Obituaries

Conrad Frank Stein passed away Nov. 10. He was born Nov. 17, 1917 at Vanguard, Sask. His father died in 1919. His mother and children homesteaded near Rapid View, Sask. in 1929-30. He married Alice Ferland, a teacher from Biggar, Sask. Dec. 8, 1945. Leaving the farm in 1961, they moved to Meadow Lake, Sask. He worked for Erickson's Box Factory, John Deere, Howe and Neufeld's Construction and the Town of Meadow Lake. He retired at 72. While living in Meadow Lake, he accepted Jesus. He played sports all his life, excelling at hockey and softball. He coached minor hockey for a number of years. He loved fishing and gardening, even this past summer. He loved animals, especially horses. In his retirement he enjoyed a tropical fish aquarium. He loved to do things with his family and always welcomed a friendly card game. Predeceased by son Harry in 1961, he is mourned by Alice; children Betty Lou and Lorraine of Meadow Lake, Elaine of Dawson Creek, B.C., Leona of Cold Lake, Alta., Alice of Snowflake, Man., Connie of Chetwynd, B.C., Charles of Loon Lake, Sask., Leon and Allan of Saskatoon and Lee of Cold Lake, Alta. 46 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 13 in Northwest Community Church, Meadow Lake, with Bob Cappelle ministering.

Elizabeth Koop passed away Nov. 19. She was born Nov. 12, 1912 to Johann and Maria Martens in Zargalka, Russia. In 1926, they immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm near Sperling, Man. She married Peter Koop Apr. 21, 1935. They farmed near Sperling, moving to Winnipeg in 1945. They moved to Donwood Manor seniors' apartments in 1974. They were baptized Aug. 15, 1954, joining North Kildonan MB Church. She worked faithfully with the women's auxillary. Eventually, her health forced her to attend weekly Bible studies and Sunday morning services at Donwood Manor. When Peter died in 1990, she was lonely but anticipated their reunion in heaven. She is remembered as being a gentle, loving person, always ready to listen and help and offering an enouraging word. Depite much pain the last 2 years, she praised God and encouraged others. Since youth she testified of God's marvelous deeds to her family. She faithfully prayed everyday for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Peter, 9 brothers, 4 sisters and 2 grandsons, she is mourned by children Peter of Winnipeg, John of Toronto and Walter of Vancouver, Marion Buchanan, Lora Kaiser, Frieda Dupuis, Erika Hobson, Carolyne Wiebe all of Winnipeg, Irma Kipling of Vancouver, Lydia of Toronto, Marlene Lewis of Victoria; 25 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 24 in North Kildonan MB Church, with Johannes Stolz and Abe Neufeld ministering.

John J. Lepp passed away Jan. 2 from cancer, at age 83. He was born to John and Emilie Lepp in southern Russia. They immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Manitou and later Purves, Man. He married Margaret. In 1941, they moved to Elm Creek, Man. to farm. He served on the Elm Creek Co-op board for 13 years, on church council and on school committees. In 1976, they retired to Carman, Man., but he loved farming so much he continued to help his family farm. He is mourned by Margaret; daughter Hilda Wiebe of LaRiviere, Man.; sons Ed, Bill and Harry of Elm Creek; 12 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 6 in Gospel Light Church, Carman, with Terry Carter and John Esau ministering.

Annie Janzen passed away Nov. 30, after a lengthy illness. She was born Jan. 12, 1912 to John and Mary Neufeld in Prangenau, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Saskatchewan, buying a farm near Watrous. She worked as a housekeeper in Saskatoon for many years. She accepted Christ in 1927 and was baptized in 1928. She married David Janzen in June, 1935. They bought a farm near Guernsey, Sask. in 1941. They retired to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1980, joining Central Heights MB. She was active in the choir, Sunday school and women's groups. She loved holidays, gardening, entertaining and playing games. Mostly she loved being a mother and grandmother. She prayed daily for her children. Predeceased by David in April, 1997, she is mourned by children Leonard of Saskatoon, Ernie of Abbotsford, Naomi Friesen and Leona Spaetgens of Calgary; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 5 in Central Heights MB Church, with Henry Wiebe and Ron Redekop ministering.

