Deaths
Anna KlassenAnna Klassen died May 8, 2009. She was born Jan. 14, 1925 in Nordheim, Russia to Heinrich and Anna Unger. Her family migrated to Coaldale, Alta., in 1927, then was one of the first Mennonite families to settle in Black Creek, B.C., in 1934. Anna was baptized in her teens and was an active member of Black Creek MB Church. For years, she hosted a weekly ladies prayer meeting. Her Bible was filled with the names of former Sunday school students for whom she prayed. Anna and her husband Peter Klassen served on the catering committee and were faithful supporters of many missionaries. She is remembered as a great cook, storyteller, prayer warrior, and friend to all ages. Predeceased by Peter in 1995; 2 brothers; Anna is mourned by children Ella (Theo) Neuhauser, James (Sherry), Violet (Ken) Falk; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters.
John RauJohn Rau died June 12, 2009. He was born Nov. 1, 1925 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Wilhelm and Katharina Rau. In December 1930, John’s family, along with a group of Mennonite families, escaped from the Soviet Union by fleeing by night over the frozen Amur River into China. In 1932, with the help of MCC, they left Harbin, China, for Chaco, Paraguay. In 1937, the Raus and others ventured to the eastern part of Paraguay where the climate was not as hot and dry, and founded Friesland colony. After his father died, John, the youngest of 6 children, was left alone with his mother to run the farm. After his mother died in 1967, John came to Canada. He became a Christian, was baptized, and joined Scott St. MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. John married Anne Warkentin on July 10, 1971. Predeceased by his siblings; John is mourned by Anne; nieces and nephews; 4 in-laws.
Sarah KasperSarah Kasper died June 29, 2009. She was born Dec. 5, 1923 in Ukraine to Heinrich and Sara Kasper. In 1926, the family came to Canada and settled near Manitou, Man. Sarah accepted Christ as Saviour in her youth, was baptized upon confession of faith, and joined the Manitou MB Church. She attended Winkler Bible School for one year, then worked in Sunday school, with young people, and sang in the choir. When her parents retired from the farm in 1960, Sarah began working in the sewing industry. After 1984, after her parents’ deaths, Sarah travelled with her sisters, visiting her father’s sister in the Soviet Union in 1989. In 2005, she broke her hip, and her health deteriorated. She moved into Donwood Manor in 2006. Funeral service was at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, Man.
Abe SiebertAbe Siebert died July 1, 2009 at 92, after a 4-month struggle with cancer. He was born Dec. 1, 1917 in Sparrau, South Russia to Nikolai and Gertrude Siebert. He came to Canada in 1925 where his family pioneered in LaGlace, Alta. He became a successful farmer in Debolt, Alta. Abe loved to tell stories of his trucking and alternative service experiences. He attended MBBC in Winnipeg where he met Cornelia Neufeld. They married Aug. 20, 1949. Abe will be remembered for his unswerving faith, perseverance, missionary zeal, DVBS ventures and inspiring Sunday School classes, loyalty to the King James Bible and diligent study of the Scriptures, prophetic convictions, love of music and harmonica performances, collection of vehicles, passion for conservation, and generosity. He loved camping and hiking in the mountains with his family. After Cornelia’s death in 1999, Abe moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Marriage to Sarah Kaetler at 89 re-energized the spring in his step. His deepest desire was to be clean, forgiven, and ready to meet his Saviour. Predeceased by Cornelia; Abe is mourned by Sarah; children Phil (Shirley), Paul, Jon (Evelyn), James (Ann); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 6 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Peter MartensPeter Martens died July 3, 2009 after a short battle with cancer. He was born Mar. 7, 1928 in Alexander, Man. to Peter and Elizabeth Martens. They lived on a 520-acre farm which Peter took over after his father died in 1951. He attended Winkler Bible School for 1 year, then was needed on the farm. In 1958, he came to B.C. and met Shirley Bradbeer. They were married that November in the Alliance church in Vancouver. In 1959, they moved back to Alexander for 3 years. They lived in Surrey, B.C., 17 years. Peter retired in 1980 from Burnaby Parks Board where he was a machine operator. In 1982, he followed his dream and relocated to Langley on a 5-acre farm where they resided 24 years. He loved his many fruit trees, large garden, and his cows. In 2006, Peter and Shirley moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Bakerview MB Church. The highlight of Peter’s week was singing in the Bakerview Fellowship Choir. Predeceased by 3 sisters, Peter is mourned by Shirley; daughter Janet (Syd); 3 granddaughters; 1 sister.
