Deaths
Karl FriesenKarl Henry Friesen died Apr. 5, 2011. He was born July 28, 1954 in Swift Current, Sask. to Henry and Helena Friesen. Karl moved to Vancouver in 1976 where he met and married Heather in 1977. Karl completed a masters in social work at University of B.C. and worked as a youth and family counsellor for Langley Youth and Family Services until 2007. After moving to Abbotsford, B.C., Karl joined Highland Community Church in 2004. Predeceased by 3 siblings; Karl is mourned by Heather; children Helena, Stefan, Justin; 12 siblings.
Maria Friesen Maria Friesen died May 18, 2011 at 93. She was born Aug. 7, 1917 in Blumenort, Russia to Gerhard and Maria Goetz. The family immigrated to Paraguay in 1930. When Maria’s infant sibling died, Maria’s father dedicated himself to God and began family devotions; a year later, in 1932, Maria invited Christ into her heart. She was baptized Dec. 3, 1933, and was one of the pioneer volunteers at “Light to the Indians” mission. Maria married Jakob A. Friesen Mar. 6, 1937, in Fernheim, Paraguay. Maria plowed alongside her husband, happy to harvest when the grasshoppers did not get the crop. She entertained boarders, and baked and sewed for the co-op. In 1967, due to Jakob’s failing health, the Friesens followed their married sons to Vancouver. In 1972, they moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where Maria worked at Tabor Home. Maria loved cooking at the community centre. Jakob died November 1997. Maria kept busy baking, collecting clothes, and sewing for missions. In 2007, Maria moved into Tabor Court. She was hospitalized in 2009 due to many falls and moved to Menno Home. Maria was a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by Jakob, Maria is mourned by children George (Susie), Jake (Elvira), Lydia (Peter) Epp, Willy (Frieda), Erika (Harry) Dueck, Mary (John) Plett, Herb (Anneliese), Elsie (Herb) Friesen, Elvira Braun; 27 grandchildren and their 24 spouses; 54 great-grandchildren and their 2 spouses; 7 siblings.
Helga Hamm
Helga Hamm died May 22, 2011. She was born Jan. 21, 1938 in Osborne, Man. to Jacob and Anna Pauls. Helga accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized as a teen into Domain (Man.) MB Church. Her favourite verses were Proverbs 3:5–6. She attended Winkler Bible Institute, where she met Edward Hamm. They married June 11, 1960. Helga faithfully supported her husband during his studies and 43 years of pastoral ministry. During his 14 years of chaplaincy at Meadowood Manor, volunteering as pianist and assistant for programming sing-alongs gave her much pleasure. Helga sang in ladies ensembles in Main Centre, Sask.; at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal.; Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C.; and Morrow Gospel Church, Winnipeg. Helga had a genuine love for people, befriending newcomers and long-time church members alike. Her sense of humour and interest in others encouraged everyone. Predeceased by 1 sister, Helga is mourned by Ed; children Beryl, Murray (Joanne); 2 granddaughters; 4 siblings.
Margareta DerksenMargareta Derksen died June 3, 2011 at 100. She was born Mar. 21, 1911 in Neu-Halbstadt, Ukraine to Jacob and Helena Janzen. Before she was 20, the Communists confiscated the family farm. Peter Dyck from Moscow asked if Margareta could work for him in forestry. They married Mar. 12, 1933. In 1941, Peter received notice to come for 3 months military training. The war began. June 1941–May 1945, in search of safety and provisions, Margareta and the children walked, hid, and often went hungry. Margareta experienced miracles. She carried her baby 60 km. They took the train to Margareta’s brother in Germany. Eventually, they immigrated to Arnold, B.C. Margareta worked hard to support her family. Margareta married Henry Derksen June 11, 1951. She was baptized Aug. 13, 1958, into Arnold MB Church. They retired to Abbotsford, B.C. Margareta trusted God throughout life. Predeceased by Peter, Henry, daughter Anna in infancy in 1934, grandson Christopher Dyck, 13 siblings; Margareta is mourned by children Peter (Carole), Lydia Vogt, Ernie (Amalia), Jacob (Christine); 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 sister.
Herbert Gerlach Herbert Gerlach died June 12, 2011 at 96. He was born Aug. 8, 1914 in Kulm, Poland to Eduard and Justine Gerlach. The family moved to Gronau, Germany, where they joined the Baptist congregation and learned to love God. Herbert was active in church youth, and local cycling and soccer clubs. As a teen, he noticed the pastor’s daughter. After locomotive engineer training, he married Elvira Peters Feb. 10, 1940. In 1951, the family immigrated to Canada. Herbert worked at General Motors until retirement. He loved to sing in the church choir and lead congregational singing. Herbert was a handyman. He enjoyed bowling and swimming. In 1984, Elvira died. Herbert married Margaret Dyck May 23, 1992. They left their beloved gardens behind to move to Tabor Manor a few years ago. Margaret cared for him until his death. Herbert attended Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont. Predeceased by Elvira, son Friedhelm; Herbert is mourned by Margaret; children Reinhold, Herbert, Elinor; 1 sister; Margaret’s family.
