Deaths
Wilfrid HeppnerWilfrid Heppner died Oct. 14, 2010. He was born Aug. 24, 1930 in Rosthern, Sask. to Henry M. and Agatha (Epp) Heppner. He asked the Lord to be his Saviour at 13 and was baptized into Salem Church just before turning 18. Wilfrid married Savilla Willems Oct. 12, 1956. He joined Brotherfield MB Church, where he served on the board of elders and sang in the choir. Wilfrid started as a dairy farmer. He and Savilla planted fruit trees and a garden. He started a ceramic business. Wilfrid’s skills included mechanics, carpentry, and body work. He enjoyed travelling to California and the Bahamas. Wilfrid worked with students at Bethany Bible College, Hepburn, Sask., took extended Bible classes at Briercrest College, Sasktoon, and shared Christ at Prison Ministries, Prince Albert, Sask. The Heppner home was always open to friends, family, and anyone in need. Wilfrid had a kind nature and shared Christ with all he met. He spent his last years in Rosthern, reading, reminiscing, and holding hands with Savilla. Predeceased by 5 siblings, Wilfrid is mourned by Savilla; children Fay (Larry) Sherwood, Pearl, Robert (Denise); 4 grandchildren; 6 siblings.
John Jacob Loewen John Jacob Loewen died Oct. 23, 2010. He was born Dec. 18, 1920 in Molotschna, Ukraine to Jacob and Anna Loewen. The family came to Canada when John was 4, settling in Crowfoot and later in Gem, Alta. John learned to play the accordion, violin, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. He was also choir leader in Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church. John accepted Christ as Saviour at 14. He had a passion for Christ, a strong sense of justice, and an unashamed witness. John married Tina Thiessen Mar. 27, 1949, and raised 6 children on the farm, first in the Circle Hill district near Vauxhall and then in Enchant, Alta., where they attended an Evangelical Free Church. He had a great love for young people. Hunting, fishing, and camping were his hobbies. John’s words of encouragement in Columbia Assisted Living, where he and Tina spent the past 4 years, had people wondering if he had been a pastor. John is mourned by Tina; children Linda Stewart, Betty (Gordon) Reed, Judy (Henry) Klassen, Joyce (Steve) Dennis, Dorothy (Bryan) Bennett, Robert and their families; 7 siblings.
Henry SchmidtHenry Schmidt died Nov. 22, 2010. He was born Jan. 1, 1923 in Kleefeld, Russia to Henry and Anna Schmidt. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Leamington, Ont. At 21, he was baptized in Kitchener, Ont. Henry married Helen Dueck of Virgil, Ont., June 1, 1946. They made their home near Leamington and became members of Meadowbrook Fellowship. During WWII, Henry worked as a conscientious objector in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., and then on farms. In 1967, Henry and Helen became owners of Schmidt Foods. Later he worked with local farmers and drove for car dealerships. He retired at 82. Henry enjoyed baseball and singing in a quartet, and taking his family swimming and tobogganing. He served the church by ushering, singing in a men’s choir, and decorating with flowers. His life was characterized by hard work, pride in his family, religious traditions, flower gardening, and travelling. Predeceased by 2 siblings, Henry is mourned by Helen; children Henry, Carol, Dorothy, Ruth, Lori, Tom, James, Judy, Bob, Jeff and their 8 spouses; 26 grandchildren and their 9 spouses; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Loyd SperlingLoyd Ben Wilfred Sperling died Jan. 25, 2011. He was born Dec. 20, 1948 in Matsqui, B.C. to Walter and Albertine Sperling. His beginnings were in the loft of a relative’s barn during logging, but the family soon returned to the 1917 farmhouse north of Dalmeny, Sask. As a teen, Loyd taught himself guitar. His passions were hockey, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, hiking, and biking. After a year at Bethany Bible College, Hepburn, Sask., Loyd’s interests led him to the Renewable Resources program at Lethbridge (Alta.) Community College. He met a Calgary girl, Maralin Johanson, who was on a tree planting crew and had never heard of a Mennonite, but enjoying hiking with him. They were married Oct. 11, 1975, in Dalmeny. Loyd and Mara settled into the farm. Loyd was a nurturing father, involving his children in farming, exploring nature, sports, and music, and participating at Dalmeny Community Church. Loyd eased out of farming but continued driving school bus. In 2007, Loyd was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Throughout surgical and medical interventions, his gracious nature and concern for others never left him. Loyd is mourned by Mara; children Brita (Brad) Danielson, Camille, Leif, Jarret; 8 siblings.
