Obituaries

Blondina Redekop passed away Nov. 21. She was born Nov. 3, 1935 to Peter and Justina Redekop at Main Centre, Sask. She accepted Christ at age 5 during revival meetings with Henry Epp at Main Centre MB Church. At 15, she was baptized in the South Saskatchewan River. She attended Bethany Bible School and Winnipeg Bible College. After working briefly in Winnipeg, she moved to Chilliwack, B.C. She worked almost 30 years in office work, pay roll and secretarial assistant of East Chilliwack Agri Co-op. She showed honesty, integrity and a strong faith in God. Her desire was to serve God faithfully. She played an active part in the church promoting God's work, especially with music. Her singing touched many hearts. While struggling with cancer, she maintained a cheerful, optimistic attitude. She is mourned by 3 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Henry Warkentin ministering.

Susie Martens passed away Jan. 2. She was born Dec. 18, 1904 to Jacob P. and Susanna Nickel at Springfield, Sask. After 7 years at Langham, Sask., they moved to Dalmeny, Sask. She accepted Christ and was baptized at age 12, joining Dalmeny MB Church. She was active in Sunday school, choir and youth group. She attended Winkler Bible School. She became an accomplished seamstress. She married Jacob H. Martens June 28, 1928. They farmed at Main Centre, Sask. She grew gardens of fruit, vegetables and flowers and was active in the church and community. She taught Sunday school 23 consecutive years. She loved hosting guests in her home, including itinerant speakers for the church. In 1973, they moved to Swift Current, Sask. In 1995, she moved into a nursing home at Herbert, Sask. Confined to a wheelchair, she gradually lost her sight, and with it the joy of reading, playing the organ and seeing family and nature. She had a stroke in 1996. She appreciated visitors who read Scriptures or sang to her. Increasingly, she spoke of the good life awaiting her with Jesus. Predeceased by Jacob in 1980, she is mourned by sons Elmer of Fresno, Calif., Menno of Swift Current, Orlando of Main Centre, Walter of Herbert; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Jan. 5 in Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, with Lorne Willms ministering.

Ilse Stolz passed away Dec. 25, after a long illness. She was born July 11, 1950 to Rudolf and Erna Jungmayr in Linz, Austria. Untreatable migraines began at age 7, diminishing to severe headaches at 15. At 17, she accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Linz MB Church. Abe and Irene Neufeld became her spiritual parents. In 1969 she enrolled in Brake Bible School, Germany. After graduating in 1972, she served on an evangelistic singing team with the MB churches in Bavaria and Austria. She went to England to work with Operation Mobilization. She married Johannes Stolz Aug. 25, 1973. They returned to Brake Bible school to teach. She became dean of women. At this time, a child was stillborn and she learned she had a chronic illness. In 1979, they began studies at MB Bible College in Winnipeg and attended Central MB Church. They went to Lage MB Church, Germany, for Johannes to be youth pastor. Her condition deteriorated, and, after convalescing 2 years, they returned to Canada in 1984, where Johannes enrolled in Winnipeg Theological Seminary. They did youth ministry at Springfield Heights Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, for 6 1/2 years, pastored Lage MB Church for 8 months, pastored Central MB Church, Winnipeg, for 2 years, then became senior pastor couple at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, in 1994. She is mourned by Johannes, her parents and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 5 in North Kildonan MB Church, with Bob Marsch, Abe Neufeld and Hans Boge ministering.

Susanna Peters passed away Oct. 16. She was born Nov. 7, 1920 to John and Margaretha Neufeld in the Crimea, Russia. In 1926, they immigrated to Saskatchewan. She accepted Christ and was baptized at 16 in Beechy, Sask. In 1942 the family moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She married William Peters July 15, 1949 in Clearbrook MB Church. She loved her children and grandchildren. Predeceased by Bill May 7, 1989, 2 brothers and a sister, she is mourned by children Grace Dobson of Victoria, B.C., Gloria Spratt of Abbotsford, B.C., Martha of Surrey, B.C., Gertie Rackstraw of Mt. Lehman, B.C., Charlotte Sawatsky of Abbotsford, Lawrence of Chilliwack, B.C., Karl of Vancouver, Samuel of Abbotsford, Stuart of Vernon, B.C. and John of Abbotsford; 29 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 10 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.

Henry John Suderman passed away Jan. 8. He was born Apr. 17, 1907 to Johann and Kornelia Suderman at Terek, Russia. In 1918, they fled to Loworow, Suvorovka, Russia. He accepted Christ at age 13 through an itinerant preacher, gaining assurance from John 1:29 and 1 John 1:9. In 1922 his mother died. His father married Elisabeth Wiebe. They immigrated to Canada in 1926, buying a farm near St. Elizabeth, Man. He was baptized July 1, 1929 and joined Arnaud MB Church, but only after writing letters to Russia to confess the sin of stealing a neighbour's plums. He married Martha Boese June 5, 1932. They worked on her parent's farm. In May, 1939, they moved to their own farm next door. In 1946, they moved to a dairy farm near Mt. Lehman, B.C. so their children could attend Mennonite Educational Institute and Bible school. They joined Matsqui MB Church, serving as deacons. In 1962 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. In 1975 they joined Clearbrook MB Church, doing visitation. When Martha made quilts for MCC, he helped arrange the squares and iron the seams. After Martha was hospitalized in 1992, he moved to Bevan Lodge, then Menno Home. He visited Martha daily, reading Scripture and praying with her. She died in March, 1996. He was thankful for what God had done in his life and that his children could be a blessing to others. His prayer was that he might meet all his children in heaven. He is mourned by children Betty Klassen of Abbotsford, B.C., Elsie Wiens of Prince George, B.C., Henry of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Ft. St. James, B.C., Ruth Haak of Oliver, B.C.; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and John E. Klassen ministering.

