Deaths
Anne ThiessenAnne Thiessen died Oct. 13, 2009 at 90. She was born Jan. 17, 1919 in Elizabethtal, Ukraine to Cornelius and Elizabeth Baerg. At 6, Anne immigrated with her family to Sask. and later to Coaldale, Alta. She was baptized as a teen. Anne married Nick Thiessen in 1940, and they settled on a farm near Vauxhall, Alta. In 1965, they moved to Edmonton, where Anne worked in childcare and as a nurse’s aid at Central Park Lodge. Anne and Nick were ordained as deacons in Lendrum MB Church. Anne loved to express her faith through hospitality. Predeceased by daughter Esther, brother Jake, sister Mary; Anne is mourned by Nick; children Bob (Marianne), Jeanette, Paul (Evangeline), Gerry (Grace), Jim (Ingrid), Grace (Jim) Neudorf; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters.
Timothy KlippensteinTimothy Peter Klippenstein died Jan. 5, 2010. He was born Oct. 29, 1946 in Winkler, Man. to Bernhard D. and Sara Voth Klippenstein. He came to faith as a child and was baptized in the Boyne River in 1960. Tim moved to Winnipeg, then Toronto for his education. After their marriage on Apr. 20, 1974, he and Ruth (Koop) spent 3 years with MCC in Botswana, an experience that influenced the rest of his life. Tim’s passions were mathematics, music, fitness, travel, languages, the environment, peace, social justice, his family, and God. His strong Christian commitment led to a lifetime of service to others in the church and community. He is mourned by Ruth; sons Paul and Peter; 3 siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The funeral was Jan. 11 at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg.
David DerksenDavid D. Derksen died Jan. 9, 2010 at 99. He was born Oct. 1, 1910 in Fischau, Ukraine to David and Suzanna Derksen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, settling in Boissevain, Man. His father, a pastor, led him to faith, and he was baptized. After training for pastoral ministry at Winkler Bible School, David moved to Ont. He became a leader at Leamington MB Church, where he met Louise Dick. They married in 1938 and raised 4 children. He supported his family by owning and operating a grocery store. David was ordained in 1944. At 64, he became chaplain at Leamington Nursing Home, where he served for more than 25 years. His lifelong passion was preaching – he gave his last sermon at 95. Predeceased by 5 siblings, David is mourned by Louise; children David (Esther), Linda, Marvin (Barbara), Kenneth (Barbara); 8 grandchildren; 1 brother.
Olga Shier Olga Shier died Jan. 24, 2010. She was born Mar. 18, 1921 in Wygoda, Poland to Philip and Sophie Flatt. Olga was baptized in 1941 into the North End MB Church (now Elmwood MB), Winnipeg. She married Andrew Shier a year later. Olga studied business and worked at the Addressograph and Multigraph office. In addition to years of volunteer work at Winnipeg’s first MCC thrift store, Olga enjoyed playing piano for the Sunday school, bowling, and handiwork. Predeceased by Andrew, Olga is mourned by daughters Marilyn (David) Redekop, Anita (George) Peters, Beverley; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister; 1 sister-in-law.
Nicholai ThiessenNicholai J. Thiessen died Feb. 5, 2010 at 93. He was born Feb. 24, 1916 in Blogodatno, Neu Samara, Russia to Jacob and Helena Thiessen. At 9, Nick immigrated with his family to Sask. and later to Coaldale, Alta. He was baptized as a young man. Nick married Anne Baerg Nov. 30, 1940, and they opened their home to many during their 68 years together. He served God faithfully. Predeceased by Anne in 2009, daughter Esther, 6 siblings; Nick is mourned by children Bob (Marianne), Jeanette, Paul (Evangeline), Gerry (Grace), Jim (Ingrid), Grace (Jim) Neudorf; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings. The memorial was Feb. 13 at Lendrum MB Church, Edmonton.
