Obituaries
Jo-Anne Maureen Kadun
Jo-Anne Maureen Kadun passed away Jan. 1. She was born Feb. 6, 1960 to Michael and Jean Kolbus. She accepted the Lord at vacation Bible school at Capital Hill Alliance Church in Burnaby, B.C. As a teen, she attended youth group at Willingdon Church. After high school, she took a business course, then worked for Ritvow Straits. She married Rob Kadun Sept. 12, 1981. They made many lasting and meaningful friendships through the youth and college and career groups at Willingdon. They moved to Surrey, B.C., attending Cornerstone Community Church and were baptized there. They moved to Smithers, B.C. for a year, then moved to Kamloops, B.C. in 1989. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, snowmobiling, water sports and spending time with family and friends at Shuswap Lake. She worked for Sears in the Men's wear department, where she was known as a reliable worker and a strong Christian. Jesus was the centre of her life, and she strove to build a strong Christian home for her family. On New Year's Eve, she became seriously ill and was diagnosed with viral pancreatitis. Rob and Jo-Anne claimed Romans 8:38-39. Predeceased by her father in 1982, she is mourned by Robert; daughters Brielle and Sasha; her mother of Burnaby, B.C.; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Jan. 4 at Valleyview Bible Church, Kamloops, with Lamont Schmidt ministering.
Margaret Kroeker
Margaret Kroeker passed away Feb. 15. She was born Apr. 14, 1921 to Peter and Margaret Kroeker near Morden, Man. She was baptized in 1943 and later joined Morden MB Church. She suffered illness since childhood. In 1978 she joined Winkler MB Church. She was never ashamed to witness to others. She spent many hours doing special things for friends and neighbours. She was well-known for her embroidery skills, and making perogies for others. She often sang and read aloud for seniors. She spent the last 14 years in the Eventide Home in Rosenort, Man. In the last year, she experienced a great deal of pain, but never complained. She longed to be with the Lord where pain and disease would no longer affect her. Predeceased by 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by 6 sisters and 4 brothers. The funeral was Feb. 18 at Christian Life Centre, Morden, with Mark Macknight and George Baerg ministering.
Mary Brown
Mary (Maria) Brown passed away Mar. 13. She was born Aug. 21, 1917 to Nicolai and Maria Wiebe in Orenburg, Russia. Her mother died when Mary was a year old. Her father married Helena Sawatzky; they had 5 children, all of whom died in infancy. Mary, her parents and older sister Tina immigrated to Rush Lake, Sask. in 1930. They moved to Swan River, Man. 3 years later. She contracted polio at age 9, resulting in a withered foot and leg. However, it didn't prevent her from working hard. At 13, she began working as a domestic to help support the family and pay the immigration debt. She accepted Christ, and was baptized in Swan River Aug. 3, 1937. She married Cornelius Jacob Brown June 21, 1941. They lived in Arnaud, Man., then Winkler, Man. They invited her elderly parents to live with them and their adopted daughter. She worked as a steam press operator at Hooge Cleaners for 25 years, retiring in 1980. She then assisted her husband who was custodian of Winkler MB Church. She gained a sense of accomplishment from cooking, baking, cleaning and laundry. She was known for her hospitality and generous nature. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, telling them stories from Russia. The creed that she and Cornelius shared was service to each other and to others. She was a prayer warrior, especially for family. Predeceased by Cornelius June 29, 1980, she is mourned by daughter Elfrieda Elias; 2 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 19 at Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block ministering.
John Schulz
John Schulz passed away Apr. 2. He was born July 26, 1916 to David and Agatha Schulz in Alexandertal, Russia. The family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. in 1925, then moved to Eyebrow, Sask. He almost died when his appendix ruptured at an early age. He was grateful to God for sparing his life and wondered what God's plan was for his life. The family moved to a farm near Lethbridge, Alta. in 1930. He often missed school to help on the farm. He attended Coaldale MB Church. He accepted Christ at 15, shortly after his mother's death. He attended Coaldale Bible School. He married Selma Dick in summer, 1942. They moved to the family farm, then bought a farm in Broxburn, Alta. in 1957. They became involved in Coaldale MB Church, serving as deacons for several years. In 1967, they bought the farm where he grew up. He is remembered as a kind, gentle and generous man who was well-respected. He showed his love in practical ways, sometimes surprising his wife or daughters with flowers. Son Henry died in 1984 and Selma died in 1990, both of cancer. Illness forced the amputation of his left leg and he sold the farm. He moved into Grosvenor House in Chilliwack, B.C. in 1991. In spite of many losses, he did not complain, but was thankful for his blessings. Predeceased by Selma, son Henry and a grandson, he is mourned by children Elfrieda Neumann, Martha Pauls and Dave; and 11 grandchildren. Memorial services were held Apr. 4 at Chilliwack Central MB Church, with Henry Willms and Henry Warkentin ministering, and Apr. 8 at Lakeview MB Church, Lethbridge, Alta., with AJ Poettcker and Reuben Pauls ministering.
