Deaths
Franz GiesbrechtFranz (Frank) Giesbrecht died Jan. 24, 2011. He was born May 26, 1926 in Franzfeld, Ukraine to Franz and Anna Giesbrecht. Franz’s parents died when he was young. At 15, he was conscripted into the German army and fought on the Russian front 3 years. Franz spent 5 years in a Russian prison camp. In Gronau, Germany, he met Anna Storck. They married in 1951 and immigrated in 1952 to Argentina, where Franz had family. In 1963, the family immigrated to Canada, something Franz had always wanted to do. Dedicated and trustworthy, he worked hard for his family at J.M. Schneiders for 25 years. Franz volunteered with RAISE for 10 years. He became a Christian later in life and was baptized at Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church in 1963. He loved his church and encouraged its leaders. Franz had a dry sense of humour, a powerful handshake, and a thoughtful nature. Franz is mourned by Anna; children Frank J. (Esther), Beatrice Bach; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.
Alexander RempelAlexander Albert Rempel died Mar. 23, 2011. He was born Apr. 14, 1925 in Rosario, Mexico. After time in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., then to Greendale, B.C., where they helped establish Greendale MB Church. Alex worked on the farm. He played soccer, lacrosse, and baseball. He became a coach and a sought-after umpire. As a young man, Alex enlisted in the army. He spent 40 years at CFB Chilliwack (B.C.), as a painter, carpenter, and a forklift operator in the warehouse. Alex met Hilda in 1948, courted her at the roller rink, and married her in 1949. Alex enjoyed gardening, woodworking, snowmobiling, and fishing. In 1972, Alex and Hilda lost their son and suffered unimaginable pain. Later in life, Alex looked to God. Alex and Hilda were baptized in 2000. Their love for God helped heal their anger over the loss of their son. Alex could always be counted on for a joke. Predeceased by son Lawrence, 4 brothers; Alexander is mourned by Hilda; daughter Maureen (Bill); 3 grandchildren; 1 brother.
Edwin BuhlerEdwin Jacob Buhler died Apr. 5, 2011. He was born Apr. 21, 1924 in Dalmeny, Sask. to Abram and Tina Buhler. Ed was a member of Dalmeny Community Church since September 1946. Ed met Evelyn Willems while attending Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. They married July 1, 1955. Ed’s passions were family, farming, and singing. Predeceased by son Russell in 2010, 4 siblings; Edwin is mourned by Evelyn; children Jocelyn, Dudley (Bonnie), Monty (Nancy); daughter-in-law Julie; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
John Thiessen
John Thiessen died Apr. 18, 2011. He was born Aug. 21, 1948 in Swift Current, Sask. to John and Susan Thiessen. John learned to play guitar and formed a band. He enjoyed cars and motorbikes. After a few months working for Nelson Homes, Lloydminster, Alta., John returned to Swift Current to work on the SaskTel crew and later for Nowsco oilfield service. John married Louella Arp May 16, 1970. Holidays were for fishing, swimming, water-skiing, hiking, berry picking, and camping at Meadow Lake Provincial Park. His friend Dale Brucks’ death and the closure of Nowsco affected John deeply. He found satisfaction driving school bus and tour bus. Children at church remember him as the “candy man” – his pockets were always stocked. His grandchildren were his joy. John’s battle with a rare thyroid cancer began in 2004; cancer returned in 2009, followed by surgery and radiation. John’s faith never faltered. He never lost hope or a sense of humour. It was important to John that his family be right with the Lord. John is mourned by Lou; children Vince, Ryan, Dana (Russell) Dyck; 3 grandchildren; 2 brothers.
