Obituaries

Helen Neufeldt passed away Apr. 18. She was born in 1911 to Henry and Margaretha Enns in Lichtfelde, Siberia. As a child in Sunday school, she accepted Christ. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. They lived in Zanata, Sask., moving in 1929 to Yarrow, B.C. She worked as a housekeeper in Vancouver and Chilliwack, B.C. She married Peter Neufeldt Oct. 16, 1932. She loved catering, serving and preparing food in Yarrow MB Church. Peter died suddenly in 1961. In 1965 she joined her children Fred and Irma Epp in Africa. Later, she did volunteer work for Columbia Bible Camp. In 1968 she moved to Abbotsford, B.C., joining Bakerview MB Church. Here she joined a catering group, and later worked for MCC. In 1993 she moved to Tabor Manor. She is mourned by children Irma Epp, Elfrieda Konrad, Harvey and Jerry; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 5 brothers. The funeral was Apr. 28 in Bakerview MB Church, with Fred Epp ministering.

Susana Mary Neufeld passed away Apr. 11. She was born Feb. 8, 1912 to John and Maria Regehr in Dalmeny, Sask. Her first job was at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. At 15, she accepted Christ at a revival meeting in Dalmeny. The family attended the Salvation Army Church until the MB church in Mayfair was started. She was a busy homemaker, organized and efficient. She had a strong love for the Lord. She trained her children in church attendance, Bible reading, praying and singing. She was involved in church activities. In her working years, she was called "Sunshine Susie". She had a smile for everyone. In December 1997 she moved to Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C. She is mourned by children Marian Janzen, Irene Klann, Larry, Clarence, Elaine Martens and Norma Schulz; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 16 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jacob Quiring ministering.

Mary Balzer passed away Feb. 3. She was born Apr. 2, 1924 to John and Katherine Enns in Fuerstenwerder, Ukraine. In 1928 the family immigrated to Canada, settling near Coaldale, Alta. She grew up on the farm, sharing hard work. She was known for being competent and adventurous. At 16, she accepted Christ during evangelistic meetings. With her heart set on being a foreign missionary, she studied at Coaldale Bible School and MB Bible College, Winnipeg. She was known for her steady spirit and faithful work. She married David Balzer Oct. 23, 1949. In 1954 they began planting churches with MBMS International in Japan. After 5 1/2 years, they returned to Canada because of David's tuberculosis. The next 17 years they lived in Alberta and Saskatchewan. She began to suffer from crippling arthritis, but rarely spoke about her pain. In 1976 they moved to Linden, Alta. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family. She had a great ability to organize, and was an excellent speaker. In 1994 they moved to Central Heights Manor, Abbotsford, B.C. In September 1997 she moved to Menno Hospital. Her relationship with David deepened as they spent hours together holding hands and singing hymns. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, daughter Elizabeth Krause and a grandson, she is mourned by David; children Roland, Lil Regier, Elly Bargen, Esther, and Rosalind Klassen; and 14 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 6 in Highland Community Church, Abbotsford, with Eugene Klassen and David Epp ministering.

Jacob Peters passed away Mar. 26. He was born Oct. 1, 1916 to Peter and Helena Peters in Romanovka, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Manitoba, moving to Ontario in 1932. They settled in Kitchener. He worked in Schmidt furniture factory in Preston, Ont., then, after several years, for Globe-Furniture in Waterloo, Ont. He was baptized July 13, 1941, joining Kitchener MB Church. He was a faithful member all his life. In 1941 he was engaged to Katherine Bartels, but then had to serve as a conscientious objector in B.C.'s forests. He married Katherine Dec. 31, 1943. He began working for Krug furniture factory in Kitchener. He took on additional work so Katherine could stay at home with their children. After 16 years in the Krug factory, he began working for the Kitchener Public School Board in 1959. He retired in 1981. Since Katherine suffered from arthritis, they wintered in Arizona. Katherine died in 1996. In February 1999, while in Arizona, he became ill and returned home, then suffered several heart attacks. His favourite psalm was Psalm 25. He is mourned by children Ruth Goerz of St. Catharines, Ont., Betty Collet of Kitchener, Jack of Kitchener and Herold of Waterloo; 11 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was in Kitchener MB Church, with Allan Labun and John Wall ministering.

