Deaths
Jacob C. Klassen Jacob C. Klassen died Jan. 19, 2010. He was born July 14, 1924 in Krassikov, Russia to Cornelius and Maria Klassen. In 1926, the family immigrated to Canada and settled on a farm in Manitoba. Jake was 19 when he accepted Christ as his Saviour. He was baptized Aug. 4, 1946, in United Mennonite Church, Manitou, Man. He married Mary Froese June 28, 1947. They bought a farm in Mary’s hometown of Leamington, Ont., in 1958. Jake always found time to play baseball with his children or take them swimming, tobogganing, or skating. After Jake lost a leg in a tomato wagon accident in 1967, he learned to run, ride a bike, and even ski. After farming, Jake did construction work, drove a school bus, and drove for a car dealership. A highlight for Jake was going on mission trips to use his construction skills. Jake loved music and taught himself to play several instruments. He enjoyed Gaither videos, especially songs about heaven. Predeceased by son Mark, 1 granddaughter, 3 siblings; Jake is mourned by Mary; children Laura (Henry), Mary (Milan), Neil (Joanne), Shirley (James), Janey (Mike); 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was at Meadow Brook Fellowship, Leamington, Ont.
Alfred BlockAlfred Block died May 5, 2010. He was born May 30, 1940 near Waldheim, Sask. to John and Mary (Epp) Block. As a child, he helped on the farm and built vehicles and machines. He suffered infantile paralysis at 5 and rheumatic fever at 9 – illnesses that sent him away from his family and taught him fortitude. He graduated high school in 1959 and worked for Canadian National Railway as a draftsman. Al married high school sweetheart, Dian Strobel in 1960. They lived in Saskatoon, Dauphin, Man., and Winnipeg. In 1975, Al fulfilled his lifelong dream by opening his own manufacturing business, Block’s Ornamental Iron in Waldheim. He worked hard, and many of his artistic railings are visible around the valley. In 2002, a cancer diagnosis forced Al to retire. His recovery from a femur replacement exceeded expectations, and despite his lung cancer surgery in 2006, he and Dian were able to tour North America by bus. Al enjoyed setting puzzles, playing pool, and researching family history. He suffered complications following kidney cancer surgery Apr. 15. Predeceased by 1 brother, Al is mourned by Dian; children Stuart (Karen), Greg (Laura), Lori (Trenton) Janz; 6 grandchildren; stepmother Ruth Block; 7 siblings; in-laws.
Gordon GossenGordon Gossen died May 7, 2010. He was born Dec. 3, 1926 near Waldheim, Sask. to George and Martha Gossen. He attended Rose River School and took over the farm after his father’s death in 1957. Gordon married Vivian Schmidt in 1955. He farmed full time until 1985, then part time after moving into Waldheim. Gordon was loyal to family, church, and community. He enjoyed curling, bowling, waterskiing, downhill skiing, travelling, and fishing. Gordon and Vivian were members of Waldheim MB Church. Gordon fought cancer bravely and endured pain quietly. Predeceased by 6 siblings, 1 sister-in-law; Gordon is mourned by Vivian; children Peggy (Elmer Reddekopp), Virginia; 1 sister-in-law.
Marlene Quapp Marlene Ruth Quapp died May 15, 2010 after a five-year battle with cancer. She was born Apr. 26, 1938 in Aberdeen, Sask. to Cornelius and Lydia Sawatzky. The family moved to Coaldale, Alta., in 1947, and to Virgil, Ont., in 1955. Marlene married Carl Quapp May 4, 1957, settling in Edmonton, and then Calgary. She was an active member of Highland MB Church, Calgary, and one of the founders of Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary. She dedicated herself to serving Pioneer Girls, singing in the church choir, catering for church functions, and working at MCC. In 1978, when her 19-year-old son died, she turned tragedy into an opportunity to share her faith story at Christian Women’s Clubs across Alberta and Saskatchewan. She was an exceptional friend – always ready to help. She loved gardening, sewing, knitting, travelling, reading, hosting grandchildren, and visiting with friends. Marlene’s greatest joy was that of being a wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Predeceased by son Darrell, 1 brother; Marlene is mourned by Carl; children Karren (Jed), Gary (Miriam); 5 grandchildren; 5 sisters.