John IsaakJohn Irwin Isaak died Apr. 19, 2011. He was born Apr. 2, 1933 in Donovan, Sask. to Jacob and Sara Isaak. In 1936, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., settling in Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Clearbrook MB Church. John graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute in 1951, and after normal school in Vancouver, began teaching in the Chilliwack (B.C.) district, pursuing his BEd at University of B.C. during summers. John married Luetta Reimer of Yarrow in 1953. In 1960, they moved to Dawson Creek, B.C., where they helped establish the MB church (now Northgate MB Church). By 1968, John had joined IBM in Vancouver. In 1970, they moved to Edmonton where John worked for IBM, founded a software and computer consulting firm, and helped plant Millwoods MB Church (now Sunrise Community Church). John served as moderator, Sunday school teacher, and Bible study leader, along with many years as board member for Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., and secretary for the Alberta MB conference. He enjoyed family camping and ski trips. John and Lou returned to Abbotsford in 1990, and he served Tabor Home as administrator and developed a computer system for Lynden Door Inc. John enjoyed reading, crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and discussions with family and friends. He loved his Lord and Saviour and lived a faithful life of service to God. John is mourned by Lou; children Bob (Caroline), Colleen (Richard) Horch, Brad (Rose); 10 grandchildren.
Savilla HeppnerSavilla Margaret Heppner died Apr. 20, 2011. She was born May 16, 1930 near Waldheim, Sask. to Bernard A. and Marie Willems. Savilla asked the Lord to be her Saviour at 11 at DVBS, was baptized at 15, and joined Brotherfield (Sask.) MB Church in Grade 10. At 17, she moved to Saskatoon for teacher’s college. She taught in Carsen and Hepburn, subbed in Rosthern district, and taught 2 years at Rheinland. She taught Sunday school most of her life. Savilla married Wilfrid Heppner Oct. 12, 1956. On their dairy farm, and later on their beef and grain farm, they worked together. Savilla shared her love for Christ with everyone, whether she was serving on committees, in women’s groups, at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., or at Prison Ministries, Prince Albert, Sask. Savilla led ceramic classes and taught her daughters to sew. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the late 1980s, and became actively involved in creating awareness with the Parkinson’s Foundation. A member of Waldheim MB Church since 1994, Savilla prayed for missionaries daily, and loved to study Scripture. Predeceased by Wilfrid in 2010, 4 siblings; Savilla is mourned by children Fay (Larry) Sherwood, Pearl, Robert (Denise); 5 grandchildren; 6 siblings.
Anne HuebertAnne Huebert died Apr. 21, 2011 at 91. She was born Sept. 11, 1919 in Gnadenheim, Ukraine to John and Katherine Huebert. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling on a farm in Beechy, Sask. Anne was baptized in the MB church as a youth. After moving to Waldheim, Sask., in 1939, Anne studied in Dalmeny and Hepburn, Sask., and at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. The family moved to Saskatoon in 1950, where Anne cared for her parents and worked in a laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan. She proudly received a praying hands cup for long service to the university. Anne was a skilled seamstress and a loyal friend. She fulfilled a childhood wish to sew for needy children by making blankets for Mennonite Central Committee to send overseas. She provided financial and friendship support to “Hands On,” an inner-city ministry in Saskatoon and committed herself to West Portal Church and Faith River Church. Hers is a legacy of secure faith and unselfish service.
Helen NickelHelen Nickel died Apr. 22, 2011. She was born Sept. 11, 1929 in Winnipeg to John and Amalia Martens. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Greendale, B.C. Helen’s was a life of faithful, service to family, neighbours, and her Lord. When her mother died, 14-year-old Helen assumed the care of the home and her siblings. She married Dan Nickel in 1949. From 1965−1985, they served with distinction and sacrifice in India and Indonesia. When health issues required their return to Canada, they reached out to immigrants through a pastoral role at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. After retirement, Helen took 7 mission trips to India, and was involved with Dan in compassion ministries, encouraging recovering alcoholics, prisoners, single mothers, and many others in need. In 2001, Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and entered Maplewood House in 2008. Helen will be remembered for her exemplary life, infectious joy, and pure love. Predeceased by 2 brothers, Helen is mourned by Dan; sons Larry (Edna), Gordon (Gwen), John (Sue), Ron (Karen); 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Gerald WilsonGerald Wilson died Apr. 24, 2011. He was born Mar. 14, 1944. He was adopted at 5 by Verna and Alfred Wilson of Vancouver. He lived most of his adult life in Prince George, B.C., working in the mill. In 1988, he moved to the Philippines, where he married and joined the Church of Christ. His health challenges increased as he faced diabetes and heart problems. In his testimony to become a member of Bakerview Church, Abbotsford, B.C., in 2003, Gerald shared, “I realized while in prison attending the Salvation Army chapel that I must try my best to follow the Lord if my life was ever going to turn around.” Gerald spent his last 10 years as an active volunteer for Mennonite Central Committee.
