OBITUARIES

Anne Bluhm passed away Oct. 26. She was born Nov. 18, 1930 to Isaac D. and Anna Peters in Osterwick, Man. She was energetic. A well-known teacher in southern Manitoba, she had a special gift in teaching grade 1 pupils to read well. In 35 years of teaching, only 2 of her pupils were not able to read well. She brought out the best in each child. School and Christmas concert preparations were her joy. When she accepted Christ, Eph. 4:1 became very important to her. In 1951 she was baptized, joining Morden (Man.) MB Church. She married Norman Bluhm July 23, 1954. They farmed near Morden until 1978, when they moved to Morden. She was appreciated for her hospitality, decorating church bulletins, her involvement in Sunday school, her work on the ACL and the Valley Rehab Board and her volunteer work at Morden thrift shop. She was a great support to Norman, who has been on dialysis for 5 years. She was a "take-charge" person. Her faith was strong as she battled cancer, since September 1997, with a cheerful, positive attitude. She always had hope and left matters in God's hands. During her final stay in hospital, she often said "I love you" and "Please pray before you go." Predeceased by an infant sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by Norman; her mother; children Robert of McCreary, Man. and Nancy Smith of New Bothwell, Man.; 4 grandchildren; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 30 in Westside Community Church, Morden, with Russ Toews ministering.

Helen Suderman passed away Nov. 25. She was born Jan. 17, 1911 to Abram and Helene Wiebe in Lichtenau, Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada in 1928, settling in Kitchener, Ont. While studying at Winkler (Man.) Bible School, she met Jacob Suderman. They married in Kitchener in 1939. They moved to Winnipeg in 1947. She is remembered for her love, warmth and unwavering support for Jacob and her children and grandchildren. Her unique sense of humour provided moments of joy in good and difficult times. She was active in Christian service through the church and as the wife of a minister. They welcomed many guests into their home. She enjoyed retirement, traveling with Jacob and visiting family. Predeceased by Jacob Oct. 28, 1996, 2 brothers and 3 sisters, she is mourned by children Rita Menzies, Alvin, and Ruth, all of Winnipeg; and 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 30 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.

John E. Siemens passed away Sept. 27 after a short experience with cancer. A "preacher's kid", he was born in 1930 to Henry and Justina Siemens of Gem, Alta. At 13, he accepted Christ, a choice which visibly directed his life. He was baptized, joining Gem MB Church. After high school in Coaldale, Alta. and training in Winnipeg, he became a teacher. In summer 1953 he married Tina Plett. In 1960 they moved to Calgary, where he continued to teach, and complete his studies. He carried many responsibilities in the church. He instilled his Christian legacy in his daughters. When he retired in 1986, John and Tina found opportunities for deeper involvement in people ministries, including the MCC thrift store. He believed that his children and grandchildren were his most precious responsibility. He lived what he taught. His desire was to worship God more fully. Predeceased by infant twin grandsons, he is mourned by Tina; daughters Leila Hoffman of Calgary and Lori Penner of Wrentham, Alta.; 7 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The memorial service was Oct. 2 in Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.

Martha Elizabeth (Betty) Buller passed away Nov. 20. She was born Nov. 2, 1922 to Isaac and Katherine Penner in Herbert, Sask. As a teen, she accepted Christ; she was baptized in 1938. In 1944 she joined Flowing Well (Sask.) MB Church. She married Ed Buller in 1943. They moved to Saskatoon in 1948, where they operated Western Book and Stationery for 35 years. She was very active in ladies' aid and in Sunday school at Central MB Church. The focus of her life was being a helpmate to her husband and raising and caring for their children. She nurtured them</#209>sewing, baking, cleaning, cooking, gardening and canning; she knitted and crocheted for her children and grandchildren. She encouraged them to walk in the ways of the Lord. Her Christian love was joyfully extended beyond the family to those in need of a place to stay or a meal. She was always available to babysit her grandchildren. A highlight after the children were married was the extended families camping together, often at Anglin Lake, Sask. In 1985 Ed and Betty retired to Abbotsford, B.C. for Betty's health. They joined Central Heights MB Church. Many visits back and forth kept the family bonds close. She enjoyed good health until the 1970s, when she developed asthma. During the last few years, she also suffered from Alzheimer's. She spent the last year at Menno Hospital. She is mourned by Edward; children Stan, Darrell, Dwight, Marlene Huebert, Donna Smith, Beverley Atkinson and Brenda Taylor; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 3 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Central Heights MB Church, with Henry Wiebe and Paul Dyck ministering.

Yvonne Elrona Rigel of Airdrie, Alta. passed away Nov. 19 of cancer. She was born Apr. 27, 1936 to Elmer and Elrona Osterlund in Birch Hills, Sask. At 16, she accepted Christ. This gave her peace and joy whenever she thought of it. She became a nurse's aide in 1955. She had a compassion for those who were sick, hurting or alone. In 1960 she married Murray Rigel. She was baptized in 1971. In 1974 they moved to Linden, Alta. She served in Linden MB Church as caretaker, as well as teaching nursery Sunday school. After many years driving transports with Murray, she served the Lord through Associated Christian Truckers, an outreach program for truckers, for whom she had a heart. She is remembered for her gifts of laughter, compassion, love and devotion to God. She taught her children to love, honour and serve Him. She is mourned by Murray; children Randy, Laurie Klassen of Linden and Vance; 6 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen ministering.

Jim Andres passed away Nov. 28. He was born Mar. 14, 1928 to Jacob and Mary Andres in Waldheim, Sask. In spring 1938 the family moved to Ontario. At 7, he accepted Christ at the knees of his mother. He was baptized, joining the MB church in St. Catharines, Ont. in 1947. He graduated with a B.A. in English and taught elementary school in St. Catharines, northern Ontario and northern British Columbia. He loved travelling; he enjoyed God's creation. In 1984 he became ill with leukemia. This was followed by other illness, including heart failure and kidney problems. After 2 years in hospitals, he was well enough to go home. He moved to Tabor Apartments with his sister Clara, and his mother moved into Tabor Home. He liked to play card games, and he welcomed others to play along. In the last 2 months, he lost all interest in things that don't really matter. He loved reading. He memorized Scripture, which he put to good use. He enjoyed having morning devotions with the residents before breakfast. He shared his faith in Jesus with doctors, nurses and others. He prayed for his nephews and nieces. Predeceased by sister Clara, he is mourned by 7 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 2 in Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, with John Wiebe ministering.

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