Obituaries
Ernest Loewen
Ernest Loewen passed away Dec. 1, 1996. He was born Feb. 18, 1907 to John and Lena Loewen in Linden, Alta. Through farming, he learned the value of hard work, family ties, honesty and integrity. He loved and respected the land and farm animals. He was known for running an excellent threshing crew. He had a natural mechanical aptitude. He married Mary Esau Feb. 15, 1934. They farmed at various locations around Linden and Swalwell, Alta. They moved to Linden in 1961, where he worked for machinery dealerships and served on town council. He later owned Linden (Alta.) Esso service station. In retirement, he helped establish Pioneer Acres at Irricana, Alta., where he restored pioneer equipment and drove old tractors in parades. He loved to spend time with his family. He was an avid reader of the Bible, farm magazines, current affairs and history. Predeceased by son David in 1976, he is mourned by Mary; sons Ray, Marvin, John, Bob, Leslie and Barry; daughters Marlene Klassen, Pearl Boldt, Helen Dyck and Evelyn Smith. The funeral was Dec. 5 at Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen ministering.
Abraham Siemens
Abraham Siemens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Feb. 3. He was born May 25, 1925 to Gerhard and Pauline Siemens in Olgafeld, Russia. They immigrated to Reesor, Ont. in 1926, then moved to Grassy Lake, Alta. He married Olga Dueck Sept. 4, 1949. He loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, supporting missions and the work of Billy Graham. He suffered from muscular dystrophy during the last three months. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Olga; children Alfred of Vancouver, Floyd of St. Catharines, Ont., Shirley Madeley of Richmond, B.C.; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
Margaret Ratzlaff
Margaret Ratzlaff passed away Apr. 7. She was born Mar. 14, 1900 to Abram and Helena Loewen in Kleefeld, Man. The family moved to Linden, Alta. in 1902. She married Simon Ratzlaff in 1926. They moved to the Ratzlaff homestead and farmed. They retired to Linden in 1966. Simon died in 1974. She moved to Lynn Haven in 1979, Golden Hills Lodge in Three Hills, Alta. in 1989 and Linden Lodge in 1994. She is remembered for the afghans she crocheted for her family, even to the end of her life. She always remembered people's birthdays and sent cards to all of her family. She is mourned by sons Wesley of Rimbey, Alta., Lloyd of Linden, Victor of Red Deer, Alta.; daughters Sylvia Regehr of Calgary, Phyllis of Toronto; 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 10 at Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen ministering.
Mary Willms
Mary Willms passed away Apr. 20. She was born Feb. 26, 1909 to Peter K. and Katharina Dyck in Kleefeld, Russia. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1926. She worked as a nanny and homemaker to help support the family. She accepted Christ in her youth. She was baptized in 1932, joining Boissevain (Man.) MB Church. After her father died, the family moved to Leamington, Ont. in 1933. She married Daniel Willms Oct. 16, 1938. In 1939 they moved to Virgil, Ont., joining Virgil MB Church. In addition to being a homemaker, she often managed the family farm while Daniel was busy with construction. At times, she helped paint and clean the newly built homes. She later became active in the ladies sewing circle. She and Daniel made many trips to the south. During the last 15 years, failing eyesight and a heart condition limited her mobility; she struggled greatly with her loss of independence. She prayed regularly for her loved ones and those in Christian ministry. She moved to Tabor Manor care home in 1994. Daniel passed away 6 months later. She is remembered for her love of life, music, poetry, flowers, cooking and baking. She is survived by daughters Marth Mech and Linda; sons Daniel and David; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 3 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 24 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.
