Obituaries
Lawrence Peter Sawatsky
Lawrence Peter Sawatsky passed away July 3 of lymphoma. He was born Aug. 7, 1956 to Peter and the late Anne Sawatsky in Killarney, Man., and is the stepson of Mary Sawatsky. He accepted the Lord at an early age, and rededicated his life in 1976 while attending Winkler Bible Institute. He was baptized that year. He married Karen Franz of Abbotsford, B.C. July 8, 1977. They owned a grain farm in Killarney. He lived with zest and energy. He loved baseball, snowmobiling with friends and music. He loved spending time with his family. In 1989 they quit farming and moved to Abbotsford, where he sang in the choir and was a care group leader and church greeter at Northview Community Church. He enjoyed managing a chicken farm in Abbotsford. When that job ended in May, 1995, he worked at farm-related jobs; no job was too big or too small, for he was determined to provide for his family. He was diagnosed with lymphoma Feb. 21, 1996. He believed the Lord could heal him and was encouraged by many letters of support. His last days were peaceful, and he looked forward to seeing his Lord. He is remembered for his courage, faith, sense of humour, strong work ethic, loyalty and commitment to his family. Predeceased by his mother, he is mourned by Karen; daughters Jacqueline, Meagan and Danae; his family and many friends.
Errors were made in the editing when this obituary first appeared in the Herald Sept. 13. We are sorry for the additional grief caused to the family.
John Derksen
John Derksen passed away June 18. He was born Nov. 8, 1920 to Solomon and Anna Derksen in Rosenfeld, Man. He travelled to B.C. in the early 1940s. He was conscripted for military service in World War II, then returned to B.C. and worked as an insulator. He married Agatha Klassen in August, 1950. In 1955, they joined Vancouver MB Church. In 1968, they joined the new Culloden MB Church in Vancouver. He served in both congregations as an usher and assistant Sunday school teacher, and on the transport committee. He was known as a faithful, dedicated worker at church and work. He had many hobbies, but was especially devoted to gardening after retiring in 1985. In January, 1996, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by Agatha; sons Edward and Roland of Vancouver; daughter Laura Harder of Richmond, B.C.; 1 granddaughter; 3 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral was June 24 at Culloden MB Church, with Aldon Loeppky and Hans Wall ministering.
Kornelius Gross
Kornelius Gross passed away in early September. He was born July 26, 1921 to Abram and Sara Gross in Siberia. His father died of typhus 9 months later, and his mother married Peter John Toews. The family immigrated to Germany in 1929 and Paraguay in 1930. He dedicated his life to the Lord as a youth and was baptized. He loved horses, working as a cowboy on various ranches. He married Katharina Plett Jan. 25, 1947 in Gnadenheim. They established a farm in Blumental. They immigrated to Greendale, B.C. in 1961. The family moved to Vancouver in September, where he worked at the Bayshore Inn Hotel. They joined 43rd Ave. MB Church, where they served on the food committee. He was hit by a car in 1979, but returned to work after a year. In February, 1991, he had a brain seizure, but soon recovered. In October, 1993 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. They served faithfully on the funeral catering committee and were deacons. He served communion the day before he died. After suffering chest pains, he underwent a 7-hour heart operation, but did not survive. Predeceased by 9 siblings, he is mourned by Katharina; sons Abe, Ernie and Dave; daughters Marlene Wall, Elvira Harder; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 6 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Elizabeth Dyck
Elizabeth Dyck passed away Aug. 17. She was born Apr. 13, 1910 in Kleefeld, Slavgorod, Siberia. She accepted the Lord in January, 1924. In June, she was baptized, joining the MB Church. The family moved to Mexico in 1925, to Winnipeg in January, 1926, then to Watrous, Sask., where she worked as a hotel maid. In 1927, the family moved to Clairmont, Alta., where she worked as a live-in housekeeper. She married John Nickel May 1, 1932. They moved to LaGlace, Alta. in 1937, to a farm near Yarrow, B.C. in 1946 and to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1959. John died later that year. She married Henry Dyck of Saskatoon in April, 1962. In 1990, they moved into Tabor Home. Henry died Aug. 11, 1991. She had high expectations for her children and always welcomed their friends into her house. She had an optimistic spirit and tackled difficult situations with vigour and perseverance. She did not waver in her spiritual life and spent much time on her knees in prayer. She was an enthusiastic cook and baker; much of her income came from her kitchen after 1959. She made patchwork quilts for each of her grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 21 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Franklin Berry, Jacob Pauls and Jay Neufeld ministering.
