Obituaries

Henry Jacob Dyck passed away Oct. 30. He was born in 1936 to Frank and Mary Dyck in Coaldale, Alta. He was diagnosed with Down's syndrome. He learned to do many chores on the family farm, including setting and clearing the table, washing dishes, feeding the chickens and bringing in the cows for milking. His mother told him Bible stories; the story of Jesus dying on the cross for his sins was very meaningful to him. He liked Sunday school. When asked if he loved Jesus, he replied, "Yup". At a young age, rheumatic fever damaged his heart; doctors didn't expect him to live to be 20. He loved collecting pictures of cars. His father died in 1965. Henry and his mother moved to Coaldale, then to Sunny South Lodge. For a time, Henry worked at Rehoboth, a centre for the disabled, where he tended a flower garden, painted and was Santa Claus at Christmas. He loved to see people happy and laughing. When his mother died, he received help from Nadean, a caregiver who took him on picnics, horseback riding, swimming and shopping. He moved to a long-term care facility. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by 1 sister and 2 brothers. The funeral was held Nov. 5 in Cornerstone Funeral Home, Lethbridge, Alta., with Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.

Marie DeJager passed away Dec. 26. She was born May 7, 1904 to David and Barbara Sperling in Djurchi, south Russia. At 14, she accepted Christ at a revival meeting by Abraham Unruh. When she was 15, the family prepared to immigrate to Canada, but was refused. The family moved to Durmann. In March 1923 she married John DeJager, whom she met at a church youth group. In 1930 they immigrated to southern Manitoba. In 1947 she was baptized and joined Morden (Man.) MB Church. In 1965 they moved to Calgary, joining Highland MB Church. She was active in the women's sewing circle, making quilts and bandages for MCC. John died in 1980. The last 7 years she lived with daughter Irma and family in Lethbridge, Alta. Predeceased by John, sons Heinz, William and Herman as infants in Russia, and daughter Frieda Mahon in 1995, she is mourned by children John of Cochrane, Alta., Nelle McKay of Ottawa, Abe of White Rock, B.C., Mary Anne Wilson of Cochrane and Irma Borthwick of Lethbridge; 14 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

Jake Toews passed away Dec. 27. He was born May 17, 1918 to Isaac and Elizabeth Toews in Orenburg, Russia. In 1926 the family moved to Watrous, Sask. During World War II, Jake served as a conscientious objector and then in the army. After the war, he moved to Vancouver, where he worked in a furniture factory, at a sawmill, at Canadian White Pine and at Spools Lumber until he retired. He accepted Christ in 1950. He was a dedicated worker in the MB church. In 1957 he married Margaret Klassen, an R.N. from Boissevain, Man. They lived in Richmond, B.C., where they attended Richmond Bethel MB Church. In 1990 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. They served in the Fellowship Choir at Bakerview MB Church. Jake suffered a stroke in 1996. He moved to Menno Hospital. He is mourned by Margaret; son Ken and daughter Lynda, both of Richmond. The funeral was Dec. 30 in Bakerview MB Church, with Herb Brandt and Henry Thiessen ministering.

Helen Dyck passed away Mar. 21, 1998. She was born July 23, 1920 to Dietrich and Gertrude Redekop in Olgafeld, Ukraine. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Hazlet, Sask. She accepted Christ and was baptized. She attended Bible school in Swift Current, Sask. for 1 year and was involved in the church. When she was 20, her family moved to Vancouver. She worked as a nurse's aide in St. Vincent's Hospital. She was active in the youth group in First Mennonite Church. In 1943 she married Peter Dyck. They moved to the Fraser Valley, farming in various places. They were affiliated with East Aldergrove MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Helen is remembered as a loving, attentive wife and mother, who always depended on the Lord. Daughter Darlene lost her sight to cancer; son Albert had cerebral palsy. In 1974 Peter was in a car accident, which left him incapable of providing for her. At 57, she learned to drive. She was active in ladies' group and in the prayer chain in Arnold Community Church, Abbotsford, where they were members for many years. She had the gift of encouraging others, including pastors, and sending cards to those who needed it. She loved her family and wanted to make sure those who were dear to her knew about salvation. Predeceased by a still-born child and 1 sister, she is mourned by Peter; children Clifford of Delta, B.C., Herman of Keswick, Ont., Elizabeth Luoma of Trochu, Alta., Christine Rue of Red Deer, Alta., Darlene Jones of Vancouver, William of Abbotsford, Elfrieda Clark of Rimby, Alta., Hilda Weaver of Yellowknife, N.W.T., Carl of Dawson Creek, B.C., Gordon of Red Deer and Albert of Delta; 27 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 28 in Arnold Community Church, with Doug Braun ministering.

