Deaths
Frieda HildebrandFrieda Hildebrand died Jan. 21, 2010. She was born July 5, 1935 in Whitehead municipality, Man. to John and Mary (Penner) Koop. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and trusted him to lead her. She was a wonderful cook and homemaker who enjoyed having people over. After Frieda married Abe Hildebrand in 1959, they farmed near Killarney, Man. In 1976, they moved into town. Frieda worked in a hotel as head cook and in a jewelry store. In 1980, they moved to Toronto to become group home parents for children with disabilities. After 5 years, they moved first to Vineland, then to St. Catharines, Ont. Frieda and Abe served with Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pa.; Santa Cruz, Bolivia; and Aylmer, Ont. Predeceased by one brother, Frieda is mourned by Abe; children Valerie, Greg (Lisa), Connie (Fred) Dick; 6 grandchildren; 9 siblings. The celebration of life was at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Nettie BalzerNettie Balzer died Feb. 18, 2010 at 98. She was born July 29, 1911 in Nordheim, Ukraine to David and Anna Balzer. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. After her father died months later, Nettie and her brothers worked as farm help. While serving as a domestic for the A.A. Kroekers, she completed a four-year course at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. In 1936, the family moved to Winnipeg seeking employment opportunities. Nettie worked for Redekopp Lumber for 38 years as manager of the dry goods department. She served joyfully in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, as a Sunday school teacher for 60 years and a member of the choir. Nettie loved her travels, books, and music. At age 92, her health took a turn for the worse, and after a lengthy hospital stay, she settled in Donwood Personal Care Home, Winnipeg. Predeceased by 4 siblings, Nettie is mourned by 2 sisters; 1 sister-in-law; nephews and nieces and their families.
Albert WohlgemutAlbert Wohlgemut died May 3, 2010 at 90, following a brief illness. He was born May 4, 1919 in Wymyschle, Poland to Heinrich and Minna Wohlgemut. After WWII, he married his sweetheart, Irmgard Lange, in 1947. Two years later, they immigrated to Canada, living briefly in Manitoba before settling in Kitchener, Ont. A tool and die maker by trade, Albert enjoyed serving his Lord as deacon, choir member, and trustee at Kitchener MB Church. In 2005, Albert and Irmgard moved to Tabor Manor Apartments, St. Catharines, Ont. Albert displayed a thankful spirit to the end. Predeceased by Irmgard in 2008, 4 siblings; Albert is mourned by children Rita (Robert) Tjart, Ben (Margaret), Gordon (Janet), Betty (Gordon) Lough; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings; in-laws.
Elizabeth LieschElizabeth Gwendolyn Liesch died May 29, 2010. She was born Oct. 4, 1931 in Camrose, Alta. to George and Gertrude Johnson. Beth graduated from University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton before following her parents to Victoria in 1971. She was an accomplished pianist with a love for music. Beth joined the provincial civil service before retiring to spend time with her husband Lloyd whom she married Oct. 4, 1980. She loved their years together in Arizona, and their homes on the Malahat and Songhees. An amazing grandma, Beth was always willing to bake, read, play, and sing. She had a dry wit and an irrepressible sense of humour. Beth enjoyed playing piano for worship services and participating in the ladies’ fellowship at Saanich (B.C.) Community Church. She was an example of faith and commitment to God and her husband. Predeceased by son Norman (Candace) in 1991, Beth is mourned by Lloyd; son Bruce (Lis); 4 grandchildren; brother; in-laws.
