Obituaries

Alma Sommer passed away Apr. 25. She was born Apr. 16, 1913 to Anton and Wilhelmine Sommer in Ivanovka, Ukraine. During World War II, she accepted Christ and was baptized, joining the MB church in Schoeneberg. In 1943 the family resettled in Germany; in 1947 they immigrated to Paraguay. In 1958 they settled in Kitchener, Ont. She worked for Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital, first in housekeeping, then for 5 years as a nurse's aide. In 1975 she suffered a brain aneurysm. She had to relearn to speak, read and write. After physical therapy, prayer and healing therapy, she discerned a new meaning for her life. She was convinced the Lord had healed her to be a witness for Him. She learned to take the bus, daily riding downtown or to the plazas, distributing religious tracts and telling people what the Lord had done in her life. She became well known in Kitchener-Waterloo. She is remembered as an inspiration, relentlessly pressing on. She is mourned by 8 nieces and nephews. The funeral was Apr. 29 in Kitchener MB Church, with Allan Labun ministering.

John Henry Balzer passed away Apr. 28. He was born July 20, 1909 to Henry and Sarah Balzer in Pleschanovo, New Samara, Russia. The family settled in Rosthern, Sask., then moved to Colonsay, Sask. He helped on the farm and later was able to take night school. At 22, he accepted Christ; he was baptized shortly after. He married Marie Poetker Feb. 5, 1933. In the 1940s, they settled in Arnold, B.C. In 1943 they became charter members of Arnold MB Church, where he was choir conductor for 27 years. After 20 years of hard work on the farm, he had some heart problems. In 1966 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Bakerview MB Church. He formed a small singing group to sing to shut-ins, and he sang in the church senior choir. A stroke 8 years ago left him confined to a wheelchair; the last while he spent in Menno Hospital. He found comfort in God and His Word. John 5:24 became precious to him. He is mourned by Marie; children Betty Neumann, Erika Schellenberg, John, Edith Neufeld, Dorothy Giesbrecht, Ed, Ruth Ratzlaff and Gordon; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was May 2 in Bakerview MB Church, with Henry Thiessen ministering.

Joyce Margaret (Coke) Driediger passed away Apr. 15. She was born Aug. 26, 1924 in Seward, Neb. Her mother was a Christian, but her father abandoned the family shortly before she was born. She became a Christian through the youth outreach of Back to the Bible broadcasts. With financial help from the Theodore Epps, she was able to become a missionary. After high school, she studied at Kansas City Bible College, then graduated as an R.N. at New Orleans Charity Hospital, where she learned how to treat leprosy. She took time out to care for her mother dying of cancer. In 1951 she went to Nigeria as a missionary nurse with Sudan Interior Mission. In the Hausa language she was called "Maimurna" (The Happy One). She was a nurse at 7 mission leprosariums. In 1964 she married Jack Driedger, a widower with 5 children. In 1975, after 25 years in Africa, SIM sent them to B.C. to do stewardship and promotional work in western Canada. After 13 years of diabetes, in 1994, she was admitted to The Cottage, an extended care facility. Her abiding commitment and motivation in life was found in II Cor. 9:8. She is mourned by Jack; 5 children and 1 brother. The funeral was Apr. 17 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., with Henry Thiessen ministering.

Peter A. Bergman passed away May 12. He was born Nov. 1, 1915 to Abram and Tina Bergman in Rueckenau, Russia. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1925. He married Anne Duerksen June 8, 1940. They farmed near Ste. Anne, Man., then Clearspring, Man. before retiring to Steinbach, Man. Anne died in 1994. He accepted Christ in the early 1950s, joining Steinbach MB Church. He is remembered as a kind, loving father, a good provider and an entrepreneur, starting a farmer sausage-making business and later operating Sandi-Side Resort. He also drove school bus. He helped others wherever he could. He was sociable and had a good sense of humour, enjoying practical jokes. Having a competitive spirit, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing chess. He loved singing hymns on his tractor. He was concerned about the spiritual condition of his entire family, teaching Bible studies, followed by a quiz, to his children and later his grandchildren. Lately, he spoke often about heaven and what it might be like. He was content. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by children Eleanor Wiebe of Steinbach, Elfrieda Unger of Grunthal, Man., Margaret Frers of Toronto, Henry and Marlene, both of Winnipeg; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was May 15 in Steinbach MB Church, with Norm Neufeld ministering.