Katie Gogal
Katie Gogal passed away Apr. 7. She was born Mar. 7, 1908 to Mary and Dmitro Bellows near Canora, Sask. She married Myron Gogal Nov. 19, 1929. They lived with Myron's parents on the homestead until 1939 when they built a new house. They raised 4 sons along with Paul, who had been entrusted to the family at 6 months old after his mother died. Their house burned down in 1944. Son Clifford died in 1945. A new house was built in 1948. She was a hard worker, caring for 10-12 milk cows and a large vegetable garden. She also had a passion for flowers. She and Myron both accepted Christ in 1959 and were baptized, joining Hyas Baptist Church. They retired to Canora, Sask. in 1974, joining Canora Baptist Church. After the church closed, they became charter members of Gateway Community Church in 1986. Her heart and home were always open for neighbours and visitors. She never held back her emotions, and she loved life and her family. She had a special bond with her sister Jennie and maintained close ties with her neighbours. She chose Psalm 73:24-26 to be read at her funeral. She is mourned by Myron; sons Elgin and Norbert of Vancouver, Wendell of Guelph, Ont. and Harold of Canora; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 11 at Leson's Funeral Home in Canora, with Greg Bright ministering.
Susie Fischer
Susie Fischer passed away May 11. She was born Jan. 1, 1909 to David and Maria Epp in Laird, Sask. She became a Christian in her youth. She was later baptized, joining Laird MB Church. She married Ed Fischer Oct. 20, 1929. They farmed until 1933, Ed then operated a grain elevator in Laird for 10 years. They returned to farming 1943-65. They served at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. for 6 years. They moved to Saskatoon in 1971. She was known as a hard worker in whatever task she undertook, be it farming, cleaning BBI dorms, babysitting, sewing, baking, painting or hosting. She is also remembered for her humility in service to God, particularly at the MCC depot. She loved going to ladies functions, senior potlucks and banquets. She enjoyed music and listening to Christian radio programs. In their younger years, they sang duets for Jugendverein. She was an avid reader, especially of books ordered from Christian radio programs and from the church library. She moved into Circle Drive Special Care Home in Saskatoon in 1992. Predeceased by Ed in May, 1995, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and 2 grandchildren, she is mourned by children Leila Nickel and Allen of Saskatoon, Lorna Huot of Montreal, Don of Calgary, Rita Antifave of Saskatoon; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was May 16 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Reuben Baerg ministering.
Annie Enns
Annie Enns passed away May 13. She was born Nov. 29, 1900 to Gerhard G. and Anna Wiebe in Winkler, Man. She attended school in Burwalde, and worked hard on the farm. She later did general housework for others. She accepted Christ and was baptized May 26, 1918, joining Winkler MB Church where she remained a lifelong member. She married Henry K. Enns Nov. 9, 1925. They bought a farm near Winkler. They consistently prayed and praised the Lord. They left the farm in October 1966 and moved to Winkler. In retirement, she enjoyed crocheting, quilting and sewing. Until her eyesight failed, she sewed for Salem Home and the Hospital, made layettes for the Red Cross and MCC, and made quilts and afghans for her family. During this time, Henry would often read to her. She also enjoyed gardening. They moved to Winkler Lions Manor in January, 1987. She moved to Salem Home in February, 1993. Predeceased by Henry in 1987 and 11 siblings, she is mourned by daughters Mary Enns of Winnipeg, Tina Harvey of Toronto, Susan Van Volkenburgh of Kingston, Ont., Anne Hyde of Carman, Man., Lena Strissel of Milford, Ont. and Betty Braun of Winnipeg; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was May 17 at Winkler MB Church, with Walter Janzen and Neil Block ministering.
Mary Friesen
Mary Friesen passed away May 18 after a brief illness. She is mourned by son Ruben; 1 grandson; stepdaughters Elsa Neufeld and Margaret Metzger; stepson Leonard; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was May 23 at Clearbrook (B.C.) MB Church, with John E. Klassen, Fred Metzger, Peter Dueck and George Baier ministering.