Jacob Kaethler
Jacob Kaethler passed away Apr. 20. He was born July 17, 1910 to Cornelius and Anna Kaethler in Dawlekanova, Ufa, Russia. After his father returned from medical service in World War I, the family moved to Alexanderkrone, Molotschna. The family immigrated to Rheinland, Man. in 1924. He accepted the Lord during an evangelistic service in Winkler MB Church in 1928. He was baptized that year, joining Winkler MB church. He moved to Vineland, Ont. in 1935, joining Vineland MB Church. He married Mary Dick June 4, 1939. They lived in Winona, Ont. for several years, then moved to Virgil to help Mary's parents on the farm. They joined Virgil MB Church, where Jacob became active in church work. Gradually, they took over the farm as Mary's father's health deteriorated. They farmed for 27 years. They retired to a townhouse at Pleasant Manor. He is mourned by Mary. The funeral was Apr. 23 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.
Martin Klassen
Martin Klassen passed away May 28. He was born Nov. 13, 1908 to Gerhardt and Katharina Klassen. He was orphaned at 14, but was cared for by neighbours and friends. He loved to sing in the church choir and participate in youth events. He was baptized at 19. He often spoke of God's sustaining power during these difficult years. He married Anna Toews in 1932. They immigrated to Canada via Germany in 1949. They settled in Ontario, where Martin took whatever job was available. He then worked at Port Weller Dry Docks until retirement. He helped many other immigrants find work there. He loved music and singing. He played guitar and accordion. He suffered a stroke Mar. 9 and later moved to Tabor Manor. He is mourned by Anna; children Arthur, Peter, Susan, Annie and Helmut; 21 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was May 21 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont., with Walter Bergmann and Peter Klassen ministering.
Edith Florence Wall
Edith Florence Wall of Calgary passed away of cancer June 4. She was born Mar. 14, 1934 to Dietrich and Mary Thiessen. She accepted Christ at age 9 through the influence of a friend. At 15, she was baptized in the Bow River at Vauxhall, Alta. and joined the MB Church. She graduated from Coaldale Bible School in 1954. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by her husband Henry, daughters Lynette Warkentin of Sherwood Park, Alta. and Karen Neufeld of Elk Island, Alta.; 4 grandchildren; 2 sisters; and stepmother Emmy Thiessen of Plum Coulee, Man. The funeral was June 9 at Dalhousie MB Community Church in Calgary, with Ron Toews ministering.
Maria Bergen
Maria (Friesen) Bergen passed away June 6. She was born Nov. 19, 1910 in Fuerstenwerder, Molotschna, Ukraine. She married Heinrich Bergen in September, 1937. Heinrich was taken by the communists in 1941, and was never seen again. In 1943, she fled with her three young children to Germany. In 1947, with the assistance of MCC, she emigrated to Paraguay. She cleared land and farmed. Her relationship with God helped her through those difficult times. She was baptized Mar. 5, 1950, joining Gnadenthal MB Church in Neuland, Chaco, Paraguay. The family immigrated to Vauxhall, Alta. in 1954. She joined Vauxhall MB Church. In 1966, she moved to Clearbrook, B.C. In 1967, she joined Clearbrook MB Church, where she enjoyed the fellowship. MCC was very dear to her heart. She spent many years volunteering her time and making quilts and patchwork blankets for the needy. Predeceased by Heinrich, she is mourned by children Henry of Calgary, Hans of Lethbridge, Alta. and Herta Wedell of Abbotsford, B.C.; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 3 sisters. The funeral was June 11 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and Imbenzi George ministering.
Catherine Rempel
Catherine Rempel passed away June 22. She was born Feb. 20, 1922 in Samara, Russia to Johann and Katherina Esau. The family immigrated to Acme, Alta. in 1926. They moved to Stavely, Alta., then to Vauxhall, Alta. in 1935. Her mother died when Catherine was 14. Catherine accepted Christ at that time. She married Abram Rempel May 5, 1946. They farmed near Vauxhall, then moved to Calgary in 1953. They opened their home to foster children for 15 years. She also cared for the children of working mothers for 30 years. They raised 6 children, 4 of them adopted. She had strong faith in God. Her motto was "God first, then family, then others". In her quiet way, she helped carry others' burdens and was a peacemaker. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 1 daughter, she is mourned by Abram, daughters Emily Klassen, Sharon and Doreen and sons Garry and Albert, all of Calgary; 9 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was June 26 at Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.
