John Friesen
John Friesen died June 14, 2009 at 97. He was born Mar. 8, 1912 in Herzenberg, Ukraine to John and Agatha Friesen. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. John farmed in Griswold, Man., until 1991. He knew the Lord as his Saviour. Predeceased by 8 siblings; John is mourned by his wife Mary (Dyck); children Carl, Philip (Madeline), Marlies (Edward), Frank (Jean), Karen (Robert); 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 1 sister. The funeral was June 19 at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man.

Maria (Manja) Reimer
Maria Reimer died July 13, 2009 at 94. She was born Mar. 9, 1915 in Durilow, Russia to Johann and Agnes Wieler. In 1936, she married Peter Reimer and they established their home. During World War II, Peter was drafted into the army. Maria and her four daughters fled Russia. She accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and was baptized in 1946. Life was often hard, but Maria trusted in God, who gave her the strength for each day. Her life journey took her from Russia through Germany, to Paraguay, to Canada in 1951, settling in Steinbach, Man., with her 4 daughters. In 1954, she moved to Winnipeg, where North Kildonan MB Church became her spiritual home. After many years of piecework in a sewing factory, she retired at 65. She was able to visit her sisters and their families in Germany, Argentina, and Paraguay. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and entertaining. In 2000, she moved into Donwood South and in 2006 to Donwood Manor EPH, where she enjoyed the church services and weekly Bible studies. Maria loved the Lord and loved being with her family, for whom she prayed daily. Predeceased by Peter, an infant son; 8 siblings and their spouses; Maria is mourned by children Lydia (Peter) Janzen, Helen (Edward) Klassen, Joanne (Frank) Rempel, Agnes (John) Olfert; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Frank Dyck
Frank Dyck died July 17, 2009. He was born Mar. 1, 1932 in Cabri, Sask. to Jacob and Eva Dyck. In 1937, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., where Frank’s father bought a small dairy farm. Frank committed his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized in Yarrow MB Church. After high school, he went to college in Winnipeg for 6 months. In 1955, he attended normal school in Vancouver to become a teacher. Frank’s first teaching job was at a two-room schoolhouse in Kelowna, B.C. Later, he taught and was principal in Richmond, B.C. Evenings and summers, Frank worked on his university degree, graduating from UBC with a BA in 1965. In 1961, Frank was introduced to Ursula Herter, a Swiss woman travelling and working in Canada. They were married one year later. After 33 years in Richmond School District, Frank retired at 59. Frank treasured his family and spent much time with them. He was very social, generous, and enjoyed travelling, hiking, nature, music, and photography. Frank’s faith was central to his life. He was an active member of Killarney Park MB Church for almost 48 years. In 2008, Frank was diagnosed with cancer. Predeceased by 5 siblings; Frank is mourned by Ursula; sons Marcus (Donita), Trevor; 2 sister-in-laws, 1 brother-in-law.

Peter H. Penner
Peter H. Penner died July 31, 2009 at 96. He was born May 28, 1913 in Ukraine to Heinrich C. and Katarina Penner. His family immigrated to Canada in 1924 and settled in Blumenort, Sask. He loved farming and horses, leaving school at 15 to farm with his father. In 1934, he married Helen Toews of Greenfarm, Sask. In 1936, they moved to Vancouver, where his jobs included sales and milk delivery. He returned to farming in Rosedale, B.C., in 1943, but his love of selling won out over his love of farming in 1958 and he became a Mutual Life agent until age 76. He loved his job because it brought him into contact with people. Natural curiosity was a dominant feature of his personality. After his wife’s death, he married Helen Klassen-Unruh of Abbotsford, B.C. Peter was active in church leadership and had a talent for working with youth. He was blessed with excellent health and did the Vancouver Sun Run at 92. In 2008, Peter and Helen joined Clearbrook MB Church. Peter is survived by Helen, his wife of 13 years; children Lois (Darice) Voth, Marlene (Edward) Poole, Delores (Allen) Falk, Jackie (Irwin) Olfert, Garry (Dorothy), Patti (David) Semczyszyn; 23 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

