Deaths
 C. Ramsy Unruh C. Ramsy Unruh died Sept. 29, 2011. He was born Oct. 15, 1961 in Morden, Man. to Cornel and Katy Unruh. His musical interests led him across North America. He met Shannon Ratzlaff while teaching music in Moose Jaw, Sask., and they married in 1992. Ramsy became the music pastor at Willow Park Church in Kelowna, B.C., that year, then at Eastview in Winnipeg in 1998. He developed an interest in helping people with the highs and lows of life, and accepted a job in 2003 as senior pastor at Community Fellowship Church, Newton, Man., where he continued to serve until his death. Ramsy was moderator of the MB Church of Manitoba 2009–10. Ramsy enjoyed bike riding, camping, bowling, storytelling, and donut runs with his family. He showed Shannon he loved her in hundreds of ways. Ramsy was creative, adventurous, brave, sometimes stubborn, both gentle and bold, willing to admit when he was wrong and to learn from his mistakes. He was never afraid to cry in public, and his boisterous laugh rang out in many a meeting or social event. Ramsy endured the trial of his brain tumour with grace and humour, continuing to think of others. Predeceased by his father, Ramsy is mourned by Shannon; children Katy, Tom, Jane; mother Katy; 4 siblings; parents-in-law Myrna Foster, Lloyd and Larraine Ratzlaff. For more on Ramsy’s life, see “What did I do? Pastor awarded for community service,” April 2011. |
Johann Penner Johann (Hans) Penner died June 2, 2011. He was born Nov. 20, 1927 in Alexandrowka, Ukraine to Heinrich and Maria Penner. His father was exiled to labour camp in Siberia, never to be seen again. The family escaped to Germany during WWII, settling in Neuland, Paraguay. Johann was baptized into the MB church. After a few years of pioneering and ranching, he worked 18 years at the leprosy hospital Km 81 in Paraguay. Johann married Agnes Janzen of Friesland in 1960. In 1975, the family immigrated to Abbotsford, B.C. They worked at Tabor Home, then planted churches in Peru for 6 years with MB Mission. In his retirement, Johann loved playing chess and bragging about his children and grandchildren. Johann was an active member of King Road MB Church, Abbotsford. He died of a massive stroke. Johann is mourned by Agnes; children Marvin (Jenny), Paul (Debbie), Karin (Brian) Farquhar; 4 grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Edward JanzenEdward David Janzen died June 30, 2011. He was born Jan. 4, 1924 in Caucasus, South Russia to David K. and Maria Janzen. The family is believed to have been on the last train of Mennonites to leave in 1929. They settled on a farm near Watrous, Sask., and were members of Philadelphia MB Church. The first in his family to graduate high school, Eddie then enlisted in the engineer corps as a sapper during WWII. Eddie married Edna Goertz in Aldergrove, B.C., July 20, 1950. He was baptized Pentecost Sunday 1960 into Vancouver Mennonite Mission. Eddie worked as a carpenter, and in retirement, took up painting. His garden received honourable mention in the 2010 Port Coquitlam garden tour. Predeceased by 3 brothers, Edward is mourned by Edna; sons Wayne, Terry (Ingrid); 3 grandchildren; 1 sister.
Margaret Dyck
Margaret Dyck died July 2, 2011. She was born July 14, 1940 in Mexico to Abram and Katharina Klassen. Margaret accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized in spring 1959. She married Ben Dyck June 23, 1959. At 46, Margaret suffered a stroke but was able to walk with a cane. In 1987, Margaret and Ben immigrated to Canada, staying in Elmira, Ont., where Ben worked at a dairy farm. After several moves, they settled in Kitchener, Ont., and joined Glencairn MB Church. In 2008, Margaret moved to a long-term care facility. Margaret is mourned by Ben; 4 siblings.
Bernhard (Bernie) PetersBernhard (Bernie) Peters died July 28, 2011. He was born Jan. 11, 1938 in Blumengart, Ukraine to Peter and Margarete Peters. In 1943, the family escaped Russia with the retreating German army. When Bernie was 15, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver. He worked at MacMillan Bloedel 28 years. In 1957, Bernie was baptized into First United Mennonite Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir and participating in youth activities. In 1960, he met Sally Isaaks at a Valentine’s party. They were married July 1961. Bernie became a member of Pacific Grace Mission Chapel where he taught Sunday school 13 years. In 1968, Bernie built a house in Ladner, B.C. Bernie and Sally transferred to Richmond Bethel Church in 1976. He served on the board of worship and as head usher. In 1985, he worked as custodian with Delta School District until a back injury forced his retirement. Bernie enjoyed spending time with family, tending his lawn and garden, and listening to Gaither tapes. In 2008, he suffered a serious stroke, followed by a cardiac arrest, but God gave Bernie and Sally grace to carry on. Predeceased by 7 siblings, Bernie is mourned by Sally; children Tammy (Harry) Harms, Randy (Lois) Peters; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister.
