Deaths
Hans KasdorfHans Kasdorf died Mar. 26, 2011. He was born July 27, 1928 in Aleksandrovka, Russia to Heinrich and Susanna Kasdorf. Before Hans was 2, the family immigrated to Brazil. The government closed local schools when he was in Grade 3, ending his formal schooling. At 18, Hans accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized into the MB church, Waldheim, Brazil. In 1949, Hans attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School, where he met his future wife Frieda Reimer, followed by MB Bible College, Winnipeg. After a year of teaching at East Chilliwack (B.C.) Bible School, he moved to Brazil to pastor Blumenau MB Church. In 1962, the family returned to North America. Hans studied at Tabor College, Hillboro, Kan., and University of Oregon. After one year at Huntington College, Ind., Hans taught at Pacific College, Fresno, Cal. He simultaneously enrolled at MB Biblical (MBBS) and Fuller Theological seminaries, to earn a doctorate in missiology in 1976. In 1978, Hans became missiologist at MBBS until his retirement in 1993. Hans completed a second doctorate in theology through University of South Africa. He taught at Freie Theologische Hochschule, Giessen, Germany, 1994–98. Hans was a compassionate leader in the MB church, serving on the boards of local, national, and international church organizations, including 12 years on the MB board of foreign missions. He loved learning languages, and wrote numerous books and essays in English and German. He delighted in praying for his family. Hans is mourned by Frieda; children Dianne, David, Evelyn, and their spouses; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother.
Esther (Kroeker) UnruhEsther Mary Unruh died Apr. 8, 2011 at 94. She was born Sept. 8, 1916 to Jacob and Anna Kroeker. Esther grew up in a happy, loving home and attended Winkler (Man.) MB Church, where she taught Sunday school while continuing piano studies. Esther accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour at 11 and was baptized at 16 on confession of faith. She attended Winkler Bible Institute, founded by her future father-in-law A.H. Unruh, and received a Sunday school teacher’s diploma from the Evangelical Teacher Training Association program. She also studied at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. Dec. 29, 1941, she married Henry Unruh. They lived in Kingston, Ont., 9 years while Henry was in the army and later attended Queens Medical School. After he completed his medical degree, they spent 17 years in Rossland, B.C. Esther kept busy raising 5 children. In 1968, they moved to Kamloops, B.C., staying 19 years. Henry died in 1988. Esther moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where she joined Central Heights MB Church. Esther loved the Lord and was a faithful prayer warrior and witness. Her family will miss her encouragement, love, and prayers. Predeceased by Henry, sons Richard, David, 5 siblings; Esther is mourned by children Dale, Pamela, Alexandra; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Kathryne Derksen
Kathryne Derksen died Apr. 18, 2011. She was born June 6, 1928 to David and Justina Froese. Predeceased by husband Henry Paul Derksen, daughter Janet, son Ron, grandson Thor; Kathryne is mourned by sons Gary (Marg), George (Carrie), Bruce (Teresa), Randy (Sharon), Dennis (Tonia); son-in-law John Sierink (Grace); daughter-in-law Helen; 16 grandchildren; great-grandchildren. Burial was at Borden (Sask.) MB Church cemetery.
Sue PlettSue Plett died May 21, 2011 at 90. She was born Feb. 14, 1921 in Orloff, Ukraine to Gerhard and Katharina Penner. The family immigrated to Canada when Sue was 4, settling near Oak Bluff, Man. After Grade 11, Sue moved to Winnipeg to work as a domestic. She was baptized into North End (now Elmwood) MB Church, Winnipeg, July 1940. Sue married Peter Plett Nov. 11, 1942. They lived in B.C. a few years before returning to Winnipeg. Sue modelled faith, tenacity, a strong work ethic, and a delight in travel. She enjoyed her payroll/bookkeeping jobs, but was especially excited about helping clients with income tax matters, working hard until her mid-80s when her vision became too impaired. She also found joy working in the church library. Predeceased by Peter in 2006, 8 siblings; Sue is mourned by children Carl, Kathy, Ronalee (Jim Janzen); 3 grandchildren; 1 sister.
Cornelius WohlgemuthCornelius Wohlgemuth died May 20, 2011 at 90. He was born Feb. 25, 1921 in Wymyschle, Poland to Heinrich and Minna Wohlgemuth. Corny immigrated to Canada in 1948, settling in Frankford, Ont. Corny married Frieda Oct. 29, 1949. He owned and operated East End Bakery in Kitchener, Ont., from 1952–70. He served as deacon, sang in the choir, and led Bible studies and the German service at Kitchener MB Church. Corny is mourned by Frieda; children Ruth, Nancy Funk (Tim); 2 grandchildren; 1 sister.
Gerhard (George) Reimer
Gerhard (George) Wilfred Reimer died May 27, 2011 at 97. He was born Mar. 26, 1914 in Wiesenfeld, Ukraine to Abram J. and Maria Reimer. At 5, George witnessed the murder of his grandfather and uncle. The family fled to Gnadenfeld, where they survived the Great Famine. In 1924, they immigrated to Canada, settling near Humboldt, Sask. George’s schooling ended after 6 years, replaced by hard physical labour. George began a relationship with his Saviour in his teens, was baptized, and stayed a faithful follower of Jesus throughout his life. George began courting Anne, and after their families moved to B.C., they married July 31, 1938, in Greendale MB Church, where they remained active members 1943–2005. In 2005, they moved to Menno Terrace in Abbotsford. George was an exemplary husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and in-law, a fine craftsman and farmer, and a huge contributor to church and community. Predeceased by Anne Dec. 30, 2008, George is mourned by children Reg (LaDonna), Jerry (Annelisa), Joan (Clarence) Neufeld; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren.
