Deaths
John Alexander CalvinJohn Alexander Calvin died Oct. 21, 2010. He was born June 8, 1928 near Hazenmore, Sask. to David and Elsie (Harris) Calvin. He finished high school in Hazenmore and took a diesel mechanics course in Edmonton. John married Esther Hall Nov. 7, 1958. He loved his mixed grain and cattle farm. In 2009, John and the family received the Century Family Farm Award for the farm near Pinto Creek his father homesteaded. John enjoyed reading, watching TV, listening to music, and attending church. John was proud of his Irish heritage and travelled to Ireland and England, visiting his ancestral homes. He also travelled Arizona, California, Mexico, B.C., and Alberta. John attended Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel. At the time of his death from surgery complications and pneumonia, he resided in Mankota, Sask. John was a dedicated father, grandfather, and husband. John is mourned by Esther; children Leslie (Donette), Linda, Rosalie (Scott) Davis, Ruth (Trent) Carr; 8 grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Tina (Epp) WiensTina Wiens died Dec. 8, 2010 at 97. She was born Oct. 15, 1913 in Laird, Sask. to David and Maria (Loewen) Epp. She accepted Christ as Saviour at 13 and was baptized into Laird MB Church. She attended Ebenfeld School until Grade 8, and spent a year at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. In 1934, she married Peter P. Wiens. They moved to Kitchener, Ont., in 1940, back to Laird in 1942, to Arnold. B.C., in 1948, and to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1958. They operated wheat, dairy, poultry, and raspberry farms. Tina was an active member in MB churches in Laird, Arnold, South Abbotsford, and Clearbrook, B.C. She practiced her faith by teaching Sunday school, serving the ladies’ aid and food committees, volunteering at the MCC thrift shore, and sewing patchwork quilts for Helping Hands. Tina enjoyed singing, organ playing, baking, gardening, travelling, and caring for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Peter, 11 siblings; Tina is mourned by children Marlys Welsh, Grace, Marjorie, Carol (Merv) Boschman, Dennis, Victor (Marty); 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial was at Clearbrook MB Church.
Lotte (Berendt) RahnLotte Erna Rahn died Dec. 18, 2010 at 95. She was born Sept. 16, 1915 in West Prussia, Germany to Karl and Emma (Funk) Berendt. In 1935, she married Herbert Rahn. In 1938, they purchased a farm in Windeck, Germany. In 1939, Herbert was drafted, but permitted to return home for seedtime and harvest. In 1945, Herbert became a prisoner of the Russians, and in 1946, Lotte fled with her children to northern Germany. Herbert was released in 1948 due to ill health, and reunited with his family. They immigrated to Canada in 1952 with the help of Mennonite Central Committee and Matsqui MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. They purchased a berry farm near Aldergrove, B.C. Lotte and Herbert were baptized into East Aldergrove MB Church (now Ross Road Community Church), Abbotsford, B.C., and later became founding members and deacons of King Road MB Church. In 1982, Herbert died. Lotte moved to Clearbrook, B.C., in 1987 and joined Clearbrook MB Church. Lotte was a diligent worker with a generous heart for others. She loved the Lord, his Word, and walking in his creation. Predeceased by Herbert, infant son Peter, daughter Helga (Richard) Garrett, daughter Regina Heins, 10 siblings; Lotte is mourned by children Anita (David) Esau, Henry (Valarie); son-in-law Siegfried; her children’s families.