David VogtDavid Donald Vogt died Aug. 14, 2011. He was born Aug. 26, 1924 in Borden, Sask. to David Peter and Anna Vogt. David graduated from University of Saskatchewan with a BA in 1946, and with a doctor of dental surgery from University of Toronto in 1951. His studies were interrupted by a 10-month stint with the medical corps. He began his 35-year dental practice in Chilliwack, B.C., in 1951. In 1952, David married Bertha Hoppe. David volunteered for the Gideons, M2/W2 prison visitation, MCC, Campus Crusade, and Stillwood Camp. He studied at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal., 1957–58. David enjoyed singing in a men’s choir and the barbershop chorus. A member of Broadway Church, Chilliwack, for more than 50 years, David lived a life of faithful service. People could readily see his love for God and others through his commitment to community, business, church, and missions. Predeceased by 4 siblings, David is mourned by Bertha; children Judy (Ted) Lea, Cathy (Alan) Gregson, David (Carol), Rob, Don, Tom; 5 grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Lydia DyckLydia Dyck died Aug. 17, 2011. She was born Mar. 2, 1928 in Saskatchewan to Henry and Maria Krahn. She moved to B.C. in 1937. Early in life, Lydia made a faith decision and was baptized in South Abbotsford MB Church in 1949. After graduating from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, Lydia discerned a call to missions. Lydia married Ernest Dyck Sept. 28, 1951. They served MB Missions and Services 1953–1960 in Congo, where Lydia worked in schools and homeschooled her children. Lydia and Ernest planted churches in Quebec 1961–1992. Family always came first, but Lydia also shared extensively in church planting work. She provided hospitality to visitors and board members, and served in Sunday school, on missions committees, and as church secretary and treasurer. After retiring to St. Catharines, Ont., in 1992, she continued encouraging family and friends by correspondence. Lydia enjoyed sewing and planning treasure hunts for children and grandchildren. She participated in the Brock University International Students Organization, inviting students into her home. Lydia was a member of Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines. Predeceased by Ernest in 2009, 5 siblings; Lydia is mourned by children Norman (Trudy Schroeder), Stanley (Jo-Anne), Ruth (Jean) Cusson; 5 grandchildren; 2 siblings.
Jacob Rempel KetlerJacob Rempel Ketler died Aug. 18, 2011. He was born July 29, 1925 in Swift Current, Sask. to Henry and Katharina Ketler. He lived in Glenbush, Sask., until the family moved to Steinbach, Man. Jac married Connie Barkman July 29, 1954. Jac worked for Friesen Machine and Reimer Express before spending the majority of his career as service manager with J.R. Friesen & Sons/Fairway Ford. He was known for his integrity, customer service, and mentorship of employees. Jac was a founding member of the Steinbach Curling Club and the Fly-in Golf Course. He enjoyed flying his Mooney airplane. Jac was active in Steinbach MB Church. He sang in the community male choir. After retiring, he volunteered for the Steinbach RCMP. Jac’s legacy was his support for his family. He advocated for the importance of education and excellence. Predeceased by 1 brother, Jacob is mourned by Connie; daughters Barb Isaak, Judy (Trevor) Proutt, Cindy (Brian) Smith; 7 grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Anna Matthies Anna Matthies died Aug. 21, 2011. She was born Aug. 26, 1932 in Fernheim, Paraguay to Abram and Anna Pankratz. Anna accepted Jesus as Saviour at 10 and was baptized at 14 into Friesland MB Church. At 17, she lost both parents. Anna married Kornelius Hildebrandt May 5, 1952. He died 3 years later. Anna served as cook at the leprosy station Km 81 in Paraguay. Anna married Jacob Regehr in Friesland Nov. 15, 1958. The family immigrated to Vancouver in 1976 and joined Vancouver MB Church. After retirement, Anna and Jacob moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Jacob died Oct. 21, 2000. Shortly after Anna married Aron Matthies in May 2001, she was confined to a wheelchair due to complications following back surgery. She entered Tabor Home, and Aug. 14, 2011, suffered a heart attack. Anna had a heart for hospitality, serving the local MCC store, baking zwieback, and doing handiwork to give away. She had a contagious laugh, and was quick to forgive and see the good in people. Anna was a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Kornelius, Jacob, two sisters; Anna is mourned by Aron; children Anni, Dorothea, Hedwig, Alice, Frank, Elfrieda, and their spouses; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings.
