Deaths
Peter J. HildebrandPeter J. Hildebrand died May 14, 2008. He was born Oct. 2, 1906 in Russia to Johann and Katharina Hildebrand. He was conscripted into the Russian army and had to go AWOL to leave Russia with his widowed mother and sisters to come to Canada in 1926. On Oct. 28, 1935, he married Velma Quiring. He farmed in Meadow Lake, Sask., for many years, often wintering in Waldheim, Sask., where he assisted in the caretaking of the arena. Peter was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River in 1980, and joined Waldheim MB Church in 1993. He retired in 2003, then moved to Mennonite Nursing Home in Rosthern, Sask., in 2005. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 4 sisters, son Harvey, daughter Judith, first wife Velma, and second wife Tena; he is mourned by children Edythe (John) Erickson, Verdelle Muttitt, and Caroline (Bart) Horsland; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. The funeral was May 20 at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.
Irmgard WohlgemutIrmgard Wohlgemut died peacefully at home June 14, 2008. She was born April 25, 1920 in West Prussia to Gottfried and Ernestine Lange. Irmgard never got to know her father, who was buried 5 months before her birth. Her mother married a widower when Irmgard was 4, so she gained a father and 8 new siblings, making her the youngest of 20. After the difficult war years, Irmgard married Albert Wohlgemut and they established their home in Nordhorn, Germany. In 1949, they immigrated to Canada, settling first in Manitoba, then moving to Kitchener, Ont. Irmgard was actively involved with the Ladies Fellowship at Kitchener MB Church and, together with Albert, served as a deacon and hosted Bible study groups in her home. Irmgard also enjoyed flowers and gardening. Predeceased by all 19 siblings, Irmgard is mourned by her husband of 60 years, Albert; children Rita (Robert) Tjart, Ben (Margaret), Gordon (Janet), Betty (Gordon) Lough; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 19 at Kitchener MB Church.
Henry BanmanHenry Banman died July 29, 2008. He was born Jan. 30, 1913 in Ukraine to Henry and Aganetha Banman. When communism began to threaten their way of life, they moved to Mexico in 1926. Then the Mennonite Church in Canada provided sponsorship, enabling them to move to Saskatchewan 6 months later. Henry married Susie Wiebe in 1940. They lived in Vancouver, Haney, and Matsqui before settling in Clearbrook, B.C., after the 1948 flood destroyed their farm. Henry and Susie then moved to Lardeau, B.C. to run a cedar shake mill in 1959, but a 6-month hospitalization after being struck by a falling tree ended Henry’s career in the bush. Henry and Susie lived in Kaslo, B.C. from 1963–1980, then retired to Richmond, B.C. in 1981, where they were members of Fraserview MB Church. Henry will be remembered for the love he showed his family, friends, and everyone he met. Predeceased by Susie in 2003, Henry is mourned by children Jake, Rosie, John, and Addie; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 5 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Susan EnnsSusan Enns died Aug. 13, 2008. She was born Nov. 25, 1927 in Coaldale, Alta. to John and Katherina Enns. At a young age, Susan learned about Jesus, prayed for forgiveness, and found assurance in Isaiah 43:1. In her teens, she was baptized and accepted into membership at Coaldale MB Church. After high school, Susan studied at the local Bible school. She became a teacher, enjoying 35 years in her chosen profession. She also taught Sunday school. Susan travelled to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. A very difficult time in Susan’s life was the declining health of her sister Margaret. Susan was blessed with good health and many supportive nieces and nephews. She is mourned by 24 nieces and nephews and their families. The funeral was Aug. 16 at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.
