Helen Loewen
Helen Loewen died Nov. 5, 2009. She was born Mar. 26, 1935 in Foxwarren, Man. to David and Anna Loewen. Helen accepted Jesus as Saviour at 13. She was later baptized, becoming a lifelong member of Justice (Man.) MB Church, where she was very involved. She worked several jobs before choosing her career as an optometric technician. Just prior to retirement in 1998, Helen began an 11-year battle with cancer. Her faith sustained her throughout those trying years. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 brother-in-law; Helen is mourned by siblings Anne Kroeker, Henry (Katie), Martha (John) Penner, Mary (John) Penner, Aggie (Eldon) Stobbe; brother-in-law Jake (Hilda) Heinrichs, sisters-in-law Mardy and Helen; nieces and nephews.

William Dueck
William Alexander Dueck died Nov. 25, 2009. He was born May 13, 1918 in Kharkov, Ukraine to Abram and Agatha Dueck. He immigrated with his family to Canada in 1924, settling near Beechy, Sask., where they farmed for 13 years before moving to Winnipeg. Bill graduated Grade 12 in 1937, an almost unheard-of achievement for an immigrant farm boy. Bill attended normal school in 1938 and became a teacher. He came to faith as a child and was baptized in North Kildonan MB Church in 1941. Bill married Olga Neufeld Aug. 3, 1941. He taught in Arborg, Man., their first 2 years of marriage, then spent the latter years of WWII performing alternative service at the Hudson’s Bay outpost in Oxford House, Man. Bill had a life-long interest in education, earning a BSc and BEd in the 1950s, an MEd in 1966. Teaching posts included MBCI (1946–1948) and 32 years in Winnipeg School Division. He was a principal the last 18 years of his career. Bill was instrumental in forming Winnipeg’s first Ukrainian immersion school. He served as trustee in River East School Division. Life was busy with family, travelling, and an abiding interest in building. Retirement activities included writing a book on the Dueck and Neufeld families, golfing, bowling, and puttering at the cottage at Camp Arnes. Bill and Olga were charter members of McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by son William (Juliana) in 2001, Olga in 2007; Bill is mourned by children Richard (Maureen MacDougall), Gerald (Barbara Gfellner), and Sharon (Eric Marshall); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.

Cornelius Penner
Cornelius P. Penner died Dec. 2, 2009 at 91. Cornie was born Sept. 25, 1918 to Peter D. and Susanna Penner of Friedensfeld, Ukraine. Because of the turmoil, the family left Ukraine with the first large company of Mennonites in the 1920s. They arrived in Rosthern, Sask., in 1923 and soon after bought a farm near Laird, Sask. In 1936, Cornie found salvation in Christ and was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River. Cornie’s desire for more knowledge of the Bible led him to Bethany Bible Institute for 2 1/2 years. After his father passed away in 1940, Cornie left to find work. Cornie married Tina Dueck June 7, 1941 in Virgil, Ont. Through most of their active life, the couple farmed in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. During his farming years, Cornie also built houses. Cornie and Tina adopted two daughters: Eileen came into their home as a weeks-old baby, and Marilyn was adopted at one year. Throughout his adult life, Cornie enjoyed being part of the work of the church. A member at Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., he often served as usher, and for many years he helped Tina in the food committee. They made a strong team. Cornie enjoyed people and had a generous and open spirit. Predeceased by 7 siblings, Cornie is mourned by Tina; daughters Eileen (Ron) MacDonald, Marilyn (Stacy) Fiander; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

Walter Bergmann
Walter John Bergmann died Jan. 3, 2010. He was born Feb. 10, 1923 in Rueckenau, South Russia to John and Maria Bergmann. In 1924, the family immigrated to Canada, settling first in Manitoba, later in Ontario. John accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour at a young age. He was baptized as a youth at Newton Siding, Man., and joined the MB church. While studying to be a teacher, Walter met Helen Reimer, a nurse. They were married in 1953. Walter taught in elementary schools for close to 30 years. Gardening was his lifelong passion. For 20 years, he led and planned German services at the Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont. He preached God’s Word boldly with excellence. His last sermon was preached in Pleasant Manor retirement home, Virgil, on Sept. 22, 2009.  Predeceased by Helen in October 2009, sister Martha; Walter is mourned by children Ruth (Bob), John (Maxine), Beth (Harold), Barb (Carl), Harold (Dianne); 13 grandchildren; 1 sister.

