Deaths
Maria Janette Teigrob
Maria Janette Teigrob was killed in a car accident Aug. 22 while travelling with her family to Belize. She was born June 25, 1975 to Henry and Anne Teigrob in Simcoe, Ont. A few months later, the family moved to Belize where her parents were missionaries. She accepted the Lord at age 5. When she was 11, the family moved back to Ontario, where she completed high school. She was baptized at 13. She home-studied in Belize and B.C., then attended Providence College in Otterburne, Man. 1995-96. She enjoyed playing piano, playing for church services and giving piano lessons. She was an avid reader and outstanding student. She is mourned by parents Henry and Anne Teigrob; twin sister Michelle; sisters Esther, Pat, Susan and Carolyn; brothers Ed, Dwight, Jon and James; and grandfather Peter Teigrob.
Mary Molnar
Mary Molnar passed away Sept. 8. She was born June 18, 1911 to Henry and Maria Goerzen in Fuerstenwerder, Russia. The family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. in 1926. She accepted Jesus as her Saviour and was baptized, joining the MB Church. She loved her Bible and singing. She worked in the sugar beet fields and also did housework for others. She was fun-loving and made a lot of friends. Her nieces and nephews were very fond of her. After breaking a hip 10 years ago, she entered Edith Cavell Care Centre. She found it difficult to give up her independence and was lonely, but her strong faith in the Lord helped her through. Predeceased by her parents, 4 brothers and an infant sister, she is mourned by sisters Justina Nikkel and Tina Matthies of Coaldale. The funeral was Sept. 11 at Coaldale MB Church, with Randy Klassen ministering.
Nettie Petkau
Nettie Petkau passed away Dec. 11. She was born Sept. 14, 1913 to Peter and Susan Klassen in Russia. She immigrated to Main Centre, Sask. in 1923 with her mother, 2 sisters and a brother. She accepted the Lord and was baptized Aug. 7, 1932. She married George Petkau Dec. 13, 1932. She was active in Gospel Fellowship Church in Foam Lake, Sask. and the ladies' group. She loved her garden and flowers and always made sure baking was on hand in case company stopped in. She is remembered as a loving person. She is mourned by George; children Harvey of Peachland, B.C., Cornie of Mather, Man., Nettie Kristien of Raymore, Sask., Arnold of Stoney Plain, Alta., Edwin of Calgary, Peter of Fort Saskatchewan, Sask., Harold of Yorkton, Sask., David of Regina; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 3 half-brothers and 1 half-sister. The funeral was Dec. 14, with Dennis Friesen and Terry Tompkins officiating.
John Esau
John Esau passed away Dec. 4. He was born Oct. 3, 1918 in Samara, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. They farmed in Stavely, Alta. until 1935, then in Vauxhall, Alta. He graduated from Coaldale Bible School in 1948. He married Anne Heinrichs the same year. They moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1956. He then served as a salesman at Macleod's for 14 years and at Sears for 11 years. He taught Sunday school for 25 years and served at various times as church secretary, treasurer, church board member and Brigade leader. In retirement, he served the MB Conference as a translator of historical documents for the Seminary archives in Lethbridge, Alta. He also enjoyed working as a volunteer in the MCC Global Gift Shop in Lethbridge. He loved to be outdoors, particularly in the mountains, where he enjoyed God's splendour in creation. His last years were spent in the Coaldale Hospital. He was proud of his family and was an extremely supportive grandfather, especially of his special needs grandson, Toryn Holden. His primary loyalty was to his Lord and the MB Church. He is mourned by Anne, children Marion Braun, Alvin, Rose Siemens, Linda Holden, Frieda Klippenstein, Ken and Ron; 17 grandchildren; and 2 sisters.