Tina KlaassenTina Klaassen died Sept. 20, 2008. She was born Feb. 11, 1917 in Wymark, Sask. to Peter and Katharine Bornn. Tina’s early years were spent near Morden, Man. before relocating to Saskatchewan in 1928. She married John A. Klaassen and together they had 6 children. Tina gave much to this world and asked for nothing in return. Predeceased by John, daughter Pearl, 2 sisters, 1 brother, great-granddaughter Jasper Koop; Tina is mourned by sons Irwin (Aggie), Elmer (Lorraine), Dennis (Emma), Gerald (Diane), and Ken (Bev); 23 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 1 sister; 2 brothers. The memorial service was Sept. 30 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Henry H. DerksenHenry H. Derksen died Sept. 24, 2008. He was born Jan. 4, 1921 in southern Russia to Henry and Anna Derksen. In 1927, the family moved to Canada, settling on a farm near Khedive, Sask. In 1939, Henry went to Bible school in Swift Current, Sask., where his experiences re-oriented his life and set him on a lifelong journey of faith and service. He married Elizabeth Nickel Oct. 4, 1942. They farmed in a number of Saskatchewan communities until 2001, when Henry and Elizabeth moved to Swift Current. Henry was motivated by curiosity, empathy, and love. Predeceased by 3 sisters; 1 grandson; 1 great-grandson; he is mourned by Elizabeth; children Shirley (Hildor) Braun, Betty (Ed) Nickel, John (Kristen), Hazel (Ray) Scheirer, Judy (Bernie) Friesen, Dennis (Vickie), Faith (Dennis) Klassen; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Sept. 28 at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask.
Wilhelm KlassenWilhelm Klassen died Sept. 26, 2008. He was born March 19, 1914 in Siberia, Russia to Kornelius and Margareta Klassen. In 1930, the family immigrated to Germany, then to Paraguay. In 1944, Wilhelm studied dentistry, and began a 22-year career as a dentist. Wilhelm married Valentine Klippenstein in 1946. Wilhelm accepted Christ after Billy Graham visited him in the hospital in Asuncion during an illness and left a tract for Wilhelm to read. Soon thereafter, Wilhelm was baptized. In 1966, he packed up his family and moved to Vancouver. Wilhelm worked as an ordinary labourer, giving up dentistry in hopes of providing a better future for his family. Upon retirement, Wilhelm and Valentine moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where Wilhelm spent many hours creating toys for his grandchildren. He is mourned by Valentine; children Ed (Liz), Erich (Judy), Edwin (Anni), Werner (Joan), Armin (Hilda), Sophie (Mike); 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
Lena WallLena Wall died Sept. 28, 2008. She was born Jan. 31, 1924 in Rosenbach, Russia to Kornelius and Aganeta Federau. The family fled Russia in 1928, arriving in the Paraguayan Chaco in 1930. There was little employment for a single woman in the Chaco, so Lena moved to Asuncion, where she worked at a transition house for Mennonites in the capital. There, she met her future husband, John Wall, a widower with three children. After a brief courtship, Lena started the paperwork to immigrate in Canada to join her family-to-be. Lena arrived in Winnipeg Jan. 29, 1964, and married John Feb. 9, 1964. The family moved to Vancouver Aug. 1967, and attended Vancouver MB Church. In 1978, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., and became members of King Road MB Church. Lena was fond of children, and sacrificed much of herself in caring for her grandchildren. She loved to knit and crochet gifts for family and MCC, and rested in the assurance of her salvation in Jesus. Predeceased by John; John’s youngest son Johnny; 5 siblings; 1 great-grandchild; Lena is mourned by children Erna, Ben (Marlene), James; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 5 siblings. The memorial was Oct. 6 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Nick WillemsNick Willems died Oct. 1, 2008. He was born May 6, 1920 in Saskatchewan to Henry H. and Mary Magdelena Willems. He was converted in Jan. 1935, and baptized in summer of that year. Nick began his education and preaching career at Bethany Bible School in Hepburn, Sask. During the war years, he worked as a conscientious objector. In 1945, he began studies at MB Bible College in Winnipeg, where he met and married Betty Rempel. Nick’s teaching career included some years at Bethany in the late 1940s, and Columbia Bible School from 1959 to 1963. His higher education included a degree at Tabor College, and a DMiss and DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary. He pastored at MB churches in Dalmeny, Sask., Woodrow, Sask., Surrey, B.C., Saskatoon, Prince George, B.C., and Abbotsford, B.C. Nick became involved in the Canadian Revival Fellowship, travelling throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean from 1971 to 1975. He retired from full-time ministry in 1986, but remained active in prayer and mentoring ministries. Nick and Betty moved to Prince George in 2001. Nick is mourned by Betty; children Elizabeth, Irene (Victor), John (Blenda); 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was held at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.
