Deaths
Greg RatzlaffGreg Ratzlaff died Aug. 26, 2009. He was born Oct. 19, 1962 in Vancouver to Harold and Violet Ratzlaff. His gentle spirit and the twinkle in his eye were evident early, and his love for people and relationship remained his trademark throughout life. While living in Eugene, Ore., Greg turned his young life over to God at a church service in 1968. He attended Columbia Bible College from 1981–83, some of the most important years of his life, when he grew emotionally and spiritually and made lifelong friendships. During this time, he was baptized into the MB church. After working, he returned to school at UBC, graduating in 1989 with a BSc in pharmacy. He completed an arduous post-graduate residency in clinical pharmacy in 1993. Greg never stopped learning, whether professionally or about any of his many other passions including jet airplanes and sports. Yet what he really loved to learn about were the lives, passions, and interests of those close to him. Gentleness, humour, mischievousness, a sharp memory, and an abiding curiosity are a few of the broad strokes with which he painted every day of his life. In the last two and a half years, he added large measures of courage, bravery, and resilience to his palette. While he came to know the depths of human suffering at different times in his life, he walked those hard spiritual journeys with God, and grew deeply in spiritual ways that touched all those around him. He faced his diagnosis of cancer with peace and resilience, and while he longed to live, was not afraid of dying. He drew immense strength from his faith. Greg was a cherished son, brother, and uncle, and was a second father to Cameron and Nicole.
Ger JanzenGer Arthur Janzen died accidentally Aug. 28, 2009. He was born Apr. 8, 1958 in Winnipeg to Abe and Aggie Janzen. He grew up on a farm near Elm Creek and after graduating from high school attended 2 years at Winkler Bible Institute. He married Debbie Abrahamson Nov. 10, 1990. Ger was interested in anything with a motor and chose jobs that complemented this interest. Ger and Deb bought his parents’ farm in 1995 and enjoyed raising their own food. Ger loved to sing – with his brothers, male quartets, the praise team at his church. Ger had a strong faith in God, which was evidenced by his compassion for others in need. It was not out of the ordinary for him to stop beside a troubled motorist and do what needed to be done in order to get them up and driving again. He and his family spent several vacations helping others less fortunate than themselves. Ger is mourned by Debbie; daughters Ashley, Melodie, Kristen, Janessa; his parents Abe and Aggie Janzen; brothers Terry (Jane), Ron (Deb), Marv (Tana); parents-in-law Clifton and Sylvia Abrahamson. A celebration of life for Ger was held Sept 3, 2009 at Elm Creek (Man.) Mennonite Brethren Church.
Peter Loewen Peter H. Loewen died Sept. 1, 2009 at 100. He was born May 25, 1909 in Yazykovo, Ukraine to Heinrich and Lena Loewen. Peter’s father was a farmer and travelling evangelist for the MB church. The family moved to Saratov-Slavgorod, Siberia, in 1916, where they lived until 1927. They tried to flee the country in 1927, but were caught and exiled to the Amur River region. Peter’s father was often harassed, arrested, and tortured, before being executed by Soviet authorities in 1937. In 1930, Peter crossed the Amur River and walked to China, joining other Mennonite refugees in Harbin, then leaving for the Chaco, Paraguay, in 1932. There, he accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, was baptized, and became a member in the MB church. He married Anna Klassen and they farmed for 22 years. In 1967, they moved to Canada. They returned to Paraguay from 1972–1975, then retired to Abbotsford, B.C. Anna died in 1990, but Peter continued to live on his own until 2003. The last few years were lonely for Peter but he patiently waited in faith for the Lord to call him to his eternal home. Predeceased by Anna; sons Hans, Henry; Peter is mourned by children Rudolf (Elfriede), Gerd (Almut), Theodor (Nelly), Hildegard Neufeld (Theo); daughters-in-law Gertrud, Helen; 24 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.
Aron ReimerAron Reimer died Oct. 3, 2009 after a short battle with cancer. He was born Dec. 1, 1929 in Fuerstenwerder, Ukraine, to Johann and Maria Reimer. During World War II, the family fled to Poland where his father was taken by the Communists. In 1948, the family moved to Paraguay. In those difficult years of new beginnings, Aron accepted the Lord as Saviour. He was baptized upon his faith and joined the MB church in Volendam. Aron married Erna Eichhorst in 1955. God blessed them with 5 sons for a short time, then took them home at different ages. Those were difficult times and only by the grace of God was it possible to survive. In memory of their sons, Aron and Erna supported 5 Gospel for Asia missionaries. In 1962, the family immigrated to Canada. Aron was a humble, kind, and gentle man who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a good provider and had a big heart for missions. He gave lovingly of his time and energy, using his carpentry skills to support Gardom Lake Camp, Willow Park Church, and other ministries. He is mourned by Erna, relatives, and many good friends.