Agatha Enns passed away Apr. 27. She was born Aug. 6, 1901 to Jacob and Maria Braun in Ukraine. In 1943 she married Jacob Enns. During World War II, they were separated for 4 years; they were reunited in Germany in 1949. In 1953 they immigrated to Canada, living in Lethbridge, Alta., then in Coaldale, Alta. for 30 years. In 1991 they retired to Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale. She was a committed Christian and a member of Coaldale MB Church. She was a wonderful wife, housekeeper, gardener and cook. She spent much time reading her Bible and praying. She is mourned by Jacob. The funeral was Apr. 30 in Coaldale MB Church, with Corny Braun ministering.

Helen (Taunton) Abercrombie passed away Mar. 31. She was born June 22, 1913 in Montreal. When she was 3, her father died. The family moved to Vancouver. She met Sanford Abercrombie in high school when she was 14 and he 17 but was not allowed to date. They met at Bone Island 3 years later. They eloped and married in Bellingham, Wash. Oct. 26, 1931. They moved around a lot because he was a builder. She was an Anglican. She knew how to pray, especially when faced with difficult situations. She loved life and was happy being around family. She taught her children, her pride and joy, to pray as soon as they could talk. They learned to appreciate her simple trusting faith. Her hobbies were reading, embroidery, gardening, collecting salt and pepper shakers, playing the piano and dancing. Living on a farm in Surrey, B.C., she looked after 500 chickens and prepared and shipped eggs. They also lived in Vancouver, Sicamous, Armstrong, Chase, Chilliwack and Abbotsford, B.C. She is remembered as a loving wife, a great mom and a dear friend. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Sanford; children Edward, Wayne and Sandra; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 3 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld ministering.

Henry Loewen passed away Oct. 20, 1997. He was born June 6, 1927 to Peter and Ageneta Loewen in Neuschoensee, Sagradowka, Russia. In 1938 his father was arrested and banished. A devout Christian, his mother taught her children to pray and depend on God's grace. Drafted in 1944, he was greatly torn between taking up arms and his Mennonite pacifism. He organized prayer meetings with other Christian soldiers, leading 2 soldiers to Christ. He lost his left leg in 1945 in a grenade attack. In 1946 he was in a Russian refugee camp, but escaped to Oeding, Germany. After much searching, he learned his family had been exiled to Siberia. He was baptized in Germany in 1946. In 1948 he immigrated to Paraguay. He worked as a shoemaker and attended Bible school in Filadelfia. He preached and made home visitations. He married Maria Siebert (Sudermann) July 25, 1953. Work brought him back to Germany. In 1955 he was struck with tuberculosis. Recovering, he felt the call to ministry and to witness, and went to Bible school. In 1964 the family moved to Neuwied, Germany. He was moderator of the MB church. He carried the preaching and leadership responsibilities for a year, and began a ministry to people from Yugoslavia. In 1972 they moved to Canada. Though English was difficult, he shared his faith. He was involved in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, teaching Sunday school 14 years. He reached out to Vietnamese and Yugoslavian immigrants and German soldiers. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1997. Though chemotherapy was physically draining, his spiritual vigour was not negated. He witnessed to people in his rooms and was a blessing to those who visited him. He is remembered as a model of faith and steadfastness in God. He unselfishly assisted his family and community in many ways. He is mourned by Maria; daughters Marianne Dulder of Winnipeg, Elfi Janzen of Richmond, B.C., Irene Dyck and Kathy Neufeld, both of Winnipeg; 12 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 27 in North Kildonan MB Church, with Johannes Stolz, Hans Boge and Alvin Enns ministering.

