Deaths
Margaretha (Margaret) SawatzkyMargaretha (Margaret) Sawatzky died Dec. 31, 2007. She was born Dec. 25, 1910 in Nikolaithal, Ukraine to David and Elizabeth Peters. Margaret was baptized in 1929 and became a member of the Neu-Chortitza Mennonite Church. She moved with her family to Canada in 1930, where they settled in Gnadenthal, Man. Margaret became a member of Gnadenthal MB, then Winkler MB Church. In 1936, she married Franz G. Sawatzky. They had a son in 1937. Frank died of cancer in 1939. Margaret continued to operate the small mixed farm they had started until 1956 when she moved in with her son. Predeceased by Frank, Margaret is survived by her son Arthur. The memorial was Jan. 4, 2008 at Winkler (Man.) MB Church.
Edward Martin GiesbrechtEdward Martin Giesbrecht died Mar. 27, 2008. He was born in 1922 and lived in Rosenfeld, Man., and Winnipeg. Predeceased by 6 siblings, Edward is mourned by his wife Mary (nee Fehr); children Yvonne (John) Trinke, Sandra Thiessen, Lori (Rob) Ezako, Ed (Janet), Lorne (Carol), Gene (Barb); 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings. The funeral was Apr. 1 at Winkler (Man.) MB Church.
Agnes (Aggie) MartensAgnes (Aggie) Martens died June 17, 2008. She was born in Altona, Man. to John and Margaret Goerz. She made a commitment to follow Jesus at an early age and was baptized and got involved in her local church in Virgil, Ont. She attended Winkler Bible School, where she met David Martens whom she married in 1973. The couple settled in Brandon, Man., where Aggie served as a guide for Pioneer Girls, and as a youth leader, teacher, caregiver, and musician at church. For 21 years, she worked as receptionist for H&R Block during the winter months. Aggie enjoyed helping run the family farm, playing piano, suntanning, and travelling to southern gospel concerts. Predeceased by 1 brother; Aggie is mourned by David; children Randy (Mandi), Julie (Noah); 3 grandchildren; her father; 5 siblings. The celebration of Aggie’s life was June 23 at Richmond Park MB Church.
Maria PennerMaria Penner died Aug. 1, 2008. She was born Sept. 25, 1908 in Paulsheim, Ukraine to David and Maria Boese. Maria was converted in 1929, baptized the same year, and became a member of the church. The Lord was her refuge in spite of the arrest of ministers and closure of churches a few years later. Maria married Peter Penner in 1934. They had one daughter before Peter was arrested and exiled in 1937, and died in 1944. In 1943, the family fled the U.S.S.R. Maria’s father died on the journey. Sojourning in Poland for one year, Germany for one year, the Netherlands for two years, Maria, her mother, and her daughter went to Canada, first joining Maria’s brother in Tofield, Alta., then moving to Yarrow, B.C. where they joined Yarrow MB Church. After her mother’s death, Maria’s sister Greta moved to Canada and lived with her. Maria and Greta moved to Abbotsford in 1996, joining Clearbrook MB Church. After Greta’s death in 2005, Maria moved to Menno Home. Maria is survived by daughter Elvira (Duane) Boneham. The memorial was Aug. 7 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Heinrich (Henry) FrischbutterHenry Frischbutter died Aug. 3, 2008. Henry is mourned by his wife of 49 years, Lydia (nee Schmidt); children Sieglinde (Larry) Buhler, Elviera (Shelley) Golebeski, Eleanore (Wayne) Wiebe, Walter (Sheryl), David (Stefanie), Alfred (Monica); 15 grandchildren; 7 siblings. The funeral was Aug. 8 at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.
Angelica Rose Neufeld
Angelica Rose Neufeld was stillborn Aug. 3, 2008, daughter of Tim and Tamara Neufeld of Steinbach, Man. She is mourned by her parents; brother Ashton; grandparents Heinz and Anne Toews, Tim and Yvonne Neufeld, and their families. The committal service was Aug. 8, at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach. Angelica will be remembered with these words penned by her grandmother: An angel wrote in the Book of Life / Angelica Rose and your date of birth / Then whispered as she closed the Book / “Much too beautiful for earth.”
