Deaths
Rueben DirksRueben Dirks died June 5, 2010. He was born June 16, 1924 near Waldheim, Sask. to Jacob and Susanna (Luetke) Dirks. He attended Springfield Public School and completed high school by correspondence. At 15, Rueben made a commitment to the Lord, and was baptized upon confession of faith at Salem Church, Waldheim, Sask. He graduated from Bethany College in 1945. During the war, he did alternative service on a farm in Bradwell, Sask. Rueben married Lois Irene Schmidt Aug. 31, 1947. He taught in the rural schools of Lehigh and Meade, Kan. Rueben pastored Logan Fontenelle Chapel, Omaha, Neb., for 3 years, Bethesda Church of Huron, S.D., for 8 years, and was ordained by the Waldheim church. He graduated from Tabor College with a major in German in 1965 and taught high school German in Oakley, Kan. He pastored in Neustadt/Weinstrasse, Germany. He returned to Canada to pastor Dalmeny (Sask.) Community Church and minister to seniors in Rosthern, Sask. Reuben was an optimist and a great communicator. He enjoyed camping, singing, and preaching. Predeceased by 4 siblings, 5 in-laws, 2 grandsons, 1 great-granddaughter; Rueben is mourned by Lois; daughters Carrie (Brian), Arlene (Eldon); 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Martha PennerMartha Penner died July 21, 2010. She was born May 5, 1933 in Crowfoot, Alta. to Jacob and Maria Martens. The family relocated to Vineland, Ont., in 1938. Martha accepted Christ as Saviour at 9 and was baptized at 15 into Vineland (Ont.) MB Church. While serving at Scott Street MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., Martha met Walter Penner, and they married Sept. 5, 1959. Martha faced many health challenges, but took comfort in God’s faithfulness and Walter’s love. She enjoyed coordinating the Time Out program’s prayer ministry at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., serving at the Christian Benefit Shop, and attending care group. Martha’s life reflected her love for the Lord; her persevering prayer, compassionate heart, and committed service touched many lives. Martha is mourned by Walter; daughters Wendy (George) Armstrong, Karen, Lorraine (Robert) Klassen; 2 grandsons; 5 siblings.
Mary Wall Mary Wall died Aug. 4, 2010 at 102. She was born in 1907 in Muensterberg, Ukraine to Peter P. and Anna Schroeder. In 1925, the family immigrated to Canada and settled in Gnadenthal, Man. Mary accepted the Christian faith and was baptized into the MB church. She worked in Winnipeg. Mary married Jacob Wall June 29, 1932, in Elm Creek (Man.) Anglican Church. Mary and Jacob farmed in Elm Creek and joined the newly formed Elm Creek MB Church. In 1963, they retired in Winnipeg and joined Fort Garry MB Church. In 1973, they transferred their member to Central MB Church. They were active in the deaconate, and Mary participated in women’s programs. In 1982, they moved to a condo. After Jacob fell ill in 1986, Mary cared for him until his passing in 1989. The loss of her husband was a struggle, but Mary’s strong faith and prayer carried her, and she became a source of strength to others. In 1995, when Central MB Church closed, she joined Elmwood MB Church. In 2010, Mary moved to Calvary Place Personal Care Home, where her positivity brightened the lives of staff and tenants. She loved watching sunsets and singing hymns. After she developed pneumonia, her health deteriorated. Her legacy is that of a nurturing prayer warrior. Predeceased by Jacob in 1989, son Peter in 1951, son-in-law Allan Guenther, grandson Larry Martens, 2 great-grandchildren, 5 siblings; Mary is mourned by children Jake (Linda), Mary (Henry) Martens, Anne Guenther, Elizabeth, Susan (Neil) Baerg, Neil (Rosina); 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Liese Pankratz
Liese Pankratz died Aug. 5, 2010. She was born Mar. 16, 1927 in Franzthal, Ukraine to Peter and Anna Pankratz. Liese was baptized in 1948 at Yarrow MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C. She was a member of King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Liese is mourned by 2 sisters.
Tena KlassenTena Klassen died Aug. 8, 2010. She was born Oct. 6, 1924 in Main Centre, Sask. to John and Maria Guenther, two weeks after they arrived from Russia. They settled near Beechy-Demaine, Sask. When Tena was 11, her mother died. In 1938, her father married widow Maria Klassen, bringing the children in the house to 19. In 1942, Tena married stepbrother Mano Klassen. They bought Tena’s father’s farm in 1947 and worked there until 1998, when they got an apartment in Beechy, Sask. In 2010, they moved to Medstead, Sask. Tena’s love for her Saviour, Bible, and church was evident as she taught Sunday school, sang in choir, and played guitar and harmonica. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, and setting puzzles. Tena is mourned by Mano; children John (Charlotte), Ivie (Michael) Parker; 4 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings; stepsiblings; in-laws.
