Deaths
Ted EngelTed Engel died May 19, 2008 at 97. He was born Sept. 26, 1910 near Woodrow, Sask., to Fred and Elizabeth Engel. He married Anna Biffart Oct. 21, 1932. They farmed in Woodrow, Sask., until retirement in 1974, when they moved to Medicine Hat, Alta. Anna died in 1991. Ted married Marion Brigden Sept. 17, 1994. She died in 2003. Ted was active in Woodrow (Sask.) MB Church and Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat, Alta., and at the chapel at Chinook Village. He loved the Lord and read his Bible regularly. Ted’s hobbies included woodworking, golfing, bowling, reading, and curling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Anna, Marion, 9 brothers; Ted is mourned by children Ron (Linda), Wayne (Geri), Velma (Ira) Heebner; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; stepchildren Lynda (Eldon) Haug, Allan (Brenda), Lois (Neil) Beatty, Ross (Joan).
Lena Fast Lena Fast died Sept. 26, 2008. She was born Nov. 2, 1921 in Alexanderthal, Ukraine to Jacob and Sara Isaac. At 7, she fled with her parents and 2 siblings from Russia through Germany to Brazil. She came to Christ through the Free Evangelical church and was baptized in May 1948. In 1949, she moved to Canada and worked hard to pay off her travel debt. After 4 years in Canada, she started correspondence with John K. Fast, a widower in Sao Paulo, Brazil. On Nov. 21, 1953, in Sao Paulo, she married John and became a mother to his 2 sons. In 1956, the family moved to B.C. Lena worked extremely hard and eventually founded her own housekeeping company. She volunteered for MCC more than 30 years, until her 80s. Hundreds of her quilts are all over the world. Working for MCC gave her much joy. She was a member at South Hill Church (Vancouver MB). Predeceased by John, 4 siblings, 2 great-grandchildren; Lena is mourned by children Lily, Herman (Shirley), Erwin (Elfriede), Walter (Elnora).
David D. FroeseDavid D. Froese died Nov. 23, 2008 at 92. He was born Feb. 7, 1916 in Steinfeld, Southern Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Manitoba. David married Annie Esau Oct. 11, 1942. In 1944, they moved onto the family farm near Sperling, Man., where they lived until retirement in 1980. They were baptized on confession of their faith Aug. 19, 1951 and became members of Sperling MB Church. After Sperling MB closed, they worshipped at Lowe Farm Emmanuel Church. After their retirement to Winnipeg in 1980, they attended McIvor Avenue MB. David’s faith and love for his Lord and Saviour was evident in his daily life. He was a quiet, caring man who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing in his retirement years. Predeceased by son Henry and 2 daughters-in-law; David is mourned by Annie; children David (Sylvia), Cornie (Ruth), Bob (Catherine), Ken (Dorothy), Ed (Chris), Howard (Lydia); 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Isaak KoopIsaak Koop died Dec. 13, 2008. He was born Jan. 28, 1929 in Friesdensdorf, Molotschna. At 2, he moved with his family to Tschongrau, Crimea, where he was later baptized. Isaak immigrated to Coaldale, Alta., in 1948, then Winnipeg in 1949. Here he met Kathie. They were married in 1953 at North Kildonan MB Church where they were members. Isaak’s love for singing was exhibited in the Russian Gospel Light Choir, and other church choirs. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and took pride in his work as a finish carpenter. Predeceased by son Harold, 8 siblings; Isaak is mourned by Kathie; children John, Ernie (Melody), Ed, Leo (Heather), Helmut (Dione), Robert (Laurie), Albert; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 1 step-sister.
Ian HazenbergIan Hazenberg died Dec. 22, 2008. He was born July 23, 1957 in Toronto to Ep (Ebbelle) and Kathryn Hazenberg. At 11, he moved with his family to Coquitlam, B.C., where he lived till he moved out on his own at 16. Ian was a hard worker, finding jobs easily, pursuing various careers and hobbies, such as high diving, boxing, judo, weight lifting, motorcycles, flying, and travelling. In 1982, Ian met his soulmate at the gym. Through her, he began to attend church and found a personal relationship with the God he grew to love. Ian and Evelyn married Feb. 4, 1984. They lived in Vancouver, Victoria, and then settled in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1990. In 2004, Ian was diagnosed with kidney cancer. By 2005, he was told he had 2 years to live. Ian defied medical statistics by living to celebrate his 51st birthday and his 24th wedding anniversary. He experienced many confirmations of God’s presence, and spoke openly about his cancer and what God was doing in his life, treasuring every day granted to him. He loved life and all the people in it. Predeceased by his father, Ian is mourned by Evelyn; children Candice, Colin, Jaclyn, Jayden; his mother Kathryn; 2 brothers.