Peter John DerksenPeter John Derksen died Dec. 21, 2010. He was born Oct. 8, 1923 in Ukraine to John Jacob and Katharina (Regehr) Derksen. When he was a few weeks old, his family left for Moscow to immigrate to Canada. They were detained due to illness in Southampton, England, finally arriving in Blaine Lake, Sask. They bought a farm in Watrous, Sask., and after several crop failures, moved to Yarrow, B.C. Peter met Agatha Riesen at youth group in 1943. Peter and Agatha were baptized into Yarrow MB Church July 29, 1945. They married Aug. 5, 1945, and moved to Texada Island, B.C. In 1946, they moved to Arnold, B.C., where they farmed, raised their daughters, and Peter worked in construction. When Peter began driving school bus in Campbell River, B.C., in 1962, they joined Black Creek (B.C.) MB Church. In 1968, Agatha was injured in a car accident and required full-time care, so they moved to Abbotsford, B.C. There, Peter drove school bus until he retired in 1988. In 1989, Peter moved to Central Heights Manor and attended Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford. When he moved to Tabor Court in 2007, he joined Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Agatha in 2004, an infant son, 4 siblings; Peter is mourned by daughters Judith (Ben) Hildebrand, Katherine (Ian) Campbell, Louise (Dan) Williams; 8 grandchildren and their 7 spouses; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Jacob M. Klassen Jacob (J.M.) Klassen died Dec. 23, 2010. He was born Feb. 12, 1929 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Jacob J. and Aganetha (Martens) Klassen. When J.M. was a year old, his family immigrated to Canada. In July 1947, he was baptized into Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. He began his 13-year teaching career at 16, and then served as Bethesda Hospital administrator in Steinbach, Man. J.M. married Katherine Thiessen July 2, 1950. They served with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Korea (1958–61) and Akron, Pa. (1961–63). J.M. became MCC Canada’s first executive secretary in 1964. He also served MCC 3 years as executive committee member, 8 years as Canadian executive director, and as Canadian executive director emeritus. J.M. related well with the inter-Mennonite network in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. He was a servant leader, a man of deep faith, a good friend, and an advocate for the poor and marginalized. Katherine died in March 1996, and J.M. married Betty (Klassen) Wiebe in May 1998. J.M. had a sense of humour and an inspiring commitment to the Anabaptist faith. He enjoyed singing in choirs and quartets. J.M. fostered community, service, and compassion. He published his life story, Jacob’s Journey in 2001. Predeceased by Katherine, 2 siblings in infancy; J.M. is mourned by Betty; daughters Martha (Harold Koslowsky), Lorna (Harry Froese); stepsons Alvin (Audrey) Wiebe, Raymond (Donna) Wiebe, Stanley (Sally) Wiebe; 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers. The memorial was at River East MB Church, Winnipeg.
Cornelius Regehr Cornelius (Cornie) George Regehr died Dec. 26, 2010 at 99. He was born Sept. 27, 1911 in Terek, Russia to Peter H. and Anna (Reimer) Regehr. While his parents were in conscientious objector camps, Cornie lived with a teenaged aunt. In 1925, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Cornie met Katie Klassen who worked at his family’s honey farm; they were married Apr. 21, 1940. They moved to Yarrow, B.C. Cornie trained as a welder and built Liberty Ships in North Vancouver. From 1944–49, he worked at Yarrow Co-op, followed by 20 years on construction projects in Yarrow, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and New Westminster, B.C. In the ’50s, he designed a commercial sprayer and sprayed local berry farms. From 1970–82, he delivered mail for Canada Post. Cornie was active in Yarrow MB Church as Sunday school timekeeper and treasurer in the ’40s, secretary from 1950–75, and German choir director from 1984–89. Retirement was a time to pursue his love of poetry, through which he shared his love for God. In 1993, Cornie and Katie moved into an Abbotsford condo, where residents relied on Cornie and his toolkit. Cornie and Katie joined Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. There Cornie sang in the German choir and assisted with the tape-duplicating ministry. Cornie cared for Katie until her death in 2002. Two years later, he married Elizabeth Wipf. She died in 2008. Predeceased by Katie, Elizabeth; Cornie is mourned by children Hank, Chuck, John, Marge Friesen; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; in-laws.
Lorraine KnutsonLorraine Knutson died Jan. 6, 2011, after a battle with cancer. She was born Apr. 20, 1933 in the Lorenzo district to Frank and Alexandrine LaFreniere. In 1948, she met and later married Ellis Knutson. Lorraine was a people person who loved to entertain, cook, bake, play cards, make crafts, watch game shows, and spend time at Chitek Lake, Sask., with family and friends. She made delicious donuts, perogies, buns, pickles, pastries; no one left her home hungry. She was proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and loved to spoil them. Lorraine was a member of West Portal Church, Saskatoon. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Lorraine is mourned by Ellis; children Beverly (Myles) Marchand, Wayne (Sal), Barry (Christine); 7 grandchildren and their 5 spouses; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Margaret TruhnMargaret Truhn died Jan. 11, 2011. She was born Dec. 25, 1939 in Winnipeg to Cornelius and Sara Dyck. She grew up in Vauxhall, Alta. Margaret came to know the Lord and was baptized in the Bow River. She completed 3 years at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. Her faith sustained her through the loss of her mother in 1967. She lived with her dad in Richmond, B.C., while working as a housekeeper in Vancouver. She was a gentle and kind aunt. Margaret married Kony Truhn July 8, 1978. They loved camping and fishing together. In 1991, Margaret and Kony began attending King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., where Margaret enjoyed playing piano for the German Bible study. Margaret had a soft heart for people in need and, together with Kony, never missed an opportunity to share her time and belongings. Margaret is mourned by Kony; family and friends.