Helen NickelHelen Nickel died Aug. 8, 2008 at 101. She was born July 5, 1907 in Langham, Sask. to Jacob and Suzanna Nickel. Helen accepted the Lord as Saviour in 1924 and was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River, becoming a member of Ebenezer MB Church. Attending Bethany Bible School in Hepburn from 1928–1929 was one of the highlights of her life. In 1947, Helen moved to B.C. with her parents and two siblings. They made North Abbotsford MB Church (now Clearbrook MB) their spiritual home. Helen was active in the ladies’ fellowship, worked in gardens and canneries, and served as custodian at Columbia Bible College. Helen lived with her sister Mary after the death of their parents. Mary died in 1990 and Helen moved to Tabor Home in 1999. Predeceased by 6 siblings and 1 niece; Helen is mourned by 2 sisters-in-law; 22 nieces and nephews; 50 grand-nieces and nephews, and 45 great-grandnieces and nephews. The memorial service was Aug. 18 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Mary BraunMary Braun died Aug. 11, 2008. She was born Jan. 4, 1923 in Nikolayevka, Russia to Isaak and Katarina Braun. In 1929, the family travelled to Moscow to obtain documents to immigrate to Canada. They stayed in Germany for a period before settling in Sardis, B.C. Mary accepted Christ as Saviour at an early age and was baptized and became a member of the MB church. In her teens, Mary moved to the Maedchenheim (home for single girls working in the city) in Vancouver, where she did housework for wealthy families. After working in a department store and as receptionist, Mary served with MCC, first at Boys’ Village in the U.S., then as house manager in a home for travelling ministry workers. Predeceased by siblings Isaak, John, Katie, and Susan; Mary is mourned by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The celebration of life was Sept. 5 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Hilda ToewsHilda Toews died Aug. 14, 2008. She was born Aug. 11, 1918 near Maple Creek, Sask. to Bernhard and Elizabeth Penner. Hilda married Wilhelm (Bill) Toews Oct. 31, 1937. They lived in various places in Manitoba before retiring to B.C. in 1977. Predeceased by Bill in 2005, son Edward, 1 granddaughter; Hilda is mourned by children Rose Janzen, Roberta (Rudy) Loewen, Lorna (Bev) Clark, Clifford, Hylda Gryba, Bill (Darlene), Jim (Sandra), Caroline (Bob) Seeley, Sharon Taevs, Bob (Joy), Jennifer (Wayne) Gryba, Lynda (Brent Searle); 34 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The memorial service was Aug. 29 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Cornelia (Nellie) DahlCornelia (Nellie) Dahl died Aug. 27, 2008 from a severe stroke. She was born July 8, 1932 in Winnipeg to Bernhard and Liese Fast. She attended Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute and Mennonite Brethren Bible College. In 1952, Nellie married Peter Dahl. Together, they operated a farm near Domain for 16 years. Moving back to Winnipeg, Nellie became involved in activities at Elmwood MB Church, working as swimming instructor and lifeguard at East Kildonan YMCA, and volunteering at the local MCC Self Help store. She also worked part-time as a Seniors’ Activity Coordinator. Family took first place in Nellie’s life, and she had an unwavering and uncomplicated faith. Nellie is mourned by Peter; children Carl and Irene; 6 grandchildren. The memorial service was Sept. 3 at Elmwood MB Church.
Elisabeth PennerElisabeth Penner died Sept. 7, 2008. She was born May 3, 1917 in Nieder-Chortitza, Ukraine. In 1943, the Penner family fled to Dresden, Germany. Sent to Yugoslavia, then returned to Germany, the family was captured by Soviets and sent to Siberia where they suffered cold, hunger, and the brutal control of the authorities. Elisabeth’s father died of starvation in 1947. Elisabeth was bedridden for 4 years, unable to work. In 1955, she recovered and was able to provide food for her mother and herself. In 1966, Elisabeth’s mother died and her 4 siblings living in Canada sponsored Elisabeth for immigration. She arrived in Canada in Sept. 1970, settling in Abbotsford, B.C. Elisabeth became a Christian and was baptized. She attended services at Clearbrook MB Church as long as she was able. She is mourned by her brother Jakob and his wife; nieces and nephews. The memorial service was Sept. 11 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Rita VothRita Voth died Sept. 10, 2008. She was born Jan. 3, 1931 in Kudaschewka, Ukraine to William and Margareta Sudermann. After Rita’s father was taken by the NKVD, her family fled to Germany, where Rita was baptized upon confession of her faith. She was taken in by her aunt, Olga Thielmann after her mother and 2 brothers died in the final bombing of Berlin. Rita and the Thielmann family immigrated to Canada in 1945. She married Jacob Voth Aug. 28, 1949 in Grassy Lake, Alta. They later moved to Coaldale. Jacob died in 2007. Predeceased by Jacob and 2 brothers; Rita is mourned by son Jake (Eileen) Voth; 4 grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Sept. 13 at Coaldale MB Church.
Anna NeufeldAnna Neufeld died Sept. 13, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born Jan. 13, 1921, in Orloff, Ukraine to Dietrich and Sara Regier. She married John Neufeld Feb. 15, 1942. In 1948, the family immigrated to Canada where Anna and John joined South End MB Church in Winnipeg, later Portage Avenue Church. Anna was always thankful to live in Canada, and never stopped thanking God for his provision. She was active in church, serving as president of the ladies’ group, but her favourite activities were volunteering at the Sargent Thrift Store and quilting at MCC. She enjoyed her family, and prayed for them regularly. Predeceased by John; her son, Henry; 1 brother; she is mourned by children Irene (Henry) Peters, and Gerhard (Annemarie); 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 18 at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg.
Erna KlassenErna Klassen died Sept. 14, 2008. She was born June 13, 1914 in Millerowa, Russia to Jacob and Katharina Claassen. The family immigrated to Mexico in 1925. Soon after, when Canada re-opened its doors to Russian immigrants, the family joined relatives who had settled in Winnipeg. Erna worked outside the home, sewing, cooking, cleaning and nannying to assist with the family income. In 1942, she married Jack (J.D.) Klassen. They moved to Chilliwack, B.C. where they ran a raspberry patch, corner store, dairy farm, and motel business together. In retirement, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Erna was a “behind the scenes” lady, volunteering hours at MCC, in the store and at home, sewing, knitting, and crochetting baby blankets and more. She never ceased to pray for each family member by name. Erna is mourned by children Rick (Marylin), Dorothy (Rich) Cummings, Sue (Len) Epp, Betti (Ernie) Krahn; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial was Sept. 18 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Lois Mae ReimerLois Mae Reimer died suddenly Sept. 17, 2008. She was born May 23, 1943 near Greenfarm, Sask. to Tony and Mary Wiebe. Lois began a personal relationship with her Lord at a very early age and was later baptized. She attended Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask., after graudating high school. Lois married Abe Reimer Aug. 15, 1964. She was a homemaker but also worked at Herbert Nursing Home for 19 years. Lois loved singing, baking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a woman of integrity, poise, and grace. Predeceased by 1 brother; Lois is mourned by Abe, children Sandra, Marcel (Vicki), Tracey (Dave) Funk; 6 grandchildren; 4 siblings; and her father. The funeral was Sept. 20 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church.