Josiah Andrew Haak
Josiah Andrew Haak died Aug. 2, 2009. He was born Feb. 16, 2007 to Andrew and Marie Haak of Abbotsford, B.C. From the day he was born, Josiah has been “supported by God” (the meaning of his name) and faced every challenge with courage and strength. Despite his limitations, his smile, touch, and eyes shared more than any words could say. Through his father’s blog, others were able to follow his life (andyman-sdg.blogspot.com). Predeceased by 2 friends and his great-grandparents, Josiah is mourned by his parents and a community of friends and family. A memorial service was held Aug. 7 at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Laura Williams
Laura Williams died Aug. 7, 2009. She was born Sept. 20, 1929 near Waldheim, Sask. to Phillip and Martha Schultz. Laura left school in Grade 8 to help her parents at home and with the business. She also worked several jobs in the area, at a wool factory in Ontario, and attended 2 years at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask. She married Ted Williams Dec. 30, 1953. They farmed in the Brotherfield area where Laura volunteered with 4-H, local music festivals, dramatic productions, Sunday school, choir, and Ladies Aid. From the mid-1970s to mid-1990s, she worked at the Menno Home, then for Country Valley Homecare. Ted and Laura moved to Waldheim, where she loved being able to participate in community events, have coffee with friends, and watch children and teens play sports. She knitted, volunteered for MCC, provided childcare at Mom’s Morning Out, and participated in Church Ladies Aid. Laura is mourned by Ted; daughters Amy, Brenda (Wayne) Wiebe, Karen; 2 grandchildren; 3 siblings.

Richard Hamm
Richard Hamm died Aug. 11, 2009. He was born Mar. 8, 1959 in India to Peter and Betty Hamm. His family relocated to Canada when he was 11. Rick was drawn to learning and enjoyed his years of study in architecture, theology, commerce, and family medicine. Every pursuit, be it photography, golf, carpentry, or health care development, was given excruciating attention to detail and countless hours of planning. He was a compassionate doctor interested in a holistic approach to medicine. Rick was a loving husband and father who took pride in providing for his family. He shared with them his love of travel and adventure on family vacations. His faith in Christ Jesus was foundational to his life and was expressed through his service to family, church, and community as he was able. Predeceased by his father, Rick is mourned by his wife Barb; children Rachel (Matthew) Winkler, Karis, Natalie; mother Betty Hamm and her husband Eugene Bright; sister Carolyn (Greg) Bright and family.

Susan Willms
Susan Willms died Aug. 25, 2009. She was born Aug. 6, 1921 in Orenburg, Russia to Jakob and Susanna Dueck. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1926, settling on a farm in Coaldale, Alta. Susan accepted Christ as her Saviour, was baptized, and joined Coaldale MB Church. At 15, she experienced the traumatic death of her mother. A few years later, her stepmother also died and Susan was thrust into the role of homemaker for her younger siblings. She met Abram Willms at Bible school in Coaldale and they married in 1943. They lived for a few years in Pincher Creek, Alta., and Kelowna, B.C., eventually settling in Calgary. Susan’s life centred around her role as wife and mother, and her deep Christian faith which often manifested itself in family hymn singing. She delighted in seeing her children’s families grow. Her greatest joy was in giving to others. Predeceased by Abram in 1993; Susan is mourned by children Bertha, Elizabeth, Luella, Don, Kevin; grandchildren.

Charlotte Ens
Charlotte Ens (nee Fast) died Aug. 27, 2009 at 99. She was born Sept. 29, 1909 in Davlekanovo, Russia. Charlotte has run a good race and almost made it to her goal of being 100. She passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord with family by her side. She was a member of Culloden MB Church, Vancouver. Predeceased by her husband of 6 years Jacob L. Ens, 5 siblings, 2 spouses of her stepchildren; Charlotte is mourned by sister Katharina Rutsch, niece Tanya Fast; stepchildren Hilda Rogalsky, Alvin Ens, Harold (Agnes) Ens; 9 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 7
                            great-great-grandchildren.