John C. Wall
John C. Wall passed away July 12. He was born Aug. 13, 1901 to Cornelius and Elizabeth Wall in Orloff, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in October, 1903. He grew up near Great Deer, Sask. He accepted Christ at age 12 and was baptized in 1918, joining Borden (Sask.) MB Church. His testimony was Ephesians 2:8. He was a faithful member of Borden Church, serving in Sunday school and on a number of local and conference boards. He married Mary Warkentin Mar. 21, 1926. They farmed at Great Deer until moving to Saskatoon in 1963. He worked at several caretaking jobs and enjoyed friendships at Mayfair United Church. He was an appreciative member of Central MB Church and later Hope Fellowship Church. Mary died Mar. 11, 1994. He was deeply interested in God's Word and His kingdom, praying for family and others and longing to be in heaven. Predeceased by Mary, son Jake, 1 sister and 4 brothers, he is mourned by children Marlyn of Kirkland, Wa., Lewis of Borden, and Albert, Corny, Erma Koluk, Leslie, Selma Janzen and Clarence, all of Saskatoon; 3 sisters; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 17 at Hope Fellowship Church, Saskatoon, with Cliff Jantzen and Frank Froese ministering.
George Dyck
George Dyck passed away Mar. 19. He was born Mar. 19, 1923 to Peter and Anna Dyck in Russia. Raised in a Christian home, he accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Steinbach MB Church. His faith in Jesus never wavered. He often claimed Deut. 31:8. He married Anne Sept. 26, 1959. He is remembered for his quiet manner and unconditional love. Predeceased by 3 brothers, he is mourned by Anne; daughters Beverly, Sheila and Sandra; 1 granddaughter; and 5 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 24 at Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Roland Marsch and Roger Thiessen ministering.
Granville Schindel
Granville Schindel passed away Apr. 7. He was born June 13, 1941 to Ted and Luella Schindel in Prairie View, Sask. He attended school in Main Centre, Sask. He enjoyed hockey, baseball, track and field, 4-H and music. He accepted Christ in his youth and was baptized, joining Main Centre MB Church. He graduated from Caronport High School, and attended 1 year of Bible school. He then worked in the banking system. He married Dolly Berg in 1969. They farmed near Main Centre. He is remembered for his generous spirit. His passion for cattle and horses often found him playing the role of community veterinarian. He was a spontaneous man who sought adventure in ways such as hitch-hiking and meeting strangers. He enjoyed coffee and a good laugh with long-time friends. He also enjoyed his involvement in several singing groups, especially the Midnight Trio. He was diagnosed with cancer in November, 1996. Through much difficulty, he maintained an optimistic outlook and lived with a new appreciation for life, family and friends. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Dolly; children Colin of Vancouver, Lisa Balzer of Vancouver and Karen and Dana of Main Centre; and his parents. The funeral was Apr. 10 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church, with Ken Epp ministering.
Harold Fehderau
Harold Fehderau passed away Apr. 8, at age 65. He was born in Kitchener, Ont. to Nicholas and Louise Fehderau. He always maintained a deep connection with his family and Kitchener MB Church. As a young man, he developed a passion for words. He completed a Ph.D. in linguistics and anthropology at Cornell University. He and his wife Nancy (Riediger) spent 22 years in Africa, 10 of them in the Congo, translating the Kituba language and establishing written forms of other local languages in order for the Bible to be accessible to those peoples. In 1980, the Fehderaus returned to Kitchener-Waterloo, where he worked with the Canadian Bible Society, most recently as Director of Scripture Translation. His area of interest was in native language Scripture translations. "The job of the church is to show, in word and deed, that Christianity can be homegrown. . . . As long as they read the Bible in a foreign language, it will remain foreign," he once said. He is mourned by Nancy; daughter Becky Somerville of St. Catharines, Ont., sons Dan of California, David of Edmonton; 3 grandchildren; and 3 sisters.