Mary Rempel DickMary Rempel Dick died Feb. 8, 2010. She was born Nov. 1, 1922 in Ukraine to Gerhard and Maria Epp. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1925. After completing junior high, Mary worked as a domestic to supplement the family income. She received Jesus as Saviour, and was baptized into North Kildonan MB Church. In 1942, the family moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where Mary became a charter member of Scott St. MB Church. She married Abe Rempel in 1944, and they moved to Elm Creek, Man. to farm. In 1950, they returned to St. Catharines, where they ran a successful car dealership. Following Abe’s death, Mary married Jake Dick. Mary was a Sunday school teacher, mission group leader, and encourager. Predeceased by Abe in 1989, Mary is mourned by Jake; children Rudy (Barbara), Ruth (Jake) Friesen, David (Irene), Lynda, Ed (Cindy), Terry (Patti), Dan (Barbara); step-children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren.
John EnnsJohn Enns died Feb. 13, 2010. He was born May 6, 1921 in Neu Schoensee, Sagradowka, Russia to Johann and Sara Enns. After his father’s death in 1922, his mother remarried, and the family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling near Didsbury, Alta. At 16, John accepted Christ at Gem Bible School and, a year later, was baptized. John attended Bible School in Coaldale and Yarrow. During World War II, he worked on a farm as a conscientious objector. John married Louise Toews in Oct. 1945. They studied at MB Bible College, Winnipeg. John taught school in Grossweide and Chortitz, Man. for 7 years. In 1959, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., and John taught at MEI and schools in Surrey, B.C. In 1963, he was ordained at Clearbrook MB Church, where he served as pastor and moderator. From 1964–1986 he ran a raspberry farm. John and Louise retired in Clearbrook. John enjoyed fishing. Predeceased by Louise in 2006, daughter Louise, 3 siblings; John is mourned by children John (Mary Lou), Viola Connolly, Vangie (Harold) Esau, Jim (Janet), Marianne (Michael) Crowe, Helen; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 brother; 1 sister.
Maria UnruhMaria Unruh died Feb. 24, 2010 at 96. She was born Jan. 11, 1914 in Shumanovka, Siberia to David and Agatha Stahl. In 1929, the Stahls immigrated to Paraguay. Maria accepted Jesus as Lord in her teens and was baptized in the Mennonite church. In 1937, she married Abram Unruh. In 1959, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Clearbrook, B.C. They attended Clearbrook MB Church, and then became charter members at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. In 1974, Abram and Maria fulfilled a long-held dream of serving seniors by opening the Sherwood Senior Citizens Home, where they served for 4 years until retirement. They travelled to visit their children from coast to coast, and in Paraguay and the Philippines. Maria had a special concern for relatives from the former Soviet Union who landed in Germany. She corresponded with them regularly and visited them in Germany. The loss of her eyesight created loneliness and trials for Maria, and forced her to move from her condo to an assisted living home. Predeceased by Abram in 1981, 1 grandson, 1 son-in-law; Maria is mourned by children Edith (John) Warkentin, Gertrude Penner, Hilda (Hartmut) Rahn, Elfrieda (Ernie) Reimer, Erna (Wolfgang) Binder, Ewald (Linda), Harry (Sheila); 26 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law.
Abraham UnruhAbraham (Abe) Unruh died Feb. 25, 2010. He was born May 31, 1915 in Schumanowka, Slavgorod, Siberia to Abraham and Maria Unruh. In 1921, his father died, and one year later, his mother remarried. In 1925, they immigrated to Silberfeld, Man. At 11, Abe began working on the farm. At 12, he accepted Jesus as Saviour, and later, was baptized. Abe married Helen Falk of Niverville, Man. Oct. 25, 1942. In 1946, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. In addition to raising 3 children, they fostered 47 children over 26 years. Abe worked as an implement dealer, sales clerk, and bookkeeper. He served as Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, and guest speaker at Menno Home and Menno Hospital. In 1975, they moved to Abbotsford, where they joined Bakerview MB Church, transferring to Clearbrook MB Church in 1994. After Helen’s death, Abe married Anna Dyck in 1996. Predeceased by Helen; Anna in 2003; Abe is mourned by children Alvin, Gary, Grace; step-children; foster children; and their families.