Helen Derksen passed away Dec. 29. She was born Dec. 25, 1913 to David and Helena Friesen in Chorniglas, Russia. After her father was killed by revolutionaries, she fled Russia with her mother and a brother in 1927. She had to stay behind 1 year in Germany due to an illness. At 14, she came to Saskatchewan, living in Saskatoon, Waldheim, Hague and Rosetown. She attended school to grade 7, then worked as a housekeeper. She married William Wiens June 7, 1939, moving to East Coulee, Alta. They lived in Drumheller, Alta., Chilliwack, B.C. and Fernie, B.C. In 1954 they moved to Nacmine, Alta. After William died in 1959, she moved back to Drumheller and worked in the hospital, retiring in 1977. She married John Derksen Apr. 23, 1984. They lived in Clearbrook, B.C. and Abbotsford, B.C. She moved to Menno Hospital in 1993. Predeceased by William, she is mourned by John; children Margaret Lane, William, Nancie Graves and Robert. The funeral was Jan. 2 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and John E. Klassen ministering.

Sarah Riediger passed away Nov. 25. She was born Mar. 26, 1905 to Jacob and Aganetha Knelsen at Rush Lake, Sask. After grade 8, she worked on the farm, then as a housekeeper in Swift Current, Sask. She accepted Christ and was baptized at age 25, joining Swift Current MB Church. She attended Bible school in Herbert, Sask., then worked as a nanny/housekeeper. At 34, she married Jacob Riediger, a widower from Neville, Sask., with 3 children. They moved to a dairy farm near Chilliwack, B.C. in 1951, moving into town in 1959.. In 1973 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. Jacob died in January, 1975. She is remembered as a kind, gentle, patient mother with a special twinkle in her eye. She drew pictures for her children and later taught herself to paint. She learned to crochet in her 60s and tatting in her 80s. She sang in the German choir until age 89 and worked in the community centre. She was active in women's fellowship and with Helping Hands ministry. She had good health until October, 1997. Predeceased by Jacob and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Justina Klassen of Calgary, Jacob of Swift Current, Margaret Fergeson of Brooks, Alta., Agnes Riediger of Whitehorse, Yukon, Bertha Cole of Kelowna, B.C.; 13 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren and 4 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 28 in Clearbrook MB Church, with George Baier, Jay Neufeld and Jacob Pauls ministering.

Anna Hiebert passed away Oct. 28. She was born Feb. 25, 1911 to Peter and Anna Nikkel in Orenburg, Russia. She went to Sunday school and at age 14 she accepted Christ in the home of her oldest brother, also her Sunday school teacher. They immigrated to Canada when she was 15, settling in Burwalde, Man. She was baptized, joining Steinbach MB Church. In 1929, they moved to a farm near Coaldale, Alta. She worked 4 years at Coaldale Hospital. She married Abraham Hiebert in 1941. They farmed until 1964, then moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She was active in women's fellowship, sewing quilts for the needy overseas. Her hands were always busy cooking, baking, knitting and crocheting, not complaining despite arthritic pain. She remained cheerful. She was diagnosed with cancer in June, 1997. Predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by Abraham; daughters Jessie Sawatzky of Abbotsford, B.C., Edith Wiens of Winnipeg, Irma Barkman of Saskatoon; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 31 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls ministering.

Jakob A. Friesen passed away Nov. 18 from heart complications. He was born Apr. 24, 1911 to Abram and Helene Friesen in Siberia, Russia. In 1918, they moved to the Ukraine. They fled to Moscow in 1929, and after much prayer were allowed to emigrate. They sailed to Paraguay in 1930. His father died after 3 months in the Chaco. Meditating on Rom. 10:10, Jacob accepted Christ. He was baptized in 1933, joining the MB Church. He married Maria Goetz Mar. 6, 1937. They moved to Kleefeld in 1938, and 11 years later to Blumental. In 1967, they moved to Canada. He worked in construction and later at the Georgia Hotel in Vancouver. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. 5 years later. Open heart surgery in 1984 gave 8 years of health. Isaiah 55:8-9, Ps. 139:5-6 and Deut. 31:8 became important to him. He always knelt to pray. He is remembered as an upright, honest, humble man, able to ease tensions between farmers. He had a servant attitude, never complaining about work. He logged, hauled freight with oxen, built wagons and clay ovens, made bricks by hand and built furniture. He loved singing in church choirs, built a violin and taught himself to play it. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 1 sister, daughter Hedwig and 2 grandchildren, he is mourned by Maria; children George, Jake, Willy, Herb, Lydia Epp, Erika Dueck, Mary Plett, Elsie Friesen and Elvira Braun; 27 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls and Jay Neufeld ministering.