Abram A. Reimer
Abram A. Reimer passed away Sept. 2. He was born June 15, 1903 to Abraham and Maria Reimer in Wiesenfeld, Russia. He accepted Christ, was baptized and joined the MB Church in 1916. He fled to Canada via Mexico. In Canada he was reunited with his family and worked for John Hinz, a Saskatchewan farmer. He married Pauline Hinz in 1927. They farmed in Saskatchewan. In 1950, the family moved to Didsbury, Alta., where he farmed and was a building contractor. After retiring, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Pauline passed away in 1980. He married Sara Isaac a year later. She passed away in 1992. He built many homes, farm buildings and churches. He enjoyed crafting wooden toys for his children and grandchildren. He is remembered for his life of integrity and positive friendships. He was a member of Clearbrook MB Church. Predeceased by son Gerald in 1990, daughter Sharon Romanick in 1982, 3 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by children Elvera Bergsma of Saskatoon, Glen of Calgary, Donald of Edmonton, Myrna Eastman of Anacortes, Wash., Leona Eby of Cochrane, Alta.; 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Duane Eastman ministering.
Abram Bernhard Loewen
Abram Bernhard Loewen passed away Aug. 24. He was born Mar. 21, 1907 to Bernhard B. and Katharina Loewen in Alexanderfeld, Sagradowka, Ukraine. He accepted the Lord in his early teens, for which he was ridiculed by his friends. He was baptized in April, 1924. He married Margarethe Klassen, who had been baptized with him, Jan. 23, 1929. They immigrated to Germany in November, 1929, but much of their extended family were not permitted to leave. They immigrated to Paraguay in 1930. Farming was hard. After Margarethe suffered ill health, they immigrated to Arnold, B.C., where they bought a dairy farm. They retired to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. During retirement, they visited family and friends in Paraguay and Germany, reuniting with a brother whom he had not seen for 60 years. He enjoyed golfing and fishing. They moved into Evergreen Village in 1985. Margarethe moved to Menno Home in 1995. He suffered a stroke July 13. Predeceased by daughter Linda in 1969, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by Margarethe; daughters Elizabeth Kliewer and Katie Enns of Richmond, B.C., Lydia Koop of Salmon Arm, B.C.; sons Abe of Abbotsford, B.C., John of Powell River, B.C., Walter of Langley, B.C., Helmut of Elkford, B.C. and Alvin of Abbotsford; 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 30 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, John E. Klassen and George Baier ministering.
Agatha Vogt
Agatha Vogt passed away Aug. 23. She was born Apr. 27, 1907 to Kornelius and Susana Neufeld in Nicholajevka, Russia. She began singing in the church choir at 13, but lacked inner peace. She accepted Jesus at an evangelistic service in 1924. She was baptized the same year, joining the MB Church. The family immigrated to Germany in 1929, then St. John's, Nfld. in 1930. She went on to Yarrow, B.C., where she was reunited with David Vogt with whom she had been corresponding. They married 3 weeks later. They bought a 20-acre dairy and chicken farm in Greendale, B.C. They were active in the Greendale (B.C.) MB Church. When her father died suddenly, they re-examined the meaning of life. They sold the farm and attended MB Bible College in Winnipeg. In summers, they returned to Greendale to earn money picking berries and hops. They later moved to Vancouver, joining 43rd Ave. MB Church. They were charter members of Fraserview Church, serving as deacons. They later joined Culloden MB Church. In 1984, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. They served as deacons, sang in the German choir and played in the music group. They moved into Menno Home. She is remembered for her optimism in the midst of difficulties, but she longed to go home. Predeceased by David, 1 daughter and 7 siblings, she is mourned by children Irene Martens, Victor and Viola Horst; 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Aug. 28 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, George Baier, Jay Neufeld and John Klassen ministering.
Mary Andres
Mary Andres passed away June 21. She was born May 26, 1900 to Jacob and Elizabeth Andres in Russia. The family immigrated to Langham, Sask. in 1902. She married Jacob H. Andres in 1922 and they moved to Waldheim, Sask. In 1942, the family moved to St. Catharines, Ont. Jacob died in 1966. She moved to Tabor Manor in 1992 with son Jim and daughter Clara. She is remembered for her hospitality and her concern for the salvation of her children and grandchildren, praying regularly for them. Predeceased by Jacob in 1966 and daughter Clara in 1994, she is mourned by children Elmer of B.C., Grace Braun, Jim, and Nellie Klassen of St. Catharines, Josie Reimer of Burlington, Ont., Betty Isaac of St. Catharines, Allen of Alberta, Edna Penner of B.C., Irene Dick of St. Catharines and Lois Martens of B.C.; 29 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was June 25 at Grantham MB Church in St. Catharines, with John Hiebert and Allan Andres ministering.