Bernie Boldt
Bernard (Bernie) Colin Boldt died Aug. 28, 2009. He was born Oct. 6, 1962 in Ontario to Edward and Margaret Boldt. He was raised at Kitchener MB Church and became a member in his early teens. He attended Eden Christian High School, Eastwood Collegiate in Kitchener, and graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a BA. Upon graduation, he launched into a full-time business career while also engaged in youth ministry leadership at church. For 5 years, he entered full-time ministry with Young Life in St. Catharines, Ont. In 1990, he married Edith Edinger. They were living in Calgary when, 3 years ago, Bernie was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Undergoing surgeries in Calgary, treatments in Germany made possible by the generosity of friends, and prayer from hundreds of Christian friends, Bernie and Edith returned to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, knowing the end was approaching. Bernie had a passion for sports and travelling. His humour and fun-loving have put smiles on many faces, and his faith in, and love for, Jesus was the cornerstone of his life. Bernie is mourned by Edith; his parents Ed and Margaret Boldt; brother Bryan, sister Wendey (Ed) Deines; 2 nephews, 1 niece; mother-in-law Frieda Edinger; sister-in-law Petra Edinger.

Anne Marie Epp
Anne Marie Epp died Aug. 29, 2009. She was born Sept. 24, 1923 in Alexanderwohl, Ukraine to Abram David and Anna Epp. The family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Coaldale, Alta. In her school days, Anne earned awards for artwork, creative writing, drama, and choral singing. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at 10. At 13, her father died. At 16, she was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church. Throughout her life, she was a faithful church member, teaching Sunday school, singing in choirs, ministering to old and young. In 1943, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., to a small berry farm. Because of the 1948 Fraser Valley flood, the family moved to Vancouver in 1950. Anne studied and worked as a civil servant at Heather Health Clinic in Calgary, later studying business administration and management, and working for CP Air. She also worked as secretary at Culloden MB Church, Vancouver, for a time. She ended her employment years early to be companion and assistant to her aging mother. Anne was a prayer warrior for many families and friends, and made lasting friendships wherever she worked. She loved travel. In the last years of her life, she spent considerable time reading God’s Word and devotional books. She was a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, and a dear friend to many.

Katherine Loewen
Katherine Loewen died Sept. 2, 2009 at 93. She was born Mar. 16, 1916 in Slavgorod, Siberia to Henry and Maria Dyck. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1926. They first lived on a farm near Glidden and Kindersley, Sask. Katherine left school as a younger teenager to do housework for other families. After the death of her father, Katherine, her mother, and brother moved to a farm near Glenbush, Sask. Here, she met and married Henry Loewen. They attended Glenbush MB Church where they were baptized as young adults. They had four children – Wilmer, Shirley, Robert, Diana. In 1966, Henry and Katherine moved to Saskatoon, where they attended West Portal Church. Katherine enjoyed tending her large garden and her flowers. After retirement, Henry’s health began to fail and they moved into West Portal Manor. Katherine became actively involved in helping West Portal office staff by regularly folding bulletins. Henry died in 1991. At 90, requiring more assistance, Katherine moved to live with her daughter.

Martin John Arendt
Martin John Arendt died Sept. 5, 2009. He was born Mar. 17, 1920 near Slavgorod, Siberia to John and Sara Arendt. He came to Canada with his parents in 1926 and received his school education here. During World War II, he served as a conscientious objector in Alberta. Near the end of the war, he was released to assist his father on the farm. Martin farmed for 9 years before training as a psychiatric nurse. He worked in psychiatric nursing for 31 years before retiring. Martin served on the church board, taught Sunday school, was secretary treasurer of Sunday school, and remained active in church activities in his retirement, as well. He enjoyed writing short stories and books, and researching his family tree. His books always carried a spiritual lesson and he took every opportunity to spread the Word. Predeceased by his wife Louise, daughter Arlene, son-in-law Gene, grandsons Timothy and Levi; Martin is mourned by children Ruth (Arthur) Bartlett, Alfred (Dorothy), Betty (Harold) Klassen, Hedy Klysko, Lorna (Brian) Krogsgaard, Bernie (Gloria), Raymond (Linda), Rosalynn (Jacob) Martens, Myrna (John) Zwarich, Wayne (Kim); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 6 siblings. The funeral was Sept, 11 at West Portal Church, Saskatoon.

