Obituaries
Lydia Schmidt
Lydia Schmidt passed away Mar. 2. She was born in 1905 to Friedrich and Olga Dallman in Gdstynina, Poland. Lydia learned to trust the Lord during the war. She took a sewing apprenticeship. She married George Schmidt in 1924. They immigrated to Weyburn, Sask. where they built a house. They moved 16 years later to Virgil, Ont. where they owned a fruit farm. She loved the outdoors working with fruits and flowers, which they sold at farmers' markets. Over the years she developed a keen interest in the use of wild plants and flowers as natural remedies. Predeceased by George, she is mourned by sons Steve and Waldi. The funeral was Mar. 5 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.
Jacob Peter Derksen
Jacob Peter Derksen passed away Mar. 16. He was born July 4, 1904 to Peter and Tina Derksen in Russia. The family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. in 1924. He came to know the Lord in 1925. He was baptized and joined Laird (Sask.) MB Church. He was active in churches at Foam Lake, Sask., Alexander, Man. and Brandon, Man. The family moved to Winkler, Man., then McMahon, Sask. Jacob farmed with his father and brother. They bought a farm in Frontier, Sask., where they farmed until 1936. He married Anna Enns Mar. 8, 1931. They moved to a farm in Foam Lake, Sask. in 1937, then a farm in Alexander, Man. in 1947. He farmed until 1972, retiring to Brandon, Man. They loved to travel, visiting California and Russia and travelling across Canada. Anna died in July, 1976. He married Nettie Remple in October, 1977. She died in February, 1984. He married Katherine Aug. 29, 1985. They moved to Herbert, Sask., eventually moving into Herbert nursing home. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 5 sisters, daughters Laura, Lena and Anna, first wife Anna and second wife Nettie, he is mourned by Katherine; sons Walter, Menno David and Henry; daughters Katherine and Martha; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister.
Helen Klassen
Helen Klassen passed away Mar. 19. She was born Feb. 15, 1914 to Peter F. and Katharine Penner in Friedensruh, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and settled in Namaka, Alta. Two years later, the family moved to Glenside, Sask., where she worked as a housekeeper. She accepted the Lord at 16 and was baptized in Saskatoon in 1934. She moved to Ontario and worked in the sanitorium until she married Peter Klassen in 1939. They bought their own farm near Vineland, Ont. In 1952, they bought a farm near Virgil, Ont. and joined Virgil MB Church, where they served as deacons for 25 years. They moved to a condominium in St. Catharines. Her grandsons brought her much happiness. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1995. Predeceased by Peter, 1 brother and 1 sister, she is mourned by children Hertha Janzen and Victor; 4 grandsons; 1 great-granddaughter; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 21 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.
Lena Fast
Lena Fast passed away Mar. 28. She was born Dec. 16, 1900 to Henry C. and Helena Quiring in Brotherfield, Sask. Her mother died in August, 1902. Her father married Maria Nickel June 28, 1903. They moved often, settling in Dalmeny, Sask. She accepted Christ and was baptized in 1916, joining Dalmeny MB Church. She attended Dalmeny Bible School for a few months. She married Bernhard (Ben) B. Fast Apr. 2, 1922. At 36, she suffered a stroke, paralyzing her right side. With the loving care of Ben, she resumed her household chores with one hand. They farmed until 1953 when they moved to Dalmeny. They retired to Saskatoon in 1968, joining Central MB Church. Ben died in 1978. She moved to Central Haven Care Home in Saskatoon in 1979. She was known for her contentment, smile and determination to succeed in spite of her handicap. Predeceased by Ben, 11-year-old daughter Luella, infant son Reuben, 1 brother and 3 sisters, she is survived by children Rosella Clark, Menno, Ruth Toews, Sophie Cross, 6 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, 10 step- great-grandchildren; 6 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 2 at Forest Grove Community Church, with Robert Radtke and Jacob Quiring ministering.