Sarah Letkeman
Sarah (Sally) Letkeman died Dec. 10, 2009. She was born June 13, 1928 in Aberdeen, Sask. to John and Margaret Letkeman. Education was very important to her. Shortly after graduation from high school, she began teaching in Gibbs, Sask. Sally studied at Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno, Cal., from 1949–1952. During her time in Cal., she confirmed her acceptance of Jesus into her heart and was baptized in Dinuba (Cal.) MB Church on Aug. 28, 1949. No matter where Sally lived, whether teaching or studying, she always attended music practices and taught Sunday school and music to children. She went to normal school in B.C. in 1954. She taught in Hazelton, B.C., for several years, then worked as a secretary at Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver. From 1963 to retirement in 1989, she taught primary grades in the Coquitlam school district. Her last years were spent teaching ESL. She attended Willingdon Church and was active in several music and singles ministries. Bakerview MB Church became her home congregation after retirement. She enjoyed travelling in her retirement, included visiting missionaries. In 2000, Sally suffered a stroke with several more following. Predeceased by siblings Agnes Niessen, George Letkeman, Helen Telford, Mary Dyck, Margaret Neufeld, and Henry Letkeman; Sally is mourned by siblings John (Margaret), Dave (Edna), Beth (Tom) Patterson, Rosella Mitchell; sister-in-law Sue Letkeman; nieces and nephews; friends.

Peter Bartel
Peter Franz Bartel died Dec. 12, 2009. He was born June 11, 1924 in Rudnerweide, Ukraine to Franz and Elizabeth Bartel. In 1925, his parents immigrated to Canada with him and settled in Leamington, Ont. He was a member of the Leamington MB congregation where he met and married Erna Klassen in October 1947. Peter loved music and technology, and he was active with both until his final illness in late November. He was regularly involved in ministry to seniors at the Leamington Mennonite Home and other local retirement homes. A farmer most of his life, he and his family supplied many tomatoes and cucumbers to the local canneries. Predeceased by Erna in 2008; infant daughter Margaret; Peter is mourned by children Karl (Lorraine), David (Vicki), Walter (Irma), Edward (Diane), Esther (Tony), Martha (Harold), Ruth (Peter); 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Benjamin Braun
Benjamin David Braun died Dec. 22, 2009. He was born July 20, 1942 to Ike and Anne Braun and lived his early years in Chilliwack, B.C. He was baptized in Greendale in 1960. He attended Chilliwack Senior High, where he met Mary Luella Hildebrandt. They were married Aug. 2, 1963. Ben took an industrial electronics course from DeVry Institute and ended up computer programming in Toronto. Ben and Mary Lue returned to B.C. for a second time in 2001 to be closer to their aging mothers. Ben was an active member at Bakerview MB Church and was also involved with the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. His hobbies included genealogy, computers, digital photography, and exploring through Google Earth. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Ben is mourned by Mary Lue; daughters Karen (Dan) Westrup, Janice (Steve) Arndt; 4 grandchildren.