Elisabeth Helen Haak passed away Apr. 6 after a 5-week battle with leukemia. She was born Jan. 13, 1934 to Henry and Lydia Neufeld in Herbert, Sask. She accepted Christ at an evangelistic meeting. In 1945 the family moved to Matsqui, B.C., joining Matsqui MB Church. In 1952 Elisabeth was baptized, along with her future husband. She attended South Abbotsford Bible School for 1 year, then took psychiatric nurses' training at Riverview Hospital. After working as a nurse for 6 months, she married Edward Haak Oct. 30, 1955. In 1963 they moved near his parents' dairy farm in Mt. Lehman, B.C. Edward was often away working in construction. She enjoyed singing and reading Bible stories to her children, leading each to Christ at an early age. In 1967 they bought the Haak dairy farm. She served in Matsqui MB and (after 1976), East Aldergrove MB Churches. She and Ed served as deacons and care group leaders. She sang in choirs and groups like the Wayfarers, taught Sunday school for many years and led a ladies' Bible study fellowship for 2 years. She helped others by providing food, babysitting, and listening. For many years, she cared for her mother and mother-in-law. She was a great cook, and enjoyed sewing for her family, crafting slippers, afghans and housecoats. She worked for 2 years as a volunteer with Community Services, caring for handicapped adults. Taking a nurse's refresher course, she worked 7 years at Langley Lodge for seniors. She retired in April 1998. After 1978, they travelled, visited family, camped and toured the Holy Land. She endured suffering patiently and had assurances of eternal joy. Predeceased by a brother and sister, she is mourned by Ed; children Dennis of Rosetown, Sask., Don of Enderby, B.C., Lorne of Mt. Lehman, Gord of Langley, B.C., and Betty-Lou Hildebrandt of Abbotsford; 16 grandchildren; 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Anne Wiebe passed away Apr. 29 of cancer. She was born Mar. 16, 1940 to John and Elizabeth Boldt in Filadelfia, Paraguay. In 1953 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Leamington, then in St. Catharines, Ont. At 10, she accepted Christ, recognizing early on the reality of sin and the need for repentance. She enjoyed Maplewood public school and Eden Christian College and Scott Street MB Church. She married Denis Wiebe May 2, 1959. Their first son, Gordon, was born Dec. 11, 1959; he died the next day. Anne was a stay-at-home mom, active in school and church. She chaired the Pioneer Girls club for 10 years. In 1980 she began studies for a health care certificate. She worked at Ina Grafton Seniors' Home for 1 year and then at Tabor Manor for 12 years. She had surgery for breast cancer in October 1995. Throughout her illness, she continually surprised family, friends and the medical professionals with her victory over numerous setbacks. She is mourned by Denis; children Ken, Debbie Heinrichs and Cindy Kutz; 5 grandchildren; 1 brother and 4 sisters. The funeral was May 3 in Grantham MB Church, with John Wiebe ministering.

Katie Neufeld passed away Apr. 27. She was born Nov. 23, 1905 to Abram and Anna Guenther in Jekaterinoslaw, Russia. At 8, she lost her mother. In 1914 her father remarried, and the family moved to Arkadak, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm near Steinbach, Man. For several years, she worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg. She married Abram Neufeld June 16, 1929. They settled on a farm in Kleefeld, Man. Their strong faith in God and love for each other and their children carried them through hard times in the Depression. Katie's cheerful disposition and hospitable nature overshadowed her hardworking life on the farm. She moved to Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C. in January 1990 and to Menno Hospital in January 1999. Predeceased by Abram in 1977 and son John in 1990, she is mourned by children Abe, Betty Harder, Anne Steed, Mary Hooge, Martha, Peter and Henry; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was May 1 in Vancouver MB Church, with Ben Baier ministering.