Alita NeufeldtAlita Neufeldt died June 3, 2010. She was born June 17, 1938 in Main Centre, Sask. to John and Katie Reimer. In 1940, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. Alita accepted Jesus as Saviour at 11. She married Rollie Neufeldt Sept. 14, 1957. Although she suffered from a chronic lung disease since childhood, she never used it as a crutch. Lung surgeries in 1964 and 1983 slowed her down and left her with chronic pain but never dampened her warm smile and positive attitude. She was not expected to survive past 1990, but surprised everyone with her strong spirit. Even when she herself was hurting, she wrote many encouragement letters to others. She will be remembered as a tender and giving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Predeceased by 2 grandchildren, Alita is mourned by Rollie; children Wendie (Ken) Nickel, Dianna (Simon) Lewis; 4 grandchildren; 5 siblings. The celebration of life was at South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church.
Kathryn Neudorf Kathryn Neudorf died June 26, 2010. She was born Oct. 15, 1912 near Horndean, Man. to Abram F. and Helena (Wiebe) Klassen. In 1926, the family moved to Winkler, Man., where Kathryn joined Winkler MB Church. After graduating from Winkler Bible School, she worked there for 15 years. In 1964, Kathryn married Peter Neudorf, moved to Winnipeg, and joined Portage Avenue MB Church. She later became a member at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg. Kathryn will be remembered for her steadfast faith; prayers for family, friends, and missions; cooking and baking for Winkler Bible School and Winkler Bible Camp; and skillful game-playing. Predeceased by Peter in 1983, 9 siblings; Kathryn is mourned by stepson Peter (Helga); 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters.
Kathe Wall Kathe Wall died June 26, 2010. She was born Nov. 29, 1918 in Nikolayevka, Ukraine to Herman & Katherine (Sawatzky) Krause. She was baptized upon confession of her faith. Kathe married Helmut Wiebe in 1954. After Helmut’s death in 1981, Kathe married Abe Wall in 1984 for 7 short months. In 2006, her Alzheimer’s necessitated a move to a care home, first in St. Adolphe, Man., then into Kildonan Personal Care Home, Winnipeg. She will be remembered for her joy and zeal for life. Predeceased by Helmut, Abe, son Manfred Krause, stepson Abram Wiebe, stepson Erwin Wall, 2 grandchildren, 1 brother; Kathe is mourned by children Rose, Rudy (Doreen); stepchildren David (Elizabeth) Wiebe, Peter (Erica) Wiebe, Hein (Izelda) Wiebe, Ruth (John) Klassen, Luise (Cornelius) Dyck, Siegfried (Teenie) Wall, stepdaughter-in-law Elizabeth; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings. The funeral was at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.
Edmond Epp Edmond John Epp died July 13, 2010. He was born Aug. 15, 1947 in Rosthern, Sask. to John and Helena Epp. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Rosthern until grade 8, earned his GED, and obtained his farm machinery mechanic papers. Ed married Mary Friesen Oct. 4, 1975. He worked on the farm, and as a mechanic in Gouldtown and Watrous, Sask. Later, Ed and Mary moved to Waldheim, Sask. Ed volunteered for the Gideons and in the church choir. He loved hunting, fishing, cooking, and giving his grandchildren tractor rides. Predeceased by 1 brother-in-law, Ed is mourned by Mary; sons Lowell (Kristin), Lyndon (Candace); 4 grandchildren; 8 siblings. The funeral was at Waldheim MB Church.
