Obituaries

Arnold Elmer Fischer passed away Feb. 27. He was born June 4, 1917 to Jacob and Maria Fischer at Laird, Sask. He accepted Christ at 18; he was baptized in July, 1936, joining Laird MB Church. He attended Bethany Bible School for 1 year. He married Amanda Nikkel Sept. 24, 1939. They farmed near his parents. He attended Bethany again 1953-54 to study music. He led choirs in Laird and Waldheim, Sask. for 31 years and sang in a male quartet. He was a school trustee for many years, drove school bus for 6 years and ran the Laird arena for 5 years. In 1974 they moved to Waldheim. He worked at different jobs for 3 years, then at Menno Industries for 7 years. He delighted in serving as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent. Retired, he enjoyed woodworking, being with his family and grandchildren and travelling to visit family, especially twin brother Art. Despite sickness and surgery over the last 21 years, he repeatedly regained his strength. Predeceased by son Arnold at age 7, a brother and a sister, he is mourned by Amanda; children Elmer of Medicine Hat, Alta., Gary of Laird, Edward of Lomond, Alta., Ruby Fyles of Winnipeg and Edna Maier of Regina; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 5 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.

Jacob Henry Goossen passed away Mar. 16 from cancer. He was born Apr. 16, 1920 to Henry and Katherina Goossen in Alexanderthal, Ukraine. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada, settling near Manitou, Man. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School. He married Helen Braun July 7, 1945. They farmed until 1996. He accepted Christ in his late teens; at 21 he was baptized, joining Manitou MB Church. He served as Sunday school treasurer, teacher and with Helen, youth sponsor. He is remembered as a kind, quiet, sensitive, generous and unselfish man. He and Helen enjoyed visiting and encouraging the sick and lonely. Even in illness, he was more concerned about Helen and others than himself. His sense of humour continued to show despite his pain. His love of music stayed with him, bringing him comfort. He enjoyed both old hymns and new choruses. He loved to play his mandolin, accompanied by Helen, children and grandchildren with piano, guitar and voice. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, finding great joy in his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always concerned about the spiritual well-being of each child and grandchild. Predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Helen; children Carolyn of Kitchener, Ont., Ted of Cranberry Portage, Man., Milli Stewart of Kitchener, Debra Riley of Baden, Ont., Gareth of Kitchener, Eldon of Winkler and Iris Buller of Winnipegosis, Man.; 17 grandchildren and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 19 in Manitou MB Church, with George Toews ministering.

Anna Janzen passed away Feb. 22 of cancer. She was born Feb. 10, 1927 to Heinrich and Anna Epp. They lived in Schoenau, Ukraine. In troubled times, she developed a deep desire for the well-being of family and a profound faith in God. She accepted Christ 3 months before leaving Schoenau and was baptized June 22, 1943 in a river near Lindenau. After 4 years, the family came to Wheatley, Ont. Deaconess training and caring for children in refugee camps were an important part of her experience. She married Walter Janzen in 1951. They lived in several communities in the Niagara Peninsula. She worked tirelessly in the fields and orchards and in the kitchens of home and church. "Anna" means "to bend with favour and grace"; she was a servant of Christ's kindness to family and friends. Her eyes sparkled with vitality, mischief and the thrill of new life. Predeceased by a brother, she is mourned by Walter; children Henry, Dave, Ed, Fred and Mary; 12 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Feb. 25 in Vineland (Ont.) MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.