Ruth KlassenRuth T. Klassen died Jan. 21, 2011. She was born Nov. 27, 1933 in Yarrow, B.C. to Aron and Olga Rempel. By 6, she was caring for infant sisters and helping on the raspberry farm and fruit orchard. Ruth attended Yarrow Elementary, Sharon Mennonite Collegiate, Chilliwack Senior Secondary, Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI), and MB Bible College, but was not able to complete high school and college due her mother’s heart attacks. Ruth was baptized into Yarrow MB Church Sept. 12, 1948. Despite daily migraines beginning in her mid-teens, Ruth exhibited musical talent and intelligence. By 16, she was playing piano for Yarrow MB Church’s live Sunday morning radio broadcasts, and various orchestras and choirs. During a performance at MEI in 1951, she caught Frank Klassen’s attention. They were married Oct. 31, 1953. Ruth was active in MB churches in Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg as the family moved around the Prairies. In 1974, they settled permanently in Richmond, B.C. Ruth and Frank became members and deacons of Richmond Bethel Church. In addition to being a pianist and music teacher, Ruth had an astounding memory, remembering as many as 400 birthdays, anniversaries, and occasions each year, and sending thousands of cards and gifts to family, friends, and even strangers to lift their spirits. Her favourite Bible passage was John 14. Ruth was courageous, tenacious, honest, and generous. Her body was donated to UBC for research into a cure for migraines and Lewy body dementia. Ruth is mourned by Frank; children Frank, Cynthia, Lorne, Jeff; daughters-in-law Karen, Wendy/Rose, Kate; 5 grandchildren and their 2 spouses; 1 great-granddaughter; 3 sisters.
Peggy Shirley TalbotPeggy Shirley Talbot died Jan. 22, 2011. She was born July 24, 1932 in Winnipeg to Louis McEachern and Alma Chartrand. Shirley grew close to her brother Mickey after their mother died (before Shirley turned 4) and their father enlisted. As a young woman, she moved to Toronto where she married Gordon Webb and had 2 children. She fell in love with the beauty of B.C., living in West Bank, Langley, and Hundred Mile House with her son Shane. When Shane died at 25, Shirley was heartbroken. She moved to Abbotsford, B.C. In 2000, she reconnected with her daughter Sandra, visiting often in B.C., California, Texas, Arizona, and Washington. Through family research, both were honoured to discover their Métis heritage. During Shirley’s long cancer battle, friend Katie Rast supported her. Shirley loved Elvis, Sinatra, jazz, dancing, trains, big hats, decorating, and sewing. Her vivaciousness and infectious laugh changed strangers to friends. After Shirley’s last surgery, she awoke thankful and determined to make things right with God. She accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized Dec. 5, 2010, into Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by son Shane in 1995, Shirley is mourned by children Sandra, Ron Webb.
Helen EppHelen Epp died Jan. 25, 2011 at 96. She was born Mar. 11, 1914 in Slavgorod, Russia to David and Margareta (Peters) Siemens. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, living first on a 20-acre farm in Dugald, Man., and then on a farm in Charleswood, Man. Helen worked as a mother’s helper in Winnipeg until 1930, when the family moved to a 40-acre farm in Yarrow, B.C. She joined Yarrow MB Church upon confession of faith in Jesus. There she met and married Isaac J. Epp Nov. 10, 1935. They lived in Yarrow until 1966, when they retired to Abbotsford, B.C., and Helen joined Central Heights MB Church. She always gave generously to family and friends, and spent many hours volunteering for Mennonite Central Committee. Predeceased by Isaac in September 1984, their firstborn son shortly after birth in 1936, granddaughter Melanie Teichrob in 1981, daughter Nancy Nimelovich in 2000, son-in-law John Nimelovich in 2001; Helen is mourned by children Elfrieda (Dave) Loewen, Robert (Lucille), Marian (Nick) Allwork, Henry (Esther), Beverley (Ron) Teichrob, John (Terri); 13 grandchildren and their spouses; 24 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Beulah Sara DickBeulah Sara Dick died Feb. 3, 2011. She was born Oct. 18, 1928 in Dalmeny, Sask. to August and Sara Schmidt. In 1934, the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where she went to Huntington Elementary. She attended Shurpass Pacific College, where she enjoyed physics and electronics. She became a great handywoman. Beulah finished Bible training at Millar College of the Bible, Pambrun, Sask. In 1963, she went to Germany with Greater Europe Mission to work with children, youth, and women. In spite of poor health, she enjoyed her work and helped many people. July 23, 1982, Beulah married Dr. Peter Dick. In 2008, they retired in Abbotsford, B.C. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family. Beulah and Peter attended Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, where all loved her joyous spirit. Predeceased by 8 brothers, 3 nephews, 3 nieces; Beulah is mourned by Peter; 5 siblings; many nieces and nephews.
