Deaths
Dorothy WilsonDorothy Wilson died July 29, 2008. She was born Sept. 22, 1925 in Ardill, Sask. to the Gordon Hagars. Dorothy was baptized June 12, 1959 in Woodrow, Sask. She graduated from the College of Home Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, completed a residency in dietetics in Toronto, and pursued a career as a dietician. After marrying Murray Wilson on Oct. 11, 1952, she moved to the farm with him to raise a family. Later, in Regina, she again worked in a medical environment. Dorothy loved to garden, cook, and do needlework. Predeceased by Murray, her granddaughter Johnie-Lynn Sara and 1 sister; she is mourned by children Donna (Dave) Wintemute, Blair (Jolene), Kevin (Cathy), Gavin (Ruby), Stacey (John) Patterson; 11 grandchildren. The celebration of life was Aug. 1 at Parliament Community Church, Regina.
Mary DyckMary Dyck died peacefully Sept. 8, 2008, after a valiant struggle with cancer. She was born Mar. 1, 1919 near Winkler, Man. to Jacob and Mary Wiebe. At an early age, she professed Christian faith and was baptized and received into Winkler MB Church. Mary had a great interest in music, and enjoyed singing in the choir during one year of studies at Winkler Bible Institute. In 1940, she married John P. Dyck, and they farmed together near Dominion City, Man., and later near Winkler until their retirement in the 1970s. In their retirement years, Mary enjoyed winters in Desert Hot Springs, Cal., and summer trips to northern Manitoba with the camper. Predeceased by John, and 1 sister; Mary is mourned by sons Howard (Maggie), Chas (Joanne), Ted (Marge); 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 13 at Winkler MB Church.
Kaethe Abrahams Kaethe Abrahams died Oct. 17, 2008. She was born June 23, 1955 in Volendam Colony, Paraguay to Kornelius and Sara Abrahams. At age 7, Kaethe immigrated to Canada with her family, settling in Winnipeg. She was baptized at a young age, taught Sunday school, and sang in choirs and worship teams at Elmwood MB Church. Kaethe spent one year at Winkler Bible Institute, then worked for several years before graduating from the Brandon School of Nursing with a degree in psychiatric nursing in 1993. For the last 9 years, Kaethe worked at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. Kaethe’s battle with cancer was fought with optimism and hope. She had a compassionate heart and an unwavering faith. Predeceased by 1 niece, Kaethe is mourned by her parents; siblings Elvira (Martin), Maggie (Gerhard), Anna (John), Harry (Katherine), Martha (Max), Luise, Beate (Lionel), and Ruth; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and 1 aunt. The funeral was Oct. 22 at Elmwood MB Church.
Frank WarkentinFrank Warkentin died Oct. 24, 2008. He was born Aug. 5, 1935 in Georgia, USSR to Frank and Sara Warkentin. In 1940, Frank’s father was drafted into the Soviet army, and the family heard nothing from him until 1957. Frank, his mother, and older brother were displaced to Kazakhstan. In 1955, he met Irma, and they married in 1956. Frank and his family moved to Uzbekistan, where he hauled uranium ore. Frank enjoyed travelling, and the family took annual trips to the mountains and to visit relatives in various parts of the Soviet Union. In 1968, Frank’s mother immigrated to Canada, and the entire family followed in 1973. The following year, Frank became a believer. He became active in Central MB Church, Winnipeg, using his gift of connecting with others by serving as an usher. Frank received his electrical contractor’s license in 1980 and took over the family business in 1984. In 1995, Frank and Irma began attending Elmwood MB Church, where he continued ushering and served in caregiving. Frank retired in 2004, turning his energies to learning new skills and trades. He was a vibrant, hard-working man, who maintained his sense of humor, and was a man of prayer, always thankful for God’s gift of salvation and freedom to worship. Frank is mourned by Irma; children Nelli (Rudy), Ed (Rita), Laurie (Ryan); 9 grandchildren.
Katherine RedekoppKatherine Redekopp died Nov. 2, 2008. She was born Oct. 2, 1915 in the Rosewell School District, Man. to Peter and Elizabeth Labun. Katherine attended Winkler Bible Institute for one year, then continued her education at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. She married John Redekopp on Sept. 1, 1949. They farmed in Roland, then retired to Winkler. Katherine placed her trust in Christ as Saviour and was baptized after a travelling evangelist visited the Kronsgart church. She served by teaching Sunday school, singing in choirs, and participating in the Mary Martha Fellowship group. Katherine is mourned by John; children Rita, Walter (Joan), Helen (Peter); grandchildren. The memorial service was Nov. 6 at Winkler MB Church.
