Obituaries
Henry David Derksen
Henry David Derksen passed away June 16. He was born Feb. 4, 1916 to Susanna and David Derksen, a minister, in Fischau, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, settling on a farm near Boissevain, Man. in 1928. He accepted the Lord at 17. In 1941 he enrolled at Winkler Bible School. His studies were interrupted by service as a conscientious objector at Riding Mountain National Park. He experienced the Lord in a special way there and gave spiritual leadership to others. He completed high school and graduated from MB Bible College with a B.Th. in 1948. He married Helen Ewert in 1947. They entered missionary service with MB Missions/Services in the Belgian Congo, serving 27 years. They worked at six different stations. Though involved with education ministries, his first love was preaching. During furloughs, he attended Tabor College and MBBC and taught at Coaldale Bible School. After their work with MBM/S, they served 3 years as pastor couple in Ste-Thrse, Que. under the Canadian MB Conference Board of Evangelism. In 1983 they moved to Winnipeg. His later years were difficult as he struggled with Alzheimer's disease. Predeceased by 1 grandson, he is mourned by Helen, 3 sons, l daughter and 7 grandchildren. The funeral was June 21 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Klassen and Abe Neufeld ministering.
Albert R. Loewen
Albert R. Loewen passed away May 24. He was born June 5, 1921 to Isaak T. and Maria Loewen in Prairie Rose, Man. He operated Loewen Body Shop in Steinbach, Man. for nearly 50 years. He served as school trustee for 26 years, much of the time as chair. He chaired the Public School Finance Board and sat on the Boundaries Commission. He had a strong faith. He belonged to the Gideons and to Steinbach MB Church, joyfully serving 26 years as choir director. Predeceased by 1 sister, and 1 grandchild, he is mourned by his wife Mary; children Jim, Eleanor Dyck, Lorraine Isaak, Mark, Barb Friesen; 15 grandchildren; and 6 sisters. The funeral was May 28 in Steinbach MB Church.
Louise Schmidt
Louise Schmidt passed away July 9. She was born Jan. 19, 1915 to Jacob and Suzanna Nickel in Dalmeny, Sask. She accepted Christ in 1930, hearing a voice announce, Go in peace. In 1940, she married Allen Schmidt, who taught in rural schools. In 1952 they moved to B.C., living in North Bend and then Hope, where she taught Sunday school, sang in choirs and was social convenor. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1983 and joined Bakerview MB Church, where they served as deacons. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, taking an interest in others, from children to the aged. She loved hosting company and showed particular concern for the neglected. In the midst of her suffering from cancer, she maintained her faith, concern for others and sense of humour. She longed to go home. Her memoirs were published 5 days before her death. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by Allen; sons Ron of Fort Langley, B.C. and Dennis and Brian of Tsawwassen, B.C.; 5 grandchildren; chosen daughter Jacquie Windle and family; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was July 15 at Bakerview MB Church, with Harry Heidebrecht, Ron van Akker and Henry Thiessen ministering.
Katie Dyck
Katie Dyck passed away July 5. She was born Feb. 24, 1914 to Jacob and Katherine Dyck in Schonhorst, Russia. Her parents died when she was 6. She was adopted by the Jacob Dick family. They emigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Baden, Ont., then moved to Guernsey, Sask. She was baptized June 14, 1931 and joined Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. She married George Dyck Oct. 17, 1937. In 1946 they moved to a farm in Guernsey, where they lived for 50 years. In 1996 they moved into Watrous. George died in November, 1996. She enjoyed working with the ladies' aid and in the thrift store in Lanigan, Sask. She is mourned by son Ted of Guernsey; daughter Ruth Fogarty of Toronto; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren, 6 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was July 8 in Philadelphia MB Church, with Ernie Bergen ministering.
Katrina Esau
Katrina Esau passed away Apr. 26. She was born Nov. 12, 1903 to David and Maria Balzer, the oldest of eight children, in Schardau, Russia. She married Henry Esau June 4, 1924. They immigrated to Canada in 1926, farming at Central Butte, Sask. until May, 1943. They relocated to a farm at Elm Creek, Man. After Henry died in June, 1962, she moved to Winnipeg. She gave her heart to Jesus at an early age and served the Lord faithfully, spending much time in prayer for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love of God was evident in all she did. Predeceased by Henry, son John, daughter Elsie and 1 granddaughter, she is mourned by children Kay Kroeker, Lydia Janzen, Hilda Janzen, Nettie Enns, Ernest, Henry, Alvin, Paulette Giesbrecht; 43 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg with Abe Klassen ministering.
Annie Thiessen
Annie Thiessen passed away June 5. She was born Sept. 21, 1904 to Jakob and Sara Braun in southern Russia. Her father died when she was 7, and she had to work for various families, returning home when her mother remarried. She immigrated to Manitoba in 1924. She married Aaron Thiessen in 1930. They were converted that year through Herman Neufeld's ministry. They farmed in Killarney, Man. In 1944 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., buying a farm and working as caretakers of South Abbotsford MB Church. Though often ill, she worked alongside the family to clear the farm. In 1969 they moved to Clearbrook, enjoying retirement until Aaron's stroke in 1979. Aaron moved to Menno Home, while she and son Henry moved to a condo. She moved to Tabor Home in 1994. Son Henry visited her daily. She loved music and prayed faithfully for her children and grandchildren. She was comforted by Psalms 23 and 121. Predeceased by Aaron in 1982 and 1 grandson, she is mourned by children Sarah Wiens, Barney, John, Henry, Jake, Art, Mary Partlow, Marg Esau; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was June 9 in South Abbotsford MB Church with Ed Balzer and Peter Dueck ministering.
Helen Goertzen
Helen Goertzen passed away July 1. She was born July 20, 1907 to Johann and Mariechen Neufeld in Friedensruh, Molotschna, Russia. She came to personal faith in Jesus during revival meetings in 1917. She was baptized in Lichtfeld and joined the Allianz church. The family came to Canada in 1926, settling near Watrous, Sask. She helped her parents farm and did housework in Saskatoon for 4 years. In 1943 the family moved to a fruit farm in the Niagara area of Ontario. They joined Virgil MB Church. In 1946 she married Frank Goertzen, a widower with 5 children aged 11-21. They farmed a fruit farm near St. Catharines, Ont. for 21 years, retiring to Virgil in 1967. Frank died in 1990. She moved to Tabor Manor in 1992. Predeceased by Frank and son David, she is mourned by daughters Nellie and Katie; sons John and Frank; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 4 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Peter Klassen ministering.
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