Obituaries

William Stanley Birch

William Stanley Birch died in a trucking accident May 12. He was born May 25, 1959 to Jim and Myrtle Birch in Goose Bay, Labrador. He accepted Christ at a young age. The family lived in many places across Canada. In 1972, he was baptized at Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary. He married Loretta Joyce Dyck Sept. 1, 1979. They joined Coaldale MB Church in November, 1987. He used his talents of music and acting to glorify God. After learning to drive at 13, he became the youngest driving instructor for the AMA at 18. All of his jobs thereafter involved his love of driving. His friendship, smile and helping hand were constant. He is mourned by Joyce; children Kristopher and Stephanie; parents Jim and Myrtle Birch of Calgary and 6 brothers. The funeral was May 17 at Coaldale MB Church, with Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.

Maria Kroeker

Maria Kroeker passed away May 17. She was born Mar. 9, 1895 in Donilovka, Crimea. She accepted Christ through the ministry of missionary Wiens. She was baptized by P. Goertzen, joining the MB Church at Donilovka Oct. 4, 1911. She married Jacob F. Kroeker, a dentist from Karasan, Feb. 9, 1919. They immigrated to Drake, Sask. in November, 1925. In 1940, they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. They joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church Apr. 6, 1941. Jacob died Apr. 7, 1969. She enjoyed her role as wife and mother. She believed that God would always provide, even during hard times. She lived alone for a few years in her own home before moving to Pleasant Manor in Virgil. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends, quilting and baking buns and pereschky. She joined a prayer group, praying often for missions. She was always concerned for her children's well-being. Her prayers were interwoven with Scripture; sometimes she made Psalm 139 her whole prayer. Predeceased by Jake, son Jake in 1993 and 1 great-grandchild, she is mourned by children Herman, Marie Loewen, Vera Voth, Harry, Elsie Solis, Menno; 30 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil, with Peter J. Klassen ministering.

Agnes Wiebe

Agnes Wiebe passed away June 13. She was born Feb. 1, 1906 to Jacob J. and Anna Giesbrecht in Kronsgart, Man. She was baptized in Winkler (Man.) MB Church by J.D. Penner in 1928. She married Jacob R. Wiebe Apr. 15, 1928. They moved to Plum Coulee, Man. Two years later, she contracted TB and spent 9 months in Ninette Hospital to recover. They farmed near Plum Coulee for 23 years. They adopted a daughter, Mary Ann. She lived with her parents until Jacob's death in 1983, and then with her mother until 1994. The family moved to the Zion District in 1951, where they farmed for another 15 years. They retired to Winkler in 1966. The family enjoyed travelling together, making extended trips overseas, including the Holy Land, and visiting many relatives and friends across the prairies. After Jacob's death, Agnes and Mary Ann continued to travel. She enjoyed handwork, gardening and housework. She was also involved in women's sewing circles, lending support where she could. She moved to Salem Home Feb. 23, 1994. Predeceased by Jacob and her twin sister in infancy, she is mourned by daughter Mary Ann and 1 sister. The funeral was June 17 at Winkler MB Church.

Cornelius Jacob Janzen

Cornelius Jacob Janzen passed away May 3. He was born May 23, 1913 to Jakob and Anna Janzen in Adelsheim, Russia. He accepted Christ in his teens. His mother died when he was 6 and his father when he was 15, leaving him to be raised by his sisters. He fled to Germany, but was conscripted into the German army, captured by the Russians and held in a prison camp. He escaped to West Germany, where he found his family. He married Anna Wiebe. They left Germany in 1948, settling in Kelowna, B.C. and moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1960. He is remembered for his faithfulness, forgiveness, humility, service, hard work, evangelism, joy and sense of humour. He is mourned by Anna; children Walter, Adina Loewen, Erica Janzen, Linda Unruh, Harold; 16 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was May 7 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, with Henry Loewen and Abe Konrad ministering.

Agatha Neufeld

Agatha Neufeld passed away May 15. she was born July 28, 1908 in Olgafeld, Russia to George and Elizabeth Neufeld. She accepted Christ at age 12 and was baptized. The family immigrated to Drake, Sask. in 1926, then moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. in 1946. They joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. She worked at a canning factory, and at Bethesda Home in Vineland, Ont. 1951-54. In 1977, she moved to Pleasant Manor in Virgil. During retirement, she enjoyed many trips with her sister, Elizabeth. She is remembered for her love for the Lord and the church. She and Elizabeth often hosted Bible studies and prayer meetings in their apartment. Predeceased by 3 brothers, she is mourned by sister Elizabeth and many relatives. The funeral was May 17 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.