Esther Klassen Esther Klassen died Aug. 22, 2011 at 94. She was born Aug. 22, 1917 in Langham district, Sask. to Peter A. and Ida Janzen. The family moved to Neville, Sask., in 1929, where they attended Blumenort MB Church. Here, Esther accepted Jesus at 13. In 1931, the family moved back to Langham. Here they attended the Neuhoffnung MB Church where Esther was baptized at 19. Esther graduated from Bethany Bible School in 1948 after attending 4 summers of vacation Bible school. In 1947, Esther began working on berry farms in Langley, B.C. April 1951, Esther met Corny Klassen. They married July 1951. Predeceased by Corny, 7 siblings; Esther is mourned by 1 sister; nieces and nephews. The memorial was at Ross Road Community Church (MB), Abbotsford, B.C.
Hans Ens Hans Peter Ens died Sept. 4, 2011. He was born Sept. 25, 1933 in Fernheim, Paraguay to Peter and Anna Ens. While attending boarding school in Filadelfia, Paraguay, Hans accepted Jesus as Saviour. He spent his youth working on the family peanut, cotton, and livestock farm. He enjoyed hunting jaguars, pumas, foxes, and birds. At 21, when Hans was baptized, his church gave him Ephesians 6:10 as his theme verse. At a youth rally, Hans met Sara and drove her home with his horse and buggy. After a 2-year courtship, they married Feb. 12, 1955. They purchased land and built a house from straw and mud brick in Schoenwiese. In 1970, a drought in the Chaco sparked the family’s move to Abbotsford, B.C., where Hans worked as a framer. In 1978, he began a 21-year career as saw operator for Columbia Kitchen Cabinets. Hans was diagnosed with cancer in 1990. He had a strong faith and stayed involved in church life. Hans was a pillar at King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, serving as secretary for 15 years. He and Sara also served as deacons, and Hans taught adult Sunday school. After retirement, Hans found joy volunteering 10 years for the local MCC thrift store. Hans is mourned by Sara; children Wilfred (Heidi), Emilie (Alfred), Inge (Art), Frank (Tina); 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren.
Wally RademakerWally Rademaker died Sept. 15, 2011 at 100. She was born Feb. 7, 1911 in Olgino, Russia to Alexander and Johanna Fast. At 13, she fled to Berlin to escape invading revolutionaries. Working at a bank, she met John Rademaker. Wally immigrated to Canada in 1928; John followed a year later. They were married in Tofield, Alta., in 1932. Wally and John moved to Winnipeg where they ran Swano Soap Manufacturing until the 1970s. Wally was involved along with her sons, making deliveries. In 1956, Wally and John accepted Jesus as Saviour and began a lifetime of service. Their motto was “To God be the glory.” Wally and John were available to all with needs, told others about Jesus, and volunteered for Youth for Christ. When John died in 1995, Wally moved to an apartment where she wrote her life story. In 2009, she moved to an elder care facility. Wally was a member of Salem Community Bible Church, Winnipeg. Predeceased by John, 4 siblings; Wally is mourned by sons John (Violet), Fred (Donna), Bill; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
John Derksen John Edward Derksen died Sept. 4, 2011. He was born Dec. 23, 1921 in Kalantarovka, Kuban, Russia to John J. and Katherina Derksen. In 1925, as the family immigrated to Canada, John contracted polio, resulting in a disabled leg. They settled in Watrous, Sask., in 1928, and moved to Yarrow, B.C., in 1932. John accepted the Lord in his youth and was baptized into Yarrow MB Church. John married Freda Brucks Sept. 23, 1945. He completed his teaching certificate in 1956 and his BEd at University of B.C. John taught elementary and secondary school in Vancouver and Abbotsford, B.C., retiring in 1983. John was a member of Clearbrook MB Church, where he sang in the chancel choir. John and Freda moved to a care home in 2011. Predeceased by 5 siblings, John is mourned by Freda; children Harold (Danie Tremblay), Elaine (Les Smuin), Ruth (Vic Derksen Siemens), Lois (Brian Hall), Daphne (Tim Diebert), Ruby (Ken Doerksen); 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.
