Obituaries

Joyce Evelyn Jantz passed away Jan. 8. She was born July 12, 1941 to Roy and Myrtle Gullacher in Simpson, Sask. She attended Lake City School, took grade 12 at Caronport (Sask.) High School, then studied 3 years at Briercrest Bible School. She graduated from Regina General Hospital School of Nursing in 1967. In 1967 she married LaVerne Jantz. She worked a few years in Regina General Hospital while LaVerne studied. They then lived on the Jantz family farm at Drake, Sask. She continued nursing at Nokomis (Sask.) Hospital, then at Lanigan (Sask.) Hospital until the early 1990s. She served as camp nurse on several occasions and was responsible for setting up the medical centre and nursing services at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. She was involved with Pioneer Girls, taught Sunday school, served as accompanist in her church and was president of the Christian Women's Club. In 1989 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Predeceased by son David, she is mourned by LaVerne; daughter Charlene of Saskatoon; 1 granddaughter; her mother of Imperial, Sask.; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 11 in North Star Mennonite Church, Drake, with Ernie Bergen and Darren Holland ministering.

Luella Wall passed away suddenly Mar. 10 of a brain aneurysm while on vacation in Boynton Beach, Fla. She was born Nov. 19, 1929 to Henry and Katherine Regehr in Herbert, Sask. The family moved to Vancouver in 1940, then to Gretna, Man. and Winnipeg. She attended MCI in Gretna and MBCI in Winnipeg. In 1949 she married Frank Wall of Vineland, Ont. They settled in Port Rowan, Ont., where they farmed. She was a member of Port Rowan MB Church. In 1986 they retired near Tillsonburg, Ont. She had a passion for arts and crafts, and she loved travelling, taking two Mennonite Heritage Tours to Ukraine. She was active in her church and community. She sang in the choir for many years, served in the kitchen at Camp Crossroads and was manager of the MCC thrift store in Port Rowan. She consistently showed love for and faith in God. She is remembered for her courage, strength and perseverance in trying times and for her love and bright smile. She is mourned by Frank; children Ron, Carilyn Konrad, Dianne, Norma Plant and Ken; 11 grandchildren; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 16 in Port Rowan MB Church, with Ralph Teigrob and Henry Petkau ministering.

Joyce Marie Hammond passed away Feb. 21 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 12, 1944 to Robert and Jean Helmer in St. Williams, Ont. She married Bill Hammond of St. Williams July 6, 1974. She was a hard worker, lugging cement to help renovate their home. For over 30 years, she worked on farms at harvest. She and Bill travelled a lot. She loved to camp in Sarasota, Fla., where they made many friends. In 1988 she accepted Christ and was baptized, joining Port Rowan (Ont.) Community Church. She served at church functions, ran Meals-on-Wheels for senior support services, helped at Camp Crossroads for 3 years and spent a week in 1997 working in the MCC office, Akron, Pa. She was an avid reader of inspirational books and a diligent flower gardener. She cheered up other patients, helped them or witnessed to them. She loved her family and cherished her grandchildren. She had a soft spot for babies. Despite operations and chemotherapy, she kept up her spirits and faith in God. She never complained about dying, but was concerned about being an example to others. She believed God always has a plan. In her last weeks, she enjoyed having the Bible read to her and being hugged. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by Bill; children Barbara Muszik, Bonnie Varga, Jim and George; stepchildren Darlene Helmer, Dan, Brenda and Brent; 14 grandchildren; 6 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 24 in Ostrander's Funeral Home, Port Rowan, with Peter Klassen and Chester Edwards ministering.

Peter A. Thiessen passed away Mar. 1 of bone cancer. He was born Dec. 3, 1922 to Abraham and Maria Thiessen in Gnadenheim, Molotschna, Ukraine. In 1926 the family immigrated to New Hamburg, Ont. In 1928 they moved near Port Rowan, Ont. When his parents retired, he worked the family farm. He loved farming and enjoyed farm auction sales. He was active in youth and sang in the church choir. He was baptized in Port Rowan MB Church. In 1970 he married Catharina Penner. He enjoyed TV and radio, especially the St. Andrew's Presbyterian service and the Gospel Light broadcast in Low German. Catharina cared for him during his long struggle with cancer. Predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Catharina; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 4 in Ostrander's Funeral Home, Port Rowan, with Ralph Teigrob ministering.