Lena M. PlettLena M. Plett died Nov. 4, 2008. She was born July 5, 1941 to Peter and Helen Penner. At age 9, Lena accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and was baptized on confession of her faith at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. Predeceased by husband Walter; Lena is mourned by children Bernice, Brenda, Barry; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 5 siblings. The funeral was Nov. 15 at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church.
Gerald Franklin PetersGerald (Gerry) Peters died Nov. 7, 2008. He was born Jan. 15, 1947 to Frank C. and Melita Peters. In his early years, he moved between Kansas, Kitchener, Ont., and Winnipeg while his father was a student and pastor. Gerry was baptized in 1951 at South End MB Church in Winnipeg. He married Sylvia Willms June 21, 1968. He retired in 2003, having served as principal in various schools in the Kitchener/Waterloo area. Gerry cared deeply about his students, teachers, church community, and neighbours, and had a passion for family get-togethers, horses, motorcycles, basketball, and youth events. He was active at Kitchener MB Church, and later at Glencairn MB Church. Gerry is mourned by Sylvia; children Beckie (Andy) Wood, Frank (Libby), Sarah (Jon) Claassen; 6 grandchildren; his mother; 4 siblings. The funeral was Nov. 11 at Plattsville (Ont.) Missionary Church.
Helene Grace DueckHelene Grace Dueck died Nov. 8, 2008. She was born Aug. 26, 1924 to Johann and Helene Dueck in Gnadenheim, Ukraine. In 1943, having experienced years of persecution, hunger, fear, and want, Helene left her homeland. With the aid of MCC, she came to Canada in 1948. Helene attended a local Bible school and confirmed her faith through baptism, joining the MB church in Gem, Alta. After training at MB Bible College in Winnipeg and later at the University of B.C., she fulfilled her dream of becoming a teacher. She taught in Manitoba, Austria, Switzerland, and northern B.C. Helene loved children and was a very good storyteller. Health problems led to retirement in 1974. Predeceased by 1 brother, she is mourned by 2 sisters, 1 brother, and her nieces and nephews. The funeral was Nov. 15 at Woodlawn Funeral Home Chapel, Abbotsford, B.C.
Maria (Mary) HeidebrechtMaria (Mary) Heidebrecht (nee Peters) died Nov. 8, 2008. She was born May 14, 1917 in Wernersdorf, Ukraine. Mary married Heinrich Heidebrecht Oct. 29, 1938. In Sept. 1943, the German army came through the Molotschna colonies and drafted all the German-speaking men into the army, including Heinrich. Mary, along with her 2 children, brother, mother, and grandmother, left for Poland where a third child was born. Heinrich was killed Feb. 1945. With the help of relatives, the family arrived in Coaldale, Alta., in 1950. There, Mary accepted Christ as Saviour, was baptized, and joined Coaldale MB Church. Mary kept house for wealthy families in Lethbridge until she found employment at the Coaldale Hospital. She retired in 1982. Mary will be remembered for leaving her burdens with her heavenly Father, never stressing about things in front of her children, and for her thankfulness and unwillingness to complain. Predeceased by Heinrich, she is mourned by children Henry (Cheryl), Katie (John) Regier, Helen (Ed) Hendricks; 8 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Elsie EnnsElsie Enns died Nov. 11, 2008. She was born Jan. 11, 1918 in Russia to Peter and Elizabeth Koehn. Elsie immigrated to Canada in the 1930s. She met Jacob Enns in Abbotsford, B.C., and they were married Oct. 2, 1938. She was baptized in 1950 and became a member of Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C. Elsie was a faithful woman who centred her life and family around God. Elsie’s claim to fame was her cooking. Predeceased by Jacob, son Edward, grandson Joshua, and great-grandson Wyatt Pullan; Elsie is mourned by children Art (Lois), Gerry (Charlotte); 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 22 at Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack.
Wilmer Allan Quiring
Wilmer Allan Quiring died Nov. 12, 2008. He was born Aug. 17, 1919 in Mennon, Sask. to John E. and Helena Lepp Quiring. He studied at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno, Cal., Hartford Seminary, Conn., and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Mass. While at Pacific Bible Institute, Wilmer met Eugenia “Jean” Fowler, whom he married in 1949. They served with the MB mission board in La Cumbre, Colombia, from 1952–1956, administering and teaching in a primary school. After a period in the U.S. for Wilmer’s education, the family returned to Cali, Colombia, in 1959 to work in a church leadership training program. In 1964, the family returned to Connecticut to care for Jean’s mother, and Wilmer completed his MDiv. While working, he contributed in Christian ministry, both in his home church and in other New England churches. After a move to Fresno, Cal., Wilmer managed a shopping centre from 1974 until retirement in 1986. He also enjoyed long periods of ministry with West Park Bible Church, Fresno, and Calvario MB Church, Dinuba. After Jean’s death in 1991, he married Edna Thiesen Jantz. Predeceased by Jean, Wilmer is mourned by Edna; children Naomi (Yukio) Mizumoto, Phebe (Richard) Wahl, Lois (Steve) Ewert, John (Karen); 8 grandchildren; 6 siblings. The celebration service was Nov. 19 at North Fresno MB Church.