Peter George Ewert passed away Jan. 6. He was born June 24, 1911 to Gerhard and Maria Ewert near Omsk, Siberia. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1924 and to Canada in 1926. In 1927 the family began farming near Carroll, Man. Peter accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Griswold (Man.) MB Church. He spent 2 winters at Winkler (Man.) Bible School, where he met Lena Schellenberg. They married June 14, 1941. They spent the next winter in Kitchener, Ont., where he worked in a furniture factory. In 1943 they moved to Newton, Man., joining Newton MB Church. He served on the church board and as a school trustee. For 35 years, they farmed near Elm Creek, Man. He helped his sons start farming, putting their interests ahead of his own. In 1981 Peter and Lena retired to Portage la Prairie, Man., enjoying family and friends. He was active, building furniture, doing decorative carpentry, and maintaining the yard and doing repairs. He had Parkinson's. He moved to Lion's Prairie Manor Personal Care Home. The death of Lena added to his loneliness and stress. He is mourned by sons Victor of Winnipeg, Walter of Portage la Prairie and Rudy of Winnipeg; grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 9 in Newton Community Fellowship Church, with Aubrey Krahn ministering.

Annie Wiens passed away Dec. 23 after struggling with cancer for over a year. She was born Mar. 16, 1912 to Johann and Margaret Baerg in Sardau, south Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada, living in Herbert, Sask., Eyebrow, Sask., then Coaldale, Alta. In June 1933 she married John Peter Wiens in Coaldale MB Church, where they were both members. In 1946 the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., farming until retirement in 1969. Annie and John moved into Chilliwack, then to Cheam Village in 1987. They sponsored several immigrant families and accommodated other families set back by house fires and floods. John died in 1992. On her own, but never lonely, Annie grew flowers, bowled, walked, taxied others and hosted her family on many occasions from her small kitchen. Predeceased by John, a grandson and 3 brothers, she is mourned by children Dave of Hope, B.C., Alvin of Chilliwack, Henry of Sardis, B.C., Margaret Huskins of Cloverdale, B.C., John of Sardis and Wilber of Morinville, Alta.; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 30 in Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, where she had been a charter member.

Hilda Dueck passed away Oct. 26. She was born Oct. 8, 1925 in Leamington, Ont. The death of her mother when Hilda was 7 left a lasting impression on her. At a young age, she accepted Christ; she had a lifelong desire to serve Him. At 18, she went to Bible school in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., where she rededicated her life to the Lord. She was baptized in Leamington MB Church in 1944. In 1945 she married Peter Dueck. They moved to Virgil, Ont., then later to St. Catharines, Ont. to farm. They joined Scott St. MB Church in 1957, then became charter members of Fairview MB Church. She was active in church, teaching Sunday school, singing in choirs, and teaching arts and crafts to Pioneer Girls. They knew her as "Dickie-bird". She helped on the farm, took care of the home and maintained interests in painting, needlework and sewing. After her children left home, she worked as a floral designer. Predeceased by daughter Wanda in 1991, she is mourned by Peter; children Marilynn Wiebe of St. Catharines, Barbara Jack of Chatham, Ont. and Richard of St. Catharines; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 29 in Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.

Clara Lepp passed away Oct. 26. She was born May 2, 1910 to Jacob and Margaret Goertzen at Dalmeny, Sask. At 14, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Dalmeny EMB Church. She was the church and choir pianist and taught Sunday school for several years. She married Jacob M. Lepp in June 1934. They farmed and raised a family. She insisted that all her family take piano lessons. They travelled to California and Europe and visited missionary relatives in India. In 1975 they retired to Abbotsford, B.C., joining Central Heights MB Church. She is remembered for her generosity and hospitality. She was diagnosed with cancer in June 1988 and experienced much pain. Predeceased by Jake, an infant daughter and 2 sisters, she is mourned by children Alfred of Edmonton, Victor of Terrace, B.C., Carol Deal of Lethbridge, Alta. and Janet Ratzlaff of Chilliwack, B.C.; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Oct. 31 in Chilliwack Central MB Church, with David Macfarlane, Don Enns and Darrel Schultz ministering.

Tina Thiessen passed away Jan. 7. She was born Apr. 24, 1908 to Peter and Susanna Kliewer in Konteniusfeld, Ukraine. In youth, she accepted Christ during evangelistic services. She was baptized and joined Sparrau MB Church. She worked for wealthy Russian families in Stalino. In 1938 her brother-in-law was arrested, and she moved to live with her sister, her mother and her sister's 7 children. In 1943 they fled to Poland. They were reunited in Gronau, Germany in 1947. The family immigrated to Coaldale, Alta., where she worked in sugar beets and root cellars. She married Peter Thiessen Apr. 18, 1953. He died in 1966. She worked in housekeeping in the local hospital. Her grandchildren fondly remember visiting her home. In spring 1993 she moved to the lodge and later to the extended care home. Predeceased by Peter, she is mourned by children Katie Kopp of Coaldale, Peter of Leduc, Alta., John of Claresholm, Alta., Jacob of Lethbridge, Alta. Annie Regier of Coaldale, and Isaac of Langley, B.C.; 5 nieces and 2 nephews. The funeral was Jan. 11 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms and Rudy Heidebrecht ministering.