Abram WolffAbram Wolff died July 4, 2009. He was born Feb. 22, 1925 in Alexanderfeld, Zagradovka, Russia to Jakob and Elisabeth Wolff. The family fled to Moscow in 1929, and received permission to go to Germany. From there they travelled to Paraguay in 1930. Abram remembered tough times in the Paraguayan Chaco before the family moved to Friesland in East Paraguay, where the climate was more pleasant. Abram asked Jesus into his heart at 25 and was baptized, joining the local MB church. In 1952, he married Maria Gossen. They farmed in Paraguay 15 years. In 1967, Abram moved to Vancouver where he framed houses and worked in a door factory. Later they moved to Abbotsford to operate their own laundromat. They joined Clearbrook MB Church, sang in German choir, and served as deacons. Abram enjoyed visiting with people and his door was always open to others. His smile and jokes will be missed. Predeceased by Maria in 2007; Abram is mourned by Hugo (Ruth), Erika (Ed) Wiens, Walter (Warna), Monika (Harmut) Penner, Irene Regher; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
Jacob John FastJacob John Fast died July 7, 2009. He was born Apr. 12, 1929 in Gnadenthal, Man. to John and Elizabeth Fast. At 13, he moved to Yarrow, B.C., with his mother, 4 sisters and 1 brother; he attended Upper Sumas School for a short time. Jake became a professional truck driver in 1953, picking up milk at farms throughout the Fraser Valley for more than 30 years. He was quietly proud of his perfect driving record, but probably more proud of the many friends he made. Jake married Katie Kornelsen in 1953. They moved to Langley, B.C., later Greendale, B.C. He was a member of the Greendale MB church. He enjoyed travelling, building, and repairing anything, then became imprisoned by Parkinson’s disease. His final years were spent at home in Sardis surrounded by his family and friends, with frequent visits by his loving grandchildren. He was pleased he could meet his great-grandson before passing on. Predeceased by 2 sisters, son Robert; Jake is survived by Katie; children Cliff, Wendy; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 2 sisters.
Donald MantlerDonald Mantler died July 16, 2009 at 58. He was born to Abe and Susie Mantler, and raised in Coaldale, Alta., by his mother and stepfather Jake Dyck. Don loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping and riding dirt bikes. An accident in 1981 left him a quadriplegic. After a time of bitterness, he prayed a prayer of repentance with the help of pastor Rudy Heidebrecht, and became a child of God. Don coped bravely with his limitations, driving an adapted van and coaching slow-pitch. Predeceased by his father, Don is mourned by daughters Roxann (Dave) Fontaine, DJ Mantler; 3 grandsons; mother and stepfather; 2 siblings. A reception in Don’s memory was held July 22 at Coaldale MB Church.
Helen DueckHelen Dueck died July 16, 2009. She was born Jan. 6, 1925 in Orenburg, Russia to Jacob and Katherina Dueck. The family came to Canada in 1926 and settled on a farm in Coaldale, Alta. Helen was saved at 10, baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church at 16. Graduating from Coaldale Bible School with a desire to serve the Lord, she taught Sunday school and worked in VBS. She graduated from MBBC in Winnipeg and trained as an RN. She applied to the board of missions and services and was sent to India as a missionary nurse, 1956–1967. She earned a degree in nursing administration, then served 3 years at Luampa Hospital in Zambia under Africa Evangelical Mission. Returning to Alberta, she worked in a nursing home from 1974–1978, and was director of home care until retirement in 1989. Helen took 48 2-week trips to developing countries with Medical Ministries International, and was involved as church secretary and registrar at her home church. Predeceased by 3 siblings and their spouses; Helen is mourned by 4 siblings; 48 nieces and nephews. The memorial service was July 21 at Coaldale MB Church.