Anne FroeseAnne Froese died Mar. 10, 2010. She was born Nov 26, 1918 in Nikolaidorf, South Russia to Isaak and Sarah Ewert. The family moved to Canada in 1924, settling in Dalmeny, Sask. In 1929, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. At 12, Anne accepted the Lord as Saviour at revival meetings. At 15, she was baptized. As the oldest in the family, Anne felt it was her duty to quit school and help her mother who was in poor health. Nevertheless, at 18, she had the privilege of attending Bible school in Yarrow, where she met Henry Froese. Anne spent a year doing housework in Vancouver, then married Henry Nov. 26, 1938. In 1968, after the children had left home, Anne and Henry moved to Clearbrook, B.C., and joined Bakerview MB Church. Henry died of cancer in 1975. After moving to a condo, Anne missed the outdoors and working in the garden very much but she appreciated her family – grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives – and friends. Anne preferred to look on the sunny side, to count her blessings, and to thank God for the good things he has already done and be grateful to him for the battles.
Katie FastKatie Fast died Mar. 12, 2010. She was born Oct. 16, 1916 in Herzenberg, Ukraine to Franz and Katherine Born. The family tried unsuccessfully to immigrate to Canada in 1926 and 1929, and her father died of starvation. In 1935, Katie married Heinrich Fast. Before World War II, Heinrich was conscripted into the Red Army, never to be reunited with his family. Katie fled with her sons, mother, and sister to West Germany in 1945. In 1948, they immigrated to Sardis, B.C. Katie was baptized and joined Greendale MB Church. She volunteered in the ladies’ sewing circle, the German choir, the community centre kitchen, and MCC. Katie retired in Abbotsford, B.C. with her mother and attended Clearbrook MB Church. In 1999, she suffered a stroke. Predeceased by her siblings, Katie is mourned by children William (Agnes), Harry (Ann); 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
William FedrauWilliam (Bill) Fedrau died Mar. 14, 2010. He was born June 23, 1925 in Samara, Russia to Wilhelm and Eliesabeth Fedrau. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and settled in Carrol, Man., where they farmed for 20 years. In 1947, they moved to B.C. and bought a dairy farm. Greendale MB Church became their home church and Bill, having come to know the Lord as a young boy, was baptized and joined the church in Aug. 1949. There he met Mary Ewert whom he married in 1951. When Bill’s parents retired from farming, Bill and Mary moved onto the farm, working hard on improvements and raising their family. In 1979, Mary was diagnosed with cancer. Bill cared for her until she died in 1981. Bill married Susan Penner Oct. 23, 1982. In 1990, Bill retired and the farm was passed on to the next generation. Bill and Susan built a house next to the farm and to keep busy through their retirement they travelled extensively. They loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. Bill took up woodworking, making furniture, grandfather clocks, and Model A cars (sold at the MCC Sale each September). In January 2009, Bill suffered a stroke and along with Susan moved to Abbotsford. Predeceased by Mary; Bill is mourned by Susan; children Richard (Mary), Sylvia (Greg) Janzen, Wesley (Margaret), Stanley (Michelle); 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
George David PriesGeorge David Pries died Mar. 15, 2010. He was born June 20, 1908 in Pretoria, Orenburg, Russia to David and Anna Pries. In 1926 he immigrated to Canada, arriving in Winnipeg. Having experienced the civil unrest in Russia, he searched for a secure and meaningful life in his adopted country. Committed to pursuing an education, even during the Great Depression, he received a BA from Tabor College, a BEd from the University of Manitoba, and an MA from Wichita State University. George and Lena Kroeker were married in their home church in Winkler on April 15, 1934. George served as a Bible school teacher in Coaldale, Alta., and Winkler, Man., where he taught for more than 25 years, and Tabor College. He was ordained as a minister in the MB Church in Winkler in 1941. In addition to his pastoral duties, he helped plan and oversee the building of a new church in 1947. He also served on MB conference committees. In 1975, he wrote A Place Called Peniel, a history of Winkler Bible Institute. Following his retirement from religious work, George taught for 12 years in public schools of Manitoba. George was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his optimism and encouragement. Predeceased by Lena, daughter Violet; George is mourned by children Madeline (Peter) Pauls, Olive (Antony) Wiebe, Weldon (Rebecca), Rendall (Susan); 1 son-in-law; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several in-laws.