Gladys Marie Bahnman
Gladys Marie Bahnman passed away Apr. 2. She was born Aug. 10, 1936 to John and Sophie Dueck in Saskatoon. When she was 1, the family moved to Greendale, B.C. She accepted Christ and attended Mennonite Educational Institute. She later attended Bible school in Clearbrook, B.C. for one year. After she was out of school, she made raspberry baskets at South Sumas Growers, then worked for Epp Poultry Farm. She married Elmer Bahnman Oct. 30, 1955. They were baptized Sept. 14, 1958, joining Greendale MB Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, led the hosting committee and worked with Pioneer Girls for many years even serving as district advisor for a term. In 1974, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. where they started poultry farming. She also took on a leadership role in the Broiler Producers' Association. She was always concerned for her son's welfare and took interest in their activities. She is remembered for planning wonderful family recreation times and for opening her heart t o family and friends. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in January, 1991. Elmer cared for her at home until January, 1996 when she moved to Parkholm Lodge in Chilliwack, B.C. She is mourned by Elmer; sons Rodney, Gary and Stan; 4 grandchildren; her parents; 1 brother and 1 sister.
Mary Wall
Mary Wall passed away Apr. 5. She was born Jan. 1, 1921 to Abram and Justina Wiens in Iselbul, Siberia. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1926. They moved to Gem, Alta. 2 years later. Because of heart damage at a young age, she often had to stay home from school. She attended Bible school in Gem, Alta. She accepted Christ in 1938 and was baptized, joining Gem MB Church. The family moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1939. She married Gerhard Wall in 1949. They ran a chicken farm in Yarrow. She had heart surgery in 1966, and it took about 5 years for her to recover. In 1977, the Walls retired to Clearbrook B.C. Gerhard began to suffer from Alzheimer's disease in 1983. She visited and fed him in Menno Home daily. He died Aug. 16, 1992. Life was hard, but she found reassurance in God. She had a second heart operation in 1989. When she was able, she volunteered at the MCC store and also worked with physically challenged people. She had many friends, and her home was always open to her children's friends. She was very fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Gerhard, she is mourned by children Gary, Walter, Edvin, Eleonore, David, Robert and Linda; grandchildren; and 3 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 9 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Cornelius P. Langeman
Cornelius P. Langeman passed away Apr. 8. He was born Apr. 27, 1913 in Margenau, Omsk Rayon, Russia. The family later moved to Kornejevka. When he was 14, the family immigrated to a CPR farm in Gruenthal, Man. He accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the church. After 3 years, the family moved to Coaldale, Alta. He attended Coaldale Bible School for 3 years. The family then moved to Vauxhall, Alta., where he taught adult Sunday school and sang. He married Agnes Martens at 22 and moved to Yarrow, B.C., where they farmed. He served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent. After a flood wiped out their crop in 1948, they moved to Vancouver. He served as Sunday school superintendent at Vancouver 43rd Ave. MB Church and they were ordained as deacons. He served as deacon chair and in Sunday School in a daughter church. Agnes died after being sick for 6 years. He married Mary Friesen 1 year later, Sept. 27, 1963. They later moved to Osoyoos, B.C., where they joined a Baptist church; he served as Sunday school teacher, deacon and moderator. His asthma worsened and they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining East Aldergrove MB Church, where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher, sang in the seniors' choir and visited seniors' homes, where he occasionally preached. Predeceased by 11-year-old daughter Elvira, he is mourned by Mary; son Herb of the Phillipines; daughters Elfrieda O'Neil of San Francisco and Eleanor Laffin of Hornby Island, B.C.; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and several brothers. The funeral was Apr. 13 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Katherine Wiebe
Katherine Wiebe passed away Apr. 15. She was born Feb. 7, 1900 to John G. and Katherine Wiebe in Winkler, Man. She helped with the family farm for many years until the family moved into Winkler in 1941. She was baptized at 18, joining Winkler MB Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir and helping others where there was a need. She and sister Minnie enjoyed interior decorating, specializing in painting. They were the cooks at Winkler Bible Institute 1964-73. In 1973, she retired. Her baking, canning and cooking won many prizes at local agricultural fairs. She enjoyed knitting for the Red Cross for many years and making rugs for MCC. She enjoyed travelling to visit cousins and to sightsee in the US and Canada. She underwent colon surgery in 1992 and lost her ability to walk. She moved to Winkler Salem Home Nov. 16, 1993. Predeceased by 3 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by sisters Minnie Wiens and Hildebrand, brothers Peter and Bill and many relatives and friends. The funeral was Apr. 18 at Winkler MB Church, with George Baerg and Eldon Dueck ministering.
