Deaths
Margaret Lepp Margaret Lepp died Aug. 7, 2009. She was born Dec. 4, 1921 in Russkoje, in the Caucasus region of Russia to John and Maria Retzlaff. The family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Manitoba. Margaret was a ray of sunshine. She loved to laugh and have a good time. Margaret married John Lepp in Purves, Man., Nov. 10, 1940. They lived with John’s parents the first winter, then moved to a farm in Elm Creek, Man., in spring. John and Margaret gave their lives to Christ in 1948 and were baptized upon confession of their faith, joining Elm Creek MB Church in 1949. Upon retirement, they moved to Carman in 1976, where they fellowshipped at Gospel Light Church, later Friends Church. Margaret loved to have family or friends share meals or coffee and especially enjoyed travels to B.C. to visit her siblings. Predeceased by John in 1998, 3 brothers (2 in infancy); Margaret is mourned by children Ed (Irene), Bill (Florence), Harry (Barb), Hilda (Arnold) Wiebe; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Gerhard Born Gerhard (George) Born died Sept. 24, 2009. He was born May 8, 1920 in Krasnopolji, Siberia to Gerhard and Anna Born and named Isaac. Gerhard’s father died in 1927. In 1929, the family left everything to immigrate to Canada but were sent back. In 1930, they moved to Ukraine. In 1933, Anna and 2 of Gerhard’s brothers died in the famine. In 1943, Gerhard moved to Poland, where he changed his name to Gerhard, for his personal safety. In 1944, Gerhard was drafted into the German army. He was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war in 1945. Freed in 1950, Gerhard left Germany after learning of relatives in Canada in 1952. He was baptized on confession of his faith into Sargent Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, in 1954. He made his faith the cornerstone of his life. Gerhard married Katie Wiebe Oct. 17, 1959. Their house was just down the street from Elmwood MB Church, where they became members. Gerhard went to barber school, then bought bought a shop in 1969, working there until retirement in 1987. Gerhard enjoyed music and loved to tinker and repair things, partly out of necessity, but largely for the challenge. He was never too busy to help. After a table-saw accident in 1990, Gerhard was diagnosed with macular degeneration. In 2005, he moved to the personal care home side of Donwood Manor. Gerhard was a quiet, hardworking, selfless, generous, patient, gentle giant in a 5’3” body. He was a prayerful servant of God and a man of faith who loved his family and his Lord. Predeceased by Katie in 2002, 9 siblings; Gerhard is mourned by daughters Carolyn (Frank) Friesen, Lena (Dave) Kublick; 5 grandchildren.
Helmut PennerHelmut Penner died Oct. 3, 2009. He was born Dec. 9, 1941 in Filidelfia, Paraguay to Jacob and Katharina Penner. When Helmut was 7, his mother died. Soon after, Jacob married Katharina Klippenstein, whose 6 children brought the family total to 16 children. In 1950, the family moved to a farm near Curitiba, Brazil, but soon decided to move to Canada, which required returning to Paraguay to acquire proper documents. In 1960, they arrived in Ontario, but 18-year-old Helmut went to Vancouver. Attending youth functions at 43rd Street (now South Hill) MB Church, he met Gertrud (Trudy) Unruh. They were married Apr. 27, 1963. In 1965, Helmut moved his cabinet business from Abbotsford, B.C., to Kamloops, B.C. In 1976, the family moved to a farm at Cherry Creek, B.C., where Helmut purchased his first Tennessee Walking horse, beginning a lasting love of horses. In 1981, economic downturn forced Helmut to close his business. He innovated a new method of applying fiberglass to sundecks and returned to Abbotsford. Helmut was always active in church. He loved to play bass guitar, and to sing in choirs and quartets. In 2006, he was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after his doctors declared him cancer free, he suffered a heart attack, but was able to receive a bypass surgery. He developed a passion for helping the less fortunate in Africa, creating an inexpensive portable watering system. He was a man of strength, both physical and character. He was proud of his children and always had a lap available for his grandchildren. Helmut is mourned by Gertrud; children Bruno (Natalie), Victor (Heather), Raymond (Tamara), Christel (Alan) Guenette; 12 grandchildren; 9 siblings.
Teana Engel
Teana Engel died Dec. 24, 2009, at 94. She was born Mar. 29, 1915 near Woodrow, Sask. to John and Emelia Lautermilch. She received her education at Reimche School and then worked on the homestead. She was baptized July 16, 1933, in Woodrow, Sask. Teana and Rueben Engel were married June 23, 1937. They farmed in Woodrow until 1982, when they retired to Medicine Hat, Alta. Teana enjoyed quilting, baking, and entertaining relatives and friends. She loved playing games with the grandchildren. Travelling and camping occupied a great deal of Teana and Rueben’s time during summer. Teana loved teaching Sunday school in her younger days and was an active member of the Gideons Auxiliary while she was able to attend. Rueben and Teana were members of Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat. Predeceased by Rueben in 2003; 8 siblings; Teana is mourned by 2 sons; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings; 1 sister-in-law.