Jakob Peter Janzen
Jakob Peter Janzen passed away Oct. 16. He was born Dec. 5, 1917 in Franztal, Molotschna, Ukraine. At age 15 or 16, food packages from relatives in the US saved him from starvation. He married Aganetha Unruh in December, 1940. In August, 1941, he became a prisoner of the Germans and was used as a translator. In fall, 1944, he was wounded and taken to an Allied hospital. After the war, he was released and began working for a German farmer. Meanwhile his family and wife had left Ukraine with the retreating German armies. Aganetha made it to the West, but Jakob's family was sent to Siberia. Aganetha worked on a farm near the Danish border. In February, 1948 she received news of Jakob's location, and they were reunited. They immigrated to Canada in 1949. Jakob worked on a farm for 3 years, as a house mover for 2 years and as a janitor at Yarrow (B.C.) Elementary School for 23 years. In August, 1949 he accepted the Lord and was baptized in Greendale, B.C. They transferred to Yarrow MB Church in 1950. In 1972, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He worked until age 60, then retired to Clearbrook, B.C., attending services at Clearbrook MB Church. He was confined to a wheelchair in 1987, was reunited with a brother from Germany in 1989 and entered Cottage Extended Care Unit in Abbotsford in September, 1989. He longed to go home. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Aganetha; children Katie Arnold, Irma Peters, Rudy, Marlene Beugeling, Irvin and Lenora; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Oct. 21 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Margarita Joyce Balzer
Margarita Joyce Balzer passed away Oct. 19 of cancer. She was born June 21, 1944 to Gerard and Margaret Ridder in Lacombe, Alta. The family lived on a farm in Blackfalds, Alta., then moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1951. When she was a child, she asked Jesus to save her from sin and trusted in Him for salvation. She married John Balzer Aug. 16, 1963. She was a member of Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford and was a part of the church choir for many years. She loved music and enjoyed singing praises to God. In 1986, she contracted a virus that attacked her muscles. She was diagnosed with cancer in June, 1994. Throughout the illness, she kept a positive attitude and a constant faith in God to see her through. Throughout her life, she grew in the knowledge of and love for her Saviour. Isaiah 43:1-2 were favourite verses. She is mourned by John; sons Tim and Ron; 2 grandsons; her father; 3 sisters and 5 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 23 at Central Heights MB Church, with Peter Unrau, Marvin Heyboer and Henry Wiebe ministering.
Jake Janzen
Jake Janzen passed away suddenly Oct. 19. He was born Apr. 29, 1951 to Jakob and Sofie Janzen in Neu-Halbstadt, Neuland, Paraguay. His mother died when he was 13 months old. When he was 4, his father married Maria Klassen. Jake accepted the Lord at age 4 or 5. When he was 8, the family immigrated to Vancouver. When he was 12, he rededicated his life to the Lord at a Janz Brothers crusade. He was active in Inter-School Christian Fellowship and was concerned about the salvation of his classmates. He was baptized May 14, 1967, joining Culloden MB Church. He married Marilyn Bartel Mar. 30, 1974. He worked in construction and as an electrician. He studied at BCIT and founded Jake's Electric in 1986. He had a deep desire to be a godly man and father. He taught Sunday school and boys clubs, ushered, invited young people to his home and participated in Bible studies. In 1991, he reassessed his walk with God, taking a more active role in teaching God's principles to his children. The occasions when one of his children accepted the Lord were very special to him. In 1994, the Janzen family left the Northview Community Church in order to help in the ministry at Clearbrook MB Church, where he served as usher, deacon and church council chair. Predeceased by his mother and an infant brother, he is mourned by Marilyn; children Melody, Jeff, Jodi, Kim and Joshua; parents Jakob and Maria Janzen; sisters and brothers. The funeral was Oct. 24 at Northview Community Church, with Jay Neufeld, George Baier, John E. Klassen and J.C. Dyck ministering.
Walter Abram Schmidt
Walter Abram Schmidt passed away Nov. 6. He was born May 29, 1915 in Dalmeny, Sask. He lived in Abbotsford, B.C. since 1933, working in his own construction business until retirement. He and his wife, Rosella accepted the Lord Sept. 28, 1946. They were baptized later that year. He was faithful in his walk with the Lord to the end of his life. He enjoyed singing in the men's chorus at church, playing games and watching sports. In retirement, they enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, Ariz. He is mourned by Rosella; daughters Jeanne Janzen of Pentiction, B.C., Francis Friesen of Coquitlam, B.C., Janice Martens of Abbotsford, B.C. and Pat of United Arab Emirates; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter Unrau and Nick Dyck ministering.
Irma Pauls
Irma Pauls passed away Nov. 9. She was born Oct. 16, 1926 to Paul and Margaret Schaefer in Gretna, Man. She grew up in Gnadenthal, Man. and attended Mennonite Collegiate Institute, where her father was principal. At 17, she began teaching in Lowe Farm, Man. She married fellow teacher Jacob Pauls July 6, 1946. They moved to St. Catharines, Ont. in 1953. They enjoyed the close-knit circle of friends and relatives. She taught for the Lincoln County Board in special education at Lingarden School for 28 years. She also taught courses for the Ministry of Education in Toronto, Orillia, Ont. and Brock University in St. Catharines. She is remembered for her love for people and her desire to be a service to others. She often acknowledged that her involvement in many church and community boards was made possible by the loving support of husband Jake. She was diagnosed with Cruetzfeld Jacob disease. Her love for the Lord and her faith that God was always in control shaped her life and sustained her through both good and difficult times. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by Jake; daughters Ingrid and Peggy; son Ted; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Agnes Enns
Agnes Enns passed away Nov. 11. She was born Aug. 19, 1913. The family immigrated to a farm near Coaldale, Alta. in 1925. She gave her life to the Lord early in life and was baptized in Coaldale MB Church, of which she remained supportive to the end. For many years, she ordered books for the church library and taught Sunday school. When her parents retired to Coaldale in 1950, Agnes cared for them until their passing. She enjoyed her garden and the flowers she tended. An avid reader, she had a keen interest in world affairs. She loved cooking and baking. She often hosted family and friends. She is remembered as an unselfish, caring person. Predeceased by 3 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by sisters Tina Goerzen of Coaldale, Elizabeth Martens of Oliver, B.C., Mary Balzer of Abbotsford, B.C., Margaret and Susie, both of Coaldale. The funeral was Nov. 15 at Coaldale MB Church, with Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.