Allen Guenther
Allen Robert Guenther died Dec. 23, 2009. He was born Sept. 13, 1938 in Steinbach, Man. to John and Anna Guenther. When Allen was 8, the family relocated to B.C., where he graduated from MEI and Columbia Bible Institute. He entered the University of B.C. with the intention of becoming a medical missionary but his focus changed to teaching, so in 1960, he enrolled at MBBC, Winnipeg, to acquire a theological degree. He married Anne Wall in 1962. Allen taught at Alberta MB Bible Institute in Coaldale and pastored a local church until the school closed in 1965. He received an MA in New Testament from Wheaton Graduate School and an MDiv from Gordon Divinity School, then returned to MBBC in Winnipeg in 1967 to teach. Allen was in his element in the classroom. In 1970, the family relocated to Toronto where Allen pursued a PhD in Near Eastern Studies at University of Toronto and pastored a church. The family returned to Winnipeg, and Allen to teaching at MBBC in 1975. He was ordained to ministry by River East MB Church and wrote for the conference and for Direction journal. In 1981, the family moved to Fresno, Cal., in response to an invitation for Allen to teach at MBBS. He was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease 3 years later, and was instrumental in establishing the first Parkinson’s support group in the central San Joaquin Valley. He chaired the group for 10 years and often referred to the people who attended as a new parish God had given him. Allen treasured 3 international ministry trips he was able to make: leading students to the Middle East, Egypt, and Greece; teaching Bible courses at Tulpengasse in Vienna; to Kiev, Ukraine. His illness forced him to take sick leave in 1995, and early retirement in 1998. He completed writing Hosea and Amos commentaries for the Believers Church Commentary Series, but the disease continued to take a toll on his body and mind, though mitigated somewhat by surgery in 2004. Allen is mourned by Anne; sons Ron, Barry, Michael; 3 siblings and their families; former colleagues.

Peter Doerksen
Peter J. Doerksen died Dec. 28, 2009. He was born Apr. 23, 1921 in Kleefeld, Ukraine to Johann and Katharina Doerksen. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Gem, Alta. Peter was an athletic boy, also very involved in the work on the farm. Growing up in a Christian home, he became aware of his need for a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, and at 14, made that commitment. He was baptized at 19 in Gem MB Church. Peter attended Bible school in Gem; Winkler, Man.; and at MBBC, where he earned a bachelor of theology. He later got his BEd from the University of Calgary. His training and call to Christian service led him into a lifetime of teaching and pastoral work. On June 28, 1947, Peter married Tina Harder of Winkler. Their marriage, which lasted more than 62 years, was marked by faithfulness, respect, and affection. Peter was ordained on Aug. 26, 1951. He taught at the Bible School in Gem, and served MB churches in Linden, Alta.; Alexander, Man.; Carman, Man.; Debolt, Alta.; and Niverville, Man. He served on MB conference boards and as a camp director. In their retirement years, Peter and Tina did short-term ministry in churches in Snow Lake, Man., and Vienna, Austria. For the past 8 years, Peter resided in Donwood Manor, Winnipeg, most recently, because of Alzheimer’s disease, in the personal care wing. Peter is mourned by Tina; children Al (Agatha), Dora (Helmut) Dueck, John (Barb), Vic (Doris), Norm (Moira), Linda (Norm) Foth, Louise (Eric) Braun, Viola (Terry) Kaethler; 24 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

Alfred Schmidt
Alfred Howard Schmidt died Dec. 28, 2009. He was born Sept. 6, 1929 in Hepburn, Sask. to Peter D. and Tina Schmidt. At 9, Alfred gave his life to Christ. He was baptized in 1945 and joined Hepburn MB Church. He attended Bethany Bible School in Hepburn. In 1950, he married Viola Bergman. They moved to Fresno, Cal., where Alfred attended Pacific College and MB Biblical Seminary where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity. After French studies at Bethel Bible School, Quebec, and in Brussels, Belgium, they moved to the Belgian Congo in 1959, working for MB Missions/Services (now MBMSI) at Kafumba. Alfred was a teacher and trained pastors. Teaching continued at Kajiji in the theology school and in Kinshasa. Alfred later earned his MA at Fresno State University and his BEd at the University of Sask. From 1984–1994, he taught French immersion in Regina, Sask. and joined Parliament Community Church. After retiring, Alfred and Viola moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they enjoyed the fellowship at Bakerview MB Church. In 2008, they moved to Tsawwassen and joined Cedar Park Church, Delta, B.C. Predeceased by 3 siblings; Alfred is mourned by Viola; children Rodney, Karin (Art) Congo, Randy (Kim), Valerie (Randy) Vannatter; 8 grandchildren; 3 sisters, 4 brothers.