Henry H. Epp
Henry H. Epp died Sept. 9, 2009 at 94. He was born Jan. 14, 1915 near Waldheim, Sask. to the Henry M. Epps. In 1924, Henry accepted the Lord during evangelistic tent meetings led by Paul Smith and Melvin Dixon. He was baptized in the North Saskatchewan River 5 years later. Henry married Selma Harder in Borden, Sask., Sept. 29, 1939. He was ordained into ministry in 1941. In 1959, Henry was appointed the first MB conference evangelist, a position he held until 1964. He then pastored Nutana (now Forest Grove) Church in Saskatoon, and the MB church in Tofield, Alta. In 1976, Henry became chaplain and administrator for Menno Court in Vancouver. After a heart attack in 1998, Henry became weaker each year. Predeceased by Selma, and all his siblings; Henry is survived by children Sharon (Trevor Hood), Patricia (Arden) Adrian, Murray (Jane), Doug (Sandy); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Jacob Penner
Jacob Penner died Sept. 11, 2009. He was born Nov. 12, 1921 in Neuendorf, South Russia to Jacob K. and Aganetha Penner. In 1923, the family immigrated to Canada, where they were welcomed by members of the Blumenort (Man.) church. In 1935, the family moved to Ontario. Jacob married Susan Janzen in St. Catharines June 27, 1946. They responded to the message of salvation by God’s grace alone early in their marriage and were baptized in the United Missionary church. Wherever Jacob and Susan were church members, they served together, likewise with parachurch ministries and community service. Susan died in 1997. Jacob was a charter member of Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont. Jacob is mourned by his second wife, Lillian Irene; children Patricia (John) Hopper, Sylvia Smith, Nancy Penner, stepson Al (Annette) Phippen, and their families; 4 siblings.

Marianne Kliewer-Wiebe
Marianne Kliewer-Wiebe died Sept. 13, 2009. She was born Sept. 30, 1931, near Fannystelle, Man. to Peter and Maria Kliewer. After only 6 weeks of training, she was sent to St. Marten, Man., to teach. Marianne loved teaching, especially music. She returned to normal school in 1953, then taught in Boissevain 1954–1956; in Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Winkler, Rheinfeld, and Chortitz, Man., 1960–1970. She attended Winkler Bible Institute, 1956–1959, and attended university classes during summers. She married Benjamin Wiebe, July 19, 1970, and settled in Lowe Farm, Man. Benjamin died of lymphoma in 1976. In 1982, Marianne moved to Winkler, where she worked as a home care attendant, and was involved in the community orchestra, sang in community choirs, and raised her two children on her own. In 1999, she retired to Winnipeg, where she was involved in church and community groups. In 2004, Marianne was diagnosed with cancer, which would re-occur 3 times. She bravely endured various treatments, rarely complaining. She drew on her faith during these difficult times and pursued musical activities with passion and vigour, rarely missing a rehearsal or concert. Marianne was a loving, generous person, making time for those around her and sharing with those in need. She loved her children and grandchildren who were always at the forefront of her thoughts and prayers.

Ernest H. Dyck
Ernest Henry (Peter) Dyck died Sept. 14, 2009. He was born Apr. 5, 1922 in Hierschau, Ukraine to Peter and Katarina Dyck. He came to Canada in 1926, days after his father was murdered as they prepared for departure. The family homesteaded briefly in Saskatchewan before moving to Pincher Creek, Alta., and later to B.C.’s Fraser Valley in the mid-1930s. Ernest left school at 14 to support his mom and two older sisters. At 18, he felt called by God to be a missionary to Africa. Over the next 11 years, he finished high school and college (MBBC, Winnipeg; Tabor College, Kansas) and prepared to go to the Belgian Congo. In 1951, he married Lydia Elizabeth Krahn, and they went to Belgium to study French in preparation for work in Congo. In 1957, while on furlough, Ernest completed a masters degree at University of Washington, Seattle. They returned to Congo the following year. In 1960, the family was forced to leave Congo because of political and military turmoil which accompanied independence. Returning to Canada, Ernest taught high school for a year in Coaldale, Alta., before agreeing to start new churches in Quebec. For 31 years, he did so with great passion and was used by God to establish a half-dozen congregations, a Christian camp, and a Bible school. Despite a lifelong desire to return to people he loved in Congo, this was never possible, other than a short visit in 1989. In 1992, he “retired” to St. Catharines, Ont., and served at Grantham MB Church. In 2004, he and Lydia moved to Virgil, Ont. Predeceased by 9 siblings, Ernest is mourned by Lydia; children Norm (Trudy Schroeder), Stan (JoAnne), Ruth (Jean Cusson); 5 grandchildren.