Peter J. Dick
Peter J. Dick passed away Feb. 29 of bone cancer. He was born Sept. 24, 1909 to John and Liese Dick in Lichtfelde, Russia. In 1926, the family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta., where he attended 3 years at Coaldale Bible School. He married Lydia Toews in July, 1934. They adopted 3 children. He served Coaldale MB Church as choir director and German school instructor and was involved in youth and pulpit ministry 1935-45. In 1945, he began a 4-year course at MB Bible College in Winnipeg. He was ordained at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg. He taught Bible, music and German at Alberta Mennonite High School, Coaldale, 1949-57. The family moved to Ontario in 1957, where he taught and conducted choirs in Eden Christian College until 1975. He participated in pulpit and Sunday school ministry in Scott St. MB Church and Grantham MB Church in St. Catharines. Following retirement, they were church planters in Brazil; then he pastored the MB church in Neuwied, Germany. Lydia died in 1984 after a battle with cancer. He married Anna Peters of Kitchener, Ont. in 1986. For 19 years, he translated Sunday school lessons from English into German. He summed up his life with Luke 17:10. Predeceased by his first wife Lydia, son John in 1991, he is mourned by Anna; children Werner and Eleanor, 5 step-daughters, 3 step-sons; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; 16 stepgrandchildren and 10 stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 5 at Scott St. MB Church, with John Hiebert, John Wall and Henry Penner ministering.
Mary Gossen
Mary Gossen passed away Aug. 7. She was born Mar. 22, 1907 to Isaac and Sara Penner near Mennon, Sask. When she was 3, the family moved to Laird, Sask. She accepted Christ and joined the Mennonite Church. She taught music to many people, including her family, and accompanied many church choirs, violinists and singers throughout her life. She married John J. Gossen of Hepburn, Sask. July 12, 1927. She enjoyed nature and flowers and she travelled to visit her children, grandchildren and those she called her "greats". She is remembered as a loving, caring, accepting and forgiving person. Predeceased by John in 1989, she is mourned by son Bob of Victoria, B.C.; daughters Marilyn Lohrenz of Prince Albert, Sask. and Sandra Nickel of Victoria; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 10 at Hepburn MB Church, with Rod Ens and Ralph Gliege ministering.
Frank Isaac
Frank Isaac passed away Aug. 23. He was born June 6, 1911 in Ukraine. He immigrated to central Alberta in 1926. He married Frieda Brauer Mar. 22, 1936. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1937 and lived there until his passing. Predeceased by 4 brothers, he is mourned by Frieda; daughters Marianne Luck of Strathroy, Ont., Georgina Moir of Cobourg, Ont., Frances Hadford of Calgary; son Frank of Lethbridge, Alta.; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 4 brothers. The funeral was Aug. 27 at Martin Brothers Memorial Chapel, Lethbridge, with Randy Klassen ministering.
Daniel Thomas Bennett
Daniel Thomas Bennett died in a traffic accident Nov. 25, 1995. He was born Aug. 25, 1991 in Thompson, Man. His family attended Christian Centre Fellowship in Thompson before moving to Springdale, Nfld. He is mourned by parents Roger and Kathleen Bennett; brother Brian; and sisters Marie and Shannon, all of Springdale. The funeral was Dec. 4, 1995 in Springdale, with W. Boyde ministering.
Henry Nachtigal
Henry Nachtigal passed away Sept. 26 of a heart attack. He was born Dec. 22, 1928 to David and Anna Nachtigal in Crowfoot, Alta. He attended school in Ryley, Alta. He accepted Christ when he was 10 and was baptized as a teen. He married Agatha Goertz Apr. 25, 1954. He took over his father's farm shortly after getting married, and drove a cement truck for several years. He obtained his master electrician's license and started a business in Tofield, Alta. He sold the farm and moved to Tofield. He later started a general contracting business with his sons. After retiring from construction, he started his own business, buying and selling RVs, his long-time passion. Predeceased by Agatha on Sept. 5, 1996, he is mourned by sons Ken of Spruce Grove, Alta., Darrell of Edmonton, Doug of Tofield, Alvin of Edmonton, Ivan of Tofield and Ernie of Edmonton; 2 sisters; and 10 grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 30 at Tofield Gospel Church, with David Dyck ministering.
Abram A. Bergmann
Abram A. Bergmann passed away Aug. 25. He was born Aug. 19, 1925 to Abram and Katherina Bergmann near Winkler, Man. At 17, he accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. He married Margaret Regehr Oct. 13, 1946. In 1956, they moved to Blumenort, Man. and built a house and a slaughter-house. He retired after 30 years and bought a hog farm with son John. Abram loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing trips with his boys. Family was very important to him; he prayed regularly for them. His faith was a vital part of his life, shown in his honesty in business, his generous, loving spirit and his devoted involvement in Steinbach MB Church. Cancer was diagnosed in September, 1994. Following chemotherapy and surgery, brain tumors were diagnosed in September, 1995. During his illness, he often said "Praise the Lord" and "The Lord is good." He encouraged his family to continue to trust the Lord. He is mourned by Margaret; children John of Blumenort and Irene Giesbrecht of Steinbach; 4 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 28 at Steinbach MB Church, with Keith Poysti ministering.
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