Doris Fast
Doris Fast died Dec. 28, 2009. She was born Oct. 6, 1923 in LaGlace, Alta., to John and Agnes Eide. She married Peter Fast Aug. 3, 1951 in Northfield Lutheran Church. After attending normal school in Edmonton from 1942–1943 she began a 33-year teaching career at the McHenry, Buffalo Lake, Northfield, and LaGlace (Alta.) schools. After retirement from teaching in 1979, she focused a great deal of energy as a volunteer at the LaGlace Community Library. Doris was extremely proud of the LaGlace community, from the history of its earliest pioneer families to the backgrounds of its newest residents. She was an associate member at LaGlace Bible Fellowship. Predeceased by Peter in 1992, infant son Murray, 3 brothers; Doris is mourned by son Brian (Terry); 3 grandchildren.

Clara Klassen
Clara Mary Klassen died Dec. 30, 3009 in an auto accident. She was born Feb. 3, 1918 in Aberdeen, Sask., to Henry and Agnes Niessen. Having received Christ as Saviour, she was baptized at 13 and became a member of the MB church. She studied piano, and played for choirs in Aberdeen, at Bethany Bible School, and in Saskatoon. On Nov. 26, 1939, Clara married Cornelius H. Klassen. In 1951, they bought a home in Clearbrook, B.C., but continued to farm in Saskatchewan while building and selling properties in Clearbrook. In 1958, they sold the farm and built the Valley Motel. Cornelius became ill, so in 1968, they sold the motel and moved to Abbotsford where they lived for 24 years. Clara worked as a nurse’s aid for 12 years, took care of her mother and aunt in their last years, did Swedish massage for 10 years, and wrote 3 family histories. Her life held challenges but also opportunities to give comfort, better health, and joy to others. In 1995, she was recognized for nearly two decades of accompanying choirs at Clearbrook MB Church. Cornelius’s health worsened in 1993 and he died in 1997. Clara continued to be active but her health was less robust. Her family was important and she left them her legacy of 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Predeceased by Cornelius, son Trevor, 7 siblings; Clara is mourned by children Gerald (Doreen), Diane (Robert) Bos, Kenneth (Heidi); 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother.

Catherine Froese
Catherine Froese died Jan. 5, 2010. She was born May 7, 1922 in Orenberg, Russia to Franz and Maria Isaak. In 1926, the family was able to leave Russia and move to Canada, where they settled near Niverville, Man. Catherine was an avid student, so it was a great privilege for her to be the first in her family to go to high school. She spent 4 years at the private school in Gretna, Man., then went to normal school and earned her teaching certificate. While teaching in Winnipeg, she met John Froese, recently returned from service overseas. On August 17, 1947, they were married. They settled in North Kildonan, Winnipeg, while John worked on his theology degree. They served in church-related ministries in Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Minnesota, Ontario, and B.C. In 1988, they retired but continued to enjoy helping along in churches and travelling. For many years, Catherine suffered the limitations of Alzheimer’s disease. Catherine is mourned by John; children David (Joey), Ruth (Murray Peters), Dorothy (Richard Friesen), Grace (Glen Abrahams); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandsons. A service of remembrance was held at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Alvin Krahn
Alvin Eric Krahn died Jan. 6, 2010. He was born Nov. 6, 1931 in Kindersley, Sask. to Jacob and Elizabet Krahn. At 14, Alvin accepted Jesus as Saviour and was later baptized. After completing teacher training, Alvin began teaching in a country school near Glenbush, Sask. In 1958, he married Helga Boldt. Over the next 17 years, Alvin taught at Dalmeny, Neuanlage, Laird, Waseca, and Lanigan, Sask. He then changed careers and worked for more than 20 years at PCS (Potash Corporation Saskatchewan) Lanigan. Alvin was known as a gentle and kind-hearted man to whom family and church were very important. He didn’t miss many opportunities to remind his wife and family he loved them dearly. Alvin appreciated nature, particularly enjoying the scenery in the mountains. He also loved socializing over coffee with his friends. He kept his cars in immaculate condition. Alvin was a voracious reader and loved to write poetry. Predeceased by 2 brothers-in-law; Alvin is mourned by Helga; sons Lyle (Dori), Aubrey (Eileen), Randy; 4 grandchildren; 4 siblings.