Anna Kliewer passed away Nov. 10. She was born July 27, 1916 to Edmund and Agnes Jantz in Rossosch, Russia. In 1918, the family returned to Sady, District of Warsaw, Poland. At 14, she accepted Christ; she was baptized a year later. She married widower Rudolf Kliewer Oct. 14, 1934. Five children were born to them. In January, 1945 their son, 5, was killed by enemy gunfire; 2 days later, Rudolf was taken to Russia as a prisoner of war, leaving her with 3 children. After the death of her father, they fled to Germany with her mother, sister and brother, crossing the border in July, 1946. The harsh conditions had permanently affected her health. In 1949, they immigrated to Canada. They survived with hard work, a positive attitude and the generosity of East Aldergrove MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. In the 1970s, she moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. Despite deteriorating health, she continued attending church and thanked God for her blessings. Predeceased by Rudolf, an infant daughter and a son, she is mourned by daughters Maria Schroeder, Magdalene Isaak, Dora Pauls; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 14 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.

Margaret Derksen passed away Oct. 23. She was born Jan. 26, 1916 to Abraham and Suzanne Thiessen in Kalentarof, Russia. She immigrated to Saskatchewan at age 11, later moving to Yarrow, B.C. She married David Derksen in 1934. In 1935 she accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Yarrow MB Church. She enjoyed her family, sewing and her garden. She cared for her disabled daughter to age 29. At 78, she entered Tabor Home. Her favourite pastime was reading the Bible. Predeceased by David and sons John and David, she is mourned by children Delores Maloney of Vancouver, Ronald of Clearbrook, Eleanor Guenther of Yarrow, Marlene of Abbotsford, B.C.; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 1 brother. The funeral was Oct. 28 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.

 Abraham Buhler Janzen

 Abraham Buhler Janzen passed away Nov. 12. He was born March 6, 1908 to Peter K. and Anna Buhler Janzen in Dalmeny, Sask. At 13, he accepted Christ; he was baptized, joining Dalmeny MB Church. He studied at Herbert (Sask.) Bible School and an engineering school in Saskatoon. He designed implements on the farm. He married Alvina Lepp Mar. 8, 1928. In 1929, they moved to Dalhart, Tex., returning 3 1/2 years later. They moved to Saskatoon in 1935. He laid stones on the river bank, drove truck 18 hours a day and fried hamburgers at summer fairs. In 1936 they opened the "Blue Goose" diner. In 1939 he worked for Great Western Furniture Co., selling furniture by day and laying floor coverings after hours. He bought his own store, "Hi-Grade Furniture Co." 7 years later. In 1957 they moved to Kelowna, B.C. He built and managed Rosemead Apartments. They were involved in direct sales for 15 years. They retired in 1976, wintering in Arizona. He loved music, singing in the church choir as a teen. He played violin in an orchestra he organized in Dalmeny; he directed the church choir in Saskatoon; he directed the choir for the live Gospel Tidings radio program 1940-55; he served as chair of the building committee 1953-1954 for Central MB Church, Saskatoon; he directed the MB Church choir in Kelowna 8 years; and he served 7 years as president of the Kelowna Inter-Church Music Society. He was involved with the Gideons 25 years. He is remembered for his positive influence on others. Predeceased by 4 brothers, 2 sisters and a great-grandchild, he is mourned by Alvina; children Caroline Jantzen of Switzerland, Henry of North Vancouver, Douglas of Kelowna; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 17 in Willow Park Church, Kelowna, with Arnold Peters and Art Martens ministering.

Vera Delora Jantzen passed away Dec. 27. She was born Apr. 7, 1934 to Jakob and Rosa Strobel near Waldheim, Sask. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Salem KMB Church at age 12. She taught herself piano and from age 13 served as church pianist. She married Clifford Jantzen July 1, 1953. She was a devoted wife and caring mother. She maintained an immaculate home, graciously sharing her gift of hospitality. She supported Clifford in his career as an educator and in many church ministries. She expressed her Christian faith in her individual attention to others, in prayer and in accompanying many choirs and special music groups. She offered a listening ear and wise counsel to many friends and younger women. When faced with cancer, she demonstrated her deep faith with an uncomplaining spirit, sharing her dry sense of humour and her concern for others before herself. Predeceased by 3 brothers, she is mourned by Clifford; children Fern Fischer, Mark and Kyle; 10 grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 31 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Terry Froese and Ralph Gliege ministering.

Donna Lauraine Bricker passed away Nov. 15 after a lengthy illness. She was born July 8, 1951 to Mary and Gerald Fowler of Kitchener, Ont. She was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. In later years, this caused her great pain. She was baptized in 1991, joining Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener. Though legally blind, she attended as many different Bible studies as she could. She was willing to share with the less fortunate. She is remembered for her concern for others. She is mourned by her parents and many friends. The funeral was Nov. 18 at Glencairn MB Church, with Henry Petkau and Mark Johnson ministering.

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