Deaths
Annie VothAnnie Voth died July 23, 2010 at 96. She was born Sept. 30, 1913 in Russia to Frank and Katherin Dyck. At 12, she immigrated to Manitou, Man. In 1935, Annie married David Voth. After David died in 1972, she missed him deeply. She moved to Winnipeg in 1979, where she lived independently until 2008. Annie was a lifelong learner and lover of reading. She enjoyed making meals for family, hosting guests, growing plants, travelling, and interacting with people of different backgrounds. Annie spent her final days at Donwood Manor, Winnipeg. Her faith in Christ helped her navigate the challenges of life. Predeceased by David; sons John in 1990, Ben in 2006, Harry in 2009; grandson Billy in 1980, 2 grandchildren born prematurely; 1 brother; Annie is mourned by children Franklin (Esther), Hermann (Mary), Helena; daughter-in-law Lois; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The celebration of life was at Manitou MB Church.
Mary StobbeMary Neufeld Stobbe died Sept. 29, 2010. She was born Oct. 25, 1923 in Molotschna, Ukraine to Johann and Elizabeth Neufeld. The family immigrated to Canada when Mary was 9 months. She grew up in Woodlands, Man., and Winnipeg. Mary committed her life to Christ as a teenager and was baptized into North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg. She taught in Oakbank, Man., prior to her marriage to Peter Stobbe, July 23, 1949. Her passion was nurturing her children and serving her church and community; she was instrumental in starting the first MCC thrift store in Brandon, Man. Mary was Peter’s partner in life. They enjoying travelling, camping, and golfing together. Predeceased by daughter Lynda, all her siblings; Mary is mourned by Peter; children David (Candace), Edith (Tim), Elaine, Gordon (Liz), Karen (Don), Doug; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. The memorial was at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon.
Brian HardieBrian Ronald John Hardie died suddenly Oct. 15, 2010. He was born May 7, 1971 in Flin Flon, Man. to Ron and Penny Hardie. Brian was a dear husband, a great dad, and a much-loved son, brother, and uncle. He loved Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Brian is mourned by wife Sharla; children Madison, Gibson, Grayson; parents Ron and Penny; parents-in-law Peter and Sharon Boyle; brother Aaron (Megan); sister-in-law Robin (Matt); aunts and uncles; cousins; nieces and nephews. The service of remembrance and celebration was Oct. 23 at Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church.
Justine Wall WielerJustine (Jessie) Wall Wieler died Dec. 8, 2010. She was born Aug. 21, 1943 to Ted and Helen (Schulz) Wall. She grew up near Swift Current, Sask., and lived briefly in Yarrow, B.C., and Vauxhall, Alta. After attending Bethany Bible College, Hepburn, Sask., Jessie married Henry Wieler in July 1963. While she worked in Saskatoon, Henry completed university, before they moved to Calgary. In 1969, they settled in Swift Current to teach high school and raise their children. Jessie was active in children’s ministry at Bridgeway MB Church, Swift Current. In 1981, Jessie and Henry moved to Abbotsford, B.C., to teach at Mennonite Educational Institute. There they joined Central Heights Church, which supported them through Jessie’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Jessie is remembered as kind, gentle, and thoughtful. She extended hospitality to friends and international students in her home. Her smile revealed a beautiful spirit and faith in Jesus. Predeceased by 1 brother, Jessie is mourned by Henry; children Sharon (Dan) Huget, Gary (Jennifer); 5 grandchildren; 3 siblings; in-laws.
Anne PetersAnne Peters died Dec. 8, 2010. She was born June 15, 1921 in Ukraine to Peter and Katherine Wiebe. In 1923, the family immigrated to Canada, farming first in Rosthern, Sask., and then in Gilroy, Sask. Anne grew up in a Christian home and attended Vacation Bible School. After listening in on a prayer meeting, she asked her mother to pray with her to accept Jesus as Saviour. At 16, Anne met Bill Peters while working for his half-sister, and they were married July 3, 1941, in Gilroy. In 1942, to stay out of conscientious objector camps and be closer to her parents, they moved to Victoria, B.C. After Bill was in an accident a year later, they moved to Greendale, B.C., to work for a farmer until the war ended. They bought 10 acres of land. In 1953, at evangelistic meetings, Anne rededicated her life to the Lord, and was baptized into Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C. In 1956, Anne and Bill moved to a larger farm and remained until 1972. They enjoyed vacations in Okanagan, B.C., Asia, and Hawaii. In 1988, they moved to an apartment in Clearbrook, B.C., and enjoyed fellowship at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. After 17 years, they moved to Menno Terrace. Following Bill’s death in March 2008, Anne’s health began to fail, and she was moved to Menno Hospital.
