OBITUARIES
Aganetha Giesbrecht
Aganetha (Nettie) Giesbrecht passed away May 8. She was born June 17, 1908 to Peter and Katherine Derksen in Kamashove, Orenburg, Russia. She received her schooling in Siberia. When she was 15, the family moved to the Kuban. At 10, she accepted Christ; she was baptized at 16. Her mother died of typhus a few months before the family immigrated to Saskatchewan. They later moved to Yarrow, B.C. She and one of her sisters moved to Vancouver to find employment. In 1933 she married Peter Giesbrecht whom she had met in Russia. They lived in Yarrow. He died in February 1981. She moved to Richmond, B.C. in July 1981. She attended Fraserview MB Church for 12 years. In 1993 she moved to Pinegrove Care Home. She faced health challenges in the past 10 years, but amazed her family with her physical strength and recovery. Her greatest source of joy was her deep faith in Christ and her love for her family. She had a servant's heart, willingly serving her family without needing recognition. She was a godly role model and a woman of great stability. Predeceased by son Peter in September 1978 and husband Peter, she is mourned by children Dave, Hank, Ed, George, Elizabeth Hladun, Cathy Penner, Martin and Willie; 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was May 13 in Yarrow MB Church.
John Koop
John Koop passed away July 24. He was born Sept. 15, 1937 to Heinrich and Katharina Koop in Terence, Man. The family moved to Tintern, Ont. in 1947, then to St. Catharines, Ont. At 10, he accepted Christ. He later was baptized, joining Vineland (Ont.) MB Church. He married Anne Wiens Aug. 15, 1964. They made Ps. 121 their motto. They settled in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He had an ability to reach out to children and helped with many children's ministries. For 33 years he taught for the Lincoln County School Board. With an unwavering belief in Christ's love and a servant attitude, he served as a deacon, in the church choir and on leadership committees. He valued his family, taking time to love, laugh with and make memories with his children and grandchildren. He worshipped God through creation, enjoying many camping trips. In 1997 his kidneys failed and he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. In all his pain and discomfort, he remained positive, claiming Rom. 8:37-39. He praised God for Anne's untiring love and spoke openly of God's goodness. Predeceased by his mother, he is mourned by Anne; his father; daughters Karolyn Toews of Abbotsford, B.C., Kathryn Balzer and Judith Voth, both of Winnipeg, and Andrea of Niagara-on-the-Lake; 5 grandchildren; 8 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was July 28 in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, with Ray Russell and David Balzer ministering.
Mary Janzen
Mary Janzen passed away July 25. She was born Jan. 28, 1908 to Johan and Elizabeth Siemens in Danielavka, Crimea. Her father died when she was 12. She accepted Christ during a visit from church leaders after her father's death. She immigrated to Canada, joining a sister and her family in Coaldale, Alta. She worked on a sugar beet farm to repay her travelling costs. She did housework in Lethbridge, Alta., Granum, Alta. and Vancouver. She attended Bible school for a year. She married Nick Janzen July 11, 1938. In 1939 she was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. After 6 years, they bought their own farm, raising chickens, ducks, geese, guinea hens and peacocks. In 1972 they retired to Coaldale, where they enjoyed their hobbies and prize gardens. Nick died Jan. 28, 1993. She spent her last years in Southland Nursing Home, Lethbridge and was confined to a wheelchair. Although life was difficult and lonely, she accepted what God had permitted. She was happy to see her grandchildren grow up. She is remembered as being giving, sparing ng, at work and in the years of care she gave to her mother and sisters Anne and Clara. That desire to care for others never left her, even when she herself needed care. She was a loyal and encouraging friend who would do anything to help. She welcomed everyone into her home. She travelled extensively, often with a friend or relative, touring Canada, Europe, US and India. Predeceased by sisters Anne and Clara and brother Ed, she is mourned by brother Richard.
Mary Veer
Mary Veer passed away June 24. She was born Dec. 14, 1918 to Peter and Maria Langeman in Margenau, Siberia. When she was 7, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Grunthal, Man. They lived here 3 years before moving to Coaldale, then Vauxhall, Alta. She was baptized, joining Vauxhall MB Church. She taught Sunday school during the 9 years they lived here. In 1943 they moved to Yarrow, B.C. She married Bernhard Veer in Yarrow. They then moved to Vancouver, where she taught Sunday school for many years. After 32 years in Vancouver, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., joining East Aldergrove MB Church. A few years later, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She suffered greatly, but always seemed to wear a smile for visitors. She is mourned by Bernhard; 2 sons; 1 daughter; and 8 grandchildren. The funeral was in East Aldergrove MB Church.
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