Obituaries
Peter Tederoff
Peter Tederoff passed away Dec. 16. He was born Jan. 9, 1909 to Afanasy and Pauline Tederoff in Radisson, Sask. Later the family moved to Arelee, Sask. and homesteaded. He met Nancy Krotenko in Toronto; they married Mar. 11, 1939. He is remembered as loving, quiet, softspoken and understanding. He always found time to help people. He loved baseball and hockey. He was active in the church and enjoyed playing his violin. After retiring from farming in 1975, he continued to help his sons, commuting from Biggar, Sask. to the farm. He gave them advice and encouragement. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, he is mourned by Nancy; sons Bill, Ivan, Jim and Don; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 21 at Arelee MB Church, with Robert Russell and Archie Jantzen ministering.
Olga Nickel
Olga Nickel passed away Jan. 4. She was born Nov. 20, 1903 to Peter and Anna Nickel in Czosnow, Poland. Due to economic conditions, she was unable to pursue a formal education. At a young age, she was required to provide domestic services for homes in the area. At age 16, she was baptized, joining the Mennonite Church in Kazun, Poland. Matthew 7:7-8 prompted her into a more intimate relationship with the Lord, and she experienced "new birth". She immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. in 1928. She served as a domestic worker in the home of F.C. Thiessen. She later worked on a farm near Saskatoon, then moved to Acme, Alta. to join the Ben Ratzlaff family in a farming operation. She married Rudolf Nickel Apr. 10, 1932. They purchased a farm at Namaka, Alta. in 1935. She provided encouragement and support in deacon ministry services. She was appreciated for her outstanding ability in providing hospitality, friendship and care. Her generosity was extended to many church guests. They moved to B.C. in 1951 to provide Christian education for their children and to run a poultry and berry farm. They joined South Abbotsford MB Church, where they continued their deacon ministry. They stopped farming in 1966 and moved into Abbotsford, where their home was a centre of hospitality for their family. They moved to Sunset Manor in 1989, then to Tabor Home. Predeceased by Rudolf May 31, 1990 and infant daughter Annie, 3 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by daughter Erna Friesen; son Walter; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister.
Jacob Henry Hiebert
Jacob Henry Hiebert passed away Sept. 24, 1996. He was born Sept. 20 to Henry Kornelius and Katherine Huebert in Issiljkul, Siberia. When he was 2, his mother died, leaving his father with 5 children. His father married Lena Friesen in 1914, and they had 5 more children together. The family moved to Slavgarod, Siberia. After the communists had twice imprisoned his father, the family fled, immigrating to Morris, Man. in 1924. He helped his father operate a grocery store in Morris until 1926, then a feed store in Winnipeg and a general store in Morden, Man. until 1935. He accepted the Lord as a teen and was baptized, joining the MB Church in Morden. He moved to Vancouver in 1937, where he found various types of work. He married Anne Klassen Oct. 7, 1939. He worked at a plywood mill until retiring in February, 1976. Anne died Nov. 29, 1968 of cancer. He married Sarah I. Klassen Aug. 29, 1970. They enjoyed travelling together. They were members of Willingdon MB Church in Burnaby, B.C. and, after moving to Clearbrook, B.C., joined East Aldergrove MB Church. He loved to sing in the senior choir. He had a deep desire to go home to the Lord. Predeceased by his first wife Anne, he is mourned by Sarah; and daughters Dianna and Hilda. The funeral was Sept. 28, with John Nikkel and Art Isaac ministering.
George Dyck
George Dyck passed away Nov. 20. He was born Apr. 24, 1910 to John and Katherine Dyck in Russia. The family immigrated to Venn, Sask. in 1924. He was baptized June 14, 1931 and became a member of Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. where he was actively involved. He married Katie Dick Oct. 17, 1937. They moved to Guernsey, Sask. in 1946 where they farmed for 50 years. They moved to Jubilee Court in Watrous, Sask. in February, 1996. His greatest desire was to glorify God in all he did and said. He is remembered for his capacity to love, pray, give and encourage. His warm sense of humour endeared him to many. Predeceased by 10 siblings, he is mourned by Katie, children Ted of Guernsey and Ruth Fogarty of Toronto; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 2 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 25 at Philadelphia MB Church, with Ernie Bergen and Nick Dyck ministering.