Aron Riediger Aron A. Riediger died July 20, 2010. He was born Mar. 16, 1924 in Kherson, Russia to Aron and Justina Riediger. The family immigrated to Canada when he was 3 months old, and settled in Blumenhof, Sask. He accepted the Lord as Saviour at Vacation Bible School. The family moved to Chilliwack, B.C., in 1945, and settled on a farm in Rosedale. He was baptized into East Chilliwack MB Church (now Central Community Church). Aron married Helen Goosen, whom he had known his whole life, June 29, 1952. He worked for Cheam Marl Products in B.C., first clearing land, and later operating the drag-line machine – a job he enjoyed for 40 years. In 1977, he purchased his first dump truck and put it to work in the lime pit, a business venture which grew into a trucking company. Aron retired and sold the business to 2 of his sons in 1997. He enjoyed carpet bowling and stationary biking. Aron was known as a man with strong biblical convictions and faith in God. Predeceased by 3 siblings, Aron is mourned by Helen; children Don (Ruth), Ken (Heather), Janet, Dave (Ivy); 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 3 siblings; in-laws.
Kay Warkentin Katherine (Kay) Warkentin died Aug. 6, 2010 at 90. She was born Sept. 6, 1919 in Russia to Heinrich Borne and Katharina Voth. Her family immigrated to Winnipeg, Man., where Kay was baptized into the Mennonite church in 1937. Kay trained as a practical nurse and worked for many years in the Winnipeg medical system. Sept. 1, 1989, at 70, Kay married George Warkentin and moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Clearbrook MB Church. When she grew ill, George cared for her. In 2004, she was admitted to Worthington Cottage. Predeceased by George in 2008, 3 siblings; Kay is mourned by stepdaughter Beth Muir; 3 siblings; 1 sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Magdalena GauerMagdalena Gauer died Aug. 7, 2010. She was born Sept. 14, 1922 near Alt-Rosengart, Germany (now Poland) to Franz and Selma (Wiehler) Lemke. She was baptized upon her faith in the Mennonite Church in Thiensdorf, Poland. She graduated from business school, and after her father’s death in 1939, helped her mother farm. During WWII, she was drafted as a secretary at the airport, and then as a nurse in the military hospital in Marienburg, where she refused to abandon the sick when many medical staff fled the Russian army’s advance in 1945. Days later, a train transported the nurses and wounded through Red Army lines to the west. She arrived safely in Schwerin, West Germany, where she nursed her wounded brother. Magdalena completed her registered nurse’s course and worked in a women’s hospital in Hamburg. She met Gustav Gauer in the Mennonite Church youth group, and they married Aug. 17, 1951. That December, they immigrated to Winnipeg, then to Vancouver. They lived in Burnaby, B.C., 18 years before moving to Surrey, B.C. Gus and Magdalena served as lay leaders at Willingdon MB Church. From 1982 to 1984, they led the church in Salzburg, Austria under MBMSI. Then, for five years, they served full time at Willingdon Church in pastoral care and visitation. In 1996–1997, they were interim pastors in Bad Reichenhall, Germany. In 1990, they retired in Abbotsford, B.C. They transferred from Central Heights Church to Bakerview MB Church in 2008. Magdalena was always active leading women’s Bible studies, co-leading home groups, and bringing her friends to Christ. She welcomed many friends and strangers into her home. She was a remarkable woman of prayer. In the last years, she lost her eyesight and her heartbeat became irregular; however, her spirit remained strong. Magdalena is mourned by Gus; children Ralf (Janet), Ben (Ingrid), Gerry (Maria), Ingrid; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother.
Kathryn KoehnKathryn Koehn died Aug. 11, 2010. She was born Feb. 17, 1919 in Krassikov, Russia to Cornelius and Catherine Wiens. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1926. After she and Peter Koehn married in 1940, they lived for many years in Greendale, B.C., before eventually retiring in Clearbrook, B.C. Predeceased by Peter in 1995, 1 granddaughter in 1982, 3 siblings; Kathryn is mourned by children Jean (Jake) Rempel, Gail (Herb) Schroeder, Gary (Carolyn), Randy (Brenda); 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings. The celebration of life was at Bakerview MB Church.