Edwin Rempel Edwin Rempel died Mar. 15, 2010. He was born July 19, 1929 in Niverville, Man. to Peter P. and Katherina Rempel. Edwin spent his early married years farming in the Niverville area, then worked for Kehler Feed and Seed, later for the Puratone Corporation. His retirement years were spent fixing appliances and bicycles for the Niverville MCC Thrift Shop. Edwin enjoyed camping, fishing, travelling, and fixing things. He loved playing games and spending time with his family. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments, and will be dearly missed by them. He was a member of Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, Man. Predeceased by son Gordon and daughter-in-law Sheryl, Edwin is mourned by his wife of 56 years, Ella; children Earl, Sharon (Steve Hartlaub), Gilbert (Diana), Audrey (Heinz Neufeld); 14 grandchildren.
Mary WarkentinMary Warkentin died Mar. 15, 2010. She was born Sept. 17, 1924 in Tchongrav, Crimea to Henry and Justina Hubert. On Sept. 20, 1942, she married George Warkentin at Tiege. She rededicated her life to the Lord and was baptized in 1946. George and Mary immigrated to Canada, working first on a farm in Manitoba, then settling in Ontario. In 1962, they purchased their first farm near Virgil, Ont. Mary was involved in the church, helping in the kitchen, quilting, and teaching crafts. She acquired skills quickly and efficiently. Predeceased by George, 1 brother, 1 daughter-in-law; Mary is mourned by children Alfred, Gertrude (Arthur) Hildebrand, George, Elvira (John) Goertz; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings, 1 sister-in-law. The memorial was Mar. 22 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont.
Frieda WiebeFrieda Wiebe died Mar. 17, 2010. She was born June 25, 1938 in Lethbridge, Alta. to Aron and Adina Willms. She married Rudy Wiebe July 15, 1961, in Kelowna, B.C. They spent the early years of their marriage in Prince George and Vancouver, before settling in Kamloops, B.C., to raise their family. Frieda stayed at home to raise her children, serving at the Kamloops Alliance Church in Bible studies, Sunday school, women’s ministries, and youth programs. As the children grew, she enrolled in the local college and received her realtor’s license. She and Rudy worked together as realtors for a number of years before purchasing their first motel. Over the next 10 years they owned motels in Kamloops, Dawson Creek, and Cranbrook, B.C. In 1999, they retired to Surrey, B.C., to invest in their grandchildren’s lives. During the last years of her life, Frieda continued to dedicate time and energy to Sojourners, greeting, prayer ministry, and care groups at North Langley Community Church. She also spent many hours volunteering at the Cloverdale Healing Rooms. Frieda had a passion for seeing God’s promises fulfilled. She spent many hours in the Word to gain a greater understanding of Christ’s power in our lives. Predeceased by 2 brothers, Frieda is mourned by Rudy; children Glenda (Dean) Hiebert, Terry (Michele); 3 grandchildren; 7 siblings.
