Katharina Warkentin
Katharina Warkentin died Nov. 22, 2008 at 101. She was born Oct. 13, 1907 to Heinrich and Maria Huebert. She grew up in Tschongrau, Ukraine. In 1928, she married Franz Warkentin. Franz was deported to Siberia in 1937; Katharina never saw him again. During World War II, she and her son fled Russia, landing in Tiege, where she organized Sunday school for children, preached from a book of sermons she’d found, and organized a choir. There were no other Bibles or books, so all activities were based on memorized songs and Scriptures. A number of people found faith in Jesus through these services. The group later moved to Hohenbastel, Germany, from where Katharina moved to Manitoba. She was a member at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg. Katharina is mourned by son Frank (Ruth); granddaughters; many great-grandchildren.

Sally Schroeder Isaak
Sally Schroeder Isaak died Jan. 19, 2009. She was born Feb. 19, 1926 in St. Francis Xavier, Man. to Wilhelm and Sara Schroeder. At 11, Sally gave her life to Christ, was baptized near Steinbach and joined the MB church. She taught school in Manitoba after graduating from teacher’s college in Winnipeg and taking courses at Regent College, Vancouver. Sally also studied at MBBC, Winnipeg, Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., and MBBS, Fresno, Cal. From 1956 to 1985, she worked in the German language service of HCJB World Radio in Quito, Ecuador with MBMSI. During that time, she completed an MA in communications from Wheaton Graduate School. Besides her work in German and English language programming, Sally was fluent in Spanish, and worked with children’s and young adult education at Iñaquito Evangelical Church. In 1987, Sally married longtime friend Frank Isaak. They settled in Abbotsford, B.C., where Sally began a new ministry with Latin Americans, leading to the establishment of Bakerview Hispanic Church. In 1994, she published a memoir, Some Seed Fell on Good Ground. Sally was a member at Bakerview MB Church. Predeceased by  2 siblings; Sally is mourned by Frank; stepchildren Ruth (Clarence) Braun, Irene (Jack) Schellenberg, Don (Lorraine); 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.

Victor Jacob Nickel
Victor Jacob Nickel died Jan. 8, 2009. He was born Aug. 2, 1925 in Great Deer, Sask. to Jacob and Helen Nickel. He accepted the Lord as Saviour in 1935 and was baptized in 1938. He attended Bethany Bible School, Hepburn, Sask., from 1943–1946, and also took courses at MBBC, Winnipeg, and at Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, Sask. In 1948, he married Katie Fehr and they settled in Virgil, Ont., where Victor led the young people’s choir and taught Sunday school at Virgil MB Church. For many years, he helped with camp work at various Bible camps. In 1949, Victor and Katie moved to Borden, Sask., where they farmed until 1952 when Victor entered full-time ministry under Western Children’s Mission. They pastored churches at Hague Ferry, Carrot River, Watrous, Glenbush, Meadow Lake, Sask.; Pincher Creek, Alta.; New Westminster, B.C. After retirement to Saskatoon in 1990, Victor served at seniors homes, held evangelistic meetings in churches, and regularly collected pop bottles to donate to charities. Predeceased by grandson James Michael Neufeld, 1 brother; Victor is mourned by Katie; children Dwight (Vera), Faith (David) Jahelka, Hope (Tony) Neufeld, Mark, Philip (Florianne); 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.

Abe C. Klassen
Abe C. Klassen died Feb. 15, 2009 at 91. He was born Jan. 28, 1918 in Rosenheim, Man. to Cornelius and Katherina Klassen. Abe was baptized and joined Grossweide (Man.) MB Church. In 1942, he married Elma Hiebert. They farmed in Lowe Farm, Man., before moving to Winkler for schooling for Abe and the children. Abe worked in carpentry, and at Winkler Bible Camp, then opened the Bible Book Shop in 1959. Abe and Elma retired to Winnipeg in 1979. Abe enjoyed selling books, attending Christian businessmen’s meetings, watching televangelists, and distributing tracts. Predeceased by Elma, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 siblings; Abe is mourned by children Doreen, Marilyn (Henry) Wiebe, Don (Kathy), Arnold (Penny); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.

