon and, after 1942, Vancouver. She enjoyed singing in the Fraserview MB Church choir, sharing the joy of the Lord with her patients and nurturing her many younger relatives. She suffered a stroke in 1992. She led a full, committed life. Predeceased by 3 siblings, she is mourned by sister Selma, brother Arnold and many relatives and friends. The funeral was Mar. 21 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C. with Herb Brandt ministering.
Elizabeth Peters
Elizabeth Peters passed away Apr. 1 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. She was born Mar. 3, 1921 to Henry B. and Marie Dueck in Kistendej, Russia. The family immigrated to Manitou, Man. in 1926, then moved to a farm near Desford, Man., then Minto, Man. She became a Christian when she was 10 and was baptized. She attended Winkler Bible Institute 1941-42. She married Aron Peters June 9, 1945. They farmed until 1983, when they moved to Boissevain, Man. She was an excellent seamstress and a great cook. She loved gardening, especially fruit trees and flowers. Her children and grandchildren loved her apple platz. She was sensitive to the needs of others. She had a listening ear and often used these opportunities to share her faith. She loved her grandchildren and often read stories, sang and encouraged them to memorize Scripture. She is mourned by Aron; children Vic of Edmonton, Edwin of Boissevain, Alice Natuik and Dorothy Lahr of Winnipeg, Richard of Boissevain, Barb DeWalt of Edmonton; 16 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 6 at Boissevain MB Church, with Wally Kroeker and Willard Thiessen ministering.
Neta Nikkel
Neta Nikkel passed away Apr. 13. She was born May 22, 1912 to Henry and Aganetha Brucks in Aliessowa, Orenburg, Russia. After the Revolution, the family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. where she was baptized, joining the MB Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir. She married Peter Nikkel Nov. 5, 1932. They farmed near Coaldale, then moved to B.C. in 1940, clearing some land near the Vedder River in the Fraser Valley. They planted fruit trees and raspberries. Their newly-built home was destroyed by fire in 1947; they moved into a converted chicken coop. In 1948, their land was flooded and eroded into the river. They bought a small raspberry farm in Yarrow, B.C. She and the older girls picked berries and worked in canneries to supplement their farm income. They moved to Vancouver in the mid-1950s. She suffered a stroke at age 60 from which she mostly recovered. In the following years, she suffered many other health problems, but refused to be depressed. She was a talented cook and enjoyed knitting and sewing. She was faithful in her prayers for her family. She met challenges by reaffirming her faith in God. Predeceased by Peter in 1989, she is mourned by children Hanna, Ruth, BettyAnne, Henry, Sue, Ben and Rose; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 16 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
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