Jacob Friesen
Jacob Jakovlevitch Friesen died Jan. 8, 2010. He was born Mar. 30, 1929 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine to Jacob and Elisabeth Friesen. Jacob’s bed-ridden grandmother Wieler taught him to read German and Russian before he went to school. At 14, he was sent to teacher’s college in Kiev, but his schooling was interrupted by WWII and the resulting evacuation, with his family, to Germany. Ending up in the Russian zone in 1945, they were re-evacuated to the Soviet Union and settled on a cooperative farm in Siberia, where life was very hard. Two of Jacob’s siblings died. Jacob married Frieda Penner in 1953. In 1958, they moved to Tajikistan. Having recently given his life to the Lord, Jacob and Frieda participated in an underground church and were baptized in secret in Kairakum Lake in 1959. They served as a preacher and deacons. After 15 years of trying to join Frieda’s father in Canada, Jacob and Frieda arrived in Vancouver in 1972. They became established in a new home, learned English, and became members of King Road MB Church, where they served as deacons. Jacob worked as a welder until 1985. In 1991, he began work for Logos International, participating in the building of Bible schools in the former Soviet Union. Jacob read widely in German, Russian, and English and told many stories from his life experience. After retirement, he visited shut-ins until his health deteriorated. He maintained a grateful and loving attitude, greetings visitors with a firm grip, smiling eyes, and a beaming face, even after he lost the ability to speak. Predeceased by infant daughter Louise, grandson Marcus, 2 siblings; Jacob is mourned by Frieda; children Rudy (Trudy), Henry (Herta), Frieda (Harold) Janzen, Ed (Jane Oldham), Erika (Richard Ratzlaff), Mari (Aschi Amstutz), Art; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 1 sister, 2 brothers.

Henry Friesen
Henry K. Friesen died Jan. 9, 2010. He was born Oct. 21, 1933 in the R.M. of Morris, Man., to Peter W. and Elizabeth Friesen. He grew up on the farm, so hard work was a necessity, and family was closely connected. He was baptized into the EMC church as a teenager. He graduated from Mennonite Collegiate Institute, attended normal school, and earned a BA and BEd from the University of Manitoba. His teaching career spanned 37 years, starting in a one-room school in Menville, Man., with the majority spent as guidance counsellor at Steinbach (Man.) Regional Secondary School, where he made significant connections with many students, to whom he was fondly known as “HK.” Henry met his wife Anne in 1956 while volunteering for MCC. Henry was very proud of his family and loved them deeply. He was a man of ideas and lived life fully. He loved the outdoors, and was the family trip planner, playhouse builder, and storyteller. He enjoyed meeting new people and fostering established relationships. Henry’s faith was based on God’s love and grace, and was lived by looking out for others, and serving in whatever way he could. He volunteered in many capacities for the Steinbach Arts Council, Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach Ambulance Service, and Steinbach MB Church, where he was a member. He also completed 2 terms as city councillor. Through a 15-year journey with Parkinson’s disease, he rarely complained, choosing instead to focus on the positive. Henry is mourned by Anne; 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law; grandchildren; siblings.

Leona Niessen
Leona Niessen died Jan. 12, 2010. She was born July 3, 1921 in Aberdeen, Sask. to Philip and Margaret Buhlin. Leona married Henry Niessen Oct. 1, 1940. They farmed in Aberdeen for many years before moving to Saskatoon. Predeceased by Henry in 2006, son Hank, 3 siblings, 2 sisters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law; Leona is mourned by children Kathy (Harvey) Geransky, Judith (David) Russell, Connie (Ron) Wyman, Liz (Wes) Rempel; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law. The funeral was Jan. 18 at West Portal MB Church, Saskatoon.