Anne Klassen passed away May 8. She was born Nov. 2, 1917 to Jacob and Mary Penner in Turkestan. The family immigrated to Canada, settling in Manitoba. She was baptized July 15, 1936 in Winnipeg. She married Jacob Klassen in November, 1942. In 1946 they moved to Arnold, B.C., joining Arnold MB Church. They picked berries and ran a small dairy farm; Jake worked in construction in Vancouver. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church May 2, 1971. Jake died Nov. 24, 1989. She moved into Tabor Manor. She continued preparing special meals for family. She loved people and serving them food. She loved travelling with Jacob to Europe, the US and Canada. She loved her grandchildren, supporting them when they attended MEI. She was concerned about their spiritual condition. In 1997, following surgery, she moved into Tabor Home. The nurses loved her smile, gentle ways and sense of humour. Predeceased by Jake, 1 sister and 2 brothers, she is mourned by her adopted children Anne Wall and Jake; 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was May 13 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld and Walter Goerzen ministering.

Aganetha (Siemens) Loewen passed away Apr. 30. She was born Oct. 23 in Kronsthal, Ukraine. The family's farm was expropriated; they were banished to Nieder-Chortiza in 1930 and the Ural Mountains in 1931. In 1937 she and a sister escaped to Kronsthal, living with an aunt. In 1943 she was evacuated to Germany. In 1948 she immigrated to Canada. She worked for a Mennonite family in Ninga, Man., then moved to Winnipeg. She accepted Christ and was baptized in Winnipeg Apr. 2, 1949. A verse marked in her Bible was Is. 61:10. Despite many fears and difficulties, she could rejoice in the Lord. Later, she moved to B.C. She married David Loewen. They farmed near Yarrow and Chilliwack for many years. After David died, she moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. She is mourned by stepchildren in Germany. The funeral was May 6 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.

Elizabeth Klassen passed away Apr. 14. She was born Aug. 15, 1905 to Peter P. and Margaretha Niebuhr in Kronsthal, Ukraine. Her dad died in 1914. In 1918 the family moved to Steinfeld, where her mother married Bernhard Hildebrandt. In 1922 she accepted Christ at home; she was baptized, joining the MB church. She married Johann J. Klassen Sept. 17, 1927. He was arrested in 1937; she never learned what happened to him. She worked hard to care for her 3 children. During the war, she fled to Poland and then to Germany. In 1948 she immigrated to Canada, living in Boissevain and Winkler, Man. and Vancouver, where she had her own home for 35 years. She loved her home, flowers and garden. She worked for many years in homes in the Vancouver area. She had many guests and loved to cook for them. She visited family in Manitoba, and family in Germany 4 times. In 1990 she moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She had a heart for missions and lived sacrificially for her family, praying for each child and grandchild daily. She experienced the reality of Ps. 23. She is mourned by children John N. with MBMS in Meckenheim, Germany, Peter of Surrey, B.C. and Margaret Labun of Winnipeg; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-granchildren. The funeral was Apr. 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld and George Baier ministering.