Nick SchmidtNick Schmidt died Apr. 27, 2011. He was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Wingham, Man. to John and Martha Schmidt. Nick received his education in Elm Creek, Man. As a youth, he was baptized into Newton (Man.) MB Church (now Community Fellowship). Nick painted scenery pictures for the church. He was a gifted taxidermist. He loved farming, and playing hockey, baseball, and table games. He also enjoyed watching local hockey. Nick was generous, often treating relatives and friends to coffee or dinner. He was an excellent caregiver for his grandmother in her final years and his mother after her stroke. When his brother’s health failed, Nick cared for John until his death. Nick and John moved to Windsor Estates in Portage la Prairie, Man., in 2005. Nick cooked, cleaned, and took John to appointments and for coffee at Tim Hortons or McDonald’s. Predeceased by 1 brother, Nick is mourned by 4 siblings; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Margaret MattiesMargaret Matties died May 1, 2011. She was born Dec. 18, 1926 in Morris, Man. to John and Annie Gossen. The family moved to Yarrow, B.C., in 1930. Margaret accepted Jesus as a young girl. She attended Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C., and then moved to Vancouver. She worked in sales, waitressing, housekeeping, and factory work. In 1948, Margaret met Vic Friesen at Bible school, and they married 2 years later. After Vic was diagnosed with kidney disease, leaving him too ill to work, Margaret took him to dialysis treatment several times a week and worked 2 jobs to provide for the family. In 1971, their prayers were answered when Vic received a kidney transplant and regained his health. A Blue Jays and Canucks fan, Margaret was always involved in sports. She loved to host dinner parties, play card games, and garden. Margaret was a member of Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C., where she volunteered in the kitchen and as a greeter. After Vic’s death, Margaret married Henry Matties in 1997. They attended Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. Henry suffered a stroke, and Margaret cared for him until his death in 2010. These difficult times took their toll on Margaret, and she became increasingly ill. Predeceased by Victor, Henry, 7 siblings; Margaret is mourned by daughter Audrey (Manny); 2 grandchildren; stepchildren Gordon (Lori), Grace (Stan), Connie (Charlie), Orville (Audrey); many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Henry UngerHenry John Unger died May 3, 2011. He was born June 21, 1923 in Borangar, Ukraine to John and Aganetha Unger. The family immigrated to Canada when Henry was 2, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Henry taught chemistry and math in Alberta, at Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C., at University of Ibadan in Nigeria, and in Langley (B.C.) and Abbotsford school districts. After retirement, he taught literacy and math in Canada Corrections Institutions for more than 10 years. Henry faced thyroid cancer and Parkinson’s disease with courage and dignity. He loved his family, took pride in his children’s accomplishments, and delighted in his grandchildren. Henry is remembered as a man of deep faith, service, and commitment. He was a member of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by son Lorne, Henry is mourned by wife Luella; children Ardythe (Gary) Taylor, Myrna (Patrick) Coleman, Ronald (Anne); 8 grandchildren.