John Dueck
John J. Dueck died Jan. 13, 2010. He was born Mar. 29, 1923 in Orenburg, Russia to Jakob and Katherina Dueck. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling on a farm in Coaldale, Alta. John married Elvira Kornelsen July 25, 1948, and they shared their life of love for almost 62 years. John’s open home and open heart were always available to his family. After retirement, John and Elvira moved into town, but John continued to make trips back to the farm to help and observe the activity there. He accepted Christ at 11 and was baptized into Coaldale MB Church as a teen. His matter-of-fact walk with the Lord was evidenced by his willingness to serve whatever he was called, whether singing in the choir, leading Bible study, serving in church leadership, or helping a neighbour. Predeceased by 3 siblings; John is mourned by Elvira; children Edgar (Ruth), Arthur (Sharon), Natalie (Harold Warkentin), Alvin (Janet), Marvin (Shannon), Rodney (Lisa), Renita (Bill Hamm), Carl (Jennifer), Emery (Sharon), daughter-in-law Mona Dueck; 29 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.

Maria Pankratz
Maria Pankratz died Jan. 14, 2010 at 92. She was born Nov. 23, 1917 in Schoenau, Russia to Jakob and Margareta Groening. When Maria was 5, her mother died and her father soon remarried, an adjustment she found difficult. At 17, after the death of her father, Maria left home to find work. She married Gerhard Pankratz Aug. 14, 1938. Three years later, before the birth of their second daughter, Gerhard was sent to a camp in Siberia. Maria never saw him again. During WWII, Maria fled west to Germany, where she was intercepted by MCC and taken to a refugee camp in Gronau, Germany. MCC helped her join her brother in Coaldale, Alta., in 1950. Maria was saved and baptized in Russia in 1942 when the churches were re-opened for a short time. In Coaldale, she joined the MB church, where she enjoyed the ladies sewing circle, and helped fold bulletins. After her retirement, she did less gardening and took up crochet. A fall and broken hip in 2001 resulted in a move to Sunny South Lodge. Later, declining health forced her to move to Coaldale Health Care Centre. Predeceased by 1 son-in-law, Maria is mourned by daughters Mary Regier, Elfrieda (Peter) Reimer; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.

Kornelius Wiens
Kornelius Wiens died Jan. 16, 2010. He was born Oct. 27, 1920 in Ufa, Russia to Kornelius Gerhard and Wilhelmine Wiens. The family travelled to Mexico in 1924 and immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling first in Dalmeny, Sask., then near Grand Prairie, Alta., in 1927. Kornelius completed Grade 6, then began working for farmers. He accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1938, was baptized in 1940 and joined La Glace MB Church. During WWII, he spent 4 years in Jasper and Seebe, Alta., doing alternative service. Kornelius attended Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School for one year, then moved to Sardis, B.C., in 1947. There he married Tina Janz Oct. 20, 1948. After several years in Grand Prairie, they moved back to Sardis in 1958 to be near Tina’s mother. They lived on a hobby farm and Kornelius worked, often as a mechanic, and operated the sound system at Greendale (B.C.) MB Church. In 1985, Kornelius and Tina moved to Clearbrook where they attended Bakerview, then Clearbrook MB Church. Throughout his life, Kornelius was interested in mechanics. He and Tina loved to travel, seeing Canada, the U.S., and Germany. Kornelius cared for Tina when she became ill in 2007 until her death in 2008. Kornelius is mourned by children David (Vivienne), Vic (Karen), Benjamin, Esther, Martha (Lindsay) Chambers; 5 grandchildren; 5 siblings.

Annie Bergen
Annie Louise Bergen died Jan. 27, 2010. She was born Aug. 6, 1931 in Bassano, Alta., to Heinrich and Maria Janzen of Rosemary, Alta. After a brief career as nurse’s aid in Brooks, Alta., Annie married her hockey hero, Frank Bergen, on her 22nd birthday in 1953. When Frank’s parents retired, Frank and Annie took over the Bergen family farm, working as a team until retirement in 1995. For 3 years, they travelled with a 5th wheel, then settled in Coaldale, Alta., where they quickly made friends and became active members of Coaldale MB Church. Annie loved all her family and was a special source of love and support to her children and grandchildren. As travel became more difficult, she kept up relationships by telephone. A quiet and devout faith in God undergirded all she did. Her Bible was always beside her reading chair, she rarely missed a church service, and she supported her local church and many ministries. Predeceased by Frank in 2002, infant son Arthur in 1954, 8 siblings; Annie is mourned by children Ruth, Joanne (Rod) Dyck, Annette (Jay) Diemert, Bill; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.

