Obituaries
Ronald Joseph Lang
Ronald Joseph Lang passed away suddenly Oct. 14, 1996. Following a family Thanksgiving dinner, he suffered a seizure, probably caused by heart failure. He was born Mar. 20, 1959 to Joe and Wilma Lang in Vancouver. He gave his heart to the Lord at 8 and was baptized at 10 at Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in Richmond, B.C. He married Lyndell Breitkreuz Dec. 3, 1983. He became a journeyman auto mechanic in 1984. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1988. He started Lang's Automotive Natural Gas Services, specializing in alternate fuel conversion, and became well-loved and respected by customers. He was hard-working and was known for his honesty and quality workmanship. He believed that his business was his ministry. He helped financially-struggling people, such as single mothers, with car repairs. He had a heart for disadvantaged young people and offered them jobs. He spoke boldly of his faith to many customers and employees, several of whom committed their lives to Christ. Ron and Lyndell joined Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford. He taught Grade 1 Sunday school for several years. He loved his children dearly. He loved to joke, read, tell stories, tickle, sing, tease, play and spend time relaxing with his family. He joined the Gideons. His life is remembered as one that shone for Jesus. He is mourned by Lyndell; children Vanessa, Thomas, Valerie, Vicki, Violet, Veronica and Velvet; his parents; and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 19 at Central Heights MB Church, with Pete Unrau ministering.
Alfred Groening
Alfred Groening of Richmond, B.C. passed away Dec. 3. He was born Dec. 19, 1940 to Jacob and Alice Groening in Muntau, Ukraine. During World War II, the family moved to Poland, then Germany. They immigrated to Canada when he was 7, settling in Coaldale, Alta., where he attended Alberta Mennonite High School and Coaldale Bible School. At 24, he moved to Prince Rupert, B.C. where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. Soon he moved to Vancouver. He was baptized, joining Vancouver MB Church Dec. 11, 1966. He served as usher for many years. He worked at Fletcher's Fine Foods for 30 years. He married Helga Loewen Nov. 24, 1973. He was known as a committed family man and a devoted father. He loved to travel; family vacations were a highlight. He deeply appreciated the support of his Bible study group at Richmond Bethel MB Church in his later years. He was diagnosed with cancer in August, 1996. Predeceased by his mother, 2 infant brothers and 1 infant sister, he is mourned by Helga; sons Jim and Randy; father Jacob Groening; stepmother Margaret; and 1 sister.
Abe Bergen
Abe Bergen passed away Dec. 25. He was born Feb. 27, 1913 to Isaak and Helene Bergen in Naumovka, Kharkov, Russia. He and his mother, sister and 2 brothers immigrated to Winkler, Man. when he was 17. He worked as a farm labourer for the next 10 years. During World War II, he worked as a conscientious objector in mines in Ontario. After the war, he worked for Jake Penner in Oak Bluff, Man. He accepted the Lord while courting Kay Penner of Oak Bluff. They married May 22, 1948. He worked for Winnipeg Transit until retiring in February, 1978. Kay died in 1975. He is remembered as a loving, kind, generous and understanding man who taught his children to know and love the Lord. He took great delight in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After retirement, he continued to be active on the farm, helping with seeding and harvesting. He also enjoyed curling and bowling twice a week. He started memorizing poetry while in his 60s. He was a faithful prayer warrior who continually brought his concerns to the Lord. He is mourned by daughters Linda of Winnipeg, Lorraine Kroeker of Minnedosa, Man. and Anita Place of Winnipeg; son Don of Abbotsford, B.C.; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Dec. 30 at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, with William Neufeld and Johannes Stolz ministering.
Cornelius Jacob Braun
Cornelius Jacob Braun passed away Jan. 7. He was born Nov. 10, 1912 to Jacob and Maria Braun in Tiegenhagen, Russia. The family immigrated to Arnaud, Man. in 1924. He completed grade 6 before he was required to work on the farm. He became a Christian and was baptized in his youth. He married Mary Dyck in 1938. They farmed near Arnaud until 1948, then moved to St. Catharines, Ont. He worked for a few years in the housing industry, then became a heavy equipment operator, using bulldozers, cranes and backhoes. He continued in the trade until a slump in the industry forced him back into farming, raising poultry and fruit. He retired in 1979 when Mary was diagnosed with cancer. They moved into St. Catharines. Mary died in August, 1994. He moved to Tabor Manor. His sense of humour remained with him until the end. Predeceased by Mary, 3 sisters and 4 brothers, he is mourned by son Rudy; daughter Lottie Eckherdt; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Jan. 10 at Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, with Rudie Willms ministering.