Louis Wiebe
Louis Wiebe passed away Dec. 13. He was born prematurely Dec. 12, 1996 to Ernie and Fran Wiebe of Chilliwack, B.C. In his parents' words: "For the short time that Louis was with us, he gave us the wonderful taste of being parents. It was hard to say `hello' and `goodbye' in one breath, but we have peace knowing that he is in the arms of Jesus." He is mourned by his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and many cousins.
Martha Ratzlaff
Martha Ratzlaff passed away Dec. 16. She was born Nov. 10, 1905 to Kornelius and Wilhelmina Kliewer in Deutsch Wymyschle, Poland. She was baptized in August, 1926, joining Wymyschle MB Church. She immigrated to Canada in 1929. She married Richard Ratzlaff in 1931. They lived in Acme, Alta., attending Linden MB Church. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in the mid-1950s, then Vancouver. Richard died in 1967, and she moved to Abbotsford. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and moved to Tabor Home in 1982, then to Menno Hospital in 1994. She is remembered for her warmth, hospitality and love for the Lord. Predeceased by Richard and daughter Edith Leona in 1940, she is mourned by sons Harold and Eric of Abbotsford, B.C. and George of Vancouver; daughter Elizabeth Phillips of Langley, B.C.; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 20 at Menno Chapel, with Harold Ratzlaff, P.R. Toews and Wilmer Kornelson ministering.
Herman William Dick
Herman William Dick passed away Dec. 25 of a heart condition. He was born Jan. 16, 1936 to Peter and Betty Dick in Leamington, Ont. When he was 8, the family moved to Ruthven, Ont. He was baptized Sept. 11, 1955. As a teen, he became very involved in the work of the church. Over the years, he served at various times as treasurer, Sunday school and DVBS teacher and assistant youth leader and served in a ministry in seniors' homes. He excelled at his studies, graduating from UMEI and Leamington High School. He worked as a bookkeeper at the Windsor Salt Mines, and also did office and accounting work for several local businesses. He then became a farmer until retiring in 1989. He loved music, earning his Grade VIII piano certificate. He especially enjoyed singing in the church choir, radio choir and various quartets. Although he maintained an apartment in Ruthven, he spent most of his time at brother Randy's home in Kentucky. He is remembered as a good brother and a much-loved uncle. He is mourned by sisters Anita Taves and Alvena Sawatzky of Leamington, Ont.; and brothers Jerry and Randy of Kentucky. The funeral was Dec. 30 at Leamington MB Church, with David Derksen ministering.
David Whitfield
David Whitfield died in a traffic accident Jan. 6. He was born July 18, 1924 to Arthur and Lila Whitfield in Toronto. He received Jesus at age 6. He studied at the University of Toronto and was active in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He attended People's Church and learned much about world missions. He attended Toronto Bible College 1950-52. He married Kathleen Wilson of Victoria, B.C., and they served together in Chad Republic 1956-69 under Sudan United Mission. They moved to Kingsville, Ont. in 1969. They were partners in Leamington Nursing Home, where he enjoyed the residents and staff, always seeking to meet their needs. He was active in Leamington (Ont.) MB Church, especially in evangelistic efforts. He preached his last sermon Jan. 5. He is remembered as a loving husband and father. Predeceased by infant son John, he is mourned by Kathleen; children Joan Moller of Guelph, Ont., Robert of Leamington, Ronald of Belle River, Ont., Julia Rose of Quebec City, Ian of North Vancouver, Ann Wiebe of London, Ont. and Barbara of North Vancouver. A memorial service was held Jan. 10 at Leamington MB Church, with Henry Regier and Ian Whitfield ministering.
Katharina Klassen
Katharina Klassen passed away Jan. 8. She was born Oct. 25, 1912 to Jacob and Elisabeth Klassen in Burwalde, Russia. She lost her father at a young age. Her mother remarried. When Katherine was 20, her mother died. Her step-father died a year later. She immigrated to Canada in 1949. She worked at York Farms and bought a house on Sumas Prairie Road. She had a house built next to Greendale MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C., retired and got around on a three-wheeled bicycle. She took great pride in her flowers and vegetables, and enjoyed knitting. When it became difficult to maintain the house, she moved into an apartment in Abbotsford, B.C. She enjoyed her apartment with friends close by. She had a strong faith in God and did not complain of her disability. Predeceased by sister Maria Derksen, she is mourned by sister Agnes Harder of Maryland, Wa., brother Jacob Grunau of Sardis, B.C. and many relatives. The funeral was Jan. 14 at Greendale MB Church, with Len Doerksen and Rusty Reimer ministering.