George Peter WarkentinGeorge Peter Warkentin died Oct. 4, 2008. He was born June 26, 1918 in Russia. In the mid-1920s, he came to Canada, where his family settled in Steinbach, Man. George married Kaye Neil June 26, 1948. They moved to B.C. in 1952. George worked for CN Rail and they lived in Coquitlam, B.C. After Kaye’s death in 1987, George moved from Coquitlam. He married Catherine Borne in 1989. George accepted the Lord and was baptized at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. He was active in various capacities at the church, especially as head usher. George enjoyed bowling, golfing, camping, playing the guitar and mouth organ, and woodworking. Predeceased by Kaye; 4 sisters; 2 brothers; George is mourned by Catherine, daughter Beth (Doug); 1 granddaughter; 2 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 8 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Jacob (Jake) MartensJacob (Jake) Martens died Oct. 5, 2008. He was born Oct. 10, 1935 to Johann J. and Katharina Martens in Speedwell, Sask. In 1949, Jake moved to Elm Creek with his family. Soon after their arrival, Jake saved up money so he could attend Winkler Bible Camp where he became a Christian. In 1965, Jake married Katie (Kay) Klassen of Elm Creek, Man. Jake was a great husband, father, and grandfather; compassionate, loyal, humble, generous, courteous, and thoughtful. Predeceased by 5 siblings; Jake is mourned by Kay; children Cherie (Garry), Randy (Deb), Steve (Stephanie), 8 grandchildren; 5 siblings. The memorial was Oct. 10 at Elm Creek MB Church.
Mary WiensMary Wiens died Oct. 7, 2008. She was born Mar. 10, 1913 in Plum Coulee, Man. to Abram and Anna Hiebert. As the eldest daughter in the family, Mary helped her mother raise the children after Abram’s death. She married Henry Wiens Sept. 22, 1940, and worked side-by-side with him in furnace installation for many years. From 1944–1966, Mary and Henry lived in Morden, Man. where they raised 3 sons. They moved to Kelowna, B.C. and Calgary before settling in Coaldale, Alta., where they joined the MB church. Predeceased by Henry; 11 siblings; 1 grandson; Mary is mourned by sons Art (Myrna), Murvin (Carol), Rick (Janet); 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The funeral was Oct. 13 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Coaldale, Alta.
Rudolf (Marty) MartensRudolf (Marty) Martens died Oct. 7, 2008. He was born Apr. 22, 1937 to George and Helene Martens. Marty enjoyed a 32-year career in the air force that took him and his family around the world. He gladly included family and friends in his favourite pastimes, golf and fishing. He was also a highly skilled woodworker who generously gave his projects to family and friends. Marty and Vale moved back to Chilliwack, B.C. and started attending Greendale MB Church. After taking part in an Alpha group, Rudy was baptized Jan. 27, 2008 and joined the church. Predeceased by 1 infant brother and his infant daughter Teresa, Rudy is mourned by his wife of more than 51 years, Vale Irene; children James (Sherry), Bradley (Laurie), Brian (Judy), and Susan; 7 grandchildren. A celebration of Marty’s life was held Oct. 11 at Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack.
Lillian Ruth DoerksenLillian Ruth Doerksen died Oct. 9, 2008. She was born in 1921 in Herbert, Sask. to Jacob and Elizabeth Doerksen. She responded to God’s call while attending Biola University in Los Angeles, Cal., and left for India in 1950. Her nearly 50 years as a missionary/educator in India saw her serve the Ramabai Mukti Mission from 1950–1986. During these years she raised 34 orphan girls and gave leadership to the publicity department and the campus school. Motivated by the birth of several deaf “grandchildren,” she founded the Maharashtra Deaf Fellowship (MDF) of India upon her retirement in 1987. Biola University honored Lillian in 2004 by awarding her the Clyde Cook presidential trophy for her outstanding missionary achievements as a graduate of their school. During her lifetime she was a member of Main Center (Sask.) MB Church as well as the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Vancouver, B.C. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Lillian is mourned by siblings Rosella Schmidt, John, Mabel (Georges) Sourisseau and Viola (Harold) Ratzlaff; most of the 34 girls in her Honeysuckle Family (Mukti); and the many deaf residents living on the four campuses of the MDF.