Mimi (Marie) Loewen passed away May 22 of cancer. She was born Mar. 22, 1925 to Jacob and Maria Kroeker in Taurida, Crimea. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. She grew up in Saskatchewan. In 1940 the family moved to Ontario. At 15, she accepted Christ. In 1943 she was baptized and joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. She attended Eden Christian Bible School and Eden Christian high school. She taught DVBS for a few summers and Sunday school for many years. She managed the order department of a tree nursery and was forelady in a canning factory 1940-48. She married Henry D. Loewen Sept. 12, 1948. They lived in Winnipeg while Henry attended MB Bible College for 4 years. He then attended Teachers' College. He taught in Pickering, Ont., Georgina Island, Ont., French Bay, Ont., and Saugeen Indian Reserve. Mimi was a homemaker, gardener, farmer and teacher's wife 1952-64. They lived on a farm in Leeburn, Ont. 1964-73. She drove a bus, and they were foster parents to 4 children. They lived in Sault St. Marie 1973-80, where they started a church in their home that became an Associated Gospel church. She taught ladies' Bible studies and worked with battered and suicidal women and disturbed young people. In 1980, Henry retired from teaching. She was director of food services at Fair Havens Bible Conference 1980-84. They became house parents at Jewels For Jesus Mission, a home for pregnant girls. Then they moved to Saskatchewan, where Henry pastored an MB church, and they cared for 3 grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting; reading; writing Hurting Girls, a crisis pregnancy manual, her memoirs, Ready for Anything, and letters; travelling; photography, taking pictures of old and unique barns; and cooking, publishing a cookbook. She was active with the Gideons for many years. Predeceased by a brother, she is mourned by Henry of Saskatoon; children Thomas of Calgary, Pauline Henson of Sault Ste. Marie, Ruth MacInnes of Laurel, Ont., Victor of Ottawa, David, and Beth Schloo, both of Edmonton, and Julie Schloo of Alliston, Ont.; 17 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

John Gerhard Neufeld passed away Feb. 10. He was born Jan. 30, 1914 in Rosenort, Russia. He married Annie Regier Feb. 15, 1942. He accepted Christ while serving in the army during World War II. In 1946 he was baptized in Germany. He lived his faith in a quiet, unassuming way. In 1948 the family immigrated to Canada. They attended South End MB Church, Winnipeg. He was a diligent and faithful worker at Monarch Machinery for 30 years. He spent his retirement years doing what he loved best, woodworking and visiting family and friends. He was active in church and a devoted family man. He found it hard when his youngest son Henry died of cancer July 2, 1998. John is mourned by Annie; daughter Irene Peters; son Gerhard; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was Feb. 15 in Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Konrad ministering.

Abram B. Thiessen passed away Apr. 6. He was born Jan. 4, 1899 to Peter and Helen Thiessen in Shavrow, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada when Abe was 4, settling in Winkler, Man. In 1905 they moved near Herbert, Sask. At 10, he began to drive a team of oxen during threshing season. He worked for various farmers during his teens. In 1916 he accepted Christ. He met Mary Andres in 1915. They married Mar. 28, 1920. They attended Greenfarm MB Church. They farmed near Neidpath, Sask. until 1962, when they bought a house in Herbert. They then joined Herbert MB Church. Retiring in 1965, he continued to farm until 1978. He set a good example for his children by being hard-working, sincere and honest. Predeceased by son Henry, he is mourned by Mary; children Leona Mayer, Pete, Tina, Leonard, Norman, and Eleanor Goertzen; 24 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Apr. 10 in Herbert MB Church, with Ed Schmidt ministering.

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