Jim Somerville
Jim Somerville died Mar. 16, 2009. He was born Apr. 7, 1958 in Toronto to Matthew and Bette Somerville. While at university in London, Ont., Jim came in contact with Campus Crusade and realized his need of a Saviour. Returning home, he attended Kitchener MB Church, becoming involved in Sunday school and the youth choir. He married Becky Fehderau June 16, 1984. They moved to Fresno, Cal., for Jim to obtain an MDiv at MB Biblical Seminary. He pastored at Salem Community Church, and Parliament Community Church in Regina. They moved back to Ontario where he served as chaplain at Bethesda Home for the developmentally challenged. Jim had a special gift of connecting with clients and their families. He returned to seminary in 1999 to complete a MAFT counselling degree, and worked with MCC as administrator of mental illness and disabilities service. Moving back to Kitchener in 2002, Jim and Becky became involved in Glencairn MB Church, where he used his musical and writing abilities and counselling skills in the church community. His interaction with the Grade 7 and 8 Sunday school class brought him pure pleasure and satisfaction. His bipolar affliction tormented him to a greater or lesser degree but people respected his wisdom, openness, and search for and journey with God. Predeceased by his mother, his father-in-law, Jim is mourned by Becky; sons Sean, Brendan; father Matthew; brother Bob, mother-in-law Nancy Fehderau; 2 brothers-in-law.

Katherine Speiser
Katherine (Katie) Speiser died Mar. 19, 2009 at 98. She was born Apr. 22, 1910 in Orenburg, Russia to Jacob and Agatha Klassen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1923, living in Rosthern and Waldheim before settling in Glenbush, Sask. Katie attended Hepburn Bible School for 4 years, and taught there 1 year. She attended Normal School in Saskatoon and taught in various one-room schools, the last in Laird, Sask. She married Jacob Speiser in 1947. In the early 1970s, Katie taught 4 years in Leipzig, Sask. In 1979, Katie and Jacob were building a home and planning retirement to Waldheim when he suddenly died. Friends helped finish the house and move Katie to her new home. She was active in Waldheim MB Church, teaching Sunday school, working in Ladies Aid, helping in the library, and singing in the choir. She was one of the oldest volunteers at the Clothes Basket in Rosthern. Katie readily thanked God for her good health, saying “God is so good!” She lived on her own until July 2008 when she had a stroke. Predeceased by Jacob, 6 siblings; Katie is mourned by daughter Lovella; nieces
and nephews.

Marilyn Joanne Thomson
Marilyn Joanne Thomson died Mar. 23, 2009. She was born May 24, 1942 in New Westminster, B.C. to Norman and Olive Thomson. Marilyn lived in Australia several years and brought back to Canada a love for parrots and exotic flowers which decorated her home and life with bright colors. She asked Jesus into her life at 38 and became active in the singles ministry at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C. She loved children and was “Auntie Marilyn” to many. She faithfully cared for her parents until their passing. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, the words of 2 Samuel 22:29–33 became an anchor in her life. Marilyn was a bold Christian and lived her life as an adventure, sharing her faith with many. Predeceased by her parents; Marilyn is mourned by brothers Dale (Sandy), Ron (Trudy); niece Sara and nephew Matthew.

Otto Dick
Otto Dick died Mar. 26, 2009. He was born Apr. 17, 1919 in Russia to Heinrich and Anna Dick. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924 and established a farm in Glenlea, Man. The difficult 1930s ingrained in Otto the values of hard work, generosity, and making the most out of little. In 1945, he married Elfriede Toews. Together they built a vibrant life that included faith, family, and many friends. In 1998, they moved into Winnipeg. For more than 20 years, Otto volunteered with Ten Thousand Villages (MCC) repairing damaged handicrafts from developing countries. He loved helping his children and grandchildren with projects, walking, reading, and attending church activities. Most of all, he loved being with his family. Otto read the Bible regularly, and read all of Psalm 90 every Sunday. He was a member of Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, Man. Predeceased by 1 sister; Otto is mourned by Elfriede; children Walter (Wilma), Harold (Judith) Dueck, Theodore (Betty), Ruth (John) Richert, Edith (Marvin) Dyck; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.