Frank SawatzkyFrank Sawatzky died Feb. 7, 2011. He was born Sept. 23, 1924 in Olgafeld, Ukraine to David and Anna (Teichroeb) Sawatzky. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Gull Lake, Sask. In 1945, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. He was a conscientious objector at a ranch in Ashcroft, B.C. Frank was baptized May 26, 1947. He attended Bible school in Abbotsford, B.C., and worked at Ootsa Lake Bible Camp, B.C. Frank married Helen Bartsch Nov. 7, 1959, and settled in Clearbrook. Frank was involved at West Abbotsford Church, Prairie Chapel, and Grace Church. He worked as a custodian at Simon Fraser University. After retirement, Frank enjoyed working as a crossing guard, volunteering with Mennonite Central Committee, riding bike, and woodworking. Frank and Helen joined Clearbrook MB Church. He was a committed husband, father, and church member. Frank is mourned by Helen; children Colleen (Milton) Harder, Priscilla (Russell) Reid, Gerald, Kathleen, Shiela (Andrew) McCausland, Naomi (Geoffrey) Martens; 12 grandchildren; 1 brother.
Susanne Willms ThielmanSusanne Willms Thielman died Feb. 7, 2011 at 96. She was born May 9, 1914 in Tiege, Ukraine to Heinrich and Susanna (Neufeld) Willms. As a child, Susanne loved to sing, explore, and go to school. In 1930, the family immigrated to Canada. They settled in Abbotsford, B.C., and helped to establish South Abbotsford MB Church, where Susanne was baptized into membership. After working as a domestic to help pay the family’s Reiseschuld, Susanne studied to become a practical nurse. In 1954, Susanne married George G. Thielman. They moved to the U.S., where George taught at universities in Decatur, Ga., and Seattle, Wash. After George died in 1991, Susanne lived in Tucson, Ariz., and Fredericksburg, Va. In 2010, while living with her sister in Abbotsford, B.C., Susanne collaborated with niece Selma Willms Turner to revise and publish her memoir Susanne Remembers. Predeceased by George, 4 siblings; Susanne is mourned by sons Hans, Gerhard (Judith); 6 grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Jacob Jakob PetersJacob Peters died Feb. 12, 2011. He was born Mar. 4, 1925 in Orlov, Ukraine to Jacob Wilhelm and Helena Peters. When he was a baby, the family travelled to Berlin on their way to Canada. Jake accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized Aug. 30, 1942, in Blumenort, Sask. In 1944, the family moved to Vancouver. Jacob graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C., and MB Bible College, Winnipeg. He returned to Vancouver for teacher’s training. Jacob married Mary Brucks Aug. 8, 1954, at Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church. They followed Jacob’s teaching career from Vancouver, to Abbotsford, Field, Prince Rupert, and Clearbrook, B.C. In 1960, they joined Clearbrook MB Church, where Jacob served as a teacher, Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, and choir member. Jacob enjoyed puzzles, camping, and sports. He faithfully led family devotions every day and often helped with homework. Jacob and Mary enjoyed taking walks. Predeceased by Mary in 2007, 1 sister; Jacob is mourned by children Joyce (Gerald) Loeppky, Henry (Karen), Donald (Madoka), David, Laurie, Kenneth (Melinda); 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Walter LoewenWalter Jacob Loewen died Feb. 13, 2011. He was born Sept. 17, 1924 in Waterloo, Ont. to Jacob J. and Agatha Loewen. When he was 3, the family moved to Moore Park, Man. In 1940, they began farming near Justice, Man. Walter was baptized into Justice MB Church in 1943. He married Agnes Penner June 19, 1954. Walter was very active in the Justice church, as a pastor for 14 years, as well as Sunday school teacher, choir director, and member of the Gideons. In 1981, Walter and Agnes purchased Evangel Book Store in Brandon, renaming it The Lighthouse. Predeceased by 1 sister, Walter is mourned by Agnes; children Marlene (Bill) Lecuyer, Laura (John) Downing, Judy (Brad) Dick, Albert (Kim); grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Lillian Leona PetersLillian Leona Peters died Feb. 19, 2011 at 91. She was born Sept. 7, 1919 to Cornelius and Elizabeth Friesen. Lil grew up on a farm near Hepburn, Sask., and attended Edinburgh School from Grades 1−9. During WWII, she was head presser at Arthur Rose Cleaners, Saskatoon. Lil waited for the end of the war and the safe return of her sweetheart, Albert Peters. They