Ruth JanzenRuth Esther Janzen died July 4, 2010. She was born July 13, 1938 in Chaco, Paraguay to Jacob and Hulda Guenther. The family immigrated to Canada when Ruth was 12. In Vancouver, she met and married Henry Janzen in 1957. They moved to Aldergrove, B.C., where she became a member of South Langley MB Church and Trinity Western University’s staff. Ruth served the Lord faithfully by teaching Sunday school, singing with Henry in the church choir, and serving on the church kitchen committee. She was her family’s cheerleader at sporting events. Upon retirement, Ruth spent her energy on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 brothers, Ruth is mourned by Henry; children Julie (Albert), Karl (Wendy), Eleanor (Gerald), Theron (Heather); 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Frank ReidFrank Reid died July 9, 2010 at 92. He was born Oct. 17, 1917 in Esk, Sask. He attended Stonerest and Hiawatha schools and then worked on his parents’ farm. As a teen, Frank accepted the Lord as Saviour. At 24, he joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers of the Canadian Army. Jan. 1, 1943, Frank married Anna Sass in Rhein, Sask. After serving in Europe and the Pacific arena, Frank ran a successful farm with Anna in Esk. His work as secretary and lineman for the Warren Rural Telephone Company led to a career with SaskTel until his retirement at 65. Frank was a well-loved Sunday school teacher and Easter and Christmas pageant director at Esk Evangelical Church. Frank and Anna were baptized into Christian Fellowship Church, Lanigan, Sask., where he taught Sunday school for many years. Frank’s passions included collecting antique I.H.C. tractors, farming, watching hockey, and reading the Bible. Predeceased by 8 siblings, Frank is mourned by Anna; daughters Janice (Murray) Sproule, Joan “Marilyn” (Victor) Kline, Judy (Mike) Johnston, Jacqueline (Allan) Dickison; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister-in-law.
Helen NeufeldHelen Neufeld died July 16, 2010. She was born Nov. 11, 1928 in Holmfield, Man. to Peter F. and Margareta (Rempel) Sawatzky. As a teen, she gave her heart to the Lord, was baptized, and joined Holmfield MB Church. She enjoyed 2 years at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. Helen married Abram J. Neufeld in 1949 and served with him in Lena (Man.) Mennonite Church. In 1968, they joined Lakeview MB Church, Killarney, Man., and served as pastor couple for 3 years. In 1976, they moved to Winnipeg, joining Elmwood MB Church, and later McIvor MB Church. Helen’s ministry was sharing Jesus with sick and lonely people. In June 2010, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her favourite saying was “For this I have Jesus.” Helen is mourned by Abe; 8 children; 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Walter WillmsWalter Willms died Aug. 13, 2010 at 91. He was born Feb. 4, 1919 in Rosenort, Ukraine to Gerhard and Agatha Willms. After his grandfather’s murder during the Russian Revolution, Walter’s family fled to Canada. They settled first in Rosthern, then in Whitewater, Sask. Walter completed Grades 1−5 in 3 years before he was needed on the farm full-time. The Depression necessitated a move to Ontario in 1934. Walter was baptized into Leamington (Ont.) MB Church. By 1939, he had begun a career as a builder in the war effort. Walter married Elfrieda Dick Oct. 9, 1944. They eventually settled in Kitchener, Ont., where he became a committed member of Kitchener MB Church. Walter loved his family, neighbours, and friends, and enjoyed his farm and garden. In his last years, athough hindered by visual and hearing impairment and heart disease, he trusted God completely. Predeceased by 1 infant brother, Walter is mourned by Elfrieda; children Edward (Barbara), Dennis (Rita), Gordon (Sylvia), Ingrid (Paul) Fehderau; 8 grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Margaret Duerksen Margaret Duerksen died Aug. 27, 2010 at 91. She was born June 14, 1919 in Miami, Man. to Jacob and Elizabeth Giesbrecht. When she was 6, her family moved to Lena, Man., where she attended Plum Hollow School until her help was needed at home. As a young girl, she was baptized on confession of her faith into Lena Mennonite Church. In her 20s, Margaret worked on a farm near Holmfield, Man. Margaret married Henry Duerksen Dec. 15, 1944, and the couple lived in a fixed-up granary near Smith Hill, Man. After a few years, they moved across the road to the farm where they would raise their family. Margaret’s quiet faith was evident in all she did. She was active in the MB Church and was president of the ladies’ group. Margaret and Henry built their dream home by Killarney Lake, Man., in 1977. They enjoyed travelling. She moved to Killarney Bayside Personal Care Home in 2005. Margaret is mourned by Henry; children Ken (Dorothy), Rita May, Ron (Gail), Sharon (Gord) Reimer, Vi (Wally) Hall; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; in-laws. The memorial was at Lakeview Community Church, Killarney.