Hulda Ann Derksen
Hulda Ann Derksen died surrounded by family Mar. 29, 2009 at 93. She was born May 31, 1915 in Borden, Sask. to David and Anna Klassen. She and her husband Henry farmed in Borden until 1974, when they retired to Langham, then Saskatoon. In 2003, she moved to Abbotsford, B.C., to live with her daughter Lucy, then in 2005 moved to Menno Terrace East. Hulda’s faith and trust in the risen Lord kept her secure in the knowledge that we will meet again. Predeceased by Henry; daughter Doris Ens; infant son Donald; granddaughter Brenda Price; 2 infant great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Hulda is mourned by children Doreen (Clarence) Wiebe, Julia (Peter) Neufeld, Lucille (Tom) Baerg, son Lloyd (Delores) Derksen; son-in-law Bob Ens; 14 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. A remembrance and celebration service was May 10, 2009 in Borden (Sask.) MB Church.

Peter Neufeldt
Peter Neufeldt died Mar. 26, 2009 at 85. He was a member of Northside Community Church. Predeceased by an infant son and daughter, 3 brothers; Peter is mourned by his wife of 61 years, Doris; children Terry (Evelyn), Ken (Valerie), Don (Elly); 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 10 siblings, 1 sister-in-law.


Helen Harder
Helen Harder died Mar. 31, 2009 at 91. She was born Oct. 11, 1917 in southern Russia to Leonard and Therese Ewert. The family fled to Germany in 1934 to escape increasing persecution. Helen was unable to finish her education, but she had a curious mind and found great joy in reading. After World War II, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Yarrow, B.C. In 1949, Helen married Nick Harder. They moved to Vancouver in 1955, later living in Penticton, then Kelowna, B.C. Helen was very involved with serving in church. The family had an active social life, and she was a gracious hostess. Helen loved the Lord with a quiet and steadfast faith, anchored by countless hours reading her Bible and spending time with her Lord and Saviour. She was a prayer warrior. Helen loved the outdoors, and was always keen to discover what was around the next corner on a hike. Her biggest hiking triumph was 7,000-foot Mt. Cheam in the Fraser Valley at 78. Predeceased by Nick, grandson Jason, 3 siblings; Helen is mourned by children Ellen (Helmut) Hubert, Manfred (Caroline), Walter (Laura), Herb (Elaine); 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.

Gordon Lloyd McCaslin
Gordon Lloyd McCaslin died Apr. 2, 2009 at 47 after a short battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 15, 1961 in Kincaid, Sask. to Lloyd and Jean McCaslin. Gordon married Marlyss Everett Aug. 9, 1980. He gained his journeyman qualifications for motor vehicle mechanic repair, and farmed the McCaslin homestead in Meyronne, Sask. Gordon first of all loved serving his Lord. At his home church, Woodrow Gospel Chapel, he served as youth group leader, deacon, and moderator. He also loved to farm, tend livestock, ride horseback, hunt, fix things, and lend a hand to anyone in need. His outstanding patience, positive attitude, and big smile will long be remembered. Another joy was visiting with family, friends, and neighbours. To Gordon, a stranger was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. Predeceased by his father; Gordon is mourned by Marlyss; children Kevin (Tania), Crystal (Kevin) Gregory, Nathan; 6 grandchildren; 3 siblings; his mother.

Katherine Martens
Katherine Martens died Apr. 12, 2009 at 95. She was born Apr. 11, 1914 in Neuendorf, South Russia to Peter and Anna Hildebrandt. Her father died in her very early years, and her mother and siblings immigrated to Canada in 1923. They set down roots in Herbert, Sask. After high school, Katherine trained as a nurse at Providence Hospital in Moose Jaw. She worked in Herbert, Winnipeg, and Winkler, Man. In 1941, Katherine married her long-time sweetheart Leander Martens. They began married life in Sudbury Ont., lived in various Saskatchewan towns, then in 1948 moved to Bradner, B.C., where Katherine lived until her move to Menno Home in Abbotsford. Gardening was her special joy and though she became blind in middle age, she did not let that keep her from weeding, knitting, canning, baking, weaving, and many other household tasks. She was president of the Abbotsford CNIB and worked diligently to encourage others who were going through the trauma of blindness. Katherine had a strong faith in God on whom she relied to give her strength. She never complained but chose to trust God and rejoice in her circumstances. Katherine and Leander attended Ross Road Community Church. Predeceased by Leander, son John, great-granddaughters Flannery and Mercy Collins, 1 sister; Katherine is mourned by children Janice (Dennis) Friesen, daughter-in-law Patricia Martens, Kent Martens, David (Beverly) Martens; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 brother.