John Henry Neumann
John Henry Neumann passed away Jan. 25. He was born Mar. 5, 1926 to Henry and Sara Neumann in Rosenwald, Siberia. The family immigrated to Gerald, Sask. that year. They moved to Bredenbury, Sask. in 1928, then to Gem, Alta. in 1932. In summer, 1938, he became a follower of Christ led by his brother Dave. He was baptized at 17 and attended Gem Bible School. At 18, he worked as a conscientious objector in a lumber camp and as a farm labourer. Because his dad had been injured, he returned to his family in Sardis, B.C. He attended Greendale Bible Institute for 1 year. He married Mary Hooge July 31, 1947. They farmed a small acreage in Sardis, then sold the land. He attended the University of British Columbia, earning a B.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed. He taught at Chilliwack Jr. High School, Sardis Jr. Secondary and Chilliwack Senior Secondary. He became vice-principal of Sardis Jr. Secondary School, then principal of Rosedale Junior Secondary, and principal of Chilliwack Senior Secondary. He then worked at the Chilliwack School Board office until 1983. He also served as Sunday school superintendent, youth leader, Sunday school teacher and moderator at Broadway MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C. He also served as secretary of the B.C. and Canadian MB Conferences, as a member of the Rotary Club and as president of the Chilliwack District Teachers' Association. During retirement, he was a district returning officer, a member of the Chilliwack Hospital Board and chair of the MCC B.C. board and served on the executive of MCC Canada. He and Mary went to China for a year and later to Lithuania for 6 months to teach English. He suffered several strokes during his last years. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by Mary; children Jane Andres and Edith Toews of Abbotsford, B.C., Denise Koehn of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Prince George, B.C. and Susan Gorby of Chilliwack; 11 grandchildren; 5 sisters and 5 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 28 at Broadway MB Church, with Robert Friesen ministering.
Mary Peters
Mary Peters passed away Feb. 1. She was born Feb. 24, 1930 to Peter and Katharina Richert in Schnau, Ukraine. Her father was exiled in 1938 and never heard from again. The family fled to Wartegau, Poland in 1943, then to Germany in 1945. She accepted Christ during a prayer week in a refugee camp. They later emigrated to Paraguay. She was baptized in January, 1949, joining the MB church in Volendam. She enjoyed singing in the church choir. She married John Peters. They immigrated to Canada in April, 1957. They farmed in Ontario. She joined the Scott St. MB Church in St. Catharines in 1964, where she participated in the women's group and the choir. She was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1984. She underwent bone marrow tests, chemotherapy, 52 blood transfusions and the removal of her gall-bladder and spleen. Her heart failed, but she was brought back to life and was grateful for another 13 years. She loved to make quilts for her children and grandchildren, to church auctions, MCC and friends. She also derived great joy from her flower garden. Predeceased by 1 sister, she is mourned by John; sons Henry, Art, Helmut, Willy and Harold; 9 grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was at Scott St. MB Church, with Henry Penner ministering.
Esther Labun
Esther Labun passed away Feb. 1. She was born Aug. 15, 1915 to Peter and Katherine Nickel in Dalmeny, Sask. She committed her life to Christ Feb. 23, 1929. She was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River, Sept. 7, 1929, joining Dalmeny MB Church. She married Peter Labun May 25, 1941. They moved to Kronsgart, Man., then Winkler, Man. After raising their children, Esther and Peter opened a Sears mail order business in addition to selling insurance. She is mourned by Peter; children Richard, Edward, Dorothy, Walter, Theodore and Charles; and 14 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 5 at Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and George Baerg ministering.