Doris Froese
Doris “Dodie” Bernice Froese died Jan. 28, 2010. She was born Nov. 25, 1923 in Chilliwack, B.C. Dodie accepted Jesus as Lord when she was a young woman. She brought up her children to follow God and prayed daily for her children and grandchildren. She had a love of nature and was an avid gardener. Her eye for colour extended from gardening to painting. She was a gifted artist. After her first husband, Lloyd Chadsey, died in 1995, Dodie met Abe Froese. They spent 14 years together, enjoying many trips. One of Dodie’s favourite pastimes was to take a drive with Abe on little-known backroads to their favourite coffeeshops. Predeceased by Lloyd, 4 siblings; Dodie is mourned by Abe; children Sue (Ron) Janzen, Kim (Linda) Chadsey; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; step-daughters Peggy Gustafson, Tammy Froese; step-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The celebration of life was Feb. 2 at Central Heights Church.

Erna Janzen
Erna Janzen died Jan. 29, 2010. She was born Jan. 1, 1926 in Ukraine to Kornelious and Katharina Janzen. Because of the revolution, other family members left for Canada, the U.S., or Paraguay, but Kornelious chose to stay. Erna’s youngest sister died and Kornelious was taken away in the dead of night, never to be heard from again. In 1942, during shelling, Katharina left her two teenaged daughters in a bunker to go for help at a nearby railway station. After her mother’s prolonged absence, Erna ventured out and found her mother, killed by shrapnel. Erna’s sister was placed in an orphanage for a time, but reunited with her before they escaped to Dresden, Germany, in 1945. There, they found peace, some comfort, and food as they helped the owners of a sheep farm. In 1949, their uncle Gerhard Janzen was contacted and sponsored their move to Manitoba. Erna worked as housemaid before obtaining her teacher’s certificate. Her life from then on was dedicated to this profession. In the early 1950s, Erna was baptized in a Mennonite Brethren church in Winnipeg. She was a devout Christian, living her life as best she could according to her beliefs based on the Bible. In spite of the trauma of Erna’s early years, she was happy, enthusiastic, and positive. Predeceased by 1 sister; Erna is mourned by sister Helen Janzen and sons Robert and Bruno MaseDuca; cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. The funeral was Feb. 8 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

John Schmidt
John Schmidt died Jan. 30, 2010. He was born Dec. 27, 1930 to John and Martha Schmidt. John lived near Elm Creek, Man., where he received his school education and also attended Winkler Bible Institute for one year. In 1949, John was baptized upon confession of his faith and received into membership at Newton MB Church (now Community Fellowship Church). He enjoyed farming, and playing hockey, baseball, and Rook. He also enjoyed watching local hockey. After suffering a stroke and heart attack, John was admitted to the Portage District General Hospital. Predeceased by 1 brother-in-law; John is mourned by twin brother Rudy (Helen), brother Nick, sisters Jessie (John) Froese, Mary Enns, Martha (John) Pauls; nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

Hertha Froese
Hertha Froese died Feb. 2, 2010. She was born Apr. 15, 1923 in Nikolaipol, Ukraine to Abe and Aganetha Dyck. In 1924, the family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in southern Ontario. Hertha enjoyed working the land with her father, and her love for gardening continued through her life. Hertha attended Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, and then married Abram Froese in 1943. They settled in St. Catharines, Ont. Although Hertha was a mother of 7 children, she found time to make pies and quilts for MCC relief sales. As her children left home, Hertha found more time for her charity work, and spent many happy hours at the Christian Benefit Shop. Her grandchildren brought her many hours of joy. Hertha’s greatest desire for her loved ones was that they know Jesus as Saviour. She spent many hours in prayer for her family. In 2005, Hertha had a series of strokes that robbed her of her knitting, sewing, gardening and cooking abilities. She was a member of Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. Predeceased by son Don and 1 daughter-in-law; Hertha is mourned by Abe; children Ben (Janice), Rick, Madeline (John), Esther (Clive), Elizabeth (James), Ted (Tina); 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.