Jacob LeppJacob Lepp died Mar. 19, 2010. He was born Aug. 20, 1921 in Tiege, Russia to Jacob and Helene Lepp. In 1926 the family immigrated to Manitoba and after the first winter moved to Mennon, Sask. At 13, he accepted Christ as Saviour, and, in 1943, he was baptized and joined Hepburn MB Church. He attended a Richmond district country school until grade 8 and later Hepburn Bible School. Jacob married Luella Quiring in 1946. They made their home in Hepburn. The Lord blessed their home with 3 daughters. In 1982 Luella was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1987. A year later, Jacob married Margaret Janzen and they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. In Dec. 2006, Jacob was hospitalized and then moved to the Menno Hospital. Margaret’s love and devotion were increasingly evident during the last 3 years of his life. Predeceased by his first wife Luella, 1 brother, stepson Dennis; Jacob is mourned by Margaret; daughters Sharon, Ruth (Barry Goetz), Lois (Ken Dyck); 3 step-children; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings. The memorial was at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Doris WiebeDoris Elaine Wiebe died Mar. 23, 2010. She was born June 21, 1934 in Main Centre, Sask. to John and Martha Schroeder. She accepted Christ as a youth and was baptized in the South Saskatchewan River. After graduating from Briercrest Bible School in 1956, she began working with Sask. Government Telephones in Swift Current, Sask. Doris married Phil Wiebe in 1958 and moved to B.C. She was a member of Willingdon Church, Burnaby, for more than 40 years, where she enjoyed teaching preschoolers and singing alto in the choir. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Doris is mourned by Phil; children Wayne (Brenda), Ron (Pearl), Janica; 4 grandchildren; 1 sister; in-laws.
Agatha DeFehrAgatha DeFehr died Mar. 26, 2010 at 98. She was born Sept. 6, 1911 in Kuruschan, Russia to Wilhelm Gerhardt and Anna Neufeld. Agatha came to Canada with her family in 1924. She was baptized Aug. 19, 1928, and became a member of North End MB Church (later Elmwood MB), Winnipeg. Agatha married Cornelius DeFehr May 24, 1936 in Whitewater, Man. She was devoted to her faith, family, and friends. She had the gift of hospitality and loved nothing better than to entertain and care for family and friends. Predeceased by Cornelius in 2000; son Arthur (Patricia) in 2005; 11 siblings; Agatha is mourned by children William (Marlene), Irene (Frederic) Wall; 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
David EwertDavid Ewert died Apr. 23, 2010. He was born Dec. 5, 1922 in Ukraine and came to Canada with his parents in 1926. In 1929, the Ewerts settled on an irrigation farm in Coaldale, Alta. David attended the Readymade country school and graduated from the University of British Columbia (BA), Wheaton Graduate School (MA), Central Baptist Seminary, Toronto (BD), Lutheran Seminary, St. Paul (MTh), McGill University (PhD), and MB Biblical Seminary (DDiv, Honorary). He dedicated his life to teaching and preaching the gospel. In 1944, David married Lena Hamm. In 2009, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. David and Lena became members of Bakerview MB Church in 1990, when they moved to the Fraser Valley to retire. David’s teaching career stretched over 65 years. He taught in Bible schools for 7 years; at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, for 25 years; at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Va. for 3 years; and at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Cal. for 9 years. He also served in South America, India, Africa, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Russia, and authored more than 20 books. He is mourned by Lena; children Eleanor (Ray) Martens, Marianne (Bob) Worcester, Ernest (Brenda), Grace, and Doreen; 12 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Sarah WedelSarah Wedel died Mar. 28, 2010. She was born Feb. 18, 1912 in Halbstadt, Slavgorod, Russia to Henry and Sara Wedel. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925 and lived in several towns in Alta. and in Black Creek, B.C. Sara worked in Vancouver as a live-in cook and did day work. She was a member of Clearbrook MB Church and had a lifelong passion for following Jesus Christ and his Word, demonstrated in her commitment to evangelism and global mission. Sara enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and handiwork, and often donated African violets to MCC. When she retired in 1994, she moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by 12 siblings, Sarah is mourned by her brother John; 2 sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.