Edith Loewen passed away Dec. 10. She was born Mar. 22, 1916 to Heinrich and Maria Heinrichs in the Crimea, Russia. When she was 3, her father was killed by bandits. Her mother married Hermann Lenzmann in 1923. In 1926 the family immigrated to Saskatchewan. In 1936 she married Jacob Loewen. They moved to Matsqui, B.C. in 1946 and Sardis, B.C. in 1994. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend, modelling exceptional love and respect to everyone--especially her husband and family. She enjoyed needlework, painting, sewing, gardening, cooking and opening her home to countless people. She volunteered in the nursery of Sardis DoorWay (a support service for single mothers) and was like a grandmother to many children. She lived life to the full and was grateful for each day. Predeceased by a great-granddaughter, she is mourned by Jacob; children Ernest, Walter, Henry, Elsie Goerzen, Annemarie Loewen, Elaine Dirksen, Esther Neufeld, David, Irmi Teichrob and Irene McFetridge; 41 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 6 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 16 in Sardis Community Church, with Dorothy Martens and Graeme Isbister ministering.

Helen Reimer passed away Nov. 15. She was born Mar. 20, 1908 at Prangenau, Russia. She was baptized in Gnadenheim in July, 1924. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925. They came to Winnipeg in 1926, then to Namaka, Alta. In 1928 they moved to Acme, Alta. In 1932 she attended Bible school in Coaldale, Alta. She married Jake Eitzen in 1933. She was an active charter member of Linden (Alta.) MB Church. Jake died in 1970. She married John Reimer in 1980. Predeceased by Jake, she is mourned by John; children William, Denver, Lydia Chetin, Marge and Jean, all of Linden, and Randy Chetin of Victoria, B.C.; 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 9 stepchildren. The funeral was Nov. 19 in Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen ministering.

Norma Tessier passed away Jan. 3. She was born Feb. 18, 1930 to Cliff Caithness and Lois Niven in Winnipeg. She grew up in Carberry, Man. She trained as a nurse at Brandon (Man.) Mental Health Hospital 1948-52, graduating in general and psychiatric nursing. In fall, 1951 she married Jack Tessier. They lived in Portage la Prairie, Rathwell, Carberry, Altona and La Riviere, Man., wintering the last 3 years in Victoria, B.C. She worked part-time in general duty nursing when her family was young. In 1974 she began work for Manitoba Community Mental Health services in Lorne and Pembina. Her love and genuine concern for people helped them through crises. She retired in 1994 after 20 years of service. She loved cooking for family and friends, gardening, skiing, swimming and golf. She shared Jack's love for flying, having many air adventures in addition to holidays to Europe, Mexico and Canada. She was a regular attender at Manitou (Man.) MB Church and at First Baptist Church, Victoria. She was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 24 years. She is mourned by Jack; children Denise, Rene, Yvonne, Lois, Allyson and Michael; 11 grandchildren; 1 sister and 2 brothers. A memorial service was held Feb. 5 in Manitou MB Church.

Anne Toews passed away Mar. 3. She was born Oct. 25, 1906 to Cornelius and Aganetha Groening in Plum Coulee, Man. She married Abram Toews Oct. 7, 1924. They farmed near Fannystelle, Man., retiring in 1956 to Steinbach, Man. Abram died in 1975. She moved to Winnipeg to be near her family. Not liking city life, she moved to Winkler, Man., then Steinbach. In 1991 she moved back to Winnipeg, spending her last months at Concordia Personal Care Unit. She is remembered for her quilts, baking, singing hymns in the kitchen and laughter. She remembered the names of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, loving them individually. Predeceased by Abram, 2 infant daughters, 4 sisters and 2 brothers, she is mourned by children Dora, Evelyn, Grace, Inez, Kenneth, Earl, Lorne, Herb and Richard; and 3 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 6 in Steinbach MB Church, with John Arendt ministering.