Sara Stobbe
Sara Stobbe passed away May 19. She was born Feb. 2, 1906 to Henry and Aganetha Dueckmann in Pordenau, Molotschna, Russia. She accepted the Lord at at an early age and rededicated her life at 16. She was baptized in 1922, joining Alexandertal MB Church. She sang with the family at church functions and with the church choir. The family emigrated to Mexico in 1924, then to Canada in 1926, living with relatives in Dominion City, Man. She spent several years working in Winnipeg. The girls' home was a great blessing to her. In 1943, she married Herman Stobbe, a widower with 5 children. They had 2 children together. They lived in Arnold, B.C. for several years before moving to Vancouver, where they attended Culloden MB Church. In 1972, the moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She enjoyed singing in the senior choir. They moved to a condominium in 1978. Herman died in 1988. She moved to the Royal Court to be closer to the church. She entered Tabor Home 3 years later, transferring to Menno Hospital in December, 1995. She was always grateful for God's grace to her. Predeceased by Herman, she is mourned by daughter Heidi Buhler of Ladner, B.C.; son Rudy of Langley, B.C.; stepchildren Martha Regehr of Vancouver, Erma Braun and Walter of Abbotsford; John of Langley; 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 22 at Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen, Jacob J. Neufeld, George Baier and John C. Dyck ministering.
Herbert Ehrenfried Mirus
Herbert Ehrenfried Mirus passed away May 20. He was born July 21, 1905 to Karl and Margarethe Mirus in Eckartsberga, Thuringia, Germany. He left home at age 9 to attend school and later received a degree as an agricultural administrator. He administered the farms of Count von Schulenburg. He married Edith. He immigrated to Canada in 1930 and worked for CP Railway and at other jobs. He sent for Edith and their son in 1932. They moved to a farm in Busby, Alta. Edith died in October, 1937, leaving him with 3 sons. He married Maria Lepp in July, 1941. Shortly after this, he accepted Christ and joined the MB Church. They left the farm in 1952 for health reasons. They moved to B.C., where he operated a large fruit and vegetable operation. They joined South Abbotsford MB Church. He was one of the founders of King Road MB Church in Abbotsford. They retired in 1972. He moved to Menno Pavillion to be close to Maria, who was in Menno Hospital after a stroke. Maria died Aug. 4, 1993. He moved to Menno Hospital 2 years later. He is remembered for his passion for life, generosity, kindness, prayer life, unfailing love for Christ and others and for his polite, caring attitude for people around him. He is mourned by sons Karl, Horst George and Eric; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 26 at Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.
Anne Marie Neufeld
Anne Marie Neufeld passed away May 21. She was born Feb. 20, 1927 to David and Maria Stoesz. After graduating from high school and teacher's training, she taught for 3 years in Giroux, Man. and Niverville, Man. She married Peter Neufeld July 31, 1948. They farmed near Tourond, Man. After raising a family, she enrolled in college and worked as a home care attendant. After retiring, they moved into a house she had designed in Niverville. She served as director of the senior's choir and as a volunteer at the MCC Thrift Shop. During these years, she began writing. Her poetry, short stories, translation of family documents and autobiography were a source of joy and fulfillment for her and many readers. Her battle against cancer for the last 10 years drew admiration. She is remembered for her deep faith and her devotion to her husband and family. She is mourned by Peter; daughters Merri-Lou and Joanne; sons Tom, Dave, John, Ted, Pete and Harold; 19 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was May 24 at Niverville MB Church, with Rick Mccorkindale ministering.
Adeline Abrahams
Adeline Abrahams passed away May 23. She was born Oct. 7, 1923 to John and Maria Ens in Leichfeld, Germany. The family immigrated to Hague, Sask. shortly after her birth, then moved to Waldheim, Sask. She accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Waldheim MB Church. She enjoyed her one year at Bethany Bible Institute. She sang in the church choir. Her mother died in 1946. This brought extra responsibilities to help her father and 3 younger siblings. She also worked two jobs, one at the Co-op store and another keeping house for a family with 7 children. She was well liked by everyone she came in contact with. She eventually moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where she worked at Lightening Fastener. She married Jake Abrahams Oct. 24, 1948. The family attended the MB Church. She is remembered for her love for the Lord and for being a prayer warrior. She is mourned by Jake; daughter Doreen Baerg of St. Catharines; sons Glen of Abbotsford, B.C. and Dan, Gary and Derek of St. Catharines; 8 grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was May 27 at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Hiebert ministering.
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