Deaths
Katrina Loewen Katrina Loewen died May 13, 2011. She was born Aug. 2, 1926 in Namaka, Alta. to Peter and Katherina Thiessen. She lived in Gem, Alta., until her 20s. Katrina attended Sunday school, German school, young peoples’ group, and choir at Gem MB Church. After she accepted Jesus as Saviour at 11 during the pastor’s annual visit, she no longer had a heavy heart. She was baptized at 14. Katrina married John Loewen Mar. 27, 1949. They moved to a farm near Vauxhall, Alta, and attended Vauxhall MB Church. They moved in 1964 to a farm in Enchant, Alta., where they served Enchant Evangelical Free Church. Katrina taught Sunday school and shared hospitality. She was a good cook, gardener, and seamstress who enjoyed singing, playing guitar, and driving tractor. Katrina and John moved to Lethbridge, Alta., in 1988, and to assisted living in 2006. After John died October 2010, Katrina’s health began to decline. Her deepest desire was for her family to accept and follow Jesus. Predeceased by John, Katrina is mourned by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings.
Judy Hoppe Judy Hoppe died June 4, 2011. She was born Aug. 23, 1951 in Saskatoon to Bill and Edith Veer. In 1969, at Bible college in B.C., Judy met Frank Hoppe. They married and farmed in Chilliwack, then in Enderby, B.C. They moved to Prince George, B.C., where Judy taught organ and took a secretarial course. After returning to Chilliwack, she worked 17 years as a legal secretary. Because she loved the outdoors, Judy and Frank decided to grow flowers for resale. The end of the first year of that venture, they discovered Judy’s cancer. Judy is mourned by Frank; children Frank William (Marnie), David (Karen), Joanne (Garth) Hewitt; 6 grandchildren; her mother; 3 siblings.
Jacob Sawatzky Jacob Sawatzky died June 19, 2011. He was born Apr. 22, 1943 in Gruenfeld, Menno Colony, Paraguay to Peter and Susanna Sawatzky. He grew up in Paratodo, Paraguay, where he was baptized at 21. In 1969, Jacob immigrated to Canada. He married Nettie Hiebert in 1970. They moved back to Paraguay to establish a cattle farm. In 1995, the family returned to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. Jacob worked at Wilmar Windows until he retired at 65. Jacob and Nettie were members of Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, where Jacob was active in music. In spring 2011, Jacob went to Paraguay to care for their son, who had been in a serious motorcycle accident. There Jacob developed pneumonia. Predeceased by 7 half-siblings, Jacob is mourned by Nettie; children Erhard, Edgar, Janet (Ken Zacharias); 2 grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Anne Myrtle Willems Anne Myrtle Willems died June 22, 2011. She was born Jan. 14, 1928 in Waldheim, Sask. to Henry and Mary Willems. Anne accepted Jesus as Saviour June 26, 1938, and later based her assurance on Ephesians 2:8–9. She was baptized into Brotherfield MB Church, Waldheim, July 18, 1943. Anne graduated from Bethany Bible Institute in 1951. After nurse’s training in Saskatoon, she worked in California at Doctor’s Hospital and San Jose Hospital. She transferred to public health and then to school nursing. Anne joined Peninsula Bible Church, Cal. In 1969, Anne graduated with an MA in counselling from University of San Jose and worked in San Jose Unified School District. After retiring to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1986, she attended Bakerview MB Church. Predeceased by 3 brothers, 1 niece; Anne is mourned by 2 siblings; 1 sister-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Laura Helen Enns Laura Helen (Wiebe) Enns died July 13, 2011. She was born Sept. 5, 1945 in Gnadental, Man. to Philip and Anna Wiebe. When she was 6, the family moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Laura attended Mennonite Educational Institute, and University of B.C. She taught at Yarrow Elementary, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, in Prince George district, at Barrowtown Elementary, and Mennonite Educational Institute. Laura married Edwin Enns in 1967. She volunteered at the M2/W2 thrift shop Hidden Treasures and as a teacher in community English programs at LCC International University, Lithuania. Laura was an active member of Highland Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by 1 sister, Laura is mourned by Ed; children Melanie Moore (Sheldon), Colin, Jarrett (Gabija Zaikauskaite); 5 grandchildren; 5 siblings.
Martin Schroeder Martin Schroeder died July 20, 2011 at 94. He was born Mar. 14, 1917 near Main Centre, Sask. to John K. and Katherina Schroeder. In 1933, at evangelistic meetings, Martin accepted Christ as Saviour and guide. Martin attended normal school in Moose Jaw, Sask., and subsequently obtained BA, BEd, and MEd degrees. Martin began teaching in 1937. Martin and fiancée Bertha Viola Rempel were baptized July 2, 1939, and married Oct. 8, 1939, at Main Centre MB Church. In his 45-year career, Martin taught in the Goethe, Lowe Farm, and Main Centre districts, and in Herbert, Regina, Saskatoon, and at University of B.C. He served as vice principal, principal, guidance counsellor, and superintendent. He directed church choirs in Main Centre, Herbert, and Saskatoon, including the Gospel Tidings Radio choir. In 1958, Martin joined the Gideons. May 5, 1972, Bertha died of a massive heart attack. The shock and pain were overwhelming. In 1974, he moved to Burnaby, B.C. Martin married Lydia (Pump) Peters of Abbotsford, B.C., June 6, 1975. Martin and Lydia were members of Central Heights MB Church. In Abbotsford, he sang with the Men of Praise and conducted the Jubilee Choir. Shortly after joining Clearbrook MB Church, he moved into Menno Terrace East. Predeceased by Bertha, daughter Darlene in 2006; Martin is mourned by Lydia; children Alice Jean Enns, Karen Janet (Dan) Jenkins; Lydia’s children Lynda (Dave) Pierce, Dennis (Susan) Peters, Judy Peters, Bonnie Peters, Robert (Linda) Peters; grandchildren and great-grandchildren on both sides of the family.
Helen TeichrobHelen Teichrob died June 21, 2011 at 95. She was born Nov. 17, 1915 in Schoenwiese, Russia to Franz and Elizabeth Unrau. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling in Margaret, Man. Helen accepted the Lord as Saviour at a young age and was baptized in 1932 in the Souris River, Man. Helen met John Teichrob in 1941, and they married June 26, 1943. They farmed in Minto, Man., before moving to B.C. in 1946, settling on a small farm in Matsqui. Helen and John became members at Matsqui MB Church where Helen taught Sunday school and joined the sewing circles. In 1975, they became members of Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Helen enjoyed camping, watching sports, and having her family home for dinner. Predeceased by infant son Victor, 7 siblings; Helen is mourned by John; children John (Elsie), Rudy (Carol), Len (Irmi), Henry (Rose), Carol (Joel) Bancroft; 16 grandchildren and their 10 spouses; 16 great-grandchildren.
