Deaths
Anne SchroederAnne Schroeder died Nov. 27, 2008. She was born Jan. 31, 1924 in Blumenort, Sagradovka, Russia to Jacob and Anna Martens. Increasing lawlessness following the Russian Revolution forced her family to abandon their home and immigrate to Canada in 1925, where they eventually settled in Coaldale, Alta. Anne came to faith as a teenager, was baptized, and became a member of the church. On Sept. 28, 1947, she married Cornelius Schroeder. They farmed at Elm Creek, Man., until retirement to Winnipeg in 1986. Anne was active in church as a Sunday School teacher and in women’s groups. She continued to lead a community Bible study in Elm Creek after the move to Winnipeg, and did visitation at a personal care home in Winnipeg. Of utmost importance to her was her relationship with her Lord, and with her family and friends. Generosity, graciousness, humility, hospitality, and daily prayer characterized her life. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and paper tole. Predeceased by 2 siblings; Anne is mourned by Cornelius; children Carol (Walt) Unrau, Edward (Lisa), Alvin (Ethel), Willie (Lori), Rob (Karen); 25 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 3 siblings. A celebration of her life was held Dec. 2, 2008 at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg.
Cornelius ThiessenCornelius Thiessen died in 2009 at 96. He was born Mar. 15, 1913 in the Samara District of Russia to Jacob and Helena Thiessen. His mother led him to the Lord early in life. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Corny had to drop out of school in grade 6 to help on the farm, but later spent 3 years at the Coaldale Bible School, and one semester at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. When the war broke out, he was called up and sent to a CO camp on Vancouver Island. In fall 1944, he enlisted in the medical corps. He married Tina Unger of Black Creek, B.C., in 1946. They bought a small farm, but Corny also worked for a logging company for 33 years. Retirement gave him more time to read the Bible, play guitar, and sing. Corny and Tina moved to Tofield, Alta., in 1990. Corny is mourned by Tina; children Arnold (Cindy), Edward (Helen), Elfrieda (Dave) Macklin, Lori-Ann and Jackie; 4 grandchildren.
John WarkentinJohn Warkentin died Feb. 3, 2009. He was born Feb. 15, 1952 in Curitiba, Brazil to Abram and Aganetha Warkentin. He immigrated with his family to Manitoba in 1961, eventually settling in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1967. They established a poultry farm which John operated until his death. He married Hilda Peters June 28, 1980. John had a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ, and loved his family, church involvement, and mission work in the Dominican Republic. Predeceased by his father in 2004, he is mourned by Hilda; children Robert and Kristina; 2 grandchildren; his mother; 1 brother. The memorial service was at Northview Community Church, Abbotsford.
Tina ReimerTina Reimer died Mar. 19, 2009 at 96. She was born Sept. 24, 1912 in Kleefeld, Russia to Frank and Katherine Dyck Wiens. In 1924, her family immigrated to Canada, first to Ontario, then Manitoba. Tina worked for years in Winnipeg, then trained to become a teacher. She taught in various one-room schoolhouses on the prairies. In 1948, she married John J. Reimer and they moved to the South Abbotsford (B.C.) area where they operated a chicken/raspberry farm. They were active members at South Abbotsford MB Church. Tina taught Sunday school and remained a member of this church until her death. John died in 1977. Tina continued to farm until 2000 when she moved to Evergreen Village in Clearbrook. Her life was characterized by devotion to God and her church, love for her family, hospitality, and admiration for God’s creation. Precedeased by John, 3 siblings, 1 granddaughter; Tina is mourned by children Evelyn (Ed) Balzer, Bob, Irene (Jack) Willems; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Martha PetersMartha Peters died June 1, 2009. She was born Jan. 21, 1922 in Waldheim, Russia to David and Katharina Goertzen. In 