Mary EppMary C. Epp died Sept. 5, 2010 at 96. She was born Feb. 19, 1914 in Altonau, Ukraine to George and Maria Koehn. As a young girl, she witnessed atrocities by marauding bands of outlaws before immigrating to Canada in 1924. The family settled on a farm near Main Centre, Sask. When Mary was 16, her mother died, and Mary cared for her siblings. When her dad remarried, she worked as a domestic in Swift Current, Sask., to help support the family. She became a member of the newly formed Swift Current MB Church. Mary married Cornie Epp in 1935, and the couple farmed near Swift Current. Mary shared precious times with her daughter with special needs, caring for her until Marian moved to Moose Jaw (Sask.) Training Centre at 18. Predeceased by Cornie, daughter Marian in 2000, granddaughter Sherry (Brian) Plett, several siblings; Mary is mourned by sons Jack (Laura), Ken (Betty); 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
David BalzerDavid Balzer died Sept. 7, 2010. He was born Feb. 13, 1927 in Marienthal, Molotschna, Ukraine to David Balzer and Maria Vogt. David became separated from his family when they left for Poland in 1943. He became a labourer in Germany, where at 17, reflecting on God’s protection, he accepted Jesus as Saviour. Around 1945, David left politically unstable Germany for Holland. At the border, and again in refugee housing in Amsterdam, he met Maria Janzen. They travelled on the Vollendam together and were married in Paraguay. During their 8 years in Neuland, Paraguay, they hosted many missionaries and pastors, and served as deacons and kitchen stewards. David studied at the Bible school in Filadelfia, and pastored in Neu-Halbstadt, Paraguay. In 1954, David and Maria immigrated to Vancouver, where they attended 43rd Avenue MB Church and later Fraserview MB Church. David did visitation with Vancouver City Mission and outreach to Indo-Canadians with Santosh Raj. In 1977, David and Maria moved to Yarrow, B.C., and attended Yarrow MB Church. In 1986, they joined Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., and in 2003, transferred to Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. David enjoyed gardening, fishing, and playing pool. He was available to his family, whether to give advice, host events, bake buns, or help out with yard work. Predeceased by Maria, David is mourned by children Louise Reimer, Connie (Walter) Rempel, Jake (Mary), David (Cheryl), Kathy (Greg) Hisdal, Gerry (Connie); 16 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 foster son; in-laws.
George SchroederGeorge Schroeder died Sept. 8, 2010. He was born June 12, 1929 in Pigeon Lake, Man. to Wilhelm and Sara Schroeder. George grew up on a farm in Rosengard, Man. He had a lifelong career in ministry: pastoring, teaching, and preaching through radio, television, and personal follow-up. His motto was “born to serve.” Together with his wife Helen, he taught at Ilorin Theological Seminary, Nigeria, for 30 years. After serving in prison ministry in Florida, he retired to Steinbach, Man., in 2000. Predeceased by Helen, 3 siblings; George is mourned by 4 siblings; in-laws. The funeral was at Steinbach MB Church.