Tina Warkentin
Tina Warkentin passed away Apr. 21. She was born Oct. 4, 1917 to Isaac J. and Anna Toews in Orenburg, Russia. The family immigrated to Flowing Well, Sask. in 1926, where they farmed. She accepted Christ when she was 12; she was later baptized and joined Flowing Well MB Church. She attended Herbert Bible School for 2 years and was always active in church. She married George Warkentin in 1940, and they took over the home farm in Swift Current, Sask. In 1944, they moved to B.C. and bought a dairy farm in Chilliwack. They were charter members of East Chillwack MB Church. They were involved in missions 1972-75 in Prince Edward Island and Germany. This was the highlight of her life. She loved studying and teaching God's Word and led a dedicated prayer life. She enjoyed making quilts for her children and grandchildren and prayed diligently for them. Predeceased by a 10-year-old son, she is mourned by George; daughters Irene Dick of Port Orchard, WA and Mary Willms of Seattle, WA; son Bernie of Chilliwack; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 26 at Clearbrook MB Church, with William E. Thiessen, Henry Born, Jacob Neufeld and Jacob Pauls ministering.
Eva Schroeder
Eva Schroeder passed away Apr. 30. She was born Mar. 22, 1915 to Peter and Anna Kehler in Sommerfeld, Man. She loved school and read at night by the light of a coal oil lamp, injuring her eyes. She memorized the catechism at an early age. She was known for her care-giving abilities, caring for her bed-ridden mother and many nieces and nephews. She prepared meals for the men in the fields. She accepted Christ in her early 20s. One day Eva was on the road with a runaway team of horses. John Schroeder rescued her. They married Oct. 29, 1935. The first 5 years of their marriage were spent on her parents' farm. In 1941, they moved to their own home 2 miles from Sommerfeld. They later moved to Christie Siding, and to Aldergrove, B.C. in 1945, where they farmed. In 1969, they sold the farm and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She prayed faithfully for her family. She suffered from diabetes, heart problems, 3 strokes and an amputation. She is remembered for her courage and inner strength. Predec eased by daughter Anna, she is mourned by John; children Doreen, Eva, Anne, Harold and Ed; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 6 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Abe Unger
Abe Unger passed away May 1. He was born July 30, 1935 to John and Margaret Unger in Kelstern, Sask. They farmed near Ernfold, Sask. He attended Herbert Bible School 1951-54, where he met Sarah Voth. They married Aug. 21, 1955. They farmed near Ernfold until 1965, when they moved to Herbert, Sask. He accepted Christ in 1951 at Bible school and was baptized Aug. 17, 1952, joining Flowing Well MB Church. He is remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed working and playing with his family. Abe farmed most of his life; he served as custodian at Winkler Bible Institute and Winkler Elementary School 1976-81. The highlight of his life was a Holy Land tour in 1981. He also served as Councillor in the R.M. of Morse for 14 years, and drove school bus for 22 years, enjoying the interaction with the children. He underwent kidney surgery in February, 1996, followed by 2 strokes in April. He is remembered for his strong personal faith. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by Sarah, children Sylvia Jantzen of Medicine Hat, Alta., Vivian Fry of Angus, Ont., Donna Ginther of Medicine Hat and David of Herbert, Sask.; 3 grandchildren; 1 sister and 4 brothers. The funeral was May 4 at Herbert Evangelical Free Church.
Return to the M.B. Herald Vol. 35, No. 12
Home Page