Margaret HarderMargaret Harder died Aug. 9, 2010. She was born July 18, 1926 near Winkler, Man. to Henry P. and Helena Harder. She committed her life to Jesus at a young age, was baptized, and was active in the church, most recently in Elmwood MB Church. She was a teacher in Burwalde, Rhineland, Winkler, and Winnipeg, Man. Her work with special needs students at Ellen Douglas Elementary School, Grant Park High School, and Lord Roberts School in Winnipeg gave her much joy. She loved to garden, knit, watch sports, and spend time with family and friends. She will be fondly remembered for her loving spirit, gentleness, and generosity. Predeceased by 3 siblings, 4 in-laws; Margaret is mourned by 3 sisters; nieces and nephews; friends.
Katherine WillmsKatherine Willms died Aug. 20, 2010. She was born May 30, 1940 in Coaldale, Alta. to Bernard and Elizabeth Doerksen. After a year of teaching, she married John Willms, and they shared nearly 47 years together. Katherine’s desire was to glorify God in all she did, serving faithfully in her Grassy Lake church community and in Christian Women’s Club. She shared her gift of teaching and music with children and adults, and especially loved teaching adult Sunday school. Katherine lived each day to the fullest – whether working in her expansive garden, driving combine, or sharing hospitality. Her infectious smile, positive attitude, boundless energy, and love impacted everyone around her. Katherine’s faith touched many lives, especially in her last 9 months as she faced leukemia. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 sisters, 1 niece; Katherine is mourned by John; children Kevin (Penney), Carolyn (Tim) Gartke, Clarence (Lexa), Trish (Kevin) Redekop; 14 grandchildren; 8 siblings; in-laws.
Kathrina WiebeKathrina (Tina) Wiebe died Aug. 23, 2010 at 99. She was born Aug. 6, 1911 in Michaelsburg, Fuerstenland, Ukraine to Peter H. and Helena (Braun) Epp. When Kathrina was 3, her mother died, and her father married his first wife’s sister. In 1925, the family went to Moscow to immigrate to Canada. Due to trachoma, Kathrina stayed behind and rejoined the family months later in Osler, Sask. At 17, she married Henry P. Wiebe. In 1936, they moved to Morden, Man., where Kathrina received Jesus as her Saviour. Kathrina and Henry were baptized in 1941 into Morden MB Church. In 1943, they moved to Arnold, B.C. In 1975, while the couple was travelling Europe, Henry died. Kathrina became a member of Clearbrook MB Church in 1967. In 1998, she moved to Tabor Manor, and in 2004, into Tabor Home. Kathrina loved to read, bake for family and Stillwood Camp, and sew for grandchildren and MCC. She will be remembered as a kind, selfless mother. Predeceased by Henry, 2 sons; Kathrina is mourned by children Henry (Elvira), Katie (Eric) Ratzlaff, Rita (John) Buirs; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 3 step-grandsons; 7 grandsons-in-law.
Margaret RiedigerMargaret Riediger died Aug. 26, 2010 at 91. She was born Aug. 24, 1919 in Russia to Peter and Katharina Riediger. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Acme, Alta. They moved to Stavely, Alta., then to Vauxhall, Alta., and in 1948, to Coaldale, Alta., where Margaret stayed the rest of her life. Margaret was committed to the Lord, her family, the church, and the community. She loved living things – listening to birdsong and nurturing seedlings. Much of her life was devoted to caring for others; she was the glue that held the family together. Predeceased by 14 siblings and their spouses, Margaret is mourned by the families of Katharina and Johann Esau, Elizabeth and David Unruh, David and Neta Riediger, Jacob and Sarah Riediger, Maria and Jacob Enns, Anna and John Reimer, Helen and Jack Osborne, Susie and Henry Reimer – more than 500 nieces and nephews. The memorial was at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.