Betty HarderElizabeth Harder died Sept. 9, 2010 following a long battle with cancer. She was born Jan. 15, 1932 in Hanover municipality, Man. to Abram and Katie Neufeld. She grew up on a farm in Kleefeld, Man. Betty was baptized Aug. 1, 1948 into Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. After the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., settling on a farm in Greendale, B.C., Betty sought employment in Vancouver. June 9, 1956, Betty married Walter Harder. She joined Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C., Aug. 5, 1956. A hard worker, Betty took charge of the raspberry farm during picking season. She sewed many wedding gowns for area brides and knit baby clothes for Mennonite Central Committee and Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary. She will be remembered as a quiet woman with a solid faith in God and a desire to put others first. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her husband, and God was an example. Predeceased by 2 brothers, Betty is mourned by Walter; children Shirley (Owen) Garrett, Mike, Doug (Jennifer); 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Maria WarkentinMaria (Mika) Warkentin died Sept. 9, 2010 at 96. She was born Oct. 20, 1913 in Crimea, Ukraine to Peter and Maria (Klassen) Dick. She enjoyed a carefree childhood, including holidays at the family’s villa on the Black Sea. Shortly after she began school, the family moved to Tiege, Ukraine. During the revolution, their estate was confiscated and her father was imprisoned 3 times, but the family survived. In December 1938, Maria married Jacob Warkentin. In 1941, Jacob was taken to a Russian concentration camp; Maria never saw him again. (Fifteen years later, she learned he died there in 1944.) In 1943, Maria and her daughter joined a wagon trek through Poland to Warren Muritz, East Germany. Seeking safety, they travelled by train to Schleswig-Holstein, West Germany, where they lived with Maria’s in-laws in a farmer’s house. In 1948, her mother-in-law’s sister Aganetha Warkentin sponsored them to immigrate to Yarrow, B.C., and lived with them until her death in 1961. In summer, Maria worked in the garden and cannery, and in winter, she was a domestic, where she learned English. After 3 years in Canada, with Mennonite Central Committee’s help, Maria purchased a cabin and land. At 79, she moved to Evergreen Village, Abbotsford, B.C., and joined Clearbrook MB Church. She enjoyed taking bus trips, crocheting, walking, reading, and visiting friends. She was independent until her stroke at 93. She contracted pneumonia in August 2010. Maria had a strong faith and an open heart. Predeceased by Jacob, Maria is mourned by daughter Jenny (Allan) Corenblum; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Henry LetkemannHenry Letkemann died Sept. 17, 2010. He was born July 25, 1931 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine to Peter and Aganetha Letkemann. He attended school for only 4 years. In 1943, the family fled to Poland. In 1946, they went to Germany where they waited until 1948 to immigrate to Manitoba. Henry was baptized into Oak Lake (Man.) MB Church. In 1951, the family moved to Vancouver. In 1956, Henry married Marion Unger. Henry was dedicated to his faith and his church. He was a leader in the Mennonite boys’ club and his church youth groups. He was an usher in the crusades of Billy Graham, Leighton Ford, and Janz Team. Henry is mourned by Marion; children Linda, Lori, Peter; their families; 2 sisters. The celebration of life was at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Jeanette SiebertJeanette Marie Siebert died Sept. 24, 2010. She was born Apr. 17, 1951 in St. Catharines, Ont. to Jim and Nita Siebert. She was a charter member of St. Catharines’ first school for children with developmental disabilities. In 1959, the family moved to Hamilton, Ont., and in 1968, to Vineland, Ont., where Jean completed school and worked at ARC Industries. Jean made an adult commitment to follow Jesus and was baptized into Vineland MB Church in 1988. She participated fully in church and Sunday school. At 36, Jean moved into supportive housing with the Grimsby Lincoln and District (Ont.) Association for Community Living. She enjoyed her work at a pet store and at Grimsby Benevolent Shop. Following a lengthy hospital stay in 2009, she moved to Vineland United Mennonite Home. Jean remembered her nieces and nephews every Christmas. She was gentle, loving, gracious, and cheerful. She enjoyed bowling, puzzles, dominoes, and word searches. Full of laughter, Jean made friends wherever she went. Predeceased by her father in 2006, Jean is mourned by her mother; 4 brothers and their families; aunts and uncles; cousins; friends.
Linda FastLinda Willems Fast died Sept. 27, 2010 at 98. She was born June 28, 1912 on a farm near Waldheim, Sask. to Henry A. and Augusta Schmidt Willems. She attended Rose River and Brotherfield country schools, followed by Bible school, teacher’s college, and University of Saskatchewan. She taught in Loch Lomond, Mt. Lake, North Battleford, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon West schools. Linda married Edwin Fast July 9, 1946, in Brotherfield MB Church, Waldheim, Sask. Ed and Linda ran Sunset Farm, near Dalmeny, Sask., for 30 years. Linda brought a love of books and music to her family. She served as church librarian. Linda wrote several family history volumes and a history of Brotherfield MB Church. Linda and Ed moved to B.C., before settling in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., where Linda resided at her death. After retiring, she became an expert potter and fulfilled a lifelong wish to paint Canadian landscapes. Linda and Ed supported Mennonite Central Committee, donating quilts and woven blankets. She always did her best, setting an example for her children and quietly touching the lives of others. Predeceased by Edwin, daughter Judith; Linda is mourned by daughter Constance.
