Obituaries

Mireille McGill passed away Mar. 28. She was born July 10, 1947 to Joseph and Beatrice Couture in Ponteix, Sask. Predeceased by her father in 1983 and brother Conrad in 1961, she is mourned by husband David; daughters Mona Csada of Calgary, Nina Brailian of Regina and Lana Csada of Edmonton; stepdaughters Jodi McGill and Erin McGill; 1 grandson; her mother; ex-husband Albert Csada; 1 sister and 5 brothers. The memorial service was Mar. 31 in Carman (Man.) Gospel Light Church, with Terry Carter ministering.

Katherine Janzen passed away Apr. 4. She was born Apr. 10, 1905 to Heinrich and Helena Toews in Lugovsk, Neu Samara, Russia. She accepted Christ in her youth; in 1922 she was baptized, joining the MB church. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada. Because of trachoma, she remained in Russia with her grandparents for a year before joining her family near Colonsay, Sask. Later, the family moved to Watrous, Sask., where she continued to be a domestic. She married Frank Janzen in October 1935. In 1941 they moved to Yarrow, B.C., later moving to Chilliwack, B.C. They cared for their disabled daughter for a number of years before taking her to Woodlands in New Westminster, B.C. She died at age 12. Katherine is remembered for her love for neighbours and relatives. She travelled to Saskatchewan and Manitoba to visit until age 89. She was faithful in church attendance. In 1994 she was hospitalized for back problems, first in Chilliwack, then in Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1995. Predeceased by Frank in 1985, daughter Erna, 1 sister and 1 brother, she is mourned by sons Henry of Chilliwack, John and Nick of Princeton, B.C. and Victor of Chilliwack; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 8 in Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Bob Friesen and Henry Warkentin ministering.

Abram W. Martens passed away Apr. 19. He was born Mar. 1, 1902 to William and Tina Martens in Russia. In 1905 the family immigrated to the US, living in Huron, S.D. and Mountain Lake, Minn. In 1912 the family moved to Great Deer (now Borden), Sask. His mother died when he was 14. He accepted Christ as a youth; he was baptized, joining Great Deer MB Church. He served as church secretary for many years. He married Sara Nickel Oct. 22, 1922. They farmed until 1932, then moved into Borden, where he was a grain buyer for Reliance Grain Co. In 1942 they moved to Saskatoon, where he was superintendent for the grain company, travelling first in southern Saskatchewan, then near Edmonton. In 1945 they bought a farm near Borden and moved there. He continued to work in Alberta for a few years before farming full-time. In 1957 they moved to Saskatoon, where he worked part-time with the city, and then for C.A. DeFehr for 5 years. Sara died July 20, 1971. He married Maria Derksen Wiens Dec. 30, 1976. Predeceased by his first wife Sara, daughters Irene and Ruby, son Leslie, stepson George Wiens, 1 grandson, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by Maria; daughter Joyce Schmidt of Surrey, B.C.; son Harvey of Edmonton; stepdaughters Lily Willems of Waldheim, Sask., Rose Penner of Surrey, Anna Kroeker of Waldheim, Vi Parris of Calgary, Beth Friesen and Naomi Kapplehoff, both of Seattle, Wash., Melita Kudel of Saskatoon and Dina Funk of Steinbach, Man.; stepsons Herb Wiens of Victoria, Reuben Wiens of Kipling, Sask., Ed Wiens of Toronto, John Wiens of Vernon, B.C. and Vic Wiens of Seattle; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 4 sisters; 1 brother and 4 stepsisters. The funeral was Apr. 23 in Hope Fellowship Church, Saskatoon.

