Deaths
Mary PaulsMary (Thiessen) Pauls died Oct. 18, 2009. She was born Feb. 15, 1917. Mary and her husband Albert were longtime members of Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by Albert, Mary is mourned by 5 children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren.
Marilyn Willems-KoopMarilyn Joyce Willems-Koop died Jan. 25, 2010. She was born Mar. 27, 1948 to Ed and Alma Willems. Marilyn grew up in Niagara Falls, Virgil, and St. Catharines, Ont. She was a member of several Associated Gospel churches, first in Niagara Falls and then Calvary Church in St. Catharines, where she was known for her involvement in music ministry. After attending Bethany Bible School, Sask., in 1969, Marilyn returned to St. Catharines to work for Brock University, eventually becoming executive assistant to the dean of mathematics and science. As the faculty’s social organizer, her sense of humour, artistic flair, and love of flowers cultivated a warm atmosphere for colleagues and students. Marilyn married Frank Koop Oct. 5, 1973. The couple studied at AMBS in Elkhart, Ind. In 2006, Marilyn was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She continued to follow Christ with courage. Marilyn is mourned by Frank; children Jeremy (Alissa Allan), Christopher, Lauren (Gary Wiens); extended family; friends at Grantham MB Church.
Hanna Wiedemann
Hanna Alice Ehrengard Wiedemann died Feb. 2, 2010. She was born Jan. 8, 1920 in Germany to Constantin & Margarethe von Dietz. The family moved frequently to accommodate her father’s career as a professor. After graduation from high school in 1938, Hanna dreamed of studying medicine, but due to instability caused by the Nazi regime, she first became a registered nurse. In 1949, Hanna finished medical school at the university in Freiburg, Germany, and married Max Wiedemann Aug. 9. The Wiedemanns moved to Switzerland, where they raised 5 children and 1 foster son. In 1965, Max left home. Hanna worked in hospitals, and when that proved difficult with 6 children, did research for medical departments. In 1975, Hanna visited her son in Canada, where she fell in love with the countryside, returning every spring. In 1999, Hanna moved to Gem, Alta. She attended Gem MB Church. Predeceased by Max and daughter Alice, Hanna is mourned by children Nick (Benli), Lutz, Fridolin, Antoinette; 7 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Anne Schroeder
Anne Elizabeth Schroeder (nee Janzen) died Mar. 22, 2010. Predeceased by her mother Agnes, stepmother Sara, father John, sister Marie, brothers John and Dave; Anne is mourned by her husband of 48 years, Peter; children Barbara (James), Sandy, Michael, Rani (Larry); 9 grandchildren; siblings. The funeral was Mar. 27 at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.
Helene BoschmannHelene Boschmann died Mar. 29, 2010 at 95. She was born Jan. 16, 1915 in Swistenow, Russia to Heinrich and Maria Federau. In 1929, she travelled over the Amur River to China. There, Helena was baptized after her mother led her to accept Jesus. In 1932, the family immigrated to Santa Catarina, Brazil. Helene married Johann Boschmann in 1936. In 1949, they moved to Colonia Nova (Bagé), Brazil. In 1967, they immigrated to Canada, where they attended Culloden MB Church, Vancouver. In 1980, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where they became members of King Road MB Church. Helena is mourned by 9 children and their spouses; 33 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Ben VothBen H. Voth died Apr. 1, 2010 after a battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 6, 1926 in Plum Coulee, Man. The family moved to Manitou, Man., to continue farming in 1932. In 1935, his father and brother founded a hardware and farm machinery business, where Ben learned to work. His family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., in 1945. Ben married Catherine Unger in 1947. They lived on the same property 40 years and then spent the last 23 years in Abbotsford. Ben had a successful career as a general contractor and real estate developer. He was a leader and visionary who helped build the credit union movement locally, provincially, and nationally. He served with the credit union from 1954–1996, then was named chairman emeritus. Ben enjoyed watching hockey, playing golf, travelling, camping, and fine dining. He took his Christian faith seriously and served on church and Stillwood Bible Camp boards. One of his most memorable endeavours was his involvement with the Jesus Film projects in Costa Rica and Mexico. He made eternal contributions to the lives of family and friends. Ben is mourned by Catherine; children Don (Elma), Ken (Betty), Lorraine (Don), Rod (Febe); 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Elmer Gerbrandt
Elmer Abe Gerbrandt died Apr. 2, 2010. He was born Apr. 11, 1934 near Herbert, Sask. to Cornelius and Susie Gerbrandt. Elmer accepted Jesus and was baptized in the Herbert MB Church. He married Kathy Doerksen Aug. 26, 1961. They made their first home in Herbert and later moved to Swift Current, Sask., where they attended Bridgeway Community Church. Elmer was a parts man who worked for Jay Dee Equipment, Wilton Ford, and Cypress Motor. He continued to work 3–4 days a week after his retirement in 2004. He will be remembered for his care for Kathy during her years of illness. Predeceased by Kathy in 2006, 1 sister, 1 brother, 3 brothers-in-law; Elmer is mourned by siblings Harry, Katie Mathies, Esther Penner; in-laws; nieces and nephews.