Elizabeth Peters Elizabeth Peters died peacefully, Nov. 14, 2008. She was born Jan. 17, 1928 in Cabri, Sask. to Jacob and Eva Dyck. Her family moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1937. She committed her life to Christ in her early teens, was baptized at Yarrow MB Church in 1947, and attended Elim Bible School. Elizabeth’s love for Jesus and deep concern for others was reflected in service to her church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school and volunteering in the church library. Elizabeth married Abe Peters in 1955, and side-by-side shared their dairy farm in Abbotsford until Abe died in 1999. Elizabeth enjoyed tending her flowers, visiting, reading, gardening, and travelling. Her sense of humour and joy of living endeared her to all. Predeceased by Abe, Elizabeth is mourned by children Lorence and Linda; 1 brother; 2 sisters-in-law. The funeral was Nov. 20 at Yarrow (B.C.) MB Church.
Louise QuiringLouise Klassen Quiring died Nov. 28, 2008. She was born Sept. 6, 1913 in Gnadenheim, Russia to Hermann and Katerina Klassen. The family immigrated to Manitoba in 1929. Louise worked as a maid in Winnipeg and was baptized there, joining North End MB and, later, North Kildonan MB churches. In 1935, the family moved to B.C., and she worked in Vancouver. Louise married John Quiring in 1940. They were active members of Vancouver MB, Fraserview MB, and Killarney Park MB churches. Louise loved people and enjoyed creating a home for her family, visiting, and entertaining. Her strong faith and constant prayers were an example to many. Louise is mourned by children Jeanette (Joseph) Jones, Frances (Gerald) Friesen, Don, Dan (Monique); 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Dec. 4 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C.
Peter HeppnerPeter Heppner died Dec. 3, 2008. He was born in Leonidovka, Ukraine on Jan. 12, 1919 to Cornelius and Maria Heppner. He arrived in Canada in 1926. Peter married Blondina Bergmann Apr. 6, 1937. In 1940, they moved to Vancouver where Peter began trucking. In 1943, they moved back to Sardis with the business. One of Peter’s passions was flying. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1946 and was a member of the Chilliwack Flying Club for 50 years, becoming an honorary life member. Peter was also active in Greendale MB Church. He was known for sitting in the balcony where he made sure teenagers paid attention to the sermons. Peter retired in 1980 and moved to Sardis, where he and Blondina were known to the neighbourhood children as “Opa and Oma.” In 1996, Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Predeceased by Blondina in 2006, Peter is mourned by children Eleanor (Peter) Thoss, Bill (Pauline), Darlene (Sandy) York; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings. The service of remembrance was Dec. 11, 2008 at Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C.
Patricia Klassen TindallPatricia “Pat” Klassen Tindall died Dec. 9, 2008. She was born Feb. 28, 1932 in Salamanca, New York to Russell and Victoria Moore. Pat made a decision to follow Christ as Saviour at an early age, and desired to devote her life to missionary work. She graduated from Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. in 1953, then went to seminary where she met John Klassen whom she married Dec. 26, 1956. In 1959, they began 37 years of missionary work in Curitiba, Brazil, with the MB Board of Missions. Pat taught at the Bible school, served as librarian, did church planting, led women’s Bible studies, was Sunday school superintendent, and planned Vacation Bible Schools. She had the gift of hospitality. In 1995, Pat and John retired to Abbotsford, B.C., where they became involved in a Chinese MB church in Vancouver. John died in May 2001. After much prayer and with encouragement from mutual friends, Pat moved to Fresno to marry George Tindall on Nov. 26, 2005. Pat was positive and hopeful during her three-and-a-half years of cancer treatment. Predeceased by John and all her siblings; Pat is mourned by George; children Vickie (Ezequiel Pessoa), Nancy, John “Bud” (Cleide), Sue (Johann Zimmermann); 8 grandchildren. The memorial service was Dec. 13 at North Fresno MB Church. Interment was Dec. 16, 2008, in Abbotsford, B.C.