Henry Bartel passed away Mar. 31. He was born Sept. 10, 1913 to David and Mathilda Bartel in Deutsch Wymyschle, Poland. He accepted Christ; at 18, he was baptized and joined the MB church. He helped on the farm, completed a 2-year finish carpentry apprenticeship and did carpentry work. In 1935 he married Frieda Kliewer of Deutsch Wymyschle. In 1938 they came to Alberta, later moving to B.C. In 1944 they settled in Arnold, B.C., where he helped in the construction of Arnold MB Church. In 1959 they moved to Vancouver, where he worked for many years for Crown Zellerbach Co. He retired in 1978. In 1984 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., joining King Road MB Church. Frieda died of cancer in 1989. He married Helen Neitsch in 1990. Henry was a writer (of his life story), a prolific Bible reader (German, English, Polish), an avid follower of current events and the news, and a traveller. He is remembered as a devoted husband, a supportive father, a caring grandfather, a praying man, and a man with a sense of humour. He is mourned by Helen; children Richard of Vernon, B.C., Betty Raabe of Kelowna, B.C., Dorothy Regehr of Langley, B.C., John of Kamloops, B.C. and Marilyn Janzen of Abbotsford, B.C.; stepchildren Hildegard Quadrizius of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., Betty Potter of New Westminster, B.C. and Alford Neitsch of Westbank, B.C.; 22 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Agatha Willems passed away Apr. 5. She was born May 14, 1905 to John and Sara Buhler. She grew up on a farm near Dalmeny, Sask. She attended Sunday school, prayer meetings and evangelistic meetings at Ebenezer MB Church. She enjoyed singing, joining the choir at age 12. Sangerfest and choir practices were highlights. At 18, she claimed assurance of salvation with Rom. 5:1,2. She was baptized, joining the church that year. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School for 1 year, where she grew spiritually. She continued in music and sang often in small groups, duets and trios. Here she met David Willems. They married July 29, 1926. They moved to his farm in Brotherfield, Sask. She worked very hard. In 1934 they moved to a dairy farm near Dalmeny. She enjoyed ushering, working in the kitchen and other women's ministries in the church. In 1959 they retired to Saskatoon. She enjoyed the fellowship of other Christian women. She accepted people as they were, and taught her children to see the good in others. Unity in the family was important to her. She cherished the times they spent together. She enjoyed good health until a year ago when she developed congestive heart failure. She is remembered for her unwavering faith. Predeceased by David after 61 years of marriage, son Wesley, 3 brothers and 3 sisters, she is mourned by son Arnold of Saskatoon and daughter Clara Martin of Juneau, Alaska; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 9 in West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon, with Kelly Wiebe and Ben Hoeppner ministering.

Frances F. Hiebert passed away Apr. 16. She was born Aug. 22, 1934 to Menno and Emma Flaming in El Reno, Okla. At 4, she accepted Christ during revival services in her church. She graduated from Corn (Okla.) Bible Academy and studied at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. Here she met Paul Hiebert. In 1954 they married. In 1960 they went to India to serve as missionaries in Bible and pastoral training under MBMS International. Frances earned a B.A. from Kansas State University, an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif., and a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill. She served on the board of MBMS International for 9 years, was director of women's ministries at Fuller Theological Seminary and was director of international student affairs at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She published widely in the areas of missions and women's ministries. The commitment to follow Jesus was the dominant motivation for her life, and she did much fruitful ministry. She is mourned by Paul; children Eloise Meneses, Barbara Crape and John; and 5 grandchildren.

Ronald Victor Sawatsky passed away Mar. 29 of cancer. He was born Aug. 12, 1948 to Peter and Anne Sawatsky in Killarney, Man. He enjoyed friendships in school and at the youth group at Lena MB Church. At an early age, he accepted Christ; he was baptized in summer 1964. He studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School, and in 1971 graduated from the University of Manitoba. He married Kathleen Reimer of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Dec. 22, 1973 in St. Catharines, Ont. They farmed for over 25 years. He enjoyed the challenge of farming, kept abreast of current technology and worked long and hard. He was active in community sports, especially in the Killarney Liniment League and the Killarney Curling Club. He was a skilled competitor and played to the best of his ability. He treasured the many friendships he made in sports. He loved to worship at Christian gatherings. He was a man of few words. He is remembered as being wise, always supportive of the underdog, a friend to the friendless, admired by many, optimistic, good natured and energetic. Predeceased by his mother Anne and 1 brother, he is mourned by Kathy; children Kelly, Ryan, and Erin; his father and stepmother Mary; and 4 sisters. The memorial service was Apr. 3 in Killarney Mennonite Church.

Doreen Rempel passed away Mar. 30. She was born Aug. 1, 1930 to Earl and Susanna Jeffery near Moose Jaw, Sask. She worked a variety of jobs in Vancouver, Saskatoon and Regina before attending Briercrest Bible Institute, Caronport, Sask. After graduating, she worked for the post office in Caronport. She married Wilfred Rempel Oct. 4, 1958. She fed her children well physically and spiritually. She was baptized. She was a member of Kelstern (Sask.) Community Church. Everything she did was for the Lord, teaching Sunday school, singing and washing dishes after a church function. Her witness was evident in her hospitality and gentle kindness to everyone in the church and community. Extended family was important to her; she made a point of recording birthdays and anniversaries of all family members. She seldom missed family gatherings, and was the driving force behind them. She enjoyed gardening, always planting more vegetables than she needed, and long rows of flowers. She also enjoyed singing and listening to music, and encouraged her children to enjoy music. She spent many hours sewing, first clothing for her family and later more creative projects. Predeceased by infant son Dale in 1961 and a brother, she is mourned by Wilfred of Hodgeville, Sask.; children Mona Kolish of Mossbank, Sask., Danny of Hodgeville and Wayne of Regina; 3 grandchildren; 4 brothers and 1 sister.