Henry SiemensHenry Elmer Siemens died Jan. 11, 2010. He was born Apr. 8, 1939 in Saskatchewan to Peter and Annie Siemens. Henry married Olga in Main Centre, Sask., Oct. 22, 1960. A son, brother, cousin, nephew, schoolmate, roommate, sweetheart, husband, dad, grandfather, farmer, choir director, Sunday school teacher, church board member, road constructor, car driver, councillor, reeve, friend, confident, and mentor, Henry was a quiet, firm, hard-working, dedicated, committed, and principled man who had the endless support and love of his wife. The funeral was Jan. 15, 2010 at Medstead Community Hall, with interment at Glenbush MB Cemetery.
Henry John Wiebe Henry John Wiebe died Jan. 21, 2010. He was born Apr. 16, 1921 in Kuruschan, Russia to John and Maria Wiebe. He was a member of Meadow Brook Fellowship, Leamington, Ont. Predeceased by 9 siblings; Henry is mourned by wife Helen; children Rudy (Marlene), Ruth Martin, Catharine (Helmut Wascher), Margaret (Ben Wohlgemut), Henry (Mary Ann), David (Patti), Andrew (Carol); 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Katharina HellerKatharina (Kay) Heller died Jan. 22, 2010. She was born Aug. 15, 1925 in Claremont, Alta. to Nikolai and Gertrude Siebert. She attended Bible school in La Glace, Alta., and helped on the family farm. In 1945, the family moved to Greendale, B.C., where Kay took a practical nursing course. She worked with MCC in Algeria as a support worker for several years, then, in March 1965, she went to Akron, Pa., to work as a hostess with MCC. She met Clyde Heller at an MCC function, and they were married Sept. 19, 1970, at the MCC chapel in Akron. Kay became stepmother to Clyde’s 6 sons, and an instant grandmother. She enjoyed this role very much and took much pleasure in hosting family gatherings. Kay was a gracious person who had the gift of hospitality. She loved to spend time outdoors with Clyde. Kay played piano in church, was involved in Bible studies, choir, and was instrumental in starting a music program. After Clyde died in 1994, Kay put her energy into volunteer work, helping family, and church activities. She moved back to Canada in 2005. She joined Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C., and continued her volunteer work with MCC. Predeceased by Clyde, 2 brothers; Kay is mourned by stepchildren Clyde Jr. (Sara), Jim (Kitty), John, Bob (Joanne), Harvey (Barb), Joe (Marilyn); 8 grandchildren and their families; 5 siblings, 4 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law.
Katie LoewenKatherine (Katie) Loewen died Jan. 23, 2010. She was born Sept. 14, 1924 in Russia to Jacob and Elizabeth Heinrichs. Her family travelled to Canada in 1926 and settled in Manitoba. Katie married Henry Loewen May 24, 1947. Together, they spent 34 years farming as a family. Katie was a longtime member of Justice MB Church, with a strong faith and commitment to God. She was always involved in the ladies church group, was an auxiliary member with the Gideons, and along with her husband served for several years with the Canadian Revival Fellowship Centre. Katie loved to quilt, knit, garden, and in retired years enjoyed fishing with her husband and family. Predeceased by 2 siblings, 2 sisters-in-law and 4 brothers-in-law; Katie is mourned by Henry; children Hank (Grace), Ed (Edna), Elaine (Brien) Powles, Dave (Donna), Ken, Irv, Betty (Fokko) Buurma; 28 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings; 7 sisters-in-law; 4 brothers-in-law.
Ernest EnnsErnest (Ernie) Enns died Feb. 3, 2010. He was born Apr. 27, 1931 in Saskatchewan but spent most of his life in B.C. Ernie enjoyed working. He was involved in a number of business ventures and only retired last spring. However, his greatest interest was being involved in ministry opportunities. He served on the board of Briercrest Bible College for 33 years, as chair for 13 years. Music was a significant part of his life. He sang tenor with the Rock of Ages Quartet based in Vancouver. More recently, he sang with the Abbotsford Male Chorus. Ernie will be remembered for his deep faith in God, dedication to family, generosity with financial resources, and involvement with his grandchildren. He was a member at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Ernie is mourned by his loving wife of 53 years, Martha; sons Melvin (Marlene), Graham, James (Cathy); 7 grandchildren; 8 siblings; 5 step-siblings.
Henry Matties Henry Matties died Feb. 5, 2010 from a massive stroke. He was born Sept. 16, 1928 in Slavgorod, Siberia, Russia. Henry came with his family to the Fraser Valley in 1945 and settled in Yarrow, B.C. He farmed in Yarrow until 1960, then was involved in business in Abbotsford, B.C., until he retired. He was a charter member at Bakerview MB Church. Henry was gregarious, loved to be hospitable, and enjoyed adventure and the challenge of a sale. Predeceased by his first wife, Mary (Reimer), 4 siblings, and 2 cousins who grew up with the family; Henry is mourned by his wife Margaret (Goosen/Friesen); children Gordon (Lorraine), Grace (Stan) Hindmarsh, Connie (Charlie) Peters, Orville (Audrey); 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; step-daughter Audrey (Manny) Bublitz and her 2 daughters; 4 siblings; 2 sisters-in-law.
