Deaths
Mary KaethlerMary Kaethler died July 20, 2009. She was born July 17, 1933 in Winnipeg to John and Mary Koehn. The family moved to Yarrow, B.C., in 1946. They attended Yarrow MB Church, where Mary was baptized in 1948. Peter Kaethler and Mary were married Aug. 28, 1954. They lived in Vancouver and were charter members of Killarney Park MB Church. With the children out of the home, Peter and Mary moved to Surrey, B.C. Retiring after 25 years with Safeway, Mary remained active, volunteering at church, walking daily with Peter, and spending time with family. Mary stayed strong in her faith no matter what the situation, committed everything to prayer, and was positive and thankful. Mary is mourned by Peter; children Sharon (Bruno), Rob (Leona); 5 grandchildren.
John DickJohn Bernard Dick died Aug. 4, 2009. He was born Apr. 11, 1925 in Hepburn, Sask. to Bernhard and Gredel Dick. Soon afterward, the family moved to Coaldale, Alta. At 9, he gave his life to Christ and in his teenage years was baptized at Coaldale MB Church. During WWII, he served as a conscientious objector in a lumber camp in Alberta. After a year at MBBC in Winnipeg, John went to university and medical school. In 1954, he married Hilda Ediger. He practiced as a family physician in Steinbach, Man., where he also sang in the choir and served as deacon at the MB church. He served with MCC in Vietnam from 1959–1962. In 1975, the family moved to Ontario, where John set up a practice in St. Catharines, served as a deacon and elder at Vineland MB Church, and sang in the Niagara men’s chorus. Later in his life, he went on several short-term medical mission trips to India, Zaire (DR Congo), the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Zimbabwe, and Haiti, and spent two years in Jamaica. In 1986, Hilda died after a courageous fight with cancer. On one of his mission trips to Central America, John met Joy Knowles, a nurse from California, and they married in 1988. Predeceased by Hilda, and 1 sister; John is mourned by Joy; children Allan, Cameron, Harold, Marlene; 8 grandchildren;
6 siblings.
Frank Hamm
Frank Hamm died Oct. 6, 2009. He was born Apr. 30, 1929. He is mourned by son Leonard, daughter Wendy (Rudy Wiens); 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Willow Park Church.
Ruth WillmsRuth Willms died Sept. 3, 2009. She was born Mar. 2, 1946 in Hamilton, Ont., the chosen daughter of John and Mary Isaac, of St. Catharines, Ont. Ruth was a friendly, outgoing, happy child; active, energetic and determined. Numerous moves throughout the city meant Ruth had to change schools and make new friends. Her most treasured friend for more than 50 years was her penpal Majvor from Sweden, whom she met through the Good News Children’s Hour. Peter Willms and Ruth were married at Scott Street MB Church, Apr. 22, 1967. Ruth was baptized in 1961. Later, she joined Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. Ruth and Peter were also active in the Niagara Conquerors Group. Ruth served as secretary, collector of store tapes, and until recently, as a volunteer driver. She embroidered tablecloths with beautiful designs. Many people were blessed by Ruth’s generous spirit. In 1997, Ruth was successful in connecting with her birth mom, Katharina, and step-brother. In 2003, Ruth and Peter experienced a special blessing when they were reunited with son David John Hiebert, after years of separation. Ruth and Peter moved to Tabor Manor 11 years ago. In 1996, Ruth was diagnosed with cancer which she fought with determination. Predeceased by 1 stepbrother; 1 brother-in-law; Ruth is mourned by Peter; son David John Hiebert; in-laws Jacob and Elizabeth Willms, Frank and Anne Reimer, and Virginia Willms.
Margaret BlockMargaret Block died Sept. 23, 2009. She was born June 1, 1923 in Neu Samara, Russia, to Peter and Margaret Dyck. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Alberta, relocating to Manitoba, finally settling in Greendale, B.C., in 1930. Margaret’s help was needed at home, so her schooling ended with Grade 6. Nevertheless, she graduated from Elim Bible School, Yarrow, B.C., in 1945. She accepted Christ at 15, was baptized in 1946 and accepted into membership at Greendale MB Church. Margaret worked as a dental assistant in Grand Forks, B.C., for 12 years. She then completed her high school education and completed the dental assistant course at Malaspina College, Nanaimo, B.C., in 1972. In 1974, she met and fell in love with Jakob Block. They were married Apr. 4, 1975. They moved to Abbotsford, B.C., and joined Clearbrook MB Church, where they sang in the choir and served on the funeral catering committee. After Margaret’s health began to deteriorate, they moved to assisted living in 2009. Margaret and Jakob were amazed by God’s goodness to them; they experienced him on mountaintops and valleys. They had a wonderful garden and often shared the fruits of their labours with neighbours, family, and friends. They cared for Margaret’s parents in their last years. Margaret had a tender heart for mission and contributed generously. Margaret is mourned by Jakob; siblings, their families, other relatives, and friends.
Abram KlassenAbram Klassen died Oct. 6, 2009. He was born Aug. 17, 1933 in Mariawohl, Ukraine to Heinrich and Maria Klassen. Abram married Anna Sobetzky in 1954. In 1959, Abram, together with his wife, accepted Jesus as Saviour, and was baptized the following year. After moving to Kyrgystan in 1964, Abram and Anna were active members in a local Baptist church. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1974, joining North Kildonan MB Church. Abram took early retirement from DeFehr furniture to look after his ailing wife, who died in 1998. Though Abram had limited education, he lived with dignity, integrity, and enjoyment. He worked hard to provide for his family, and did his best to instill godly values in his children and grandchildren. His faith was tested and he found solace in reading God’s Word and in prayer. Predeceased by Anna, 2 infant children, 3 siblings; Abram is mourned by children Jacob, John (Lenora), Maria (Peter) Wilms, Elena (Tony) Wiens, Ann (Martin) Sawatzky, Katarina (Eduard) Garrecht; their families; 1 brother, 1 sister-in-law, 1 brother-in-law.
Katie BergKatie G. Berg died Oct. 18, 2009. She was born Jan. 25, 1938 in Watrous, Sask., to Abram and Agatha Regier. She accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized upon confession of her faith at Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous. In 1952, her parents retired to Winnipeg where Katie attended MBCI for several years. After attending 1 year at Winkler Bible Institute and another year in teacher’s college, Katie began her teaching career, which was interrupted by Henry Berg. Henry and Katie married on July 13, 1963. After the birth of their first son in 1964, Katie became a stay-at-home mom at their home in Alberta. In 1976, the family moved to Winkler, Man., where Katie became a substitute teacher. Church work included Sunday school and deaconess, working at the local co-op, Salem Home, and as a home care attendant. She was a member at Winkler MB Church. Shortly after retirement at 65, Katie developed symptoms that were diagnosed as Multiple Systems Atrophy, a condition that presently has no cure. Over the last 6 years of her life, this condition caused a steady loss of walking, talking abilities, motor skills, and eventually swallowing food or any liquids became impossible. She was a gentle, loving person, with a heart for the Lord. Predeceased 2 siblings, son Anthony; Katie is mourned by Henry; sons Chad (Agatha), Sam (Trish); 6 grandchildren.