Katharina Fast passed away Jan. 10. She was born July 21, 1901 to Johann and Katharina Penner in Ukraine. She was the fifth of nine children. In 1909 the family moved to Millerovo, where her father was principal of a private school. She was baptized July 21, 1919 and joined Millerovo MB Church. In 1921 she married Alexander John Fast, a teacher at the school. They came to Canada in 1925. After Alexander received his teaching certificate from Winnipeg Normal School, he taught in Manitoba 1930-47. In 1947 they moved to Atchelitz, B.C. In 1964 Alexander died, and Katharina moved to Chilliwack, B.C., joining Greendale MB Church. Her home was a haven for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Books, toys and cookies were abundant. She knitted, crocheted and quilted for her family. She was a member of ladies' aid in church, and made numerous articles for MBMSI, MCC and the Red Cross. She is remembered for her giving spirit, selflessness and gratitude, often thanking God that they were able to come to Canada and that her children were involved in church. In September 1994 she and daughter Frieda moved to a condo in Chilliwack, B.C. In 1995 she broke her hip, which confined her to a wheelchair. Predeceased by Alexander and a granddaughter, she is mourned by children Gertrude Driediger, Katherine Harder and Frieda, all of Chilliwack, Johanna Neufeld of Quesnel, B.C., John of Chilliwack, Helen of Bend, Ore. and David of Chilliwack; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 1 expected great-great grandchild. The funeral was Jan. 14 in Greendale MB Church, with David Froese and Edmund Neufeld ministering.

Peter James Harder passed away Jan. 13. He was born May 13, 1911 to John and Agatha Harder in Lehigh, Kan. When he was 2, the family moved to Borden, Sask. He took teacher training at Normal School. His motto was: "Whatever your task, be well prepared." After teaching at Windom School, he attended Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. In 1937 he married Dora Fischer of Laird, Sask. He was a superb teacher; he taught at New Home, Hepburn, Sask. (later becoming principal) and Bedford Road Collegiate and Kelsey Institute, Saskatoon. He received a B.A. and B.Ed. in 1948 from the University of Saskatchewan. He was a man of great Christian faith. He taught Sunday school, served on church council, acted as church moderator and preached. In the 1940s, he was host and speaker of "Good Tidings" on CFQC radio in Saskatoon. Dora died in 1980 of cancer. In 1981 he married Elsie Sawatzky. In 1983 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., joining Central Heights MB Church. He enjoyed summer trips to the prairies and wintering in Arizona. Affectionately known as "PJ", he was a scholar, a historian, a journeyman, a carpenter, a traveller, a baseball enthusiast, a reader, an avid follower of current events and the nightly news, a devoted husband and a supportive father. His sense of humour never left him. He was a man of high moral standards and great integrity. He is mourned by Elsie; children Voleda Kliewer of Saskatoon, Glen of Medicine Hat, Alta., Ray of Calgary and Debra of Medicine Hat; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 15 in Central Heights MB Church, with Christopher Douglas and Henry Harder ministering. A memorial service was held Jan. 17 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

Elizabeth Andres passed away Dec. 31. She was born May 29, 1905 to Heinrich and Mary Willems in Rosthern, Sask. Her parents loved God, read the Bible and prayed daily. They attended Lutheran Evangelical Church, then First Mennonite Church in Eigenheim. When she was 17, the family moved to Langham, Sask., joining the EMB Church. She took a correspondence Bible course from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. and studied 2 years at Dalmeny (Sask.) Bible School. At age 14, she accepted Christ and joined Brudertaler (now Bible) Church in Langham. Whenever she doubted her salvation, she claimed I Cor. 15:57-58. Loving the Lord was central in her life. When she was young, she wanted to be a missionary. Instead, she married Peter Andres June 19, 1932 and raised a family, which she saw as her mission field. "Service" was a key word in her life. She taught Sunday school to children and women for 30 years, led a ladies' choir, played piano for the choir, played harmonica in the seniors' band, helped with ladies' aid, served as an usher and was a kitchen steward. She and Peter farmed near Langham, later moving to Mennon and then to Hepburn, Sask. She is remembered as a loving, gentle mother who used positive modelling and persuasion to guide her children. She and Peter travelled to the Holy Land, Europe, the Badlands and family in Ontario. She had a good sense of humour, and was highly competitive at games. She is mourned by Peter; children Elmer, Orla dchildren. The funeral was Nov. 27 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with Abe Konrad and Laura Friesen ministering.

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