The Globe and Mail ran a tribute to Lillian Doerksen Nov. 18. Read it online at www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081118.OBDOERKSEN18/TPStory/
Mary MielkeMary Mielke died Oct. 11, 2008. Mary was born Aug. 21, 1919 in Reinfeld, Russia to Peter F. and Justina Bahnmann. After her father’s death, Mary immigrated to Canada with her mother and three older sisters, settling in Main Centre, Sask. On July 7, 1940, she married Fredrick Graf Mielke and together they worked on their farm near Beechy, Sask. In 1978, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., which served as their home base while they travelled the globe. Predeceased by Fredrick; son Arthur; Mary is mourned by children Fred (Mary), Irene, Betty (Larry), Gordon (Diane), John (Carole), Louise (Edgar), Kenneth; 17 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 half-sister. The celebration of life was Oct. 20 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Jacob Eugene PetersJacob (Jake) Eugene Peters died Oct. 12, 2008. He was born Aug. 29, 1923 to Peter and Eva Peters. Jake committed his life to Christ at 17, was baptized, and joined the church in Dalmeny, Sask. In 1953, Jake married Leona Nickel and moved to a farm in the Borden area. In 2004, Jake and Leona moved to Saskatoon where they enjoyed the fellowship and friends at Forest Grove Community Church. Jake was known for his gentle, quiet manner, and his love and dedication to Christ. Jake was a steady example of godly integrity. He is mourned by Leona; children Sharon (Jim) Block, Loren (Debbie), Glen (Marija), Stan (Ev), Don (Debbie); 14 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 19 at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
Anthony (Tony) WiebeAnthony (Tony) Wiebe died Oct. 17, 2008 at 98. He was born Sept. 6, 1910 in Arkadak, Russia to Jacob and Helena Wiebe. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925. Tony got saved at an evangelistic meeting in Greenfarm, Sask., in 1926. In 1930, he rededicated his life to the Lord, was baptized, and joined Greenfarm Church. Tony married Mary Schulz in 1931. He loved singing in choirs and male quartets. Two major operations at age 90 ended his singing days. Tony farmed, worked in the church and taught Sunday school, and served on the credit union board. Predeceased by Mary in 2006; son Arthur in infancy; daughter Lois Reimer; 8 siblings; Tony is mourned by Ray (Fran), Lorne (Marge), Doris Priebe, Abe Reimer, Rick (Sharon); 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 21 at Herbert (Sask.) MB Church.
John QuiringJohn Quiring died Oct. 24, 2008. He was born Oct. 12, 1911 in Laird, Sask. to John and Margaret Quiring. When the family lost their farm in Dalmeny, Sask. in 1929 they moved to Vancouver, where John worked at several different jobs. In 1940, he married Louise Klassen and they attended Vancouver MB Church, where John was baptized. In the years following, John and Louise were active members of the newly formed Fraserview MB and Killarney Park MB churches. John worked as a truck driver, but found time to build a house for his family, play the guitar, garden, take photos of family and road trips, and surf the internet. He will be remembered as a considerate, intellectually curious, hard-working man whose faith was evident in his life. John is mourned by Louise; children Jeanette (Joseph) Jones, Frances (Gerald) Friesen, Don, and Dan (Monique); 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings. The memorial was Oct. 31 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C.
Jacob PetersJacob (Jake) Peters died Oct. 24, 2008. He was born June 2, 1936 to Johann and Katharina Peters. Predeceased by 6 siblings; Jake is survived by his wife Martha; children Jackie Mamer (Dennis Zlipko), Bonnie (Darcy) Friesen, Judy (Tim) Schroeder; 6 grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister. The memorial was Oct. 29 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.