Sophie DueckSophie Dueck died June 6, 2011 at 99. She was born May 12, 1912 in Mennon, Sask. to John and Marie Baerg. She accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized into Ebenezer MB Church, Dalmeny, Sask., Aug. 11, 1929. She attended Dalmeny Bible School for 2 years. Sophie married John Dueck July 8, 1934. They moved to a farm in Greendale, B.C., in 1937 and became members of Greendale MB Church, where they promoted the spiritual welfare of the church. Sophie felt her primary mission field was her family and all those she met along life’s journey. She had a gift for encouraging others and prayed for many people daily. She moved to Menno Place, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1998. Predeceased by John, daughter Gladys Bahnman, infant great-granddaughter, 10 siblings; Sophie is mourned by children Roy (Eva), Evelyn (Rob) Brown; son-in-law Elmer (Janice) Bahnman; 8 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
David DyckDavid Dyck died July 30, 2011. He was born June 12, 1926 in Miloradovka, Ukraine to David Gerhard and Agneta Dyck. In 1929, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Grassy Lake, Alta. At 10, David accepted Jesus as Saviour. He was baptized in 1941. He attended Bible school in Coaldale, Alta.; at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta.; and MB Bible College, Winnipeg. In 1943, David developed the first summer camp at Southern Alberta Bible Camp. David married Mary Klassen June 3, 1955. They continued to farm in Grassy Lake until 1966, when they built a hog farm near Linden, Alta. David and Mary were members of Linden MB Church where they taught Sunday school and worked with youth, and David was involved in church committees. The project that resonated most with David was Camp Evergreen, where he was involved from the beginning, from serving on the board to constructing the facility. David was instrumental in planning and building Linden Seniors Lodge. David is mourned by Mary; children Esther (Bernie) Giese, Danny (Brenda), Arthur (Caroline), Glenn (Jean), Stephen (Kristin) Dyck-Ellerbeck; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers.
John Giesbrecht
John Isaac Giesbrecht died Aug. 23, 2011. He was born Jan. 25, 1935 in Yarrow, B.C. to Jacob John and Katherina Giesbrecht. When John was 4, the family moved to Vancouver. John accepted Christ as Saviour at 12 and was baptized at 18. He worked 2 years for Sumner Iron Works, then 40 years for H.A. Simons as a draftsman, and later as an engineer. John went to MB Bible College, Winnipeg, for one year, and taught Sunday school for 18 years at Pacific Grace Chapel (MB), Vancouver, where he also served as treasurer and young people’s leader, and met Laura Unruh. They married Sept. 26, 1964. They enjoyed camping trips, visits to Stanley Park, and holidays on the Oregon coast. John and Laura joined Willingdon Church in 1977. John served as home group Bible study leader, librarian, and assistant to the treasurer. John was diagnosed with lymphoma in June. Predeceased by 5 siblings, John is mourned by Laura; children Mark (Melissa Klysen), Michelle (Kale Pride); 5 grandchildren.
Anne Schmidt Anne Schmidt died Sept. 2, 2011 at 90 following a brief struggle with cancer. She was born June 20, 1921 in Steinbach, Ukraine to Peter and Margaret Schmidt. The family moved to Elm Creek, Man., in 1924. Anne worked many years in Winnipeg, beginning as a domestic while putting herself through Success Business School at night, then at Pauline Chambers, Central Supplies, Winnipeg Supply & Fuel, MB Bible College, and Portage Avenue Church. Around 1974, Anne moved to Neuwied, Germany, to work for the Mennonite Central Committee with the Umseidler. After returning to Winnipeg, she worked for MCC Canada, MCC Manitoba, and North Kildonan MB Church. During retirement, Anne loved to travel, read, and spend time with her large family and many friends. Anne was a member of Portage Avenue Church (MB). Predeceased by siblings Peter, Henry, Frieda (Ernest) Pauls, 2 nephews; Anne is mourned by siblings Nick (Lily), George (Rita), Vic (Vanita), Margaret (Jake) Loewen, John (Frieda); sisters-in-law Ruth, Lena; 29 nieces and nephews.
Kornelia Klassen Kornelia Klassen died Sept. 6, 2011. She was born May 30, 1927 in Kronsgarten, Ukraine to Kornelius and Anna Martens. Kornelia’s father was taken from them when she was 10. At her sister’s baptism in Gronau, Germany, as they were fleeing Russia, Kornelia accepted the Lord as Saviour. That year, she was baptized into the MB church. In 1948, Kornelia, along with her mother and sister, settled in Clearbrook, B.C. Kornelia married Kornie Klassen, August 1979, and moved to Elm Creek, Man. Kornelia loved her Lord. She sent Bibles and literature to many in Russia and Germany. She loved to bake and share her creations and the gospel with others. After Kornie’s death, Kornelia moved to Donwood Manor, Winnipeg, and became a member at Elmwood MB Church.
William BornWilliam (Bill) Born died Sept. 27, 2011 after a battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 11, 1934 in New Bridgen, Alta., to William and Katherine Born. Bill married Hilda June 3, 1955. Bill’s faith and trust in God remained steadfast throughout his life. Bill became a partner of Kelowna (B.C.) Ready Mix – a position he held from 1976–1990. In retirement, he volunteered many hours at Gardom Lake Bible Camp, Enderby, B.C. Bill also enjoyed RVing, his wife’s cooking, playing cards, reading, and singing. Bill was an active member of Willow Park Church, Kelowna. Bill is mourned by Hilda; sons Larry, Ronald, Norman, William, and their wives; 20 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