John E. Klassen
John E. Klassen died Apr. 17, 2009. He was born Feb. 23, 1923 in Neu Samara, Russia to John C. and Elizabeth Klassen. When John was 3, the family moved to Canada in search of religious freedom. John committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized while living in Lindbrook, Alta. In 1948, he moved with his family to Matsqui, B.C., where he met Leona Wiens. They married on Oct. 6, 1949. John and Leona ministered for more than 40 years with the MB church, beginning in 1953. They served in Oliver, Black Creek, Abbotsford, and Vancouver Island in B.C., and in Hepburn, Sask. They ministered God’s Word, comfort and help to the congregations, visiting people in their homes, in hospitals, and in care facilities. John’s strong desire was that everyone experience a relationship with Jesus Christ. John had the unique privilege to baptize each of his children and to officiate at their weddings. He and Leona prayed for their children every day. His family enjoyed his sense of humour and sought out his godly wisdom. He will be remembered as a hero of the faith who walked closely with God. John was a member at Clearbrook MB Church. Predeceased by 2 brothers; John is mourned by Leona; children Loreen (Rick) Hall, Les (Val), Joyce (Al) Boldt, Carolyn (James) Klassen, Sharon (Randy) Baerg; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.

Anna Gortzen
Anna Gortzen died Apr. 23, 2009. She was born Feb. 7, 1930, in a refugee camp in Moelln, Germany, to Johan and Agathe Penner. Shortly after her birth, her family immigrated to Brazil, settling in Alto Rio Krauel, Witmarsum, Santa Catarina. The Penner family relocated to Curitiba, where both parents worked outside the home and Anna looked after younger siblings and the household chores. She accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, then was baptized Sept. 29, 1946. Anna married John Gortzen Feb. 12, 1949. In 1965, John’s grandparents came to live with the Gortzens. Anna looked after this elderly couple 10 years until their deaths. When their children left home, John and Anna became caretakers of the MB church in São Paolo for 3 years. In 1978, they immigrated to Canada, where both children now lived. Culloden MB Church, Vancouver, became their new spiritual home. They found many friends and became active in various ministries. In 1990, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined King Road MB Church. Anna loved flowers and gardening. As an MCC volunteer, she took dolls home to wash and dress; she said there were too many chores to allow time to play when she was a child. Knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and baking kept her hands busy. Predeceased by John, 2 brothers; Anna is mourned by children Kathie (Ernesto) Berg, Wally (Waltrude); 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.

Mary Klassen
Mary Klassen died Apr. 25, 2009 at 96. She was born May 30, 1912 in Muensterberg, Sagradovka, Russia to Jacob and Mary Regehr. In 1919, the Regehr family was attacked by Makhno bandits and left for dead. Mary survived and was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Abram and Elisabeth Regehr, becoming the oldest of their 8 daughters. They came to Canada in 1925, settling in Steinbach, Man. Mary accepted the Lord as Saviour in 1928, was baptized, and became a member at Steinbach MB Church where she continued to attend for 80 years. In 1938, she married David Klassen. Mary was always busy, taking care of her children, working next to David on the farm, sewing and knitting. She made countless mittens and toques for the homeless. Mary was interested in the lives of her entire family, prayed for them, and used the telephone to keep in touch. Predeceased by David, one great-granddaughter, 2 sisters; Mary is mourned by Waldie (Levina), Martha (Harry) Hildebrandt, George (Shirley), Abe (Ruth), Mary (Ben) Friesen; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters.