Obituaries

Ruth Bartsch passed away Nov. 20, 1997. She was born July 18, 1925 to Rev. Jacob and Kathrina Lepp near Dalmeny, Sask. She attended school until grade 10. At 21, she accepted Christ while attending Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. She was baptized in June 1947. She graduated from BBI in 1949. She spent the next 4 years studying at Pacific Bible Institute, Fresno, Calif., touring with music groups, making new friends and working part-time. She graduated in 1952. Returning to Saskatchewan, she graduated from Scott's Business College in 1953. She served as office secretary, dean of women and typing instructor at BBI 1953-58. She married Henry Bartsch Oct. 3, 1958. They farmed near Dalmeny. In 1975, they built a house on an acreage, where they enjoyed gardening, landscaping and country life. In 1994 they moved to a condominium in Dalmeny. She served as church organist for 39 years, choir member, Awana leader, deacon and child caregiver. She delighted in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had the gifts of hospitality, a welcoming spirit and the ability to make people feel at home and cared for. In spring 1996 she was diagnosed with cancer. She faced this challenge with faith and courage. She is mourned by Henry; children Arlen, Audrey, Yvonne Block, Charlotte Loeppky and Joanne Mann; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky ministering.

Robert Donley Schapansky passed away July 11. He was born Mar. 19, 1941 to Henry and Annie Schapansky in McCreary, Man. He grew up on a farm in Arden, Man. At 12, he accepted Christ. At 17, he recommitted his life to the Lord; he was baptized July 24, 1960, joining Sterling Ave. Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. He attended Bethel Bible Institute (now part of Columbia Bible College) for 1 year. He loved singing in the men's octet. He married Margaret Klassen Apr. 28, 1962. They moved to B.C., where he became involved in the construction industry. He loved the outdoors, canoeing and camping, the last years in an RV. He was an avid reader, reading books that would give him new spiritual insights. He had a strange and wonderful sense of humour. He was a devoted husband and father and had great communication skills with his daughters. He served in Prince of Peace Mennonite Church, Richmond, B.C., where he was involved with music and served as Sunday school superintendent. In 1971 they started attending Willingdon MB Church, Burnaby, B.C. He served in Christian Service Brigade, music and the sound system, and as Bible study leader and elder. In February 1998, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. During his illness, he was an encouragement to his visitors and didn't complain about the brevity of his life. He looked forward to meeting his Lord. He is mourned by Marg; daughters Donna Marshall, Cheryl Kathler and Brenda Hauser; 8 grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was July 15 in Willingdon MB Church, with Carlin Weinhauer, Bill Klassen and Dave Traub ministering.

John Hiebert passed away July 13. He was born June 4, 1910 to Frank and Catharina Hiebert in New York, Russia. His mother died when he was 7. He could attend school only 6 years. He enjoyed Sunday school and church services held in private homes. In 1924 the family came to Canada, first settling in Herbert, Sask., then moving to Meadows and Burwalde, Man. He accepted Christ as a teen, joining Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. He married Katharine Goertzen June 30, 1935 in Ste. Anne, Man. They moved to Leamington, Ont. in 1937, to Vineland, Ont. in 1940 and to St. Catharines, Ont. in 1943. He was active in the church, teaching Sunday school, directing youth choirs and setting up sound systems. He was one who didn't say no when there was a need, but was always willing to serve. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 5 sisters and 1 great-granddaughter, he is mourned by Katharine; children Hertha, Albert, Herb and Linda; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters and 3 brothers. The funeral was July 16 in Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, with Rudie Willms ministering.

Herbert Nicholas Hamm passed away July 18. He was born Jan. 18, 1919 to Nicholas and Elizabeth Hamm in Halbstadt, Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Coaldale, Alta. His mother died, and his father married Margaret Penner. Herbert accepted Christ; he was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. After attending Morning Star Bible School, he moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1943, then Chilliwack, B.C. in 1948. He married Erna Frances Toews in 1945. Shortly after, he developed TB and was unable to work for 9 years. After recovering, he worked for East Chilliwack Co-op 1955-1970, then started his own accounting practice. In 1984 they retired to Okanagan Falls, B.C., later moving to Penticton, B.C. They joined Grace MB Church. He taught Sunday school and DVBS and sang in the church choir. He enjoyed making music. He served as treasurer for the B.C. MB Conference for 24 years. Despite his many illnesses and handicaps, he never doubted that God is good. He never complained, but maintained a positive attitude. He is mourned by Erna; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was July 22 in Grace MB Church, with Dave Esau ministering.

Agatha Isaak passed away July 19. She was born Sept. 23, 1910 to Johann and Helena Isaak in Alexanderpol, Russia. Her mother died 3 months later. In 1911 her father married Helena Regher. He died in 1923 of typhus, which he contracted while caring for a non-Christian friend and his family, encouraging him to accept Jesus before it was too late. At 12, during evangelistic services led by Johann Toews, Agatha accepted Christ. In 1925 the family immigrated to Steinbach, Man. In 1927 she found work in Winnipeg. She was baptized, joining North End (now Elmwood) MB Church. When she retired, she moved into her mother's former home in Steinbach; she joined Steinbach MB Church. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by many cousins and friends. The funeral was July 22 in Steinbach MB Church, with Norman Neufeld and Neil Rempel ministering.

Alvin Martin Voth passed away July 13. He was born Dec. 2, 1926 to Johannes and Tina Voth near Marquette, Man. The family relocated to Springstein, Man. He had a talent to invent mechanical things and became known as "Mr. Fix-It". Later hobbies included growing flowers and vegetables, and pet budgies. In his teens, he accepted Christ, joining the MB Church at Springstein. He attended Winkler Bible School for 3 winters and served with MCC in the US and Europe. He then took nurse's training. He married Vera Kroeker Sept. 6, 1958. In 1960 they began serving in Colombia with MBMS International. They served there for more than 25 years as a Bible teacher, church planter, and administrator, mission director and counsellor in ElChocó, Cali, Valle and Medellín , Antióguia. They spent 1971-74 in Gimli, Man., where he resumed his career in community nursing. They then returned to Colombia. In 1985 he felt called back to Canada. After a year of upgrading, he served as a supervisor in senior citizen facilities, finishing at the Regional Health Centre. He retired in 1991. They also developed a ministry to Hispanic immigrants. He is mourned by Vera; sons Murray, Jeff, Andy and Charles; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 6 sisters. The funeral was July 16 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., with Herman Kroeker and John Wall ministering.

Peter Frank Unrau passed away Aug. 5. He was born Mar. 29, 1905 to Franz and Elizabeth Unrau in Samara, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Margaret, Man. He married Elizabeth Driediger Oct. 21, 1944. In 1971 they retired from farming and moved to Boissevain, Man. He was faithful to Christ and was active in Boissevain MB Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent, treasurer and deacon. In spring, they moved into Westview Lodge, then into Boissevain Hospital. His last words were songs of praise to his Heavenly Father. He died as he lived, gently and quietly. Predeceased by 2 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Elizabeth; daughters Marlene Friesen of Winnipeg and Lisa Loewen of Ironside, Wis.; 6 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 10 in Boissevain MB Church, with Tom Warner and Peter Derksen ministering.

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