Carl August Krause

Carl August Krause passed away May 28. He was born Dec. 9, 1919 to Jacob and Marie Krause in Gnadenfeld, Russia. They immigrated to Dalmeny, Sask. in 1924, then moved to Langham, Sask. and Yarrow, B.C. in 1928. He married Jessie Dyck Oct. 23, 1948. They bought a small farm and he worked at various jobs, including Fraser Frosted Foods for 24 years. He accepted Christ after an evangelistic meeting in 1952, basing his conversion on John 5:24. Jessie died in 1968, after battling a thymus condition for 3 years. He married Anna Schierling Apr. 12, 1969 and moved to Chilliwack, B.C. He was baptized Jan. 10, 1971 by Henry Warkentin, joining Broadway MB Church. He served as an usher for 22 years. He was very thankful for the Broadway MB Church and the faithful leadership team. During summers, he helped at Christian children's camps. He enjoyed travelling and taking slides of God's beautiful country. Predeceased by first wife, Jessie and twin brother Eric in infancy, he is mourned by Anna; daughters Marlene de Foruce and Kathryn Peterson; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was June 3 at Broadway MB Church, with Robert Friesen and Henry Warkentin ministering.

Agatha Neufeld

Agatha Neufeld passed away May 26. She was born Mar. 30, 1901 to Johann and Agatha Epp in Andreasfeld, Ukraine. The family moved to Petrovka in 1902. She accepted the Lord at 16, claiming Matt. 7:7,8,11. She was baptized the same year and joined Petrovka MB Church. She married Isaak Neufeld of Waldheim, Molotschna May 31, 1925. They immigrated to Winnipeg in 1926. Seven months later, they moved to Altona, where the Neufeld family operated a flour mill. She missed her relatives, but God gave her John 11:40. Her grandparents came to Canada in 1927; her parents in 1930. In 1939, Isaak and Agatha and their 5 children moved back to Winnipeg. She was a very creative person in baking, sewing, gardening and later ceramics. They enjoyed travelling during retirement. Isaak died Apr. 15, 1982. Their daughter Edith was living with them and continued to live with Agatha. She is remembered as a positive, loving and selfless person, a woman of faith and prayer. Predeceased by Isaak and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Al, Harold, Edith, Irmie Konrad and Hildy Bergman; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 brother.

Mary Matties

Mary Matties passed away June 25. She was born Apr. 24, 1931 to Peter and Wilhelmina Reimer in Reesor, Ont. The family moved to Greendale, B.C., where they farmed. She was nurtured in faith by her parents. She made a commitment to Christ at a Bible camp. She was baptized in 1949, joining Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church. She married Henry Matties Apr. 24, 1949. She worked with him in farming and business. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1950, suffered a major attack in 1964, then had 13 good years. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and had surgery. The cancer did not return until 1995. She is remembered as a talented and gracious person who loved beauty and knew compassion. In the midst of pain, she modelled contentment and gratefulness. She had a deep trust in God and wrote, "One is not born with contentment, but it is given as it is needed." Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, she is mourned by Henry; children Gordon of Winnipeg, Grace Hindmarsh of Mt. Lehman, B.C., Connie Peters of Abbotsford, B.C. and Orville of Vernon, B.C.; 11 grandchildren; 1 brother and 3 sisters. The funeral was June 29 at Bakerview MB Church, with John Neufeld and Gordon Matties ministering.

Robert Suderman

Robert Suderman passed away June 2 after a battle with cancer. He was born Mar. 20, 1954 to Peter and Martha Suderman in Regina. He accepted Christ as a boy and was baptized at 14 at Hill Ave. MB Church. He graduated from Bethany Bible Institute in 1975, then completed 1 year at MB Bible College. One summer was spent doing mission work in Quebec under MBM/S. He later worked with his father, Peter at Globe Electric; operated his own contracting company, Standard Electric for 5 years; then worked for Alliance Energy. He married Wendy Dawson in 1980. He served as moderator for a daughter church plant in Regina for 2 years. He enjoyed singing and chairing the board of management in his church. He was interested in trains, computers, graphy, travel and his children's sports. He is remembered for his deep faith and commitment to God and his family. He is mourned by Wendy; children Derek, Devin and Jill; his parents of Regina; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was June 5 at Parliament Community Church, Regina, with Harry Strauss ministering.