John Frank Toews passed away Mar. 7. He was born Mar. 28, 1912 to Frank Johann and Maria Toews in Slavgorod, Russia. At 4, he lost part of his right foot in a farm accident, giving him a permanent limp. In 1926 the family immigrated to Manitoba, settling near Newton and Portage la Prairie. He accepted Christ and was baptized as a youth. He attended Winkler Bible School. In the 1930s, he moved to Vancouver and Richmond, B.C. He married Agnes Poetker July 18, 1940. He worked at Frasea Dairy Farms, was a meat cutter at Jack Diamond Meat Plant and delivered fuels in Vancouver. In 1946 they moved to Matsqui, B.C., where they did mixed farming. He also worked at Aylmer Cannery, was a meat cutter at the Mission (B.C.) Safeway and was a millwright in many sawmills. In 1958 they moved to East Chilliwack, B.C., where they had a dairy farm. They then had a dairy and turkey farm in Sardis, B.C. In 1965 they moved to Aldergrove, B.C., and he worked at Fraser Mills until retirement. In 1985 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. They enjoyed travelling, especially to the Holy Land, Europe and the east coast. He enjoyed fishing. He served at the Golden Age Seniors Centre and at the MCC thrift store in Clearbrook. He met regularly with friends for morning coffee. He taught Sunday school till after retirement; sang in the seniors' choir in East Aldergrove MB Church; was on the MEI Board for several years; and was involved in MCC relief sales. In August 1994 he suffered the first of many strokes. Despite his inability to walk and difficulty in communicating, he kept his sense of humour and cheerful disposition. Predeceased by Agnes July 9, 1995 and 3 brothers, he is mourned by children Richard, Bill, Judith Klassen, Jim, and Beverly Martens; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 11 in East Aldergrove MB Church, with John Nikkel and Art Isaac ministering.

Aganetha (Nettie) Unrau passed away Dec. 8 of a heart attack. She was born July 12, 1917 to George and Helena Hein near McMahon, Sask. After several moves, the family settled near Meadow Lake, Sask. when she was 12. She was baptized in the 1930s. In 1940 she married William Unrau. In 1952 they moved to the Northern Pine district near Pierceland, Sask., where they farmed and trapped. When the local church closed, they began attending the MB church in Pierceland. In 1993 they moved to Pierceland. They hosted many Bible studies and missionaries in their home, and were interested in the work of Bethel Bible Camp. Though her eyesight worsened throughout her adult life, she was always welcoming and warm, and loved the Lord dearly. She is mourned by Bill; children Robert, Shirley and Lorne; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Dec. 11 in Pierceland Community Hall, with Steven Wiebe and Vince Hill ministering.

Bert Reimer passed away Feb. 15. He was born Jan. 14, 1927 to Klaas and Helena Reimer in Saskatoon. The family moved to Giroux, Man. in 1929 and to Landmark, Man. in 1934. Since there was no high school, he took 2 years of high school via correspondence. The family moved back to Giroux in 1944 and to Steinbach, Man. in 1949. He worked for Brookside Hatchery in Steinbach 1946-51. In 1951 he moved to Calgary to work for Imperial Oil Co. In Calgary, he accepted Christ in November 1952. He was later baptized at Bethel Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. After Calgary, he worked in Norman Wells, N.W.T., and continued to work in the north during the summers when he was in university. He completed high school in Steinbach and in 1961 graduated with a B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba, then took a year of education. He married Selma Rogalsky Aug. 9, 1968 in Mountview MB Church, Stoney Creek, Ont. They moved to Winnipeg. He joined Salem MB Church, where Selma was a member. Since 1970, they were regular participants in a weekly home Bible study, where he asked serious questions. In 1975 they transferred to Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg. Bert is remembered for his innovative and keen mind, resourcefulness and dry humour. He is mourned by Selma; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 19 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with John Unger and Abe Konrad ministering.

Frank Andres passed away Feb. 6. He was born Sept. 7, 1910 to Abram and Anna Andres in Herbert, Sask. He accepted Christ at an early age; he was baptized in July 1930 in Herbert. He married Katherine Kroeker Nov. 6, 1930 at Rush Lake, Sask. In 1944 they moved to B.C. He worked for Eaton's in Vancouver for many years. In 1974 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., joining Central Heights MB Church. In 1998 they moved to Victoria, living with their daughter and son-in-law. In late 1998 he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He left a legacy of love to family and many friends. Predeceased by son John, 1 grandson, 2 great-grandchildren and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Katherine; daughters Evelyn Thiessen, Grace Sadler and Marlene; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 12 in Central Heights MB Church, with Henry Wiebe and William Thiessen ministering.