Margaret Willems passed away Apr. 11. She was born Nov. 23, 1920 to Jacob and Helena Epp in Waldheim, Sask. She treasured memories of her mother reading Bible stories to her, and the family singing around the organ. At an early age, she accepted Christ, and she was confident that she lived in the care of the Lord. She served a 2-year term with MCC in Vienna, Austria, assisting refugees after World War II. She taught school in Saskatchewan and B.C. She married Philip Willems of Waldheim July 12, 1951. She is remembered as a loving, devoted wife who treasured her family and was committed to instructing and guiding her children on spiritual paths. She enjoyed going to church, and loved to sing traditional hymns. Devotional reading and prayer were part of her daily life. In retirement, she and Philip visited friends and family, went on picnics and walks, played games and enjoyed each other's company. She is mourned by Philip of White Rock, B.C.; son Rod of White Rock; daughters Pauline and Kate, both of Vancouver; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 16 in South Langley MB Church, Langley, B.C., where she was a member, with Wes Dahl and Lorraine Dick ministering.

Dorothy Keong passed away Sept. 11, 1998. She was born Kim Tee Lee Jan. 7, 1936 to Chin Boo Lee and Yet Leng Wu in Penang, Malaysia. She married Ed Keong July 31, 1961. In 1970 they immigrated to Vancouver. She was a homemaker until 1975 when she joined the Insurance Corporation of B.C., working there until 1998. In 1985 she accepted Christ and was baptized in Killarney Park MB Church, Vancouver. In January 1998 she became ill from cancer. Throughout her 9-month battle with cancer, she remained strong and gracious, witnessing to others about her life-giving faith in Jesus. She is remembered for her faith and her love for her husband and sons. She is mourned by Ed; and sons Victor and Gary. The funeral was Sept. 16 in Killarney Park MB Church, with Ken Peters ministering.

Jean Isch passed away Jan. 24. He was born May 2, 1935 in Paris, France. Seeking a purpose in life, he studied commerce, then music, intending to become an opera singer. At 23, he first heard the gospel. After a year of struggle, he chose Jesus over his career. He studied at the European Bible Institute at Larmolaye. There he met Soula, marrying her in 1962 in Thessalonika, Greece. They planted churches in Lyons and Saint-Etienne, France. In 1969 they went to Africa as SIM missionaries, serving in Liberia and Benin. He had a gift for preaching and a heart for training workers. For several years they travelled in France for SIM. They came to Quebec to represent SIM in 1979. He taught New Testament at Institut biblique Laval, and they joined Ste-Rose (MB) Christian Church. He served as chair of the IBL board and also taught at Faculté de théologie Evangélique de Montréal. In 1989 they began providing pastoral care for SIM missionaries in Africa, South America and Pakistan. Recently he published a book in Greek, To the end of the world. He is mourned by Soula; children Stella, Emmanuel and Lucia; and grandchildren. The memorial service was Jan. 30 in Ste-Rose Christian Church.

Audrey Noelle Andres passed away Jan. 27 as the result of a car accident Jan. 22. She was born Nov. 3, 1971 to David and Diana Andres. She grew up on a farm near Hepburn, Sask. She attended Bethany Bible Institute. She then moved to Saskatoon, where she continued her education. She was a skilled hairstylist, and was employed as a 911 operator and dispatcher for MD Ambulance in Saskatoon. She was a boisterous and vivacious woman who loved the Lord. She loved people of all ages. She was part of the leadership of the college and career, and sang in the church choir and the worship team in Forest Grove Community Church. She loved sports, playing in several volleyball leagues. She loved her family, making family functions a priority. She was engaged to Grant Neufeldt Dec. 12, 1998 and planned to be married Apr. 3. Predeceased by her grandmother, she is mourned by her parents; fiance Grant of Saskatoon; sister Shauna of Longview, Tex.; brother Grant of Hepburn; and 3 grandparents. The funeral was Feb. 1 in Forest Grove Community Church, with Abe Klassen and Harry Strauss ministering.