Helena Martens Wiebe passed away May 11. She was born Aug. 8, 1903 to Abram and Katherina Sukkau Hübert in Wanderloo, Terek, Russia. After her mother died, she was raised by relatives Franz and Helena Sukkau Martens in Rueckenau, Molotschna. Her spiritual life grew through Rev. J.W. Reimer. In 1923 she was baptized, joining Rueckenau MB Church. In 1924 the family immigrated to Winkler, Man. While working as a nanny in Winnipeg, she completed entrance requirements for nurse's training. In 1928 she began training at the Mennonite hospital in Beatrice, Neb. In 1931 she graduated with a R.N. diploma, specializing in operating room procedures, from Cook County Hospital, Chicago. In 1935 she married August Wiebe from Coaldale, Alta. In 1964 they left Coaldale for Abbotsford, B.C. She continued to nurse in Coaldale and Abbotsford until retirement in 1969. In 1987 she moved to Donwood Manor, Winnipeg. She is best remembered for her contributions to the founding of Coaldale Community Hospital. Predeceased by August in 1985 and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Arthur of St. Catharines, Ont., Alfred of Winnipeg, Allan, and Leona Gislason, both of Toronto, and Michael of Minneapolis, Minn.; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. The funeral was May 13 in Bethania Nursing Home chapel, Winnipeg, with Gerhard Friesen ministering.

Lawrence Adolph Redekopp passed away Apr. 23 from a heart attack. He was born July 24, 1923 to Abram and Justina Redekopp near Kelstern, Sask. At 14, he accepted Christ; he was baptized Aug. 17, 1941, joining Elim MB Church. He went to Bible school in Herbert, Sask. 3 years and then 1 year in Three Hills, Alta. After high school, he went to Normal School in Moose Jaw, Sask. He taught public school at Greenfarm, Sask. for 2 years. He married Martha Klassen Apr. 14, 1949. In 1950 he entered a children's ministry in Swift Current, Sask.; he was ordained in 1953 and continued to serve 3 more years. He was pastor of West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon for 7 years and director of Saskatchewan MB church extension for 10 years. He served on various committees and boards in the Saskatchewan and Canadian MB conferences. He pastored a new church in Lanigan, Sask. 1972-85, seeing the Lord work in many lives and experiencing great blessings. In 1986 he suffered a heart attack. He then went into part-time ministry, helping churches for short periods. He constantly marvelled at God's goodness and faithfulness in his own life. Predeceased by 1 sister and 4 brothers, he is mourned by Martha; children Cal, Wayne and Elwood, all of Saskatoon, and Barbara Karelse of Pickering, Ont.; 9 grandchildren; 5 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 27 in Christian Fellowship Church, Lanigan, with Abe Klassen ministering.

Louise Falk passed away Apr. 28 at age 94. She was born in 1903 in Steinfeld, Russia. At 17, she accepted Christ. In 1923 she married Jacob Falk. They immigrated to Saskatchewan in 1926. In 1935 they moved to Black Creek, B.C., where they faithfully served in Black Creek MB Church. The last 3 years she lived in Menno Home, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by Jacob in January, 1996 and 2 grandchildren, she is mourned by children Bernard and Herman, both of Abbotsford, B.C., Jake of Maple Ridge, B.C., Margaret Wedel, Helen Wiebe and John, all of Black Creek; 28 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Menno Home, and a memorial service in Black Creek.

Elizabeth Becker passed away Mar. 28. She was born Aug. 11, 1905 to Peter and Anna Becker in Franzthal, Molotschna, Ukraine. The family later moved to Bazhlicha, Crimea. She survived a smallpox epidemic that killed 3 of her sisters. She would always remember how she was compelled to walk in a communist parade during the Russian revolution. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. Initially, the family was separated and lived with several Old Mennonite families in Waterloo County Ontario. Later she worked for Philip Webers, who ran a large livery stable. In 1928 she started work for Cluett and Peabody Arrow Shirt Factory, where she worked over 40 years. About 1928 she was baptized in a river near Kitchener, Ont., joining Kitchener MB Church. Music was important to her family. At an early age, she learned to play the guitar and autoharp. She was accepted into an adult choir in Russia at age 9; she sang in church choirs and in the Kitchener-Waterloo Philharmonic choir, altogether for about 60 years. In 1990 she and sister Justina moved to Heritage Village, Vineland, Ont., joining Vineland MB Church. She enjoyed the presence of God working among His people. She is mourned by sister Justina. The funeral was Mar. 31 in Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.

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