Mary FastMary Theresa Fast died Oct 15, 2009 at 95. She was born Oct 3, 1914 to Daniel and Maria Fast. She was converted and baptized in the MB church at Turnhill, Sask. She worked stamping tags in a fish packing plant until she smashed her finger. After that, she stayed home and handed out tracts. She continued to hand out tracts her whole life, even at Menno Home, whenever she could get away with it. Mary liked baby animals, reading, walking, playing piano, singing, and laughing. She was a good listener and an encourager. Mary is mourned by numerous nieces and nephews. Pastor Harry Heidebrecht officiated at the funeral service Nov 2, 2009 in Abbotsford, B.C.
David Wiens David Wiens died Oct. 26, 2009. He was born May 31, 1926 in Sagradovka, Russia to Abram and Susanna Wiens. To flee the pressures of the Communist regime, they moved to the Amur River on the Chinese border, then, a few years later escaped over the frozen river to Harbin, China. In 1932, with the help of MCC, they moved to the Chaco, Paraguay, where despite the difficulty of building a new existence from scratch, David’s parents praised God for the freedom to worship. In 1948, David married Olga August. Four years later they moved to Brazil. David built houses and worked in a bike factory. After their daughter’s marriage to a Canadian, David and Olga moved to B.C. in 1970 because of growing inflation in Brazil. David worked at Columbia Kitchen Cabinets until his retirement. David and Olga rejoiced in the fact that their children along with their spouses have a strong faith in the Lord and through their example encourage their children. Many trips made David and Olga’s lives fuller and they thanked God for the experiences. After some declining health, David was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. He was an exemplary patient and did not complain. Predeceased by 1 grandson, David is mourned by Olga; children Helga, Werner, Inge, Wilfried; 10 grandchildren; great-grandchildren. The memorial service was held at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., October 29, 2009.
Cornelius VothCornelius J. Voth died Oct. 29, 2009 at 101. He was born June 4, 1908 on the Sask. homestead of his parents John T. and Anna Voth. Cornelius was actively involved in community affairs, including serving on school boards, the co-op board of directors, being president of the Hepburn Snow Club and secretary treasurer of the Hepburn Rural Telephone Company. Cornelius served for many years as an usher in the church, a task he took seriously, calling ushering his mission field at home. He attended Hepburn (Sask.) MB Church since its formation in 1910. His parents were founding members and he was baptized in 1940. His education included attending New Home School for almost 7 years and one year at Bethany as an adult. Throughout his life, he was involved in farming, actively taking part in more than 80 harvests. He moved from the farm into town in 1973. In semi-retirement, he began building crafts and models. At 90, he enjoyed many rides at Disney World, Fla. Cornelius was a wonderful, caring husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Predeceased by all his 14 brothers, sisters, and their spouses; Cornelius is mourned by Verna, his wife of nearly 60 years; children Joanne (Dale) Janzen, Ken, daughter-in-law, Kelli Voth; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Victor ThiessenVictor Abe Thiessen died Nov. 6, 2009. He was born Mar. 28, 1934 in Strathmore, Alta. to George and Mary Thiessen. Vic’s love for farming was evidenced by his passion to be out in the field with the machinery and livestock. He attended Alberta Mennonite High School in Coaldale, Alta., where he later was employed as a teacher. Vic attended MB Bible College in Winnipeg from 1953–1956, Waterloo Lutheran University from 1957–1958, and later continued studies in Calgary. On Dec. 29, 1956, he married Susie Annette Hiebert. Vic and Annette moved 30 times during 53 years of marriage. Vic worked double-duty as teacher and farmer in rural Alberta. From 1983–1985, Vic and Annette lived in Spain and England where Vic worked as project manager at a large composting plant. Vic and Annette operated a restaurant on two occasions between relocations in Alberta. Vic missed being on the farm, and found a great deal of joy helping farmers harvest each fall. Vic and Annette attended church at Linden Lodge during his last years, where Vic felt at home in a small older group. He preached there once a month, and spent many hours preparing sermons which he delivered with great passion. In Mar. 2009, Vic was diagnosed with cancer. Predeceased by 2 siblings, an infant granddaughter; Vic is mourned by Annette; children Victor Jr. (Cheryl Hoogenboom), David (Judy), Ruth (Jeff) Germo, Heather (Kelly) Davyduck; 2 siblings; 5 grandchildren.
