Deaths
Henry SchmidtHenry Schmidt died Dec. 28, 2008. He was born May 31, 1935 in Poland to Peter and Bertha Schmidt. Henry immigrated to Canada in 1948. He taught for the Calgary Board of Education from 1958–1993. Henry and his wife came out of retirement in 1996 to teach at Vienna Christian School in Austria for one year. Shortly after their return home, he was diagnosed with amyloidosis. Henry was known for his quiet, gentle manner, his wit, his giving heart, and his tremendous love for God. He is mourned by his wife of 44 years, Marion; children Heather (Sean) Morin, Darren (Cara); 3 grandchildren; 3 siblings. The funeral was Jan. 2 at Cochrane (Alta.) Alliance Church.
Kieran Owen Reimer
Kieran Owen Reimer was stillborn Jan. 16, 2009. He weighed 2 pounds., 5 ounces, and was a son to Stephanie and Owen Reimer of Steinbach, Man. He is mourned by his parents, grandparents Ron and Helen Falk and Heinz and Elsie Reimer; great-grandparents Abe and Maria Plett, Jessie Falk, and David and Emma Reimer. The funeral was Jan. 22 at Steinbach MB Church.
John BlockJohn Block died Jan. 19, 2009. He was born Apr. 22, 1936 to John and Mary Block. John married Mary Adrian Aug. 14, 1955. In 1956, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where John worked with a water well drilling company. This career took him around the province to drill wells for 20 years. In 1977, John and Mary moved to Meadow Creek, B.C., where he worked as a handyman and dry kiln operator for 28 years. In 1978, John came to know the Lord as Saviour, and his outlook on life changed. John and Mary retired to Abbotsford in 2007. He was generous with his time and talents to his family and friends when they needed help. John is mourned by Mary; children Judy (Vic), Ross (Debbie), Kelly, Stacy; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Jan. 26 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Margaret FroeseMargaret Froese died Jan. 31, 2009. She was born Mar. 20, 1922 in Neu Samara, Russia to Gerhard and Maria Dueck. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada where they lived for a time in Niverville, Man., before settling in Boissevain, Man. In 1945, Margaret married Abram John Froese of Manitou, Man. They farmed in Boissevain. She was a faithful servant to the Boissevain MB Church and other congregations where Abe also pastored. Margaret moved to Niverville in 1999. She continued to serve by volunteering with seniors and making health kits for MCC. Margaret is mourned by children Lillian (Bernie) Falk, Sharon (Peter) Glossop, Edith (Gavan) Gillespie, Wes (Elaine) Froese; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings. The funeral was Feb. 3 in Steinbach, Man.
Eric SchmidtEric Anthony Schmidt died Jan. 31, 2009. He was born May 10, 1951 to George and Rita Schmidt. Eric attended Winkler Bible Institute, then University of Manitoba, graduating with a degree in agriculture. He married Anne Janzen in 1975. Eric and Anne farmed in Niverville, Man., for 3 years, but he was a farmer at heart all his life. Since 1994, he owned and operated Dave’s Overhead Door, a work he loved. Eric’s faith in God was constant, and he believed in the value of service. He was a long-time bus driver for and board member of Living Bible Explorers, and was treasurer at Jubilee Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. Highlights of Eric’s life include fishing with his kids, camping with family and friends, and visiting in-laws in B.C. He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2007. Eric remained steadfast in his faith and enjoyed his work and friends to the last. Eric is mourned by Anne; children Alex (Christine), Matthew (Nanette), Amanda, Jessica; 4 granddaughters; parents George and Rita; 3 siblings.
Agatha BergAgatha Berg died Feb. 6, 2009 at 98. She was born Mar. 26, 1910 in Kubanka, Orenburg, Russia. In her teen years, she accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized. On Jan. 13, 1935, she married Henry A. Berg. In 1948, they immigrated to Canada. They farmed in Rosemary and Gem, Alta., before retiring to Coaldale, Alta., in 1976. Her hands were seldom idle. Agatha and Henry served as deacons in their retirement years. She taught her children to sing and prayed fervently for them. Predeceased by Henry, sons Willy and John, grandsons Melvin and Tony, great-grandson Brendan; Agatha is mourned by children Abe (Mary), Henry (Katie), Agatha (Dave) Pahl, Agnes (Rick) Ratzlaff, Kathy (Alvin) Enns, Victor (Violet); daughter-in-law Luella (Herb) Stobbe; 40 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 10, 2009 at Coaldale MB Church.