1925, the family left Russia and immigrated to Mexico. Life there was difficult so they moved to Canada in 1927, first living with relatives in Newton Siding, Man., then farming some 10 years in the Steinbach-Ste. Anne area. In 1938, they moved to Ontario, living in Vineland/Jordan, then in St. Catharines. In 1950, Martha broke her back in a tobogganing accident and was in a body cast for about 9 months. Peter Peters began visiting her and they were married June 14, 1952. After her youngest child began school, she worked in a restaurant. Later she babysat her grandchildren. Many happy memories were made at the family cottage. Peter and Martha moved to the Pelham area, and in March 2008 she was placed in Westpark Nursing Home because of dementia. Even to the last months, she was strong in her faith. Martha is mourned by Peter; children Bruce (Nancy), Joyce (Jan), Murray (Kathy), Glenn (Ruth); 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Katie WallKatie Wall died June 16, 2009 at 99. She was born Feb. 22, 1910 in Samara, Russia to Jacob and Amalia Isaak. In 1925, she came to Borden, Sask., with her family, later working as a maid in the Borden and Saskatoon area. She accepted Christ and was baptized in the Borden MB Church. On July 25, 1936, Katie married Nick H. Wall. They farmed in Glenbush, then moved to Manitoba, purchasing their own farm in Marquette in 1949. They joined the Marquette MB Church. They moved to Winnipeg in 1992, attending Central MB Church, which later joined Elmwood MB Church. They were active church members, often thanking God for his blessings. They moved into Donwood Manor in 2005 and Nick died in 2006. Katie was a loving, caring mother and grandmother who faithfully prayed for her family. Predeceased by Nick and 2 sons in infancy; she is mourned by children Hedie (John) Derksen and Alvin (Marianne); 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Justina SiemensJustina (Wiens) Siemens died July 3, 2009 at 98. She was born Oct. 24, 1910 in Samara, Russia, and the next year her parents moved to Siberia. In 1928, Justina married Jacob Siemens. They farmed in Schumanowka. In Dec. 1930 the entire village escaped Russia across the frozen Amur River into China. Jacob and Justina prayed for safe passage and promised God to surrender totally to him. They immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay, where they kept their promise and were baptized and received into the MB church. In 1950 they moved to Canada, eventually settling in Edmonton, where Justina worked as a cook in a care facility. In 1983, the couple moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where Jacob died in 1991. Justina was hospitable and ministered to those in need. She phoned every member of her 100-plus family on their birthdays, rarely needing a calendar to remind her. Predeceased by Jacob, son Jake and his wife Frieda, 1 son-in-law, 1 grandchild, 1 great-grandchild; Justina is mourned by children Elizabeth (George) Schmidt, Rudy (Elsie) Siemens, Sara (John) Klassen, Elvira Pain, Bill (Marg) Siemens, Elsie (Neil) Bargen, 24 grandchildren, 46-great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Tina LoewenTina Loewen died Aug. 23, 2009. She was born Apr. 27, 1928 in Ukraine to Peter and Katarina Reimer. When she was young, her father was taken away and never heard from again. In 1943, the family went to Berlin, where Tina was baptized at 18. In 1947, they migrated to Paraguay. She married Henry Loewen Dec. 8, 1951 and in 1957, they moved to Canada, settling in South Vancouver. Tina worked hard as a cleaning lady for many years. She enjoyed knitting, playing dominoes, and offering hospitality. She enjoyed trips abroad with Henry and her sister Annie Reimer. In 1980, Henry and Tina bought a broiler farm and moved to Abbotsford, B.C. In her later years, she had cancer and Parkinson’s. Tina is mourned by Henry; children Ursula, Erika (Gordon), Joanne (Wilfried), Tina (Ernie), Henry, Peter; grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The memorial service was at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford.