Esther HeppnerEsther Edna Heppner died Mar. 7, 2011 at 92. She was born June 5, 1918 in Laird, Sask. to Agnes and Erdman Nikkel. After completing Grade 10, she worked as a housekeeper. Esther married Ben L. Heppner Sept. 7, 1941, fulfilling her dream of becoming a farmer’s wife. After Ben answered a call to ministry and enrolled at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., she served faithfully beside him in Guadeloupe and Haiti for 20 years, teaching Sunday school, working with women, playing the pump organ for street meetings, and homeschooling their children. As they pastored in Chilliwack, B.C.; Warman, Sask.; Lethbridge, Alta.; Langham, Sask.; and Saskatoon, Esther opened her home to guests, prayed for needs, and cared for infants in the nursery. Esther enjoyed reading, bowling, playing games, singing in the Bethany Manor choir, and camping with Ben in their motorhome. She will be remembered for her positive attitude and relentless prayers. Predeceased by Ben, son Timothy, 3 siblings; Esther is mourned by daughter Pat (Henry) Wiebe; 3 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings.
Tobias Voth Tobias Allan Voth died Mar. 10, 2011. He was born Sept. 11, 1930 in Springstein, Man. to Johannes and Katherina Voth. In 1951, the family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Toby attended Winkler Bible Institute where he met Lena Dyck. They married Aug. 8, 1953, and settled in Winnipeg. Toby and Lena were founding members of Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, and Toby supervised the church building’s construction. His career included construction, real estate, and a host of projects. He invested years into the partnership at Central Canadian Structures and enjoyed the cottage development at Shoal Lake. Selling commercial property and helping individuals transition to senior housing brought him joy. Toby treated every aspect of life as an adventure. He did youth ministry at Camp Arnes, told “Uncle Toby” stories with Gospel Light Hour, and led canoe trips for Boys Brigade. He took his family on car trips across Canada and the U.S. Toby loved to hunt and fish. Toby is mourned by Lena; children Arlene (Paul) Kroeker, Audrey (Terry) Petkau, Jeanne (Frank) Friesen, Daniel (Joanne) Voth, Sandra (Marshall) Naruzny; 16 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.
Terence ToewsTerence Toews died Mar. 12, 2011. He was born Apr. 23, 1932 in Swalwell, Alta. to John and Elizabeth Toews. In his early 20s, Terence worked on a logging crew. Terence married Vera Boese in 1954 and took over his father’s dairy and grain farm for 6 years. After Terence studied for 2 years at Mount Royal College, Calgary, they returned to the farm. Terence worked as co-op store manager, accountant, chicken farmer, and in Drumheller as a Butler Grain Bin distributor and manager of the Kneehill Gas Co-op. He started his accounting business Morning Star Consultants in the 1980s and retired in 1997. In 2004, Terence and Vera bought a house in Linden, Alta. Terence will be remembered for his work ethic; leadership in his family, community, and church; volunteer work for Kneehill Ambulance; teaching first aid; and a love of history, philosophy, reading, writing, and meaningful conversation. He spent time playing with his children and grandchildren, hiking, biking, and camping. His relationship with Jesus tempered everything he did. Terence did not put much value in possessions; he stood up for the less fortunate. Terence was a member of Linden MB Church. Predeceased by son Austin, 7 siblings; Terence is mourned by Vera; children SuAnn (Clarence) Poettcker, John (Monique Rombaldi), Gladene (Daniel Makasoff), Myles (Patty), Ellen Toews Evans (Doug Evans), Adele; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Helen ThiessenHelen Thiessen died Mar. 13, 2011. She was born Aug. 3, 1924 in Felsenbach, Ukraine to Abram and Helena (Penner) Thiessen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, settling in Alexander, Man. Helen came to faith in her late teens through her sister’s testimony, and was baptized into Griswold (Man.) MB Church. She attended Peniel Bible School, Winkler, 1944−46, and MB Bible College, Winnipeg, 1950−52. Helen loved her career as a registered nurse, graduating from Grace Hospital, Winnipeg, in 1957. She served in Winnipeg, Reedley, Cal., Australia, and Brandon, Man. She retired as head nurse in 1985 after 19 years at Chilliwack General Hospital, B.C. Helen joined Central Community Church, Chilliwack, in 1986. She was an avid reader and photographer and meticulously documented her annual travels. Helen is remembered for her prayerful generosity to Christian radio, missionaries, and mission organizations. She served her church and Mennonite Central Committee tirelessly. Predeceased by 1 brother, Helen is mourned by 5 siblings; 11 nieces and 13 nephews and their families.