Mary Dueck
Mary Dueck died Feb. 13, 2010. She was born Nov. 25, 1911 in Germany. Mary immigrated to Canada in 1948 from Jasebeck, West Germany, with her 2 children and 2 sisters. Settling in Swift Current, Sask., she worked at the Pioneer Co-op lunch counter, retiring when it closed. She was a faithful and active member of Bridgeway Community Church. Predeceased by her husband, 2 siblings, son and daughter-in-law Henry (Donna); Mary is mourned by daughter Mary-Anne; 5 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; 1 sister-in-law.
Sara JantzenSara Jantzen died Feb. 14, 2010. She was born Dec. 24, 1921 in Rosenwald, Slavgorod, Russia to Jacob P. and Anna Hintz Neufeldt. Sara immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling first on a farm in Saskatchewan, moving to Yarrow, B.C., in 1929. After her mother’s death and father’s marriage to Mary Goertzen in 1937, another 5 siblings joined the family, making 14 children in total. As the oldest child, Sara spent much of her youth caring for her brothers and sister, learning to bake and cook for the family. She met Jacob Jantzen while attending youth activities at Yarrow MB Church. They married on Nov. 8, 1942, and moved to Vancouver in 1953. Sara raised 5 children, ran the household, and helped Jake with his business pursuits. She was a faithful member of Fraserview MB Church for 56 years, enjoyed entertaining friends, and after the children were grown, loved to travel with Jake. Sara instilled her work ethic in those around her and her kitchen advice will be missed. Throughout her life, Sara had a strong belief in the Lord and she continued to pray for her children and grandchildren through her last days.
Mary BarwichMary Barwich died Feb. 25, 2010. She was born Apr. 22, 1923 in Russia to David and Maria Schapansky. When Mary was 6, her father died. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at 9. During her youth, Mary suffered many years of illness. Pastor Neustaetter read James 5, prayed over her, and she was healed, and soon after baptized in the Dneiper River at 18. In 1943, Mary left Russia, arriving in Canada in 1948. Mary and her mother did housework in Saskatchewan, then moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they worked on berry farms, eventually buying their own small property. Mary joined South Abbotsford MB Church where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was devoted to the care of her mother. In 1972, Mary married John Barwich, a widower. They served as deacons at King Road MB Church, where Mary also participated in ladies group. She volunteered at the MCC store and at the community centre. Predeceased by John, an infant brother, stepson Werner, 1 stepson-in-law; Mary is mourned by stepchildren Jake (Erna), Elsa Bublitz, Anneliese (Ben) Jeske, Magdalene (Conrad) Vanderkamp, Wendy; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren.
Bernard Thiessen
Bernard (Ben) Thiessen died Feb. 25, 2010. He was born Apr. 22, 1927 in Coaldale, Alta. to Jacob and Marie Thiessen. At 7, he accepted Jesus as Saviour. When WWII broke out, Ben quit school to work on the farm. While attending Coaldale Bible School, he took interest in Elsie Funk and they were married in 1949. He moved to a farm in Ryley, Alta., in 1953 and began attending Lindbrook (later Tofield) MB Church. He began a 34-year career as a bus driver in 1969. In 2006, Ben and Elsie moved off the farm into Tofield, Alta., where he was always ready to lend a hand to neighbours, and had time to pursue musical interests, read the Bible, and spend time with Elsie. Ben was a devoted husband and father, and a caring grandpa and great-grandpa. Although he farmed most of his life, Ben’s passion was serving God, especially in Sunday school, VBS, Boys Brigade, and youth ministry. He was Uncle Ben and Grandpa Thiessen to far more than his family. Predeceased by 4 siblings, grandson Kurt; Ben is mourned by his wife of nearly 61 years, Elsie; children Ron (Marion), Leona (John) Wall, Ken (Connie), Mel Thiessen, Gary (Evelyn); 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.
Peter EdigerPeter Ediger died Mar. 11, 2010. He was born Aug. 23, 1922 in Franztal, Ukraine to Peter and Katharina Ediger. After completing his 7th year of school, he went to work, like all others in the commune. When Peter was 13, his mother died. Later, his father married Maria Ploenert, bringing 2 more siblings to the family. In 1941, the German front of WWII came to Ukraine. In 1942, Peter became a German soldier. He was wounded in 1945, leaving him with a paralyzed arm and damaged lung. He reunited with his stepmother in 1946 and came to faith in Jesus Christ at an Evangelical Free Church. He married Alice Wesner May 24, 1947 and was baptized shortly after. In 1948, Peter and Alice immigrated to Volendam, Paraguay, where he was mayor for 8 years. In 1964, the family moved to Germany, where Peter founded an MB church in Lage, and served as deacon for 6 years. In 1978, Peter and Alice followed their sons to Abbotsford, B.C. They made their spiritual home at King Road MB Church. Peter suffered many illnesses but God repeatedly granted recovery. He loved life but was ready to go when the Lord called him. Predeceased by an infant daughter, Helga; Peter is mourned by Alice; children Peter (Christa), Heinz (Christin), Ewald (Karin), Elli (Ewald) Ulma, Alice (Helmut) Wiens, Marianne (Brooks) Glett; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.
