Deaths
Donald MacIverDonald Ormond Gordon MacIver died Aug. 24, 2010. He was born May 30, 1933 in Elrose, Sask. to John and Gladys (Haskins) MacIver. When Don was 5, his father died and the family felt the stigma of poverty. When he learned boxing, he earned a reputation for fighting, particularly when he was drinking. In 1959, Don married Marjorie (Stanley) Milne, a widow with 4 children. Don farmed, then worked on the construction of the Gardiner Dam. In 1964, the family moved to Richmond, B.C., where Don worked for the city. There Marjorie gave her life to the Lord and urged Don to quit drinking and join her at church. Don joined Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and later chose to follow Jesus. After retiring, they returned to Saskatchewan and joined Christian Fellowship Church (MB), Lucky Lake. For 38 years, Don helped others overcome addiction through A.A. He loved hunting and fishing. Predeceased by Marjorie in 2006, stepdaughter Joan, 2 sisters; Donald is mourned by daughter Donna (Aime); stepchildren Ethel, Linda (Wayne), Stan (Shirley); 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Edward BullerEdward Buller died Nov. 11, 2010. He was born Nov. 7, 1921 near Ernfold, Sask. to John and Maria Buller. As a youth, while driving a team of horses, he was nearly struck by lightning, prompting him to accept Christ. Ed was baptized into Gnadenau MB Church, Flowing Well, Sask. He completed a commercial course and studied 3 years at Herbert (Sask.) Bible School. Ed married Martha Elizabeth (Betty) Penner in 1943. They moved to Saskatoon in 1948 where Ed operated Western Book and Stationery, a Christian bookstore, for 35 years. Ed was involved in Central MB Church, Saskatoon. Ed and Betty retired in 1985 to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Central Heights MB Church. After Betty developed Alzheimer’s disease, Ed lovingly cared for her until her death in 1998. Ed married Reanetta Schellenberg in 1999. Ed served God through his business and church involvement, by volunteering at Haggai Institute and the MCC store, and singing with the Men of Praise. Hard-working and fun-loving, Ed’s quick wit and interest in others brightened many lives. Predeceased by Betty, 2 grandchildren, 4 siblings; Edward is mourned by Reanetta; children Stanley (Wendy), Marlene (Alfred) Huebert, Darrell (Karen), Donna (Dave) Smith, Beverley (Glen) Atkinson, Brenda (Neil) Taylor, Dwight (Wendy); stepchildren Larry Schellenberg, Randy (Janet) Schellenberg, Pearl (Mark) Galbraith; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Art PetersArthur (Art) Nick Peters died Dec. 29, 2010 in a flying accident. He was born May 12, 1948 in Winnipeg to Nick and Katie Peters. He accepted Christ at an early age. Art attended Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute before earning a BSc in Agriculture from University of Manitoba. He earned his pilot’s license at the Brandon Flying Club in 1973. Art married Leona Penner in 1974. He grew his company West-Gro Seeds. A great boss, Art was a man of his word and fair in all he did. Art was a member of Boissevain (Man.) MB Church, where he served in various leadership capacities. Art was involved in opening Boissevain’s active adult living centre Crocus Hill Estate and starting a petition to provide Brandon Municipal Airport with an instrument landing system. He was part of Boissevain’s Christian Business Men’s Association and supported Mission Aviation Fellowship. Sharing and living his faith were important to him. Art is mourned by Leona; sons Kurt, Bradley, Scott; mother Katie; 4 siblings.
Eleanor BagshawEleanor Idele Bagshaw died Jan. 11, 2011. She was born Dec. 6, 1935 in Kelstern, Sask. to David and Lydia Redekopp. In her youth, she came to faith in Jesus and remained faithful all her life. When she was 15, the family moved to Birsay, Sask., where Eleanor completed high school and met Laverne Bagshaw. After teacher’s college and a couple years teaching in the Beechy, Sask., area, Eleanor married Laverne July 18, 1957. They farmed in the Birsay area, and Eleanor continued teaching until their children were born. Eleanor enjoyed gardening, listening to music, and playing piano, organ, and accordion. She offered piano lessons, sang in choirs, and served as church pianist at Christian Fellowship Church (MB), Lucky Lake, Sask. Eleanor and Laverne loved to travel, camp, and attend gospel concerts together. They were inseparable. Eleanor is mourned by Laverne; children Norine (Alvin), Kelvin (Barb), Brent (Lisa), Jim, David (Natalie); 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 brother.
Katherina GiesbrechtKatherina Giesbrecht died Feb. 10, 2011 at 101. She was born Jan. 14, 1910 in Kamenskaja, Russia to Johann and Katherina (Epp) Rempel. The family of 10 moved to Omsk, Siberia, seeking safety and living in poverty. In 1926, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. Katherina worked as a maid to support the family. She studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute for a year. The family moved to Sardis, B.C. Katherina worked as a maid and nanny in Vancouver. She married John Giesbrecht in 1948. (Their families had known each other in Russia.) In 1965, John died of a heart attack, and Katherina relied on God for strength to raise 2 children. She was an active member of North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, into her 80s, attending ladies’ group and serving as deaconess. God answered her prayer to live to see her first grandchild’s wedding. Katherina lived in her own home until 85, after which she spent 9 years in Donwood South and 6 in Donwood Personal Care Home. Predeceased by John, all her siblings; Katherina is mourned by children Carol (Walter) Warkentin, Peter (Jacky); 2 granddaughters; 1 great-grandson.