Henry J. Peters

Henry J. Peters passed away May 30 of cancer. He was born Jan. 13, 1909 to Jacob and Anna Peters in Nieder Chortitz, Russia. The family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. in 1913. In 1914 they returned to Ukraine. His mother passed away 6 years later. In 1921, they left all their possessions, heading for Canada. He was delayed in Germany for over 2 years due to ill health. They lived in Herbert, then Beechy, Sask. He accepted Christ at an evangelistic meeting led by missionary Frank Wiens. He was baptized in the South Saskatchewan River by John Wiens Aug. 18, 1929. He married Margaretha Warkentin Oct. 18, 1936. In 1938, they moved to the Danzig District where they farmed for 6 years. They bought a farm in the Silberfeld District, where he farmed until retirement. He enjoyed farming and often sung while working. During retirement, he became keenly interested in his past, creating replicas of the farm equipment used in Russia. He spent hours playing Christian music on his harmonica, accordion, piano or guitar, singing as he played. He is remembered for his strong faith, love for family, concern for others, workshop creativity and pursuit of excellence in his varied interests. He is mourned by Margaretha; son Daniel; 3 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was June 3 at Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters and Otto Derksen ministering.

David Wipf

David Wipf passed away June 13. He was born July 1, 1935 to Andrew and Mary Wipf in Fort Macleod, Alta. His teacher influenced him toward a love of God. David accepted Christ in 1961 after watching a Billy Graham film. He was later baptized, joining Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church. He attended Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. for 4 years. He married Elizabeth Brucks Dec. 20, 1974. They lived in Clearbrook, B.C., then Mission City, B.C. where they managed a motel. They later moved to Vernon, B.C. and retired to Enderby, B.C. They moved to Armstrong, B.C. in May, 1996. He loved people and travelling. He had a special German saying, which means, "love each other". Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Elizabeth; 4 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was June 18 at Armstrong Bible Chapel, with pastor John Balzer ministering.

David Wesley Nikkel

David Wesley Nikkel died in a scuba diving accident Apr. 28. He was born June 16, 1971 to Peter and Diane Nikkel. He was known as a committed Christian with an instant rapport with people. He worked as an engineer at Cymbolic Sciences in Richmond, B.C. He was drummer and prominent member of the Panorama Community Church worship team. He is remembered for his life of adventure, trying hang gliding and most recently, scuba diving. He enjoyed travelling and was planning to drive his all-terrain vehicle from England to Central Africa, where he expected to stay several months. He is also remembered for his desire to be more like Christ, his trust in God's holiness and goodness, his generosity and loyalty. He was always willing to give of himself. He is mourned by his parents; brothers Peter and Jonathan; sister Rachel; and grandparents James and Marjorie Westman. A memorial service was held May 3 at Peace Arch Fellowship, Surrey, B.C., with Herb Neufeld ministering.

Andrew Todd Peters

Andrew Todd Peters died in a scuba diving accident Apr. 28. He was born Dec. 12, 1972 to Vic and Mary Peters. He enjoyed adventuresome sports such as motorcycling, bodysurfing and hiking. He accepted Jesus at an early age, led to Christ by his older brother. He enjoyed playing sports and attending camp in summer. During high school, he worked at IGA and Safeway, allowing him to purchase cars, trucks and motorcycles. He worked in Hawaii for a couple of months doing framing. He attended Briercrest Bible College in Caronport, Sask. where he rededicated his life to Jesus and began to feel called to full-time ministry. He returned to the framing business, then travelled to Australia, finally returning home to continue framing. He began working with the youth at Willingdon Church in Burnaby, B.C. He changed jobs several times while searching for his calling. Feeling called to full-time ministry, he returned to school, attending classes at Northwest Baptist Theological College and Trinity Western University in fall, 1995. He had planned to be a youth pastor. He is remembered as generous, caring, understanding and adventuresome with a love for Jesus. He is mourned by parents Vic and Mary Peters; brothers Jeffrey and Michael; grandparents Frank and Agnes Peters and Paul and Elna Paulson. The funeral was May 3 at Willingdon Church, with Carlin Weinhauer, Ron Clark, Kevin Carruthers and Ron Friesen ministering.

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