Adelaide Derksen Adelaide Derksen died May 7, 2011. She was born Jan. 8, 1925 near Hepburn, Sask. to Isaac and Susie Fehr. She attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, where she met Otto Derksen. They were married Oct. 19, 1946, and entered ministry in Saskatchewan. With West Indies Mission (now World Team), they pioneered churches, built a Bible school, and left a legacy of devotion in West Indies from 1952–65. After ministering in Lashburn, Sask., for 5 years, Adelaide and Otto moved to Fresno, Cal., for 3 years of seminary. The following 23 years, they served in Waldheim, Sask. After Otto died in 2005, Adelaide’s health deteriorated. Her faith in God was her foundation. She was a gifted homemaker, hostess, gardener, and embroiderer. Her home church was Waldheim MB Church. Predeceased by Otto, granddaughter Amanda Derksen, 3 siblings; Adelaide is mourned by children Berdeena (Fraser) Logan, Lesly, James, Ray (Debbie), Keith (Donelda); 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren, 5 siblings.
Elizabeth KlassenElizabeth Klassen died May 10, 2011 at 96. She was born Feb. 28, 1915 in Grigoryevka, Ukraine to Jacob and Maria Pauls. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in southern Manitoba, where she continued her schooling and worked as household help. She accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized on confession of faith. Elizabeth married William Klassen Oct. 6, 1935. Elizabeth worked at the Morden (Man.) sewing factory, at Tabor Home as head cook, at the poultry plant, and with William as custodians at Westside Community Church, Morden, where she was a member most of her life. She was instrumental in leading her children to faith in Jesus, and encouraged them to pursue God whatever the cost. Elizabeth is remembered for her quick smile, generous hospitality, and spiritual concern for others. Her last years were spent at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, Winnipeg. Predeceased by William in 2006, son-in-law Neil Tiessen; Elizabeth is mourned by children Ruth, Adina Tiessen, Waldo (Diana), Grace, Betty (Gilles) Piché; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
Henry MartensHeinrich (Henry) Jacob Martens died May 16, 2011. He was born May 23, 1926 in Rosenort, Man. to Jacob and Sara Martens. After their farm in Graysville, Man., was foreclosed in 1933, the family moved to the Winnipegosis area, Man., where they lived in a log house plastered with mud. At 12, Henry was working fields with horses and oxen. In 1942, they moved to B.C. to be closer to Christian community and schools. While attending Yarrow (B.C.) Bible School 1944−45, Henry asked Jesus into his heart. He was baptized into North Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church (now Clearbrook MB). In 1951, Henry worked for Bethesda Home for the Mentally Ill, Vineland, Ont., on an MCC volunteer assignment. There, he met a nurse, Helen Teske from Grimsby, Ont. They married May 1952, and moved back to B.C. to run the farm and start a family. Helen died in 1969. Henry married Anna Braun in 1972 at East Aldergrove (B.C.) MB Church. Henry retired from George Derby Hospital to start a second career as a locksmith. Henry was a tireless volunteer for Mennonite Central Committee. Predeceased by Helen, Henry is mourned by Anna; children Edward (Patricia Jaques-Martens), Harold (Lynn), Viola (Brian) Pickering; 7 grandsons.
Abram Enns Abram Jacob Enns died May 11, 2011. He was born May 30, 1921 in Grossfuerstental, Russia to Jacob Abram and Gertrude Enns. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Speedwell, Sask. Abe began his teaching career, and in 1944, married Emily Poetker. Abe and Emily moved to Richmond, B.C., in 1948, and to Tsawwassen, B.C., in 1973. Abe taught biology at Delta Senior Secondary School, Ladner, B.C., until his retirement in 1985. He served many years at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, and was a founding member of Cedar Park Church, Ladner. Abe and Emily enjoyed travelling. Abe is mourned by Emily; children Shirley (Elmer) Thiessen, Judy (Vic) Thiessen, Lorna (Gerry) Kent, Dale (Maddaline); 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Elizabeth QuappElizabeth Elfriede Quapp died May 25, 2011 at 90. She was born Jan. 2, 1921 in Omsk, Russia to John and Katrina Wiens. Elizabeth was a member of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by son Ron in 2001, all her siblings; Elizabeth is mourned by husband of 63 years Jake; children Alice (Gord) Wiens, John (Edith), Dave (Elaine), Marilyn (Albert) Baerg; daughter-in-law Lois Watkin; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.