Susan K. Unruh
Susan K. Unruh passed away June 13 following cancer surgery. She was born Aug. 30, 1905 to Cornelius and Maria Martens in Millerovo, Russia. She accepted Christ at age 12, joining the MB Church. She married John H. Unruh in 1926. They immigrated to Winnipeg in 1928. She worked closely with her husband in his business, and was very supportive of her children, especially in music. She was instrumental in initiating the MCC SelfHelp Manitoba program. Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute was always close to her heart. She had a passion for God and a desire to reach out to people. She was active in McIvor Ave. MB Church, Gideons International, telephone counselling for 100 Huntley Street, Women's Aglow, and Bible studies she hosted in her home. She enjoyed vacations at Christian Retreat, Florida, and during one of the meetings felt God's call to minister to others through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. John died in 1982, daughter Helen Derksen in 1986. She is mourned by children Cornel, Mary Ann Boldt, Hanny Labun, Susan Penner; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held June 17 at McIvor Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Herb Kopp, Tim Unruh and Ramsey Unruh ministering.
Jacob C. Fast
Jacob C. Fast passed away June 16. He was born June 22, 1913 in Kalantarovka, Caucasus, Russia. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1926. He and his wife Agatha moved to Chillliwack, B.C. in 1945 and bought a dairy farm. He started J.C. Fast Trucking in the early 1950s and operated the business with his sons until he retired in 1975. Predeceased by 3 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Agatha; children Pauline Schellenberg, Hilda MacEachern, Loretta Froese, Harry and Elvin; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 20 at Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Bob Friesen ministering.
David D. Loewen
David D. Loewen passed away June 18. He was born Oct. 5, 1904 in Olgafeld, Russia. His mother died when he was 4. His father remarried, and 6 children were added to the family. In 1910, the family moved to Saratov, Siberia. He had typhoid fever about age 20, and his father spoke to him about becoming a Christian. He had previously resisted because he thought he was a good person, but now confessed his sins and began a lifelong walk with God. He was baptized, joining the MB Church in Saratov in 1925. He immigrated to Canada in 1926, working near Laird, Sask. for 2 years. He then moved to Glenbush, Sask. to begin a mixed farm. He hosted a number of families until they could establish themselves. He married Anna Klippenstein in 1934. He suffered a heart attack in his 50s, but continued to work hard. He was active in Glenbush MB Church and was respected and well-liked in the community. They moved to Saskatoon in 1970, but returned to the farm in summers. He enjoyed his workshop, taking walks and touring the city by bus. They were members of Central MB Church. He is remembered for his deep faith, sensitivity to others, perception and understanding of issues. He challenged others to be positive, honest and self-motivated. Predeceased by 3 sisters, 2 half-sisters, 1 half-brother and 1 grandson, he is mourned by Anna; children Helga, Irma, Merv, Vern, Lenora Andres and Dennis; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 3 half-sisters. The funeral was June 23 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Rueben Baerg and Elmer Andres ministering.
Cathrine Isaac
Cathrine (Katie) Isaac passed away July 8. She was born Jan. 23, 1916 to John and Maria Heidebrecht in Russia. The family immigrated to Winnipeg when she was 11. She accepted Christ and was baptized at 18 in the Red River. The family later moved to Kitchener, Ont., then settled in St. Catharines, Ont. She married Jacob Isaac. He died in a work-related accident Apr. 3, 1963. She acquired her driver's licence and worked several jobs to provide for her 3 children. She worked at farms and canneries until she found permanent employment at Canada Hair Cloth. She worked there 16 years until retirement. She loved Grantham MB Church and its social functions. She enjoyed working in the kitchen with her friends. Her specialty was making gravy. She also enjoyed gardening, flowers and travelling. She spent her last 5 years at Tabor Manor. She is remembered as a prayer warrior who prayed daily for her children and others. She is mourned by children David of Mississauga, Ont., Elvira Wright of St. Catharines and Linda Lecher of Stevensville, Ont.; 2 grandsons; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was July 11 at Grantham MB Church, with John Wiebe ministering.
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