Andrew Hanna AtouiAndrew Hanna Atoui died Feb. 8, 2009. He was born Feb. 22, 1986 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Hanna and Nahi Atoui. He was strong in spirit from birth and had a stable Christian upbringing which gave him the wings he needed to inspire others. In 1994, Andrew’s family moved to Richmond, B.C. His interests included rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, dirtbiking, archery, firearms, pyrotechnics, skateboarding, surfing, guitar, drums, motorcycles, photography, and auto mechanics. After high school graduation, he worked in a number of areas, then finished a college diesel mechanics program and worked in a shop. Camera in hand, Andrew travelled to the U.S., Europe, Lebanon, and Australia, capturing through his lens the beauty of the people and places he visited. A faithful follower of Christ, Andrew was a strong man with a soft heart. He gave himself to Jesus at 11 and was baptized at 15. Through his active involvement at South Hill Church in Vancouver, and TREK summer camps, Andrew quickly endeared himself to everyone he met. While on a visit to Australia, Andrew and his friend Arno were involved in a fatal car accident, and went to be with their Saviour. Andrew is mourned by his parents Hanna and Nahi; siblings Steven (Erma), Philip (Claudine), Marc; nieces Maya, Salama.
Arno C. EkkertArno C. Ekkert died Feb. 8, 2009. He was born Jan. 20, 1986 to Fred and Hane-Lore Ekkert. At 6, Arno realized he needed the forgiving grace of Jesus, and at 15 he was baptized. He lived life enthusiastically; at Richmond Christian School, Delta Youth Orchestra, South Hill Church (Vancouver), and TREK camp. His genuine joy and love for music, people, and Jesus was evident in every aspect of his life. After high school, Arno attended Capernwray Bible School in Australia. Here, his dreams came true as he enjoyed nature and studied God’s Word. Most recently, Arno was working at Cactus Club in Richmond, B.C. He loved his friends and wanted them to have what he had received from Jesus – real peace with God, people, and himself. On Feb. 8, while back in Australia with a friend, Arno was in a fatal car accident and went to meet his Saviour. He is now doing what he sang about in one of his songs: “I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.” Arno is mourned by his parents Fred and Hane-Lore; siblings Carlos (Michelle), Conroy (Courtney), Gloria.
Albert Un-Rau
Albert Un-Rau died Mar. 7, 2009. He was born in Altona, Man. to Peter and Lena Unrau. His 78 years were richly spent in many roles. Al became a Christian early in life and chose to follow God’s call to ministry in the Evangelical Free Church. He married Esther Ruth Bergmann Jan. 3, 1954, in Winkler. Yearning to reach out to those in need, he pastored in Minnesota, the Philippines, and Port Coquitlam, B.C., with the Evangelical Free Church. After much soul-searching and prayer, he found a new spiritual home in the United Church of Canada. He received an MDiv from Vancouver School of Theology in 1977, and was ordained. He ministered in Mission, Lake Errock, Mackenzie, and Tumbler Ridge, B.C. He also served the Anglican Church of Canada as assistant to the bishop in northern B.C. Al loved discourse and debate. In 1987, Al left the ministry. The following years were filled with new ventures and personal health and spiritual crises. He published an autobiography, In and Out of the Abyss. He struggled with depression, spending 9 months at Riverview Hospital. Al and Esther made their final move to Menno Terrace in Abbotsford. In this warm and accepting community, Al found refuge to live out his reflective days. He joined Highland Community Church. Al was eager to hear of his grandchildren’s pursuits, read with ferocity, and kept himself abreast of political situations worldwide. He showed enthusiasm for positive change in the world and despaired over the plight of those less fortunate than himself. Al will always be remembered for his quirky character. He kept up his reading and personal study until the day of his stroke, Feb. 23, 2009. Predeceased by 3 siblings; Al is mourned by Esther; children Pearl, Dale, Crystal, Dwight; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Herbert Victor NeufeldHerbert Victor Neufeld died Mar. 8, 2009. He was born Apr. 24, 1930 in Whitewater, Man. to Wilhelm Neufeld and Anna Epp. He married Therese on July 20, 1957. Herb was highly regarded for his dedication to education and will be most remembered as principal of John Pritchard School in Winnipeg. Herb’s motivation in life was his commitment to faith, family, and friends. He was a member of Elmwood MB Church. Predeceased by 10 siblings, Herb is mourned by Therese; children Louise (Tom) Neufeld, Herbert Martin, Laura (Rick) Durand; 3 grandchildren, 1 sister.