Sandra Mavis Loewen
Sandra Mavis Loewen passed away Nov. 16 of cancer. She was born Oct. 12, 1941 to George and Sarah Toews in Swift Current, Sask. She graduated from the College of Pharmacy, University of Saskatchewan in 1963 and was an integral part of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on campus. She married Don Loewen May 24, 1965. Sandra felt most at home in the country on the Saskatchewan prairie. The acreage where her family was raised and the cabin at Kannata Valley held fond memories of time spent working in the garden, nurturing flowers and enjoying sunsets. She is remembered as a woman of deep convictions and always put her whole heart into actions and relationships. She lived a principle-centred life based on a faith in a loving and redeeming God. Predeceased by her mother, she is mourned by Don; children Melanie Boldt and Nathan, both of Osler, Sask., and Theresa of Ontario; her father and stepmother Margaret; and 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 20 at Parliament Community Church, Regina, with Harry Strauss and Garry Paul ministering.
Tina Dahl
Tina Dahl passed away Nov. 27. She was born July 24, 1913 to Jacob J. Epp and Elizabeth Paetkau in Rosenbach, Fuerstenland, Russia. The family immigrated to Waldheim, Sask. in 1926, then moved to Yarrow, B.C. in February, 1928. She was baptized in July, 1930 by her father, joining Yarrow MB Church. She married Henry L. Dahl Nov. 10, 1935. After a few years in Yarrow, they bought a dairy farm on Sumas Prairie, B.C. in June, 1943, operating it for almost 50 years. The farm was sold in 1990. They moved to a condominium in Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She enjoyed being with family and friends, and was always open to strangers. In later years, she was active in volunteer activities, especially making quilts. She loved to read and was an excellent gardener and cook. She is remembered for her love and generosity. Predeceased by Henry in January, 1996, she is mourned by children Elizabeth Giesbrecht of Abbotsford, B.C., Victor of Surrey, B.C., Hilda of Victoria, Edward of Ottawa, Harry of Fort St. John, B.C. and Allan of Abbotsford; and 10 grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 2 at Clearbrook MB Church, with David Giesbrecht and Ryan Dahl ministering.
Susanna Schroeder
Susanna Schroeder passed away Dec. 3. She was born May 25, 1924 to Anna and Jacob J. Guenther in Silberfeld, Man. The family moved frequently in southern Manitoba, settling in the Roseau River area in 1935. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at age 12 or 13 at Gimli (Man.) Canadian Sunday School Mission camp. She was baptized Sept. 4, 1949. She left school to help the family by working. She moved to Winnipeg to work in housecleaning and completed high school through night classes. She graduated from Winnipeg Bible Institute, and then from Normal School in 1953. As a teacher, she enjoyed her students and work in one-room schools. She married Dick Schroeder in 1955. She had many health problems over the years, but her trust in God never wavered. The family moved frequently, spending some years in Emerson, Man., then settling in Niverville, Man. in 1966. She continued teaching as health permitted until 1967. She was active in church and community affairs. When her health limited her activity, her phone ministry was a great blessing to many. Predeceased by 1 brother, 2 sisters and daughter Janet Rose in infancy, she is mourned by Dick and by daughter Elaine. The funeral was Dec. 7 at Niverville MB Church, with Rick McCorkindale and Jake Bergen ministering.
Karl Enns
Karl Enns passed away Dec. 13. He enjoyed life to the full. He loved to laugh and thanked God for his health every day. Predeceased by first wife Tina in July, 1985, he is mourned by wife Edna; daughters Erica Erickson and Esther Sierks; sons Rudy and Walter; stepchildren Abe and Betty Friesen, Tim and Linda Regehr and Rudy Friesen; 12 grandchildren and 5 step-granddaughters. The funeral was Dec. 18 at McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg.
Frances Penner
Frances Penner passed away Dec. 20. She was born July 23, 1914 to Anton and Annie Buhlin in southern Manitoba. She married Bernard Penner at 19 and they farmed together until 1973. From 1959, their primary residence had been Winnipeg, but they continued farming in the summer. She was active in all aspects of farm life. She is remembered for her kind and generous spirit, accepting of all she met, for her diligence and perseverance, for hope in adversity and faith, and for her devotion to her children. She and Bernard moved to Tabor Home in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1994. Predeceased by Bernard in October, 1994, she is mourned by 1 brother and 1 sister; children Irvin of Abbotsford, Ray of Vancouver, Milly Dyck of Winnipeg and Norma Klassen of Winnipeg; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
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