Ursula HeidebrechtUrsula Margot Heidebrecht died Feb. 9, 2009. She was born Sept. 9, 1929 in Kitchener, Ont. to Elisabeth and Max Grenzberg. They moved to St. Catharines where Ursula spent her childhood years. As a young teenager, Ursula became a Christian and was baptized at Scott Street MB Church. Throughout her life, her faith in God helped her and impacted her daily living and giving of herself. Ursula and Abe Heidebrecht married May 27, 1950. They lived at the same address throughout their married life except in 1976 when fire destroyed the house. Ursula was a “homemaker extraordinaire,” known for good baking and thrifty management. She also delivered newspapers, worked on a farm, did secretarial work, and worked in retail. After the children left home, Ursula and Abe travelled extensively. Ursula enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting, repairing china, and giving to charity. Church was a cornerstone in Ursula’s life. She sang in the choir, volunteered with Pioneer Girls, and served on the Welcoming Committee and at Tabor Manor. She is survived by Abe; children Pat, Danny, Diane, Mark, Becky, Susan, Tim; 11 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. The funeral was Feb. 12 at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Anne SchultzAnne Schultz died Feb. 10, 2009. She was born Mar. 21, 1931 to Peter and Susanna Siebert. She accepted Christ as Saviour, was baptized in 1949 and joined Coaldale MB Church. Anne attended Bible school and became a nurse. She worked in the U.S., and in Hanna, Alta., where she met Richard Schultz. They were married in Coaldale in 1967. In 1969, they started farming in Vauxhall, Alta., but as Richard’s health declined from multiple sclerosis, they moved to Purple Springs, then Taber, finally to Lethbridge in 1998. Anne always cared for others, even while struggling with her own health. She gained strength from her daily Bible reading. Especially precious to her was Psalm 121. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Predeceased by 4 siblings, 1 son-in-law; Anne is mourned by Richard; children Patricia (Joe) Bydevaate, Wes (Anna), Ed; 5 grandchildren; 7 siblings. The service of remembrance was Feb. 14 in Evangelical Free Church, Lethbridge.
Maria PennerMaria Penner died Feb. 21, 2009 at 102. She was born Aug. 12, 1906 in Adshembet, Ukraine to Abram and Eliesabeth Fast. Maria married Johann (Hans) Penner, the local schoolteacher, Nov. 10, 1929. They attempted to leave the country in 1929, but were returned to Paulsheim, Johann’s home village. In 1938, Johann was taken away because of his faith in God. In 1968, the Red Cross informed Maria he died during World War II. The family lived as refugees in Poland and Germany during and after the war until they immigrated to Paraguay in 1947. In 1951, Maria and daughter Annie moved to Coaldale, Alta., to join daughter Elizabeth who moved to Canada with her husband in 1948. Maria was an active member of Coaldale MB Church until her move to Abbotsford, B.C. with Annie in 1993. There she attended Clearbrook MB Church. Maria loved her family very much and prayed for them daily. Predeceased by Johann and infant daughter Erika; Maria is mourned by children Elizabeth (Abe) Wiens, Annie Penner; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The memorial service was Feb. 28 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Hans SchellenbergHans Schellenberg died Feb. 21, 2009. He was born Oct. 11, 1931 in Filadelphia, Paraguay to David and Maria Schellenberg. One night at 17, Hans felt compelled to talk to a pastor and he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. He was baptized Sept. 4, 1949. Hans married Anna Penner Apr. 30, 1953. He was not afraid to start new businesses; he ran a wood shop, sawmill, feed mill, and worked as the town watchman. In 1974, Hans and his family moved to Vancouver. Buoyed by his motto, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he started a siding business in Abbotsford, B.C., during the economic struggles of 1981. Hans was very involved in church, and always willing to help. He helped build King Road Church, sang in the choir, and organized the oil vats for New Year’s cookies at MCC sales. For Hans and Anna’s 50th wedding anniversary in 2003, he arranged for all his children, their spouses, and grandchildren, to be together in Paraguay. In 2008, Hans became ill with pancreatic cancer. He always remained in positive spirits. Predeceased by son Hartmut; 1 sister; Hans is mourned by Anna; children Erica (Peter) Toews, Herta Henderson (Bob Hildebrand), Margita (John) Teichgraf, Elsie (Artur) Lowen, Arvid (Ingrid), Ron (Carolyn); 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Feb. 26 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Dolly Elizabeth NichollsDolly Elizabeth Nicholls died Feb. 22, 2009 at 93. She was born Jan. 2, 1916 in Welland, Ont. She trained at Sick Children’s Hospital, then worked briefly as a children’s nurse in Toronto until she married Harlem (Andy) Mansfield. After Harlem died, Dolly married her sister’s widower, Joe Nicholls, making her special nieces her daughters. Just before the wedding, Joe was blinded. Joe and Dolly spent wonderful years together sharing one pair of eyes. Dolly was known for her love for family, unwavering faith in God, love of Jesus, and devoted prayer life. As a resident at Pleasant Manor, she began attending Cornerstone Church in Virgil, Ont. Predeceased by Harlem, and 1 grandchild, Dolly is mourned by sons Robert, Allan, 1 grandchild.