Richard MatisRichard Matis died Dec. 10, 2010. He was born Jan. 5, 1940 in Deutsch Wymyschle, Poland to Benjamin and Gertrude Matis. They immigrated to Canada when he was 8. Richard attended school in Coaldale, Alta., and then worked for his father’s construction business. For 40 years, Richard worked for construction firms before becoming an independent contractor. As a teen, Richard accepted Christ at a Janz Team evangelistic meeting. He was baptized into Coaldale MB Church. In the church choir, Richard met Helen Schmidt. They married June 21, 1959. Richard made many memories for his family by taking them on vacations. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Predeceased by 1 brother, Richard is mourned by Helen; sons Ken, Dennis (Sylvia); 2 granddaughters; 3 siblings.
John WiensJohn Francis Wiens died Dec. 12, 2010 at 92. He was born Feb. 12, 1918 in Dalmeny, Sask. to Pete and Anna (Reimer) Wiens. He spent his life in the Dalmeny area, attending Willow Lake School and farming northeast of town. After marrying Helen Willms in 1940, John became a member at Dalmeny Community Church, where he served as deacon. He was involved in the Canadian MB Conference and on the Spruce Manor Special Care Home board for many years. John and Helen hosted many missionaries. John spent his last years at Spruce Manor. Predeceased by Helen in 1985, daughter Glenna (Wideman) in 1993, son-in-law Joseph Wideman in 2002; John is mourned by sons Leroy (Martha), Ivan (Hazel); daughter-in-law Maria Wideman; 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.
Irene Block Irene Block died Dec. 15, 2010. She was born Aug. 2, 1936 in Biyuk-Onlar, Ukraine to Arthur and Katherine Baerg. She began life in Tchongrav, Ukraine. During the war, her family was separated. Irene, her mother, and sister immigrated to Canada via Germany. By 9, she had not settled long enough to complete a year of school. In Canada, they settled in Whitewater, Man., October 1948. In 1949, the family moved to Vineland, Ont., where Irene gave her life to the Lord and was baptized. After Irene finished Grade 8, they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Irene completed high school at Eden Christian College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, while caring for her ill mother and younger sister, and working to support the family. She remained grateful to the anonymous donor who paid for her first year at Eden. Irene took a summer course and began teaching at 19. Several years later, she completed teacher’s college. After 4 years of courtship, Irene married John Block Aug. 19, 1956. While John travelled the next 30 years with the Messengers Quartet, Irene’s teaching provided for the family. Although Irene started as a Grade 1 teacher, she spent most of her career teaching junior high home economics. She was the consummate hostess. John and Irene lived in B.C. from 1967−69. From 1984−90, they pastored Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church, and Irene worked as church secretary and for Mennonite Trust Ltd. From 1990−95, they pastored Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. In 1995, they returned to St. Catharines, Ont., to work for Global Outreach Mission. Irene typed sermons and volunteered many hours at Tabor Manor where John served as chaplain. In 2006 and 2007, Irene had cancer-related surgeries. Between chemotherapy treatments and hospitalizations, Irene continued to serve others. The family will miss her creativity and energy. Irene was part of Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines. Predeceased by 1 sister, Irene is mourned by John; children Shirley (Gary Lounsbury), Katherine (Abe Bergen); 5 grandchildren; siblings; in-laws.
Heinrich JanzenHeinrich (Henry) Janzen died Dec. 18, 2010. He was born Oct. 24, 1924 in Blumenfeld, Ukraine to Maria and Johann Janzen. In 1933, the Russians took their flour mill, and they were forced to move to a collective farm in Schoeneberg, Ukraine. In 1941, the German army captured the area and, 2 years later, sent the Janzens to Germany. Henry served in the German army until the end of WWII. He learned his family had been sent back to Russia and decided to immigrate to Canada. Henry moved to Gronau, Germany, where he was baptized by Jacob Peters on confession of faith. In June 1950, he immigrated to Paraguay. May 3, 1951, Henry married Maria Ens, his childhood friend. In 1955, they immigrated to Canada. Henry found his family in Russia and supported them, helping them to Germany. Henry and Maria joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church (currently Cornerstone Community Church), where he was treasurer for more than 30 years. Henry also served as deacon and German Sunday school teacher, and every week delivered a recording of the church service to members confined by illness. Henry was a finish carpenter and worked for Elmwood Kitchens, St. Catharines, Ont., for the 13 years preceding his retirement. Due to Parkinson’s disease, he spent his final 3 years in Heritage Place. Henry loved his family and prayed for each of them to know Jesus. Predeceased by 10 siblings, Henry is mourned by Maria; children Hedy, Margaret, Werner (Linda), Wally (Melanie); 3 grandchildren; 1 brother; in-laws.