John DueckJohn George Dueck died Nov. 7, 2009. He was born Nov. 4, 1925 in Ukraine to John and Maria Dueck. During the 1940s, the family fled to Germany, where John was conscripted into the Germany army while the Russians sent his family to Siberia. He came to Canada in 1948 under a government program which allowed displaced young men to work off travel debt after immigrating. He worked for a farmer in northern Alberta until he paid off his debt, then attended Bible school in Coaldale, Alta., from 1949–1950. John married Agnes Woelck in 1951. He worked in the building trade until he became disabled. After 19 years of separation, he met several of his siblings in Germany. John is mourned by Agnes; children Eleanor (Henry) Sudermann, Edward, David (Jodie); 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 12 at Coaldale MB Church.
Susan MullinSusan Faye Kennie Mullin died Nov. 10, 2009 at 48. She was born in Moncton, N.B. to Adrian and Marilyn Kennie. Susan is remembered as an amazing wife, mother, and friend. Her love for life could only be rivalled by her passion for God and his Son, Jesus. She loved to lend a helping hand, and valued good friends and laughter. She loved people and was intuitive and quick when it came to relationships. Susan loved working with children and making crafts. She had an innovative imagination and the uncommon combination of abilities to dream big, be practical, and work hard to get things done. Among other pursuits, she was a cleaning lady, church worker, youth group leader, and small business owner. She served as office manager at Gateway Community Church, Lower Sackville, N.S., for 10 months. Susan is mourned by her husband Robin; children James, Selina, Philip; 4 siblings and their spouses; nieces and nephews.
Tina Penner Tina Penner died Nov. 15, 2009. She was born Jan. 11, 1936 in Fernheim, Paraguay to Johann and Anna Loewen. Tina accepted Jesus as Saviour as a young child and was baptized in the MB church as a teenager. She married Jakob Penner Feb. 22, 1958. After farming in Schoenau for several years, they moved to Filadelfia. An injury paralyzed Jakob from the waist down in 1972, so they moved to B.C. in 1975, where life was a little easier. Tina worked at Tabor Home and Menno Home. She loved babysitting her grandchildren. Tina and Jakob took many camping trips. Soon after retiring, Tina was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but she continued to enjoy baking, sewing, gardening, and volunteering at the MCC store. Never complaining, she took care of Jakob for more than 37 years. She will always be remembered as a very loving and hardworking wife, mom, and oma. Predeceased by 2 sisters, Tina is mourned by Jakob; children Hartmut (Monika), Karin (Ed); 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Daniel ThiessenDaniel Edward Thiessen died Nov. 27, 2009. He was born Sept. 21, 1921 in Borden, Sask. to Daniel and Elizabeth Thiessen. The family relocated to Newport, Wash., where they did itinerant orchard work until the U.S. government demanded they take out citizenship or leave. They moved to Yarrow, B.C., in 1928. His parents’ nomadic lifestyle must have influenced him, for he travelled around, doing odd jobs and having many experiences, like riding a bicycle from B.C. to Alberta through the Rocky Mountains. Dan was working at a logging camp in Port Hardy when he was conscripted into the army. A friend led Dan to the Lord in 1955. Dan married Elizabeth Klassen on July 6, 1956. Dan was baptized and became a member of Vancouver MB Church, where Elizabeth was already a member. They became charter members at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., where they attended from 1961–1990. Dan worked at a plywood mill for 30 years, and retired in 1986. Dan and Elizabeth enjoyed some travelling in their retirement years, and the grandchildren gave them great joy. They moved to Abbotsford in 1990 where they joined Bakerview MB Church. Dan read Scripture frequently and he and Elizabeth prayed daily for their family. Predeceased by 6 siblings, Dan is mourned by Elizabeth; children Carolyn (Larry) Kwiatkowski, Arlene (Vern) Penner, Gordon (Julie); 8 grandchildren.