Donald DoveDonald Spencer Dove died June 11, 2011 at 93. He was born Sept. 9, 1917 in Spears, Sask. to Spencer and Dorothy Dove. Donald was quiet, calm, steady, and kind. Farmwork only allowed him to attend school from age 9 till seventh grade. He was an eager learner with artistic talent. Donald married in the late 1930s and had two sons Danny and Leroy in the early ’40s. Donald trained as a certified draftsman while working as a military draftsman and photographer in Kingston, Ont. After WWII, he worked in printing, photography, and silk-screening in Vancouver. In the early 1950s, the marriage ended. Donald was diagnosed with a throat tumour and underwent 2 operations. He received prayer at a prayer service; at his next doctor’s visit, the tumour was gone, and Donald’s spiritual appetite was awakened. Through meeting Lydia, his heart softened to God, and they married May 1959. Four more children followed: Dorothy, Stephen, Peter, and David. Donald was a warm greeter at Christian Life Assembly. A family trip across Canada in 1977 rekindled his love for photography, and he toured senior’s homes in the Lower Mainland giving slideshows. To watch him worship was to watch someone who knew God. Donald and Lydia became members at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C., in 2004. Donald is mourned by Lydia, his children.
Mary Schmidt Mary Schmidt (Manja) died June 14, 2011 at 91. She was born Sept. 15, 1919 in Alexander-krone, Russia to Abram and Maria Toews. When Mary was 14 months, her mother died. Her father married Helena (Janz) who became the mother she knew and loved. The family immigrated to Canada when Mary was 7, settling on a farm in Coaldale, Alta., in 1927, free to live their faith. Mary was not able to attend high school as her help was needed on the farm. Mary sang in the church choir and attended Bible school with Bill Schmidt. They were married Mar. 18, 1943. After farming in Coaldale 12 years, they moved to Hillsboro, Kan., where Bill earned his BA and MA. Afterward, Mary, the consummate hostess, served many in the pastorates in Kitchener, Ont., and Winnipeg. Moves to Vancouver, Germany, and Abbotsford, B.C., followed. Her last year after Bill died was difficult. Her family will miss her beautiful smile. Predeceased by Bill, Mary is mourned by children Leona, Loreen, William, Lillian; grandchildren; great-grandchildren.
Roland HildebrandRoland Hildebrand died June 17, 2011. He was born Feb. 15, 1923 in Borden, Sask. to Herman and Elizabeth Hildebrand. In 1929, the family moved to Agassiz, B.C., and 7 years later returned to farm in Hepburn, Sask. Roland accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized into Hepburn MB Church, where he remained a member until his death. Roland graduated from Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn. He managed Hepburn Co-op for 26 years, and opened an automotive and farm supply business. In 1946, he married Myrtle Schmidt. In 1965, she died of cancer. In 1968, Roland married Melba Barkman. He visited in the coffee shop every day and treated his customers like friends. Roland enjoyed their winter home in Brownsville, Texas. Predeceased by Myrtle, 1 sister; Roland is mourned by Melba; children Wayne (Joy), Jocelyn (Dave), Tara (David), Melanie (Trevor); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Margaret SchellenbergMargaret Schellenberg died June 21, 2011 at 95. She was born Oct. 24, 1915 in Plum Coulee, Man. to Cornelius and Maria Rempel. In 1926, the family moved to Hepburn, Sask., to farm. At 21, Margaret came to know the Lord and was baptized. She married Jacob Schellenberg Sept. 24, 1938, in Hepburn MB Church. In Ontario, they worked for a farmer doing odd jobs. In 1941, they returned to farm in Hepburn, where Margaret worked hard sewing, gardening, milking cows, cooking, baking, and cleaning house. After moving into town, Margaret worked at Menno Home for 10 years. She was independent, selfless, humorous, and compassionate. Predeceased by Jacob, 11 siblings; Margaret is mourned by children Edward, Erna (Reinhard) Arnold, Bill (Nancy), Ruby (Ernie) Magiera, Carol (Don) White, Marty (Glen) Hermanson, Joan (Ken) Ector, Don (Cheryl); 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.