Mary Dyck
Mary Dyck passed away Jan. 10. She was born Oct. 20, 1904 to John and Mary Neufeld. She grew up in Tiege, Molotschna, Russia. She accepted Christ and was baptized. She enjoyed singing in the church choir. Her education was cut short, but she enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events. She enjoyed singing in the church choir. After the family immigrated to Canada, she worked on the family farm for several years, then moved to Saskatoon, where she was a domestic worker. She joined the MB Church in Saskatoon. She married Peter John Dyck. They farmed near Watrous, Sask. and served as deacons at Philadelphia MB Church. She was also a Sunday school teacher for many years and hosted visiting ministers. She memorized many Scripture portions. Education was important to her, and she instilled a love for it in her children. She sang as she worked on the farm. They lived in the Watrous area until Peter retired in 1973 and they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. In 1986, they moved to a condominium. Peter suffered a stroke and moved into Menno Home. She joined him a year later, visiting and encouraging him daily. The funeral was Jan. 17 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jake Pauls, George Baier and Jay Neufeld ministering.
Jacob Tjart
Jacob Tjart passed away Jan. 23. He was born Feb. 9, 1903 to Henry and Aganetha Tjart in Bijuk Kaban, Crimea, Russia. The family immigrated to Castor, Alta. in 1930, where they farmed. He married Mary Balzer Mar. 2, 1941 in Vancouver. They moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1942, where they bought a dairy farm. The farm grew from 20 acres to 43 acres. He was baptized in 1943, joining Greendale MB Church, where he served as audio system operator and parking attendant. They retired in 1965 and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1968, where they enjoyed fellowship with members of Clearbrook MB Church, relatives and friends. He took great pride in his garden and enjoyed woodworking and fishing. Mary died in 1984. He experienced loneliness but was determined to remain independent. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. God granted his desire not to be institutionalized. Predeceased by Mary, 3 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by son Henry; daughters MaryAnn Jantzen and Lena Hamm; 5 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Jan. 29 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld, George Baier and Dave Froese ministering.
Anne Bargen
Anne Bargen of Winfield, B.C. passed away Jan. 25. She was born Mar. 17, 1925 to Cornelius C. and Anna Peters in Ekaterinoslav, Ukraine. She accepted Christ and was baptized by her father at 16, joining Yarrow MB Church. She attended Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Man. 1942-43. She married Peter F. Bargen June 3, 1945. Their married life was ripe with their love for God, each other and poetry. She is remembered for her faithfulness in letter-writing, her persistent love and encouragement of others, and her indomitable sense of humour. Her primary goal was to serve and honour God. Even while suffering from cancer, she remained devoted to the care and service of others. Romans 8 became central in her faith towards the end. She is mourned by Peter; children Richard of Chinook, Mont., Neil of Edmonton and Charlene Lockner of Oshawa, Ont; 6 grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Feb. 1 at First Baptist Church, Kelowna, B.C., with Ward Cowie ministering.
Gerhard Wiebe
Gerhard Wiebe passed away Nov. 25. He was born Apr. 25, 1905 in Russia. He immigrated to Coaldale, Alta. where he was baptized. He attended school in Coaldale and attended Winkler Bible Institute. He entered Bethesda Home for the Mentally Ill in Vineland, Ont. in 1940. He suffered from severe depression, causing doubts about his faith. At Bethseda, a great effort was made to help him through Scripture and prayer. After some time, he underwent brain surgery, which was very effective. He became a happy and contented man. He loved the Lord and the fellowship of believers. He memorized many portions of Scripture. With the improvement of health, he worked at Shaver Hospital, a sanatorium in St. Catharines, Ont. He joyfully worked in the kitchen until retiring in 1970 and resided there until 1982, transferring to the United Mennonite Home for the Aged in Vineland, Ont. He was a contented, happy and thankful resident. Predeceased by 1 brother (who was handicapped and institutionalized) and 1 sister, he is mourned by 1 sister in Coaldale. The funeral was Nov. 27 at the Chapel of the United Mennonite Home, with Gerhard Thiessen and Henry Wiebe ministering.
Correction: In the obituary of Tina Dahl (Feb. 7), we erroneously stated that she was predeceased by her husband Jacob. Her husband's name was Henry. We are sorry for any additional pain caused to the family.
Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 6 Home Page