Henry George Funk
Henry George Funk passed away Feb. 4. He was born Feb. 20, 1908 to Gerhard and Maria Funk in New York, Ekaterinoslav, Russia. His father died Mar. 9, 1920. The family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. Henry worked on the CPR. He and his mother moved to Braddock, Sask., where he farmed. He married Liese Loewen Mar. 11, 1934. He was a loving father who was very devoted to the Lord. Bible reading and prayer were regular bedtime habits. He lived what he believed. He memorized Scripture verses in English and German to share with people. Wherever he was, he asked people whether they were right with the Lord. At various times, he was a wheat farmer in Saskatchewan; an orchardist in Osoyoos, B.C.; a carpenter; a dairy farmer in Matsqui, B.C.; a sawmill worker in Mission, B.C.; a custom baler of hay; and a house builder. He loved to travel, explore, sing, swim, dive and paint. Their home in Clearbrook, B.C. was always open to visitors. They hosted a Bible study in their home, and he prayed on a daily basis for every member. He was active in the church, singing in the choir, serving on the funeral catering committee, serving with Mennonite Disaster Service, helping with the sound system and working as a deacon. He and Liese often visited the elderly in care homes. He moved into Menno Pavillion so he could visit Liese in Menno Hospital. His motto was Isaiah 26:3-4. He is mourned by Liese; children Betty, Henry, John and Mary; and 7 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 4 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, George Baier and John E. Klassen ministering.
Bertha Agatha Wichert
Bertha Agatha Wichert passed away Feb. 15. She was born Jan. 1, 1931 in New Hamburg, Ont. She was baptized at 15. The family moved to Virgil, Ont. She trained as a nurse in Hamilton, Ont. She worked for a year in pediatrics at the Hotel Dieu Hospital in St. Catharines, Ont. She married George Wichert June 12, 1954, and they moved to Ingersoll, Ont. They returned to Virgil, where she continued in private nursing until becoming a full-time mother. She exercised her many gifts including nursing, friendship and extensive church involvement. She is remembered for her servant-like spirit, heart of compassion, hospitality, creativity, intellect, humour and meticulous organization. She was diagnosed with bone cancer in September, 1994. Her illness was characterized by her uncomplaining and positive spirit and her trust in God. Predeceased by son Dave in 1978, she is mourned by George; children Nancy Gamey, Tim, Geoff, and Sue Gardzella; 7 granddaughters; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 19 at Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Herman Neufeld and Victor Loewen ministering.
Walter Leion Harms
Walter Leion Harms passed away Feb. 14. He was born Oct. 9, 1918 to Arnold and Anna Harms in Waldheim, Sask. He accepted the Lord as a teen while attending Brotherfield MB Church. The family moved to Glenbush, Sask. in 1935. He was baptized in 1936, joining Glenbush MB Church. He married Agatha Bargen in 1941. He was active in the church, as a Sunday school teacher and treasurer. He was an active community leader, serving on numerous boards and committees such as the Avery School Board, North Battleford Health District, Medstead School Unit and Rabbit Lake Hospital Board. He was councillor for 5 years and reeve for 20 years in the municipality of Medstead. He took great pride in working the land, watching crops grow and inventing and improving machinery. They retired to North Battleford in 1985. During retirement, he enjoyed distributing Bibles as a Gideon. They moved back to Waldheim, Sask. in 1993. He is mourned by Agatha; children Anita Dyck, Dan, Ervin, Wayne, Susan Klassen, Bernie, Gerry; 28 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 18 at Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters and David Bergen ministering.
Helen Voth
Helen Voth passed away Feb. 14. She was born Dec. 26, 1903 to Cornelius and Katherina Voth in Sagradowka, Ukraine. Her father passed away before her birth. They moved to her mother's parents' home in Muensterburg No. 11 for 6 years. Her mother married Paul Koop of Steinfeld, increasing the family by 7 stepchildren. Four additional children were born. The family immigrated to Kelstern, Sask. Dec. 11, 1924, where her stepfather became the minister. She accepted Christ in October, 1924 and was baptized in Kelstern in 1925, joining Elim MB Church. She worked at various farms and also in Swift Current, Sask. In 1933, she moved to Winnipeg to do housework. She also cooked in various institutions, including Bethania Home and Vita Hospital. In 1935, she and sister Tina purchased a home in Steinbach, Man. She joined Steinbach MB Church in 1951. After Tina died in 1981, Helen moved back to Saskatchewan to be with her family. She lived with family in Blumenhof 1992-94, then was admitted to Vanguard Hospital and Herbert Nursing Home. Predeceased by brother Jacob and sister Tina, she is mourned by brother Paul Koop; and sisters Justina and Martha Koop. The funeral was Feb. 19 at Steinbach MB Church, with Neil Rempel ministering.