Nicholas SawatzkyNicholas (Nick) Sawatzky died Mar. 8, 2009. He was born Nov. 28, 1925 in Kondratjewka, Russia to Peter F. and Margaret Sawatzky. When he was 8 months old, his parents immigrated to Canada and settled in Holmfield, Man. In 1942, he served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 1½ years. In 1949, with a desire for further education, he went to Winkler Bible Institute. There he accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour. He loved ministering to youth and teaching Sunday school. On June 25, 1955, Nick married Edith Dueck of Niverville, Man. For more than 40 years, they served with the Gideons. One fall, he did his annual New Testament handout to Grade 5 students throughout southwestern Manitoba by flying his Piper Cub plane to many of the rural schools. Nick enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, ventriloquism, and singing. He was a member of Lakeview Community Church in Killarney, Man., where he was active with youth, Sunday school, and a men’s quartet until his health failed. Nick is mourned by Edith; children Reg (Jill), Clarence (Joanne), Dolly (Harvey) Hildeband, Richard (Connie), Nancy (Rick) Penner; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Kornelius AbrahamsKornelius Abrahams died Mar. 14, 2009. He was born Jan. 18, 1925 in Siberia, Russia to Kornelius and Katherina Abrahams. The family returned to the Molotschna colony, Ukraine the next year. At 16, Kornelius was conscripted into the Russian army. A year later, he returned home, but when the family retreated with the Germany army, he was forced into service in Poland for 8 months until the end of the war. In 1948, Kornelius moved to Paraguay. There he met Sara Peters, and they married in June 1949. Kornelius became a deacon in the MB church. He farmed and was involved with MEDA. In 1960, the family moved to Winnipeg where he joined Elmwood MB Church and worked for a window manufacturer. Kornelius enjoyed farming and the outdoors, and focused his retirement years on family and friends. His strong character and faith served him well. Predeceased by daughter Kaethe, 1 granddaughter, 4 siblings; Kornelius is mourned by Sara; children Elvira (Martin), Magdalena (Gerhard), Anna (John), Harry (Catherina), Martha (Max), Luise, Beate (Lionel), Ruth; 15 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Justina DurksenJustina Durksen died Mar. 16, 2009 at 99. She was born Aug. 24, 1910 in Grigorjewka, Ukraine to Cornelius and Katarina Peters. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling first in Saskatchewan, later in B.C. Justina made a commitment to Christ in 1928 and was baptized in Herbert (Sask.) MB Church in 1929. Justina married Martin Durksen in October 1933. They farmed in Frontier and Foam Lake, Sask., and Beamsville, Ont. Justina and Martin served as deacons in Vineland MB Church for many years. After retirement, Justina and her husband lived in Tabor Manor Apartments in St Catharines, Ont., and enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren. After Martin’s death, Justina moved to the Vineland United Mennonite Home. She was a member at Scott Street MB Church. Predeceased by Martin, an infant son, 5 siblings; Justina is mourned by children Katie (Edward) Koop, Anne (Henry K.) Friesen, Peter (Erna), Helen (Carl) Dahmer, Hilda (Walter) Friesen, Marion (Erwin) Wiens, Cornelius (Shelia), Frank (Ellie), Henry (Sylvia); 27 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren.
Katie PaetkauKatie Paetkau died Mar. 16, 2009. She was born Feb. 17, 1929 in Arnaud, Man. to Cornelius and Maria. She is remembered for her cheerful disposition and her friendly smile. Predeceased by husband Henry in 1989, 1 brother; Katie is mourned by children Reuben (Wilma), Karen (Scott) Barbour, Linda (Albert) Velema; 6 grandchildren; 5 brothers, 5 sisters. The memorial service was Mar. 21 at Gem MB (Alta.) Church.