Agnes SchmidtAgnes Siemens Schmidt died Mar. 13, 2011. She was born Jan. 4, 1928 in Reinfeld, Amur, Russia to Jakob and Maria (Janzen) Siemens. She had fond memories of playing in the woods. When Agnes was 10, her father, the village leader, was taken away by the Communists and never seen again. Her family made the month-long train journey to Ukraine to live with Agnes’ grandmother. During WWII, they became refugees in Germany. Agnes decided to follow Christ as Lord and was baptized Aug. 19, 1946, in Berlin. The family was caught in Berlin’s Russian zone with the threat of being sent to Siberia. They were in the last train of refugees allowed out. After their ship, the Vollendam, landed in Paraguay during a revolution, they made a home in the jungle. Agnes married Theodor Schmidt Mar. 8, 1952. They grew manioc, oranges, grapefruit, and bananas. After 11 years, Agnes and Theodor immigrated to Canada, arriving in Clearbrook, B.C., in 1958, with the three girls, some clothing, and travel debt. Agnes picked berries and beans and worked in the cannery at night each fall. She joined East Aldergrove MB Church (now Ross Road), Abbotsford, B.C., Sept. 6, 1987. Agnes enjoyed planting flowers, reading, walking, and meeting friends for coffee. Despite dementia, Agnes always recognized family. Agnes is mourned by Theodor; children Annie, Dorothy, Marianne, Karl, Theresa.
Lynda S. Dyck Lynda S. Dyck died Mar. 16, 2011 at 95. She was born Feb. 22, 1916 in Herbert, Sask. to Henry and Aganetha Penner. When Lynda was young, her mother and sister died of typhoid fever. After her father married Tina Penner, they settled in Winkler, Man, in the 1920s. Lynda’s first job was turning off the lights and locking the synagogue Friday nights. She was baptized July 26, 1931, into Winkler MB Church. Lynda attended Winkler Bible Institute and later completed high school by correspondence. She finished normal school in Winnipeg and taught in Zion district. Though she had no intention of marrying, 3 weeks after her first date with George Dyck, Lynda accepted his marriage proposal. Because of her mother’s fragile health, on her father’s advice, Lynda and George eloped Mar. 7, 1940. Lynda drove tractor and truck, cared for animals, planted garden, and canned preserves on their farm near Winkler. Lynda suffered asthma; sometimes her 13-year-old would take her for late-night drives to ease the tension in her lungs. Servanthood marked her life. At Winkler MB Church, Lynda taught Sunday school, served on committees, led women’s groups, and was a deacon with George. Many nights, the children would come home to find Lynda and George praying for them. Lynda journalled daily for most of her adult life. Lynda and George were Winkler Bible Institute dorm parents for 5 years. They travelled to Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, and Great Britain. When George was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), Lynda nursed him. Lovingly referred to as “Grandma Cookie,” Lynda loved indulging grandchildren. Predeceased by George, daughter Katherine, granddaughter Charlotte, son-in-law Peter Froese, 1 sister; Lynda is mourned by children Louise (Peter Victor Froese), Peter (Irene Falk), John (Carol Neufeld), Kelvin (Elaine Lieske), Donald (Kimberly Sue Kingdom); son-in-law Norman Fuhr; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
Katharine Hiebert Katharine Hiebert died Mar. 24, 2011 at 97. She was born Mar. 13, 1914 in Waldheim, Ukraine to David and Katharine (Dirks) Goertzen. During WWI, Katie’s father was pressed to serve as a medic. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925, and to Newton Siding, Man., in 1927. By 16, Katie had confessed a personal faith and was baptized into Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. Working as a maid in Winnipeg is when “I became myself,” she said. Katie married John Hiebert in St. Anne, Man., in 1935. In 1937, they moved to Leamington, Ont., and later joined St. Catharines MB Church (now Scott Street), where Katie remained a faithful member until death. Katie served on the church welcome committee because she loved to cook and show hospitality. She did housework to supplement the family’s income. Through typhoid fever, headaches, and 2 cataract operations, Katie never lost her sense of humour. Predeceased by John in 1998, daughter Hertha Hiebert in 2008, great-granddaughter Katie Willems in 1988, 4 sisters; Katie is mourned by children Albert (Peggy), Herbert (Barbara), Linda (Bob), Gloria; son-in-law Jake Hiebert; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Rubena SchellenbergRubena (Janzen) Schellenberg died Mar. 24, 2011 at 93. She was born Sept. 7, 1917. Predeceased by husband Peter, daughters Deanna, Julie, son-in-law Harold Klassen, 1 sister; Rubena is mourned by children Dennis (Jackie), Marilyn (Larry) Hamelin, Wayne (Marilyn), Arlene Klassen, Jim (Pat); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Susanna LoewenSusanna Loewen died Mar. 29, 2011 at 94. She was born Sept. 23, 1916 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Peter and Susanna Klassen. She joined Highland Church, Calgary, Dec. 8, 1960. Predeceased by husband David Loewen Oct. 21, 2009, Susanna is mourned by children Alice (Barry) Steele, Ed (Kathy Wine), Betty (Paul) Spady, Linda (Bob) Ritter; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