Wilbert Dave Friesen passed away Mar. 20 of a heart attack. He was born Jan. 19, 1926 to Peter and Agatha Friesen at Hepburn, Sask. He grew up on the family farm near Hepburn. Though he suffered from fragile X syndrome from birth, he was a faithful worker, accepting responsiblities with great dedication. He loved music and singing in church, learning many hymns and carols from memory although he couldn't read. He learned to handle and care for horses, drive a tractor and run a lawn mower. He was close to brother Ernie; together they pitched and hauled hay and green feed. Wilbert was gentle and outgoing. Predeceased by his parents and brothers Alvin and Ernie, he is mourned by sisters Mildred Stickwood of Sharon, Ont., Mary Friesen of Hepburn and Verna Heinrichs of Manitou, Man., and brother Art of Saskatoon. The funeral was Mar. 24 in Hepburn MB Church, with Clarence Peters and Reuben Andres ministering.

David Toews passed away suddenly Jan. 25 while playing hockey. He was born June 21, 1951 to Frank and Mary Toews of Newton, Man. His parents died within a year of each other when he was 10. He deepened into a sensitive, loving person with a firm commitment to God and his family. He attended Bienenberg Bible Institute in Switzerland. In 1970 he began studies at the University of Manitoba. He married Loraine Warkentin June 2, 1973. After completing their studies, they moved back to Newton, where he eventually became co-owner and manager of the Newton Group of Companies. He devoted much time to his business associates. He had a passion for learning. He longed for others to know Jesus and could relate to them in a meaningful, non-threatening way. For many years, he was involved in youth ministry at the Newton church, taught youth and adult Sunday school, led Bible studies and recently conducted a "New Life" class for seekers. He loved connecting with people through numerous local and conference committees, business contacts and sports. Sports were a big part of his life. He ran the annual Manitoba marathon, played hockey, football, baseball and golf, and enjoyed many activities with family. He understood the importance of sharing time with family and creating memories. He shared a father's love with fatherless children. He is remembered for his warmth and mentorship. Predeceased by his parents, a sister and uncle Henry and aunt Helen Toews, he is mourned by Loraine; children Stephanie Greenslade of Portage la Prairie, Man., Justin of Winnipeg and Julene of Newton; 3 sisters; 1 brother; and grandmother Warkentin of Winnipeg. The funeral was Jan. 29 in Portage Alliance Church, Portage la Prairie, with Aubrey Krahn and Ken Driedger ministering.

Catherine Epp passed away Mar. 12. She was born Dec. 22, 1919 to Kornelius and Anna Epp in Gruenfeld, Russia. In 1923 the family immigrated to Saskatchewan, settling near Swift Current. After grade 7, she left school to help at home. She later went to Herbert (Sask.) Bible School and Prairie Bible Institute. At 8, she accepted Christ; at 12, she was baptized into the MB church. Feeling the call to missions, she went to Nigeria in 1945 under Sudan Interior Mission. After serving for 15 years, she returned to Canada, where she trained and worked for 11 years as an LPN while caring for her parents. Her father died in 1967 and her mother in 1970. She married Walter B. Epp of Marion, S.D. They farmed and gardened using sustainable methods based on a practical theology. She transferred her membership to Bethel Mennonite Church, Marion, then to Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, Freeman, S.D. She loved singing, participating in various music groups until cancer robbed her of the ability to sing. Her life demonstrated a strong sense of caring and service to the needs of others. Predeceased by 5 sisters and 2 brothers, she is mourned by Walter; 5 sons; 5 daughters; 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 15 in Salem-Zion Mennonite Church, with Bob Engbrecht and Duncan Smith ministering.

Katharina Arendt passed away Feb. 28. She was born Feb. 6, 1908 to Gerhard and Elizabeth Fast in Nikolaifeld, Russia. At 14, she accepted Christ; at 18, she was baptized in Schoensee, Russia. In May 1929 she married Abraham Arendt, a widower with 3 children; 5 children died. In 1930 the family moved to Memrik, Russia, returning to Schoensee in 1935. They fled to Poland in 1943, Germany in 1945, Holland in 1946 and Canada in 1948. They lived in Yarrow, B.C., moving to Chilliwack, B.C. 18 years later and joining Broadway MB Church. Katharina was a source of inspiration, strength and love to her family. Predeceased by Abraham Dec. 7, 1988, daughter Elizabeth in December 1991, 8 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by children Katherine Wiens, Hilda, Helen Dyck, Frieda Simpson, Mary Booker, John, and Agnes Moore; 27 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 4 in Broadway MB Church, with Henry Warkentin and Robert Friesen ministering.