Peter Enns Peter Enns died Dec. 29, 2010 at 95. He was born June 15, 1915 in Arkadak, Russia to Jacob and Maria (Paetkau) Enns. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Chortitz, Man., where Peter helped farm. In 1936, he moved to Sumas (now Greendale), B.C. Peter married Susan Sawatsky Apr. 20, 1941, at Greendale MB Church, where they attended until moving to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1999. Peter and brothers Dave and John started Enns Brothers General Store in 1947, only to be flooded out in 1948. Shortly after they rebuilt, Peter became sole owner and operated the store for 30 years. Many people may not have survived the early years if it had not been for the generous store credit Peter gave them. After selling the store in 1977, Peter and son Ernie entered the Valley Maid sausage business for 10 years. In 1999, Peter and Susan moved to Menno Terrace, Abbotsford. Predeceased by great-grandson Joshua Enns, 5 siblings; Peter is mourned by Susan; son Ernie (Evelyn); 3 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; 1 sister.
John Kroeker John Kroeker died Jan. 3, 2011 at 92. He was born Oct. 10, 1918 in Landskrone, Ukraine to Sarah and Cornelius Kroeker. The family immigrated to Alberta in 1925, later settling on a farm in Alexander, Man. There he faithfully assisted on the farm and attended Robert Burns School when he could. He later took correspondence courses. During WWII, John was a conscientious objector and worked diligently as a farmhand. In 1944, John’s family moved to B.C., where John worked for Crown Zellerbach as a machine operator, printing boxes. In his youth, John was active at Union Gospel Mission, gathering children for Sunday school, teaching, participating in street singing, and visiting the elderly. There John met Helen Stobbe, and they were married June 30, 1956. They settled in Richmond, B.C. John’s passions were studying God’s Word and praying continually. He loved photography, camping, road trips, and collecting postcards. A member of Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., John served in church ministries throughout his life. John is mourned by Helen; children Paul (Carol), Ruth, Tim (Colleen), Eunice (Jeff); 7 grandchildren.
Peter Edwin LoewenPeter Edwin Loewen died Jan. 4, 2011 at 90. He was born Oct. 8, 1920 in Neu Samara, Russia to Henry and Helena (Klassen) Loewen. They immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Colonsay, Sask. As a young man, Peter made a decision to follow Jesus at a Saskatoon MB Church. At Bethany Mennonite Church, Watrous, Sask., he and Marie Ruth Driediger were baptized and then married June 23, 1946. In 1947, Peter and Marie moved to Matsqui-Abbotsford, B.C. Peter was a truck driver, then a farmer, and finally spent 26 years in the laundry-linen supply business. In 1989, a pedestrian accident forced his retirement. He enjoyed baseball and camping. Peter was active in his churches as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and council member. He served his neighbours and anyone in need. Predeceased by triplet sister in infancy, 2 brothers, daughter-in-law Marilyn; Peter is mourned by Marie; sons Mel, Les (Edie), Stan (Audrey), James (Corinne); 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 9 siblings. The memorial was at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.
Lena Braun
Lena Braun died Jan. 11, 2011 at 99. She was born June 7, 1911 in Alexandertal, Russia to David and Sarah Pauls. When the Pauls family sang on their verandah, neighbours joined in. Lena loved Sunday school. She became a Christian at 12 with her parents after an evangelistic service. In June 1926, seeking a place to follow God freely, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Arnaud, Man. As a teenager, Lena was baptized into St. Elizabeth (Man.) Mennonite Church. At 14, she left school to help at home. Lena got to know Peter Braun at church and choir practice. They were married Sept. 21, 1933, in St. Elizabeth Mennonite Church. They lived and farmed with Peter’s family. Although their first home was a renovated machine shed, they always had room for guests. In 1944, they moved to Ontario to run a fruit farm. Lena attended Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., from its founding in 1973. Lena was gifted in hospitality and organization, often coordinating wedding and funeral meals at church. After the last of the children moved out in 1977, they sold the farm. In 1987, Lena and Peter moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, where Lena continued to show hospitality as long as she was able. When Peter died in December 2007, Lena modelled a beautiful response to loss. Her children remember her as a precious mother, godly example, and powerful prayer warrior. Predeceased by Peter, 1 son-in-law; Lena is mourned by children Laura, Alvin, Theresa, Jacob, Elsie, Peter, Eleanor, Mary and their spouses; 23 grandchildren and their 17 spouses; 56 great-grandchildren and their 7 spouses; 5 great-great-grandchildren.