Diane Elizabeth BonnevilleDiane Elizabeth Bonneville died Aug. 29, 2009 after a hard battle with cancer. She was born May 7, 1939 in Belleville, Ont. to Herbert and Stella Burley. She was baptized Mar. 19, 1989, and accepted into Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C. Diane devoted much time to volunteering at church and teaching Sunday school. In recent years she enjoyed travelling with good friends and family. Diane will be remembered for her extraordinary way of putting others’ needs ahead of her own, and for her generous spirit. Diane is mourned by her husband Paul; sons Greg (Cathy), Dave (Linda), Rick (Dale), Mark (Kristen); 8 grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Nicolas (Nick) PaulsNicolas (Nick) Pauls died Sept. 4, 2009. He was born Oct. 20, 1941 near Glenbush, Sask. to Nicolai and Sara Pauls. Nick became a follower of Jesus as a boy and was baptized by his minister father at Glenbush MB Church. He completed high school in Kelowna, B.C., where his parents retired. While attending Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., he met Dora and they married July 5, 1963. Nick became a teacher, working in Williams Lake and then Kamloops as special education consultant. In 1975, Nick and Dora joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. They served 33 years in various roles in Papua New Guinea, and at Wycliffe offices in Calgary, Dallas, and Langley, B.C. Nick exhibited love for his family and others, and a deep commitment to the truth of God’s Word. He was a teacher at heart, looking for creative ways to pass on spiritual truth or life-lessons. He enjoyed walking and crafting unique gifts in his woodworking shop. In 2009, two months after retirement, Nick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His trust in God remained unshakeable. Predeceased by 5 siblings, Nick is mourned by Dora; children Charlene (Brent) Foster, Gregory (Deb), Jeffrey (Dawn), Kenton (Kristin); 9 grandchildren; 6 siblings. The celebration of life service was at North Langley Community Church, Langley, B.C.
Wilma ThiessenWilma Thiessen died Oct. 1, 2009. She was born Oct. 6, 1931 in Herbert, Sask. to Jacob H. and Sarah Thiessen. She was baptized at Greenfarm MB Church in 1946. After high school, she spent one winter as a teacher. In 1950, she married Walter Thiessen and they settled in Saskatoon where Wilma worked 29 years as a school secretary. She enjoyed her job and was also active at Forest Grove Community Church, in Sunday school, Ladies Fellowship, Mom’s program, and as a greeter. Wilma enjoyed handwork, golfing, gardening, cross-country skiing, and travelling. The trip to Ukraine where they saw the former villages of their parents was a highlight. Wilma was a great cook, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Wilma is mourned by Walter; children Wayne (Bert) and Wyn (Dan) Daniels; 4 grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Helen LoewenHelen Loewen died May 24, 2009. She was born Aug. 10, 1922 in Rueckenau, Ukraine to William and Helena Reimer. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, to Kitchener, Ont., then Chortitz, Man. Helen was baptized at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. In 1943, the family moved on to Yarrow, B.C. Helen married Herman Loewen Aug. 28, 1943. In 1958, they moved to Chilliwack. After the tragic death of their daughter and her husband in 1971, Helen and Herman adopted the surviving grandson, Christopher. Helen was a wonderful mother. She loved to entertain and had a zest for learning. After Herman’s death in 1983, Helen began housecleaning and assisting those who needed help in practical ways. She was blessed with many friends. Helen was an active member of Broadway MB Church. Predeceased by husband Herman, daughter Irene, 1 brother, Helen is mourned by children Viola Cass (Dan), Dorothea Lindhout (Hank), Debra McMahon (Tom), and Christopher; 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Richard Calvin HorchRichard Calvin Horch died Oct. 8, 2009. He was born June 30, 1932 in Winnipeg to Ed and Helen Horch. Music was integral to family life and became Richard’s passion. He played piano, cello, and organ, joining the Mennonite Symphony Orchestra and playing for church services and weddings. In June 1953, he married the love of his life, Betty Rempel. Richard was organized and fastidious, an asset in his work in the printing industry, and later in the magazine publishing business. In 1967, the family moved to Edmonton, where Richard found his niche as a realtor for 25 years. In 2000, he and Betty retired to Abbotsford, B.C. They were active in Bakerview MB Church, especially in music, small groups, and hospitality. His courageous and hopeful spirit throughout his experience with cancer were a testament of faith and an inspiration. Richard is remembered for his integrity, ability to live fully in the moment, and his buoyant spirit. He easily made friends of all ages. He passed on his love of music and encouraged young musicians. Richard is mourned by Betty; children Ruth, Heather (Dan) Janzen, Richard (Colleen); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 4 sisters.