were married June 7, 1946. Through veteran’s land, they bought 2 acres in Hepburn. Lil accepted the Lord at a Waldo Wiebe crusade in Hepburn. Her faith sustained her through her life. Lil was a committed member of Hepburn MB Church. Her eye for fashion and expert skill as a seamstress kept her busy sewing grad dresses each spring for Bible school students. Her family treasurers the quilts she made each of them. Friends often came along on Lil and Albert’s travels. Lil taught sewing for 4-H and cooked at Redberry Bible Camp. She volunteered with Ladies Missionary Fellowship and taught Sunday school. Later, Lil did day work in Saskatoon and became a loved and respected part of those families. In 1995, Lil and Albert moved to Saskatoon. Since her health declined in 2007, Lil lived at Luther Special Care Home. Lillian is mourned by Albert; children Greg (Joan), Joanne (Ken) Jeschke; 5 grandchildren and their 3 spouses; 3 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Margaret Dick Margaret Dick died Feb. 20, 2011. She was born May 28, 1923 in Lichtfelde, Ukraine to Bernhard and Gredel Dick. When she was 10 months old, the family immigrated to Canada, settling briefly in Hepburn, Sask. In 1927, they moved to Coaldale, Alta. At 17, Margaret was baptized into Coaldale MB Church. She graduated from nurse’s training in Lethbridge, Alta., and later from MB Bible College, Winnipeg. After further nurse’s training in Toronto, Margaret worked as supervisor in pediatrics at Hotel Dieu Hospital, St. Catharines, Ont., where she continued until her retirement in 1985. She participated in 15 short-term Medical Missions International assignments in Latin America, and took larger assignments in DR Congo and Ecuador. Margaret was an active member of Scott Street MB Church, and later, Grantham MB Church, both in St. Catharines. She volunteered at Camp Crossroads and the Christian Benefit Shop. Margaret began piano lessons as a girl and continued to take organ lessons until her 80s. She sang in choirs most of her life. In 2005, she moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. Predeceased by 2 siblings, Margaret is mourned by 5 siblings; 25 nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Agnes Janzen Agnes Janzen died Mar. 1, 2011. She was born Oct. 20, 1929 in Winnipeg, Man. to John and Elizabeth Penner. The family moved to a farm in Gem, Alta., where Agnes learned to work, accepted Christ as Saviour, and was baptized into Gem MB Church. While attending high school in Coaldale, Alta., Agnes met Aron Janzen. They married in 1950 and bought a farm in Sunnyside district, where Agnes remained even after Aron’s death in 1989. Despite enduring open-heart surgery and arthritis, Agnes was always hospitable. She treasured people and had an abundance of love, especially for children and grandchildren. Her deep faith in God carried her. Declining health restricted her activities, but not her ability to pray. Predeceased by Aron, 3 brothers; Agnes is mourned by children Ron (Sue), Shirley (Abe) Fast; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
John BlockJohn Isaac Block died Mar. 3, 2011. He was born Aug. 13, 1936 in Borden, Sask., to Isaac and Ella Block. After high school, John attended the Bethany Bible Institute where he met and married Gloria Neufeld Sept. 26, 1958. John pastored in Winnipegosis and Carman, Man. He taught high school special education in Carman for several years before pastoring in North Battleford, Sask. In 1990, John completed an MA at MB Biblical Seminary, and went on to pastor in Orillia, Ont., and Gem, Alta. In 2003, John and Gloria retired in Calgary and enjoyed many years of travelling and spending time with family. John was actively involved in leadership roles with the MB Conference. John was a caring husband, father, and grandfather who modelled integrity, commitment, and wisdom throughout his life. Gardening, hiking, carpentry, and photography were among his passions. John emphasized having fun no matter how difficult the situation. He had the ability to bring smiles to others, even when he was dealing with extreme health concerns. John always displayed great compassion and understanding. Predeceased by 2 siblings, 2 infant siblings, several unborn grandchildren; John is mourned by Gloria; sons Dale (Amanda), Gerald (Grace), Elden (Cindy), Dwight (Heidi); 11 grandchildren; 10 brothers. The memorial was at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary.