Henry EnnsHenry W. Enns died Sept. 27, 2010. He was born Aug. 3, 1922 in Alexanderkrone, Ukraine, to Heinrich and Anna Enns. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, and settled on a farm in Elm Creek, Man., in 1928. At 22, while performing alternative service during WWII, Henry came to personal faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized into Leamington (Ont.) MB Church Aug. 5, 1945, and later joined Elm Creek MB Church. He farmed near Elm Creek with his father from 1946−1959. Henry married Margaret Driediger Aug. 25, 1962, in Leamington. They ran the Elm Creek farm until they moved into town in 1991. In 2006, they relocated to Carmen, Man. Henry enjoyed camping, fishing, walking, and playing hockey and baseball with his sons and driving them to games. Through many health issues, Henry remained positive and strong in his faith in Christ. Predeceased by sons George, Edgar, 3 siblings; Henry is mourned by Margaret; sons Karl, David; 3 grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Anne Friesen Anne Marie Friesen died Sept. 27, 2010. She was born Aug. 25, 1931 in Cartwright, Man. to John and Elena Schellenberg. Teaching children was Anne’s passion. She earned her teacher’s certificate from Winnipeg Teacher’s College in 1951, and completed a practicum in child psychology at University of Manitoba in 1977. Her teaching career spanned 1954−1982. Anne loved gardening and tending her hobby farm near Birds Hill Park, Man., often hosting picnics with family and friends. After Anne and her husband John retired, they enjoyed volunteer projects in St. Croix, Virgin Islands; Germany; Texas; and Pennsylvania – sometimes rebuilding after natural disasters. After John’s sudden death, Anne moved to Abbotsford, B.C., near her siblings. In her final years, Anne lived at the Deltaview Rehabilitation Centre in Delta, B.C. Predeceased by John in 1997, son Murray in 1996; Anne is mourned by sons Norman (Barbara Simler), Daniel
(Margaret Schellenberg).
Helena WiensHelena Wiens died Sept. 28, 2010. She was born Sept. 24, 1928 in Manitoba to Jacob and Anna Martens. She grew up in Coaldale, Alta., and received secretarial training in Lethbridge, Alta. As a child, she accepted Christ as Saviour during revival meetings. In her youth, she was baptized on confession of faith into Coaldale MB Church. Helena married Abram Wiens June 19, 1954. Together they farmed, first in Coaldale, later in Lomond, Alta., for 37 years. Helena gained strength in prayer. When 2 of their sons died in a farming accident, her faith was a great support to Abram. They adopted a girl and were foster parents to numerous children. Helena and Abe retired in Coaldale in 1994. Predeceased by sons Abe, Peter, 3 siblings; Helena is mourned by Abram; children Joyce (Dennis) Johnson, Tim (Lue), Andy, Dave (Shirley), Thomas, Marilyn (John) Stevens; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 siblings.
Helen DriedgerHelen Driedger died Sept. 29, 2010 after a lengthy illness. She was born July 3, 1924 in Waldheim, Ukraine to Jacob and Anna Peters. Helen spent her youth in Pitt Meadows, B.C. She was a born educator and enjoyed teaching in isolated areas of Lower Mainland, B.C., and Wembley, Grande Prairie, and Calgary, Alta. She became a member of Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1980. Predeceased by husband George in 1979, 1 sister; Helen is mourned by children Dennis, Anne (Nick) Lenstra; 1 grandson; 4 siblings and their families.
Anita PankratzAnita Pankratz died Oct. 1, 2010. She was born Apr. 13, 1931 in New Westminster, B.C. to Oscar and Mabel Berquist. Anita was a giving and loving woman, devoted to her husband and family. She attended Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Anita is mourned by her husband of 62 years Jake; children Janice (Mike), Tena, Jay, Walter (Emily), Gordon (Tammy), Michael; 5 grandchildren.