Frieda ToewsFrieda Toews (nee Isaak) died Oct. 25, 2008. She was born Dec. 31, 1919 in Russia. Frieda loved the Lord Jesus above all else. She demonstrated this by caring for those whom she met. Her home was always open to a great many women who would visit with her. Along with her husband Isaac, Frieda placed high value on volunteering. For more than 10 years after retirement as an aid at the Menno Home, Frieda prepared meals three times a week at the Clearbrook Golden Age Society. She knit countless baby sets, socks, toques, and vests, which she donated to MCC BC. Above all, Frieda valued her family. Predeceased by Isaak, Frieda is mourned by children Bruno (Helen), Marian (Henry) Reimer, Richard (Debbie), Naomi (Dennis) Searl, and Beverly (Paul) Patterson; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; 3 brothers.
Helen BueckertHelen Bueckert died Oct. 29, 2008. She was born May 1, 1938 near Glenbush, Sask., to John C. and Helen Epp. At 19, she was baptized on confession of her faith at Hoffnungsfelder Church in Glenbush. In fall 1961, she moved to Rosthern to work at the Mennonite Youth Farm. There she met Bill Bueckert, whom she married on April 21, 1963. After some years in Rosthern, they made their home in Waldheim, Sask. Helen had a passion for people; next to her relationship with God, her family was of the utmost importance. Helen enjoyed time spent with friends at Ladies Circle, volunteering at the Clothes Basket, and helping with nursery care for the mom’s program. Predeceased by 3 step-siblings; Helen is mourned by Bill; children Sam (Christine), Kenneth, Harvey, Elsie (Terry) Hack, Verna (Ron) Quiring; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 8 siblings; 9 step-siblings. The funeral was Nov. 1 at Waldheim MB Church.
Frank DyckFrank Dyck died Nov. 2, 2008. Frank’s mother died one month after he and his twin brother, Jake, were born, leaving their father to raise 11 children. Frank married Alfrieda Voth Sept. 14, 1957, and they spent the next 33 years farming and raising their family. In 1990, they moved to Morden, Man., farming from town for the next 14 years. Frank served his church and community, singing in choirs, teaching Sunday school, participating in youth work, deacon work, church council, seniors ministry, Bible studies, and men’s prayer breakfasts. Frank loved anything that involved the Lord and people. He will be remembered for his powerful handshake, a smile that lit up the room, and a firm belief that whoever he met should know about Jesus. Predeceased by 5 brothers and 1 sister, Frank is mourned by Alfrieda; children Larry (Valerie), Merley (Ken) Wiebe, Gerald (Rachel), Cheryl (Carl Duerksen); 12 grandchildren; 4 siblings. The celebration of life was Nov. 7 at Westside Community Church, Morden.
Susie HeinrichsSusie Heinrichs died Nov. 4, 2008. She was born Jan. 25, 1914 in Ukraine to Jacob and Anna Martens. In August 1923, the family immigrated to Canada, buying a farm near Rush Lake, Sask. Susie met Herman Heinrichs, and they were married June 23, 1938. Herman and Susie had 5 children, and cared for Herman’s brother and his 4 children. In 1954, the family moved to a farm near Niverville, Man. Herman and Susie moved into town in 1976, then to Winnipeg to live with their daughter in 1997. Susie’s faith connection with God was of prime importance, and she always opened her home to relatives in need. Though Susie experienced health problems through the years, she kept blessing others with a gracious word, the assurance of her prayers, or a bowl of soup. Predeceased by 3 sisters, and extended family member Jim; she is mourned by Herman; children Erna (Archie) Jantzen, Anne (Alvin) Dueck, Edwin (Betty Ann), Selma Hiebert, and Marilyn; extended family members Marianne (Herman) Janzen, Paul (Michelin), Marilyn (Dueck) Heinrichs, and Lois (Art) Bergman; 1 brother; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