Susanna HechtSusanna Hecht died Apr. 4, 2010. She was born Oct. 24, 1914 in Nowy-Witebsk, Ukraine to Abram and Susanna Krause. At 17, she married Johann Franz Friesen. They had two children before he was taken by the Communists. Later, she married Leonidas Hecht, and they had four children. Leonidas had two children from his previous marriage to Susanna’s sister Lena, who died earlier. The family left Russia with other Mennonites in the great trek westward, landing in the displaced persons camp in Gronau, Germany. There, Susanna was baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. The family immigrated to Paraguay in 1948 and settled in Colony Neuland. In 1955, they moved to Winnipeg, where they joined Elmwood MB Church. Predeceased by Johann, infant son Alfred, 5 siblings; Susanna is mourned by children Susa (John) Dueck, Franz (Anna), Alfred (Linda), Helen (Edward Wayne) Toews, Johanna (John Allen) Toews; stepchildren Rudolf, Elsa (Henry) Dueck; 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother.
Helmut DoerksenHelmut Henry Doerksen died Apr. 12, 2010. He was born Aug. 26, 1937 in Asunción, Paraguay to Peter G. and Tina Doerksen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1949, settling in Steinbach, Man. In 1953, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Helmut surrendered his life to Christ in 1956 and was baptized at Clearbrook MB Church. In 1958, he graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute and went on to teacher’s training at the University of B.C. He married Lydia Toews June 21, 1963. In 1966, he graduated from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, and went to Switzerland to teach at Bienenberg Bible School. That 2-year MCC assignment became a 36-year career, which included teaching and ministry trips to Germany, the former USSR, and South America. Helmut continued his education at theological institutions in Basel, Switzerland; Elkhart, Ind.; and Pasadena, Cal. Predeceased by daughter Carol Lynn in 1990, son Richard in 1998; Helmut is mourned by Lydia; son Paul (Sonja); 2 grandsons; 6 siblings.
Emma BaergEmma Baerg died Apr. 20, 2010. She was born Feb. 14, 1917 near Dalmeny, Sask. to Jacob and Tina Lepp. During evangelistic meetings, she accepted God’s forgiveness at age 14. She was baptized and joined the MB church in Dalmeny. Emma graduated from Bethany Bible Institute and received her BA from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. Aiming for missionary service in India, she attended the Missionary Health Institute in Toronto and the Summer Institute of Linguistics in Oklahoma. She later earned her MA in Christian education from MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Cal. In 1946, Emma travelled by ship to India where she spent the next 32 years. Upon her return from India in 1978, Emma married Rueben M. Baerg. Together they pastored Central MB Church in Saskatoon. After Rueben died in 2001, Emma kept busy with spiritual and civic pursuits. Though she suffered with failing health, Emma maintained joy and faith. The funeral was Apr. 26, at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.
Katie GiesbrechtKatie (Kay) Giesbrecht died Apr. 23, 2010. She was born Mar. 20, 1930 to David and Tina Braun, on a train between Kenora and Fort William, Ont., as the family was immigrating from Russia to Yarrow, B.C. She was raised in Greendale, B.C. along with 8 siblings. Kay accepted Jesus in 1947, was baptized and accepted into the Greendale MB Church that same year, and served her Lord faithfully all her life. She married Jacob (Jake) Giesbrecht in 1948. They moved to Vancouver shortly after, first attending Fraserview MB Church and later becoming members of Killarney Park MB Church. Kay enjoyed volunteering at Fraser Valley Gleaners. She is mourned by Jake; children Robert (Paulette), Richard (Selinda), Kathleen (Stephen) Harper, Arlene (Keith) McGlashan; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
Nicholas ThiessenNicholas (Nick) Thiessen died Apr. 24, 2010. He was born Oct. 6, 1922 in Neu Samara, Russia to Nicholai and Magdalena Thiessen. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Grunthal, Man., moving later to Coaldale, Alta. Nick was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church in 1940. He attended Coaldale Bible School ,followed by service in the medical corps. In 1946, he married Mary Froese in Tofield, Alta. They farmed in Vauxhall and later in DeBolt, Alta. In addition to farming, he drove school bus, and later worked as a nursing orderly at Grande Prairie Hospital. Nick served his community and Crooked Creek MB Church and later Debolt Gospel Light Church. His faith was intrinsic to all aspects of his life, and he enjoyed service to others. His passions included music, reading, storytelling, travelling, and making friends with people of diverse backgrounds. In 1994, he and Mary moved to Chilliwack, B.C., where they joined Greendale MB Church. Predeceased by 1 sister, Nick is mourned by Mary; children Stephen (Vange), Victor (Judy), Violet (Rick), Janice (Owen), Edward (Anne); 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings.