Elizabeth Funk passed away Mar. 18. She was born June 21, 1910 to Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich H. Loewen in Muensterberg, Sagradowka, Russia. Soon after, the family moved to Nikolaifeld to farm. She received a Christian upbringing. The family attended church in Tiege. Her father was forced to serve in a forestry camp. When Elizabeth was 6, her mother died, and the children lived with aunts and uncles. A year later, her father returned home, married Helena Derksen and reunited the family. At 13, she accepted Christ. She was active in the youth group. Her brother taught her to play guitar. She enjoyed singing with a youth group for the elderly. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Blumenort, Sask. They then homesteaded near Gilroy, Sask. In 1928 she was baptized, joining Gilroy MB Church. She worked as a maid and learned English. While working near Swift Current, Sask., she met Henry G. Funk. They married Mar. 11, 1934 in Reinfeld MB Church. After farming in Saskatchewan, they moved to an orchard in Osoyoos, B.C., later to Oliver, B.C., then to a dairy farm in Matsqui, B.C. Later, they retired to Abbotsford, B.C., joining Clearbrook MB Church. Everywhere they lived, she planted a vegetable and flower garden. They sang in church choirs, served on the funeral catering committee and were ordained as deacons at Clearbrook MB Church. She worked with a ladies' fellowship group and was part of a prayer chain, praying faithfully for local needs and missionaries. A highlight was their visit with daughter Betty, a missionary in Congo. In 1991 Elizabeth became ill with lupus. Henry cared for her at home for 2 years. Despite her illness, she kept smiling and and prayed regularly for friends and family. Predeceased by Henry in February 1997, 4 children in infancy and all her siblings, she is mourned by children Betty, Henry, John, and Mary Peters; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and Doris Rempel ministering.

Henry Peter Suderman passed away Mar. 20. He was born Feb. 2, 1908 to Peter and Helena Suderman in Alexandertal, Ukraine. In 1912 the family moved to Gnadenheim, Siberia. At 16, after a considerable struggle, he sought the Lord with the help of an older brother and found peace. In July 1925 he was baptized and joined the MB church. In 1925 the family moved to Mexico. In 1926 they came to Canada, settling on a farm in Osborne, Man. His mother died in 1929. His father remarried in 1930. In 1931 the family moved to Dunrea. In 1935 Henry moved to Wawanesa to farm with his brother and wife. He married Annie Ratzlaff Friesen, a widow with 2 children, Dec. 10, 1938. Both families lived together for 3 years. In 1941 they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. He bought and cleared a 20-acres farm. He and Annie were deacons in South Abbotsford MB Church. In 1969 Annie became a paraplegic after falling from the deck of their house. Henry cared for her. In 1974 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. Annie died in 1982. He then learned and practised book-binding at Clearbrook Community Centre. He sang in the Clearbrook MB Church German choir as long as his health allowed. His health deteriorated, but him mind remained clear. In 1998 he moved to Tabor Home. He is mourned by his children Jake, Mary Bartel, Peter, Henry, Irene Davidson, Ellie Schroeder, Abe, and Frieda Krahn; 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 26 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld, Jacob Pauls, Eldon DeFehr and David Epp ministering.

Peter Froese passed away suddenly Mar. 2. He was born Apr. 21, 1921 to Peter and Elizabeth Froese in Russia. In 1923 the family immigrated to Canada, settling near Winkler, Man. During World War II, the family moved to the Niagara region of Ontario. In 1942 Peter joined his family. He married Mollie July 7, 1945. Son Petie was born in 1947, but drowned before age 3. The grief from this loss brought Peter and Mollie to accept Christ. They were baptized in 1951. Their new faith gave them a desire to serve God. Peter assessed every major decision in the light of eternity. He ran his own business, Virgil (Ont.) Service Centre 1952-73. He was youth leader in Virgil MB Church; he and Mollie were deacons in Virgil MB Church and later in Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the Lake, Ont. He longed to include the family in wholesome and character building activities. The care, training and showing of horses became a family activity. After 1973, he and Mollie served at Ausable Spring Ranch and Camp Crossroads, they were dorm parents at Eden High School, and he drove the van for Bethesda Homes. He is remembered for his faith in God and for living Matt. 6:20-21. Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by Mollie; children Marlene, John, and Susan McMillan; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Mar. 5 in Orchard Park Bible Church, with Victor Loewen 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.

Erna (Penner) Dyck passed away Mar. 31 after a lengthy illness. She was born July 5, 1927 in Grassy Lake, Alta. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She is mourned by husband John of Calgary; children Dennis of Abbotsford, B.C., Wayne of Dallas, Tex., Bob of St. Lina, Alta., Carol Regehr of Dallas and Pattie Menzies of Calgary; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 sisters and 4 brothers. The memorial service was Apr. 5 in Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Harry Heidebrecht and Phil Reimer ministering.

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