Helen KlippensteinHelen Klippenstein died Mar. 9, 2011. She was born Dec. 31, 1936 in Paraguay to Abram and Maria Isaak. Her home was full of music and happiness. She came to faith in Christ at 12 and was baptized in her early teens. Helen married Ernst Klippenstein in Vineland, Ont., May 9, 1959. They became members of Scott Street MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. Helen supported Ernst in his home business while raising 5 children. She trained as a health care aide and worked at Heidehof Retirement Home for 17 years. She developed many friendships and blessed many people with her generous and positive spirit as she worked joyfully among seniors. Predeceased by 1 sister, Helen is mourned by Ernst; children Monika (Karl), Karl (Catherine), Rose (Paul), Ursula (Dan), Betty (Garry); 15 grandchildren; 4 sisters.
Katherine Ediger
Katherine Ediger died Mar. 13, 2011 at 92. She was born July 29, 1918 in Friedensruh, Ukraine to Peter and Katherina Penner. In 1926, the family fled post-revolutionary Russia for Namaka, Alta., then Glenside, Sask. During the Depression, they pioneered at Bournemouth, Sask. Katherine accepted Jesus as Saviour at evangelistic services in her home in 1930. She was baptized Aug. 14, 1938. After moving to Vineland, Ont., Katherine married Peter Ediger, who had moved from B.C. to join her. She worked as a domestic and in a zipper factory. Katherine and Peter were active in Vineland MB Church and Scott Street MB Church. Katherine sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and formed a young marrieds group. In 1963, Katherine and Peter became charter members of Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines. Katherine was known at Camp Crossroads as “the bun lady” for her baking. She enjoyed partnering with Peter in the family business and camping with her family. Despite Katherine’s failing health in her last year, she continued feeding a personal care home resident. She lived a life of shared ministry, prayer, and behind-the-scenes support. Predeceased by Peter in 1978, son James in 1971, 6 siblings; Katherine is mourned by children Gerald (Carol), John; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.
Sharon SmithSharon Emily Catherine Smith died Mar. 14, 2011. She was born Dec. 27, 1948 in Simcoe, Ont. to Ralph and Emily Bint. Sharon was a long-time member of Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship Church, Simcoe, Ont. Predeceased by granddaughter Brittney, Sharon is mourned by husband Ken; children Shawn (Dawn), Shannon (Matthew) Turvey, Sheri, Sharmin (Jim) Smith-Vanderkooy; 10 grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Abram EsauAbram John Esau died Mar. 24, 2011 at 97. He was born Oct. 4, 1913 in Kuban, Russia to Johann and Sara (Wiens) Esau. They moved to Molotschna, Ukraine, then to Suvorovka, Russia. When Abe was 11, his mother died, and a year later, his father married Mary Reimer. The family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Langham, Sask., in 1925. They bought a farm in Yarrow, B.C., in 1928. At 17, Abe prayed, “I am yours for whatever ministry you have for me.” He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute and Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. He married Sarah Martens in Yarrow, B.C., June 7, 1942. After Abe graduated from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, in 1947, the Esaus served in the Belgian Congo for 30 years. In 1980, Abe and Sarah retired. Sarah died of cancer 5 years later. Abe married Katie Siemens in 1987. They enjoyed several mission trips to Africa and India. In 2010, they moved to Menno Home. Predeceased by Sarah, 9 siblings; Abram is mourned by Katie; children Lois (Allen) Epp, Merilyn (Gary) Nuss, Carol (Randy) Peters, Harold (Vangie), Dan (Brenda), Esther (Wes) Friesen; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Peter Plett Peter Plett died Apr. 3, 2011. He was born Aug. 24, 1925 in Schoental, Russia to Peter and Sara (Wiebe) Plett. The family immigrated to Canada in 1929, settling on a farm in McAuley, Man., for 7 years, before coming to Gem, Alta., in 1937. He accepted the Lord as Saviour Dec. 6, 1942, and was baptized Aug. 27, 1944, into Gem MB Church. Peter married Elfrieda Siemens June 24, 1951. Peter spent most of his years in Gem farming, and later worked at Brooks Co-op, after which he drove school bus. He volunteered with M2/W2 prison ministry and had a positive influence on many lives over 20 years. Peter and Elfrieda moved to Prince of Peace Village in July 2001, and joined Highland MB Church, Calgary. Peter had a stroke Mar. 10, 2011. Predeceased by 2 siblings, Peter is mourned by Elfrieda; children Lillian (Dave), Verna (Kevin), Alvin (Angela), Don (Elma), Ernie (Verna), Steven (Denise); 25 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
Frank PetersFrank Peters Peters died Apr. 5, 2011. He was born Dec. 22, 1929 in Durango, Mexico to Frank Peters and Justina Peters. His father died before Frank’s birth. Frank accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1947. He was baptized in 1949 in Chihauhau, Mexico. He moved to Burns Lake, B.C., where he worked at the sawmill. Later, he manufactured card boxes and square sticks through government contracts. Frank gave up his business when he became visually impaired. He worshipped at Olivet Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, B.C., for years. Frank became a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, in 2008. His faith kept him strong. Predeceased by first wife Tina (Driediger), second wife Tina Peters, 4 siblings; Frank is mourned by wife Mary (Reimer); foster daughters Marianne (Peter Lorkin), Marilyn; 2 grandsons.