Katherine Rempel passed away Nov. 18. She was born Nov. 22, 1901 in Ladekopp, Ukraine. She enjoyed studying and 2 years of teaching. She married Peter Rempel, immigrating to Canada 3 months later. They lived in Manitoba except for 1 year in Saskatchewan. Peter taught in Rosengard, Grunthal and Rosenhoff. They retired to Winnipeg. After a stroke in February, 1993, she moved to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. She is remembered for being an example of integrity and piety, stressing relationships, appreciating beauty and having a zest for learning. She loved her family and helped others. Predeceased by Peter in 1976 and son Rudy in 1954, she is mourned by children Elfrieda Duerksen, Dorothy Huebert and Alfred; 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 22 at Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg.

Maria Klassen passed away Nov. 26. She was born June 30, 1910 to Abraham and Maria von Kampen in Eichenfeld, Russia. She witnessed her father's murder in 1919. When her mother died of typhus, various relatives took care of the children. She lived with John and Helena Neufeld, immigrating with them to Saskatchewan in 1923. Working in various farms and homes, she was loved and supported by her step-parents. She used her talents at sewing, cooking, knitting and singing. At an early age she accepted Christ, being baptized July 10, 1927 and joining Krimmer MB Church, Herbert, Sask. Aug 28, 1927. She married Peter Klassen Oct. 2, 1938. They settled in Barkfield, Man., joining Steinbach MB Church in 1940. In 1947, they moved to a homestead in LaBroquerie, Man., farming 28 years. They retired in 1975 to Steinbach, Man. After breaking her hip in 1990, she lived with her children, Bill and Zelma. The last year she struggled with her health, requiring frequent hospitalization. Predeceased by Peter in 1991 and 3 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Elsie Harms, Zelma Quiring and Olga Oberik, all of Steinbach; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 6 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 1 at Steinbach MB Church, with Cornelius Rempel and Daniel Warkentin ministering.

Abraham L. Klassen passed away Oct. 15 from cancer. He was born Nov. 22, 1922 to Abraham and Elizabeth Neufeld in Steinfeld, Russia. When Abraham was 3, his father, a minister, died. His mother married farmer John P. Klassen. They immigrated to Canada in 1930, buying a farm near Alexander, Man. The words of a visiting missionary from Ps. 116:12,13 prompted him to enter biblical training. He attended Winkler Bible School, then MB Bible College, graduating in 1950. While conducting the college choir, he befriended the pianist. He married Helen Peters Oct. 7, 1950. He taught at Virgil (Ont.) Bible School for a few years, then studied in Hillsboro, Kan. and Kansas City, receiving his B.D. He pastored in Warden, Kan., Sawyer, N.D., Fairview, Okla., Calgary, Yarrow, B.C. and Vancouver, B.C. Although church work kept him busy, he always made time for his family. They enjoyed camping, fishing, golf, sports, board games and travel. In 1992 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Mountain Park Community Church, Abbotsford. In June, 1996, he was diagnosed with cancer. He found courage in 1 Tim. 4:7,8. He is mourned by Helen; children Sharon Klassen, Dora Isaak, Tim and Steve; 7 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was at Mountain Park Community Church, with Herb Neufeld ministering.

Margaret Goerz passed away Dec. 12 from a stroke. She was born May 2, 1924 to Frank and Helen Janzen in Steinfeld, Ukraine. She accepted Jesus and was baptized in the Dnieper River. She loved children and taught kindergarten in Ukraine, and after World War II, in Germany. She married John Goerz Jan. 30, 1949 and immigrated to Manitoba in November. They moved to Ontario 6 months later, joining Virgil MB Church. She taught Sunday school and DVBS and was involved in a women's group and a Christian Benefit Shop. She loved prayer and Bible study in her home, finding joy and comfort. She is remembered for her hospitality and gift of encouragement. Predeceased by John, 2 sisters and 1 child, she is mourned by children Aggie Martens, Lisa Schroeder, Marlene Howell, Monica Froese, John, Peter and Ted; and 14 grandchildren. The funeral was Dec. 16 at Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Herman Neufeld ministering.

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