Bernard BraunBernard Jacob Braun died Aug. 28, 2010 at 96. He was born Sept. 15, 1913, in Radnitchnoye, Orenburg, Russia to Jacob and Henrietta Braun. In 1925, the family immigrated to Herbert, Sask., where Ben attended school to fifth grade. He farmed with his parents until his father’s death. Despite hardship, he continued to farm with his mother until she retired. He received Christ into his heart July 15, 1949. Upon confession of faith, he was baptized Aug. 7, 1949. Oct. 8, 1943, Ben married Elizabeth Rempel at Swift Current (Sask.) United Church. They farmed in the Braddock area near McMahon, Sask. They were a great team, working hard and becoming successful. After farming, they moved to Swift Current, Sask., where Ben purchased the Shell Bulk Station. Ben became a construction manager, building many homes and the MB church in Swift Current. Ben and Betty supported many orphans. After moving to Kelowna, B.C., Ben continued in the construction business. They retired in Swift Current, Sask. In 2006, they moved to a long-term care facility in Herbert, Sask. Ben leaves the legacy of a Christ-centered life. Predeceased by 10 siblings, Ben is mourned by Betty; nieces and nephews; friends. The funeral was at Bridgeway Church, Swift Current, Sask.
John Sabasch
John Frederick Sabasch died Sept. 1, 2010 at 98. He was born Nov. 11, 1911 in Grenfell, Sask. to Henry & Maria Sabasch. He left school early to work in Taber, Alta. He farmed in Kelstern, Sask., served as a grain buyer in Kelstern, Hodgeville, and St. Boswells, Sask., and worked for Vern’s Repair Shop and Gus Bader/Imperial Oil. After his wife Jean (Noble) Sabasch died, John married Laura Martha (Tacholsky) Wirsche Oct. 12, 1956, in Moose Jaw, Sask., and her children Billy and Beatrice joined the family. John enjoyed watching sports, playing card games, and coaching ball teams. Predeceased by Jean, 5 siblings; John is mourned by Laura; children Penny-Lee (Ken) Markewich, Billy (Alda) Wirsche, Beatrice (Gerald) Haubrich, Rocky, Connie (Clarence) Haubrich, Coreen (Ron) Strieb; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law. The funeral was at Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Sask.
Anne FriesenAnne Friesen died Sept. 3, 2010 at 93. She was born Mar. 17, 1917 in Arkadak, Russia to Cornelius and Katharina Warkentin. Anne’s love for the Lord, family, and music gave her the greatest pleasure. Anne and her husband Dietrich Friesen attended North Kildonan MB Church in the late 30s and early 40s when Dietrich served as choral music leader in several Manitoba MB churches. The family moved to Hillsboro, Kan., in the early 50s, and eventually to Fresno, Cal., where Dietrich helped establish the music program at Pacific Bible Institute (now Fresno Pacific University). Anne made many friends, young and old. Predeceased by her husband of 53 years Dietrich, daughter Kathy Robinson, son Victor; Anne is mourned by children Walt (Dolly), Allan (Christine), Eugene (Wendy), Milton (Bendta); 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Helena DahlHelena Dahl died Sept. 4, 2010 at 91. She was born Apr. 16, 1919 in Alexanderkrone, Ukraine to Abram and Frieda Nightingale. When Helena was 4, her mother died. A year later, her father remarried, and the family immigrated to Canada in 1924. They spend a year in Ontario before moving to Arnaud, Man. In 1935, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. At 8, Helena accepted Jesus as Saviour. She was baptized at 15. Helena worked as a housekeeper in Vancouver and lived in a home for young Mennonite women (Madchenheim). In 1948, she met Jacob Dahl while teaching at a Sunday school mission in Richmond, B.C. They were married Aug. 14, 1949, by her father in Yarrow MB Church. They lived in Burnaby, B.C. and then Port Coquitlam, B.C. They moved to Abbotsford in 2004 and joined Bakerview MB Church. Helena touched many lives with her love, hospitality, and gentleness. She is mourned by Jacob; children Dorothea, Charlotte, Wesley; grandchildren.
Charles GowanlockCharles Robert Gowanlock died Sept. 4, 2010 at 96. Bob was born Apr. 26, 1914 in a farmhouse near Orillia, Ont. to John Shanks and Amelia Elizabeth Gowanlock. He completed eighth grade at Uhtoff Public School, near Orillia, Ont. Bob married Grace Marie Soules June 15, 1940. In 1945, Bob would have succumbed to ulcerative colitis, had it not been for the recent invention of penicillin. After building a successful farm, Bob and Grace retired in 1975. They built a home in Orillia and travelled together. In 2005, they moved to Leisure World Nursing Home, Orillia. A founding member of Christian Fellowship Chapel, Orillia, Ont., Bob’s belief in God never waivered. Predeceased by granddaughters Tracey, Tricia; Bob is mourned by Grace; children Wray (Carol), Janet, Brian (Jeannie), David (Ann); 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.