Elisabeth Isaac Elisabeth Isaac died Apr. 7, 2011 at 99. She was born Oct. 25, 1911 in Alexanderfeld, Ukraine. She helped her father on the farm until her marriage to John Isaac in 1933. In 1942, when the churches were allowed to meet, Elisabeth was baptized. She remained strong in her faith to the end. In 1943, the German army relocated the family to Poland. John was drafted by the German army in 1944, and Elisabeth and their children were moved to Germany in 1945. Months later, the Soviets sent the single mother to work in Bashkir Republic, Russia, clearing trees. Elisabeth moved to Kazakhstan in 1958, where she was free to care for her family and enjoy the arrival of grandchildren. She had no news of her husband until a letter arrived in 1956, saying he had immigrated to St. Catherines, Ont., in 1948. John initiated immigration proceedings, and in 1966, John, Elisabeth, and their eldest were reunited after 22 years. Their other children arrived in ’71 and ’74. Elisabeth was a determined woman, overcoming obstacles with a smile. She enjoyed sharing stories and kept her sense of humour. Predeceased by John, 2 daughters, 8 siblings, 2 sons-in-law; Elisabeth is mourned by children Tina (Frank) Wiens, John (Elfriede), Aganetha (Peter) Schmidt; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.
Jack SpenstJack Spenst died Apr. 13, 2011. He was born Sept. 29, 1926 in Winnipeg to Gerhard and Mary (Quiring) Spenst. In 1948, the family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where Jack remained the rest of his life. He was baptized into Broadway Church (MB), Chilliwack, in 1949. Jack married Erna Baerg June 29, 1954. He worked in the plastering business with his father for 22 years, as a bookkeeper for 8 years, and as a custodian at Broadway Church for 17 years until retirement. Jack was a man of deep faith that helped him through good and difficult times. Church was important to Jack. He was a boys’ club leader, deacon, elder, care group leader, and choir member. He was involved in the 55-plus seniors’ group, and together with Erna, visited people who were sick or elderly. Jack belonged to the men’s fellowship group for more than 30 years and the Cheam Housing board for many years. He and Erna delivered Meals on Wheels. Jack loved to study the Bible. He enjoyed hockey, golf, crossword puzzles, and games. Jack was orderly, disciplined, and dependable in all that he did. A man of integrity, he had a patient, gentle, contented spirit and a delightful sense of humour. Predeceased by Erna in 2007, 1 brother; Jack is mourned by daughters Carol Veer (Terry), Kathy Rempel; 4 grandchildren; 9 siblings.
Ted SmithTed Donal Smith died Apr. 14, 2011. He was born July 6, 1946 in Vancouver to Tom and Thelma Smith. Ted married Lynn July 22, 1967, in Surrey, B.C. He was baptized into Arnold Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1982, and joined Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C., in 2003. Ted was passionate about the outdoors. He was a true servant, a determined man who faced Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure without complaining. Predeceased by his mother, Ted is mourned by Lynn; children Shawn (Cindy), Shelley (Evan); 4 grandchildren; his father; 3 siblings.
Waldemar JanzWaldemar Abram Janz died Apr. 16, 2011. He was born Mar. 27, 1924 in Main Centre, Sask. to Abram and Justina Janz. He received Jesus as Saviour July 17, 1941, at an evangelistic tent meeting in Herbert, Sask. He was baptized into Main Centre MB Church Sept. 12, 1943. After a year at Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, Sask., he returned to the farm. Waldemar married Ruth Marie Ewert July 23, 1952. Farming was their passion. They moved to Swift Current, Sask., in 1984, and to Saskatoon in 2005. Waldemar served faithfully as church treasurer and choir member. He loved reading, curling, baseball, and watching hockey, football, and curling. A loving husband, he will be remembered for his gentleness and generosity. Predeceased by 1 brother, Waldemar is mourned by Ruth; daughters Kathleen (Blake) Penson, Sandra (Leo) Derksen, Jeanette (Michael) Schoeder, Donna (Darrell) Schoeder, Sharon (Jeff) Jenkins; 3 grandchildren; extended family.