Jacob I. ThiessenJacob I. Thiessen died Feb. 26, 2009. He was born in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine in 1921 to Isaac and Katherine Thiessen. His family soon immigrated to Canada, settling near Lethbridge, Alta. As a teenager, Jacob accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized in the Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church. In 1947, he married Margaret Wall, and they began farming in the Broxburn area. Jake loved music and sang in a male quartet that recorded for sacred programming. Jake was a quiet, kind, wise man who showed the strength of his faith by the way he lived. Predeceased by 3 siblings; Jake is mourned by Margaret; children Dorothy (Bill) Siemens, Grace (Dave) Matthies, Ed (Annemarie), Larry (Joyce), Leslie (Melody); 12 grandchildren; 5 siblings. The funeral was Mar. 9 at Coaldale MB Church.
Nick HarderNick Harder died Mar. 4, 2009. He was born Oct. 31, 1922 in southern Russia to Heinrich and Erna Harder. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, first to Manitoba, then to Yarrow, B.C., where they operated a small dairy farm. Though Nick did not complete high school, he was an avid reader and eventually owned a large library. After serving in the Medical Corps during World War II, he married Helen Ewert in 1949. They lived in Vancouver, Penticton, then Kelowna since 1990. Nick spent the last two years of his life at Sun Pointe Nursing Home where he received exceptional care. Nick loved the Lord, and served in numerous capacities at local churches. He enjoyed the outdoors and often remarked on God’s incredible handiwork. The family enjoyed vacations to various places, but Nick was particularly fond of the Rockies. He is mourned by Helen; children Ellen (Helmut) Hubert, Manfred (Caroline), Walter (Laura), Herb (Elaine); 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The memorial service was Mar. 13 at Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, B.C.
Peter ZachariasPeter Zacharias died Mar. 7, 2009. He was born Dec. 19, 1930 in Trubutzkoj, Ukraine to John and Agnetta Zacharias. In 1943, Peter and his family fled Russia with the retreating German army. Peter’s father, eldest brother, and sister were forcibly drafted by the German army, but in 1945, after a miraculous escape, the family was reunited. Peter made a commitment to the Lord at age 15. The family immigrated to Chaco, Paraguay, where Peter was baptized at 18 and attended Bible school for 2 years. In 1957, Peter immigrated to Canada. He married Mary Martens Oct. 26, 1958. Peter and Mary started the first of several farms in Abbotsford, B.C., in 1963. They farmed raspberries, strawberries, cattle, and poultry. He enjoyed his work, but he struggled with health issues and was diagnosed with progressive cerebral and spinal degeneration in 1992. It was hard to accept his diagnosis, but over the years, more time to reflect on God’s Word brought him into closer relationship with the Lord. When Mary could no longer care for Peter, he moved to assisted living, a big adjustment for both. He enjoyed visits and hearing God’s Word preached at Clearbrook Church via TV broadcast. Throughout his life, Peter actively supported church ministry and had a huge heart for both physical and spiritual need. He always asked for forgiveness for wrongs. Peter is mourned by Mary; children Peter (Lori), Helen (Harold) Neufeld, Hilda (Kevin) Defoe, Linda (Greg) Schmidt, Walter (Ivete), 11 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 12 at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Waldo ThiessenWaldo Thiessen died Mar. 18, 2009. He was born Nov. 26, 1923 in Orlov, Russia to Dietrich and Helena Thiessen. They immigrated to Canada and settled in the Fraser Valley, B.C., in 1929. In 1955, he completed a biblical studies degree at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. In 1957, Waldo married Mary Matties in Yarrow, B.C. In 1971, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where Waldo worked as a house painter. In 1998, Waldo suffered a stroke. Following this, he resided at Menno Home. Predeceased by 1 brother; Waldo is mourned by Mary; children Paul (Louella), David, Sharon (Randy) Gerbrandt, Jane (Steve)Thompson, Dan; 12 grandchildren; 7 siblings. The memorial service was Mar. 24 at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