Nettie WiebeNettie Wiebe died July 22, 2009 at 93. She was born Nov. 27, 1915 in Fuerstental, South Russia to Johann and Sarah Esau. Sarah died when Nettie was 8. Johann later married Maria Reimer. In 1925, the family immigrated to Langham, Sask. After 3 years, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. Nettie accepted the Lord at evangelistic meetings at Yarrow MB Church. She was baptized and joined the church at 15. Nettie’s mother became ill with cancer in 1946 and Nettie cared for her until her death. Nettie’s father died 14 months later. Nettie married widower Frank Peters, becoming a mother to 7 children. Ten years later, he died. In the 1960s, Nettie married Abe Schmidt, who also died after 10 years of married life. In 1979, Nettie married Henry Wiebe, who died in 1990. Nettie served the Lord, the church, and others. She sang in choirs and participated in ladies fellowship group. She was a member at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. B.C.
John EsauJohn Esau died July 28, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Mar. 6, 1927 to Jacob and Anna Esau. John faithfully served his Lord and Saviour as pastor at County Line, Prince George, Queensborough, Squamish, Keremeos, B.C., and at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. He was also director at Grace Mission in Vancouver for 12 years, assistant at Woodlawn Funeral Home, and leader of many Bible study groups, camps, and evangelism teams throughout B.C. John loved animals, especially horses and dogs, but most of all, he loved to tell people about Jesus. His friendly spirit, quick laughter, and easygoing ways endeared him to everyone he met. Predeceased by 1 brother, John is mourned by Eva, his wife of 60 years; children Lorraine Thompson, Grace (Ken) Stickland, Ellie Pelletier, Len (Heather) Esau; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 8 siblings. The memorial service was Aug. 1 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Mary VothMary Voth died July 30, 2009. She was born Apr. 19, 1928 in Hepburn, Sask. to Frank and Susie Kroeker. Her parents prayed with her for salvation when she was 8. Mary was baptized at 14. She considered it a joy to study God’s Word and to sing in choirs at Bethany Bible School and in church. Her life was shaped by a determination to be faithful to Jesus, using the talents God had given her. Mary and Nick Voth married August 19, 1950, and settled on the family farm in Arnaud, Man., then moved to Winnipeg. Mary was born with a heart defect which led to serious illness in the 1960s. Her reflections of this difficult time are filled with thanksgiving for the support of Nick, her children, friends, and neighbours. Mary was faithful in praying for others. She was active in church and evangelistic outreach, leading a Bible study with her neighbours, inviting those who were lonely for meals, and starting a house church with Nick in Wasserburg, Germany, in 1985. Nick’s declining health brought them back to Manitoba. He died in 1990, a month after their 40th wedding anniversary, celebrated with family and friends. In 1995, Mary moved to Abbotsford, B.C., to be near her children and grandchildren. She found a home in Bakerview Church, where she sang in the choir and established many friendships. Mary is mourned by children Ron (Sharon), Rick (Gay Lynn), Debbie (Artur) Baerg, Gerald (Valerie); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.
John E. FriesenJohn E. Friesen died July 31, 2009, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born Mar. 16, 1920, in Dallas, Ore., to Cornelius B. and Suzanna Friesen. John felt the call to ministry at 14, but could not pursue training after high school because of his job as a machinist when the U.S. entered World War II. When drafted, he entered Civilian Public Service where he served for 2 years. John and Anne Miriam Schultz were married June 17, 1945. After the war, John pursued his education at Multnomah School of the Bible, Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Cal. After receiving his MDiv from Fuller, he served California MB churches in Dinuba, Bakersfield, Lodi, and Arleta, then spent 7 years in B.C. as pastor in Chilliwack and Dawson Creek. John and Anne led 7 groups to Israel to visit biblical sites and missionaries, and 18 tours to other missionary and historic Christian sites. Serving as a pastor in 8 churches over 45 years, John spread the good news and displayed the compassion and the mercy of our Lord. He is mourned by Anne; children James, Steven, Lois; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