Jacob John Thiessen
Jacob John Thiessen passed away Feb. 16. He was born Sept. 10, 1918 to Johan N. and Justina Thiessen in Schoenfeld, Ukraine. He accepted Jesus in January, 1940 and was baptized June 2, 1940. He married Susanne Esau June 22, 1940. They lived with their parents until 1943 when the Thiessens and Esaus left Manitoba for Chilliwack, B.C. He was a heavy machine operator most of his life, building roads in the forests of B.C. He retired early for health reasons, then took up fishing as a hobby. He gave away many of the fish he caught. He is mourned by Susanne; sons Henry of Prince George, B.C., David of Kelowna, B.C., Herbert of Grand Forks, B.C.; daughters Erna Peters of Cranbrook, B.C., Margaret Graham of Greenwood, B.C. and Edith Doerksen of Vernon, B.C.; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 3 brothers. The funeral was at Chilliwack Central MB Church, with Henry Willms and Keith Wiggin ministering.
Helen Tessman
Helen Tessman passed away Feb. 15 of a heart attack. She was born June 5, 1913 to Gerhard and Tina Warkentin in Terek, Russia. They fled the area in 1918. Both her parents died within a year in Suvorovka, Russia. She lived with her sister Tina until being adopted by the Cornelius Fast family. She took on the name Helen Fast. The family immigrated to Manitou, Man. in 1926-27. She accepted the Lord in her youth during special services conducted by C.N. Hiebert. She was baptized in 1934, joining Manitou MB Church. She married Henry Tessman June 30, 1935. They lived with Henry's parents for a time, then moved to Yarrow, B.C. where Henry worked in a store and then at a lumber yard for 12 years. They lived on a farm in Harrison Mills, B.C., then moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1953. Henry died in 1979. She lived in the house for the next 8 years until moving to Elmwood Terrace. She had many friends. She was well known for her cooking and baking specialties which she shared with others. She was a faithful volunteer in the MCC Thrift Store. She was a faithful member of Broadway MB Church. Predeceased by Henry, she is mourned by daughter Linda Jardine; 2 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 20 at Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Henry Warkentin ministering.
Dietrich Klassen
Dietrich Klassen passed away Mar. 5. He is mourned by Katherine, his wife of 53 years; children Ed, Reta Wiens, Lois Friesen; 5 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandson. The funeral was Mar. 7 at Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg, with Abe Neufeld ministering.
Elizabeth Alma Peters
Elizabeth Alma Peters passed away Mar. 8. She was born July 16, 1906 to George A. and Elizabeth Willems in Waldheim, Sask. At age 10 or 11, she accepted Christ after hearing the preaching of C.N. Hiebert. She was baptized in 1918, joining the local MB church. She received teacher's training at Normal School in Saskatoon, later attending university for more training in primary education. She taught school in Great Dear, Sask., Hepburn, Sask. and Waldheim, Sask. She married Ed Peters July 14, 1931, taking guidance from Ps 39:5 and Prov. 3:5-6. They moved to Shafter, Calif. 2 days later. She was active in Shafter MB Church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Two children were born; son Doug was adopted in 1940. Daughter Betsy died of a kidney infection as a child; She found comfort in Is. 40:11 and Deut. 33:27. Elizabeth taught child evangelism classes and a Bible study for Maple School children. Son Simon was born July 1, 1952. Their home was always open to young people who would stay for a few days or long-term guests from around the world. She hosted everyone from farm workers to Pat Nixon; from exchange students to senators and governors; from neighbours to Billy Graham. She and Ed travelled extensively worldwide. Son Simon died at 19 in a car accident while attending Fresno Pacific College in Fresno, Calif. Ed died 2 years later of leukemia. She found comfort in Is. 55:8. She treated all people without prejudice or envy, but with respect and love. She was faithful in attendance at prayer groups. Throughout life, her unwavering faith and diligent Bible study was evident. Predeceased by daughter Betsy in 1943, son Simon in 1971 and Ed in 1973, she is mourned by sons Edward and Douglas of Shafter; 1 sister; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
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