Frieda Biech passed away Nov. 21. She was born May 8, 1924 to Henry and Maria Muller near Kelstern, Sask. She accepted Christ when she was young; at 13, she was baptized in Elim MB Church, Kelstern. She met Otto Biech while working for the teacher of the Meadow School. They married Nov. 29, 1942 in Elim MB Church. She taught Sunday school and worked in the ladies' groups in Kelstern and Herbert, Sask. She enjoyed singing and playing piano. Frieda and Otto served as deacons in Kelstern and Herbert, and were involved with the Gideons, where Frieda served faithfully with the women's auxiliary. She worked as dietician at Herbert Seniors' Home for 14 years. Predeceased by 1 sister, an infant brother and an infant granddaughter, she is mourned by Otto; children Carol Lautermilch, Howard, Grace Poettcker and Judy Priebe; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 stepgranddaughter; 3 stepgreat-grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 24 in Herbert MB Church, with Ed Schmidt ministering.

Mary Agnes Janzen passed away Mar. 19. She was born May 2, 1908 to Henry and Elizabeth Penner in Halbstadt, Molotschna, Ukraine. In 1919 she accepted Christ; in 1924 she was baptized. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. Mary did housework in Winnipeg. In 1930 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. In 1935 she married Henry Jacob Janzen. They settled in Yarrow and were active members of Yarrow MB Church. After retiring, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. Mary was hospitable and loved hosting guests in her home. Henry died of cancer in 1988. Poor hearing was an obstacle for her. She spent her last 3 years in Menno Home. She lived in fellowship and obedience to the Lord all her life. She is remembered for her strong faith, love for family and friends, and prayer life. She is mourned by children Art, Walter, Martha Guenther, Sally Cui and Mary Anne Falk; 11 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 27 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and Don Enns ministering.

Helen Dyck passed away Jan. 18. She was born Mar. 17, 1907 in Michaelsburg, Ukraine. She grew up in Slavgorod, Russia. In 1929 the family tried to immigrate to Canada. They were refused, returning to Chortitza. At a young age, she accepted Christ and was baptized, joining the MB Church. She and her mother left for Germany during World War II. They went to Paraguay for 5 years before coming to Canada. She worked at Bethesda Home, Vineland, Ont., then bought a home in Virgil, Ont. and worked for the local nursery until retirement. She was cheerful and optimistic. She later moved to Pleasant Manor. She is mourned by sister Anna Nordheimer. The funeral was Jan. 21 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont., with Peter Klassen ministering.

John Falk passed away Jan. 3. He was born Dec. 19, 1940 to Ben and Maria Falk. He was a curious child. He studied at Eden High School, St. Catharines, Ont., in Caronport, Sask., and at Winkler (Man.) Bible School. He had a unique sense of humour, earning him many friends, and was carefree. He married Ruth Pankratz in 1963. They lived in the Niagara region of Ontario. In 1976 their first son was still-born. John did various jobs, but his dream was to be a trucker, which he did for 19 years. He would help others at the side of the road, was always willing to help and was unselfish of time. He enjoyed socializing with friends. It wasn't unusual for 12-14 people to be in his home at a Saturday meal. He enjoyed his children, and is remembered as a wonderful dad, totally devoted to his children and proud of their achievements. He liked boating vacations. He was well-known in the community. His marriage ended in 1989. In October 1998 he was hospitalized with terminal cancer; he used this time for reconciliation, spiritual renewal and family times. He is mourned by daughter Christina and son Eric; his father; 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Jan. 7 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont., with Herman Neufeld ministering.

George B. Schmidt passed away Mar. 21. He was born Oct. 12, 1910 to Jacob and Elizabeth Schmidt near Omsk, Siberia. At an early age, he accepted Christ. When he was 15, the family moved to Coaldale, Alta., where he lived the rest of his life. In 1929 he was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. He loved farming. He is remembered for his love of adventure, sense of humour and vision for the welfare of his family and community. He served on the Coaldale Hospital Board for 37 years and, together with his wife, was active on MCC relief sale committees for many years. Predeceased by his first wife Anna (Dick) in 1975 and 1 brother, he is mourned by his second wife Mary; children Werner of Kelowna, B.C., Heidi Kornelsen of Edmonton, John of Calgary, Helga Loewen of Edmonton, Louise Knelsen of Coaldale, Linda Bensler of Pincher Creek, Alta., Kathy Reimer of Vauxhall, Alta., Arnold Enns, Alvin Enns and Les Enns, all of Coaldale; 49 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 26 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms, John M. Schmidt and Bill Schmidt ministering.

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