Sara AbrahamsSara Abrahams died Apr. 27, 2010. She was born Dec. 21, 1920 in the Molotschna Colony, Ukraine to Johann and Helena Peters. Her mother died when Sara was a few months old, and she was sent to live with relatives until her father could care for her, but she never returned to her family. During WWII, Sara travelled with her daughter Elvira, an aunt, a cousin, and other Mennonite refugees from Ukraine to Berlin. After the war, they were trapped in Berlin, but through MCC’s help, they were put on a train to Bremerhaven. There they took a Dutch ship, the Volendam, to a refugee camp in Argentina. Subsequently, they moved to Volendam Colony, Paraguay, where Sara married Kornelius Abrahams June 19, 1949. They cleared the jungle, built a home, and farmed with their eight children. Sara and Kornelius were ordained as deacons in the MB church in Volendam. In 1960, they moved to Winnipeg, where they became deacons at Elmwood MB Church. Sara loved music, baking, gardening, crocheting, reading, and sewing blankets for MCC. Her faith and sense of humour gave her a bright outlook on life. Predeceased by Kornelius, daughter Kaethe, granddaughter Rebecca, siblings; Sarah is mourned by children Elvira (Martin) Sudfeld, Maggie (Gerhart) Kramer, Anna (John) Pauls, Harry (Catherine), Martha Greenwood, Luise, Beate Abrahams-Bolen (Lionel Dupuis), Ruth Kroker; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.
Sharlene HiebertSharlene Hiebert died Apr. 28, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 10, 1943 in Saskatoon, Sask. to John and Florence Sperling. She grew up in Dalmeny and took nurse’s training in the Saskatoon hospital. Sharlene is mourned by husband Jerry; daughters Karis, Kim; son Cameron; 2 grandchildren; honorary grandson Chris; 1 brother; 2 sisters. The memorial was May 4 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Helen PennerHelen Penner died Apr. 30, 2010 at 95. She was born Mar. 19, 1915 in Edinburg, Sask. to Isaac and Margaretha Wiebe. At 20, she worked as a domestic helper in the Aberdeen area. In 1947, she moved to Saskatoon, and worked for 10 years as a pastry cook at St. Paul’s Hospital. In 1957, Helen was baptized into the Mennonite Brethren church, where she served the ladies’ and seniors’ ministries. On Sept. 1, 1956, Helen married Peter Penner. She enjoyed needlework and gardening. Predeceased by Peter, 2 sisters, 5 brothers; Helen is mourned by daughter Lorene; stepdaughter Anne Wall; grandchildren; 3 sisters; 3 brothers; in-laws; nieces and nephews. The funeral was May 4 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.
Jean Louise Leinweber Jean Louise Leinweber died May 7, 2010 following a battle with cancer. She was born Dec. 8, 1932 near Swalwell, Alta. to Frank and Lottie Howe. Jean studied at the one-room Fertile Valley School, Swalwell High School, and Red Deer Composite. She took teacher’s training at normal school in Calgary and taught at one of the last one-room schools, Gumbo School, near Three Hills, Alta. Later, she taught grade 3 at Acme School. In 1955, Jean married Allan, and they settled on a farm west of Linden, Alta. Jean taught Sunday school and Pioneer Girls and served the Christian women’s club and Three Hills health care board. Jean enjoyed travelling in Canada, the Amazon, Alaska, New Zealand, and the Holy Land. Predeceased by Allan in 2001, infant daughter Kathryn Louise in 1958, 1 brother; Jean is mourned by children Ruth Copeland, Rebecca (Allan) Bokenfohr, Kurt (Tracy), Brenda (Dan) Dyck, Ken (Cathy); 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. The funeral was May 11 at Linden MB Church.