Abram Unrau passed away Feb. 10. He was born Jan. 13, 1915 to Cornelius and Sarah Unrau in Neuenberg, Man. The family moved to Mexico when he was young. At age 13, he was orphaned; he and his siblings were fostered to other families, losing contact for many years. He attended the Old Colony Mennonite Church and was baptized May 20, 1934. He returned to Canada in his late teens, working on a farm in the Rosefarm School District. He married Edna Bergmann Oct. 22, 1939. They farmed 1939-45 near Altona, Man., and 1945-75 near Myrtle, Man. In 1979 they retired to Winkler, Man. They recommitted their lives to Christ March 10, 1977 during a revival. They were rebaptized July 31, 1977, joining Winkler MB Church. He faithfully read his Bible and prayed that his children and grandchildren would serve the Lord. In 1986 he was diagnosed with throat cancer and lost his larynx. He had had some heart problems, but enjoyed playing games with friends at Lions Manor and going for coffee and meals at McDonald's. Predeceased by Edna Jan. 17, 1990, 9 sisters and 4 brothers, he is mourned by children Esther Hildebrand of Roland, Man., Harvey Unrau and Ruth Froese, both of Winnipeg; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 3 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 15 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and John Stoesz ministering.

Agnes Wiebe passed away Jan. 21. She was born Jan. 19, 1911 to George and Anna Sawatzky in Aberdeen, Sask. At age 12, she accepted Christ and was baptized. She married Henry Wiebe in 1932. They farmed near Aberdeen until the early 1980s. She is remembered as a warm loving person with a gift for homemaking and hospitality. Farm life was busy but satisfying. She enjoyed knitting, creating many sweaters, children's dresses and afghans for family and friends. They retired to Abbotsford, B.C., attending Central Heights MB Church, where they enjoyed senior gatherings and Bible studies with their circle of friends. Predeceased by Henry in October, 1995, she is mourned by daughters Myrtle Regier of Regina and Doreen Raabe of Coquitlam, B.C.; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 24 in Central Heights MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.

David Earl Courts passed away Mar. 12 in an auto accident. He was born Apr. 30, 1967 in Cold Lake, Alta. He lived on a farm near Grand Centre, Alta. He moved to Fort McMurray, Alta. in 1970 and to Claresholm, Alta. in 1986, where he graduated from high school. He was active in sports, winning many trophies for running races. He enjoyed fishing, volleyball, ball hockey and weight training. He took courses at Mount Royal College, Calgary, then moved to Lethbridge, Alta. to work in a restaurant. He married Patricia Schultz June 16, 1990. They moved to Vauxhall, Alta. Sept. 20, 1990. He worked 7 1/2 years for the Alberta Dehydrating Company. He accepted Christ in his early 20s; he was baptized June 2, 1991, joining Vauxhall MB Church. He was involved in ushering, boys club and Promise Keepers. With help from the Promise Keepers group, the church and God, he was able to overcome many of his struggles. He is mourned by Patricia; children Chelsea and Jeffrey; mother and stepfather Barb and Charles Smith; father Arthur; 1 sister and 2 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 18 in Vauxhall MB Church, with Leo Siemens ministering.

Frieda Martens passed away Mar. 15. She was born Sept. 6, 1923 to Jacob and Justina Dyck near Laird, Sask. In 1936, during evangelistic services in Laird, she accepted Christ. Four years later, she was baptized. In 1944 she attended Bethany Bible Institute. She married Dave Martens Sept. 22, 1946. They moved to a lumber camp near Capasin, Sask. In 1948 they moved to a farm near Laird. They moved into Laird in 1978, still maintaining farm involvement. She suffered heart attacks in 1987 and 1989. In 1994 she had cancer surgery. She still enjoyed family and church functions. Her faith, family and friends were most important in her life. She is remembered for her hospitality, generosity and love for books and gardening. Predeceased by 2 infant sons, she is mourned by Dave; sons Howard of Martensville, Sask., Paul of Laird, Allen of Saskatoon and Leslie of Laird; 2 grandsons and 5 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 20 in Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church, with Otto Derksen and Clarence Peters ministering.

Anna Hildebrand passed away Feb. 20 at Donwood Manor Extended Care Home, Winnipeg. She was born Sept. 28, 1905 to Franz and Helene Warkentin in Ladekopp, Ukraine. In 1918 the family fled to Tchongrav, Crimea. Here she accepted Christ and was baptized with her parents, 2 brothers and her future husband. She married Abram Hildebrand June 13, 1928. In 1938 Abram was imprisoned to Siberia. He died Jan. 12, 1942. Anna and her 2 children fled to Ukraine in 1941, to Poland in 1943 and to Germany in 1945. She immigrated to Canada in 1947, joining South End MB (now Portage Ave.) Church, Winnipeg. She loved to sing in the choir and as a soloist. In retirement, she enjoyed sewing and making quilts and soap for MCC projects. She prayed for each family member and for the church family. She rejoiced to hear when a person made a decision for Christ. Predeceased by 1 daughter in 1936, she is mourned by children Abe and Ann; 3 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 24 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with Abe Konrad and Ed Buller ministering.

Jacob Konrad passed away Feb. 16. He was born Feb. 28, 1903 to Abraham and Katherine Konrad in Alexanderkrone, Molotschna, Ukraine. His father was shot in 1918. After serving in alternate service, Jacob immigrated to Canada in 1928, joining his family in Manitou, Man. He married Selma Wiebe June 6, 1931. They farmed near Manitou until 1969. He was a good, innovative farmer known to be honest and hard-working. He was thankful for the freedoms and privileges in Canada. At 29, he accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Manitou MB Church. He served on church council and the finance and building committees. Taking his family to church regularly and supporting mission projects were important to him. He was happy that his children had accepted Christ and were active in their churches. In 1969 he retired to Clearbrook, B.C., attending Clearbrook MB Church. When Selma had a stroke in 1977, he was patient and caring, faithfully visiting her in the hospital. She died in 1979. In 1982 he married Tina Harder. She died in 1991. The last 5 years he was in Tabor Home. He had spiritual struggles in his life and often spoke of the grace of God to forgive. He is remembered as a good father and grandfather who was there for his family. He is mourned by children Anne Loewen of Nanaimo, B.C., Kae Penner and George, both of Manitou; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 4 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, with George Baier, Wendell Loewen and John Unger ministering.

Henry Peter Koop passed away Mar. 2. He was born May 26, 1914 in Lichtenau, Molotschna, Ukraine. He immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1926. In 1931 he went to Alberta to work, harvesting sugar beets for a Christian family near Coaldale, Alta. After a minister visited one day, he found peace with God. He was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. In 1937 he bought a farm near Vauxhall, Alta. He married Susie Unger Oct. 8, 1938. After 38 years of farming, they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. Susie died in 1985. He married Elma Goertz in 1988. They soon moved to Kelowna, B.C. In 1993 during cataract surgery, he suffered a stroke. After a short stay in a senior's home in Kelowna, he moved to Tabor Home in Abbotsford, B.C. Here he shared Christ with others, leading some to the Lord. He said this was why God had spared his life. In 1996 he was diagnosed with cancer. He is mourned by children Erika, Henry, Irma and John; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 7 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.

Cornelius C. Dyck passed away Feb. 11. He was born Dec. 24, 1902 to Cornelius and Elizabeth Dyck in Kronsgarten, Russia. Cornelius and most of his family accepted Christ during a revival in the community. His father and 2 brothers died 2 years later. His mother married Johann Dyck, a widower with 13 children; 4 more children were born. Johann died and Elizabeth married Abram Guenther, who had 6 children; 1 more daughter was born. He married his stepsister Susanna Guenther. They later fled to Germany. Here daughter Elizabeth died. In 1930 they came to Winnipeg. In 1945 they moved to B.C. Susanna died July 1, 1971. He married missionary Susie Brucks in 1972. They made trips to Africa to establish a Bible school. Susie died May 2, 1983. He spent much time sending cards and typing letters to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. He enjoyed his family with a keen mind and intense love. He was grateful for the many years the Lord granted him. Often he would pray, "Come quickly Lord Jesus and Your reward with You". He is mourned by children John, Abe, Margaret Janzen, Agatha Pauls, Neil, Helen Dueck, Sue Redekop, Henry, Jake, David, Betty Siemens and Rudy; 41 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 14 in South Abbotsford MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., with David Epp and John Klassen ministering.

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