Helmut MegerHelmut Meger died June 13, 2011 at 94. He was born Jan. 17, 1917 in Littfinken, Poland to Bruno and Emilie Meger. In 1930, the family moved to Wilhelmssorge, Germany. He was baptized October 1934. Helmut had to serve in WWII. Helmut and his mother arrived in Quebec City, Oct. 8, 1950, and then joined his sister in Vancouver. Helmut travelled extensively. He was a stone mason in San Jose, Cal. He moved to Surrey, B.C., then Abbotsford, where he became a member of Clearbrook MB Church. After suffering strokes that took his sight, he moved into Maplewood House. Predeceased by wife Edith (Streichert) in 1964, wife Hildegard (Petzel) in 1999, 3 sisters; Helmut is mourned by nieces and nephews.
Katherina Esau Katherina (Katie) Esau died June 16, 2011. She was born Jan. 18, 1923 in Gortschakovo, Russia to Henry H. and Justina Siemens. When Katie was 6, her family immigrated to Gem, Alta. Katie was baptized into Gem MB Church in 1939. She earned her teaching degree at Tabor College, Kan. Katie served God in India for 30 years. After retiring from MB Missions, Katie married Abram Esau April 1987. She became an instant mother and grandmother. They served at Yarrow MB Church until they retired to a condo in Abbotsford, B.C. Katie was a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. Predeceased by Abram Mar. 24, 2011, 5 brothers; Katie is mourned by stepchildren Lois (Allen) Epp, Merilyn (Gary) Nuss, Carol (Randy) Peters, Harold (Vangie Enns), Daniel (Brenda), Esther (Wes) Friesen; 22 step-grandchildren; 17 step-great-grandchildren; 6 siblings.
Louise WiebeLouise Wiebe died June 18, 2011 at 97. She was born Sept. 26, 1913 in Bezenchuk, Russia to Henry and Helena Toews. When Louise was 4, the house caught fire, and 2 siblings died. In 1924, the family immigrated to Saskatchewan. Louise ended school with Grade 7. She was baptized at 18. Louise wanted to attend nursing school, but there was a crop failure, so she continued cleaning houses. She attended Bethany Bible School, Hepburn, Sask. While teaching VBS, staying with friend Alma Dyck, she met Alma’s brother Albert. Aug. 7, 1938, they were married in Virgil, Ont. They farmed in Saskatchewan 9 years. They moved to B.C., where Albert worked at Dueck’s Building Supplies. In 1959, they bought concrete company Valley Rite Mix. In 1969, Albert died of leukemia. When Louise recovered, she served in the church. She was a hospitable person who was concerned about people who did not know Jesus. She married widowed brother-in-law Paul Wiebe Aug. 15, 1981. They cared for elderly and sick people and supported missionaries. Louise spent many hours volunteering, quilting, and sewing for the Red Cross where she was chairperson. She also worked for MCC, with ladies groups in church, and at the community centre making soup. October 2006, Paul died. Lousie moved to Tabor Home. Louise was a prayer warrior, and a member of Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. Predeceased by Albert, Paul, son Edward in 1988, son James in 2011, 1 great-grandchild; Louise is mourned by daughters Verna (John) Wiens, Eileen (Peter) Howard-Jones; daughter-in-law Mary Dyck; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren.
Margaret SchellenbergMargaret Schellenberg died June 21, 2011 at 95. She was born Oct. 24, 1915. Predeceased by husband Jacob, all her siblings; Margaret is mourned by children Ed, Erna (Reiny), Bill (Nancy), Ruby (Ernie), Carol (Don), Mart (Glen), Joan (Ken), Don (Cheryl); 20 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Hepburn (Sask.) MB Church.
Mary StobbeMary Stobbe died June 24, 2011. She was born Aug. 25, 1925 in Steinfeld, Ukraine to Cornelius David and Maria Froese. Mary and her parents immigrated to Sperling, Man., in 1925. She was baptized as a teen. At South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church, Mary met Henry Stobbe. They married Nov. 10, 1953. They lived in Vancouver where Henry worked in construction. They moved to Whalley, B.C., until 1960. They returned to Abbotsford, where Mary was on the missions committee and began her work with Helping Hands, collecting clothes to ship all over the world. Mary and Henry also began a Bible study group with the men in their berry field, the beginning of the Indo-Canadian ministry at South Abbotsford MB Church. They travelled to many of the mission fields where Helping Hands sent material aid. Mary found life difficult after Henry was gone but continued ministry as long as health permitted. Her last years were at Menno Home. She was a member of Clearbrook MB Church. Mary is mourned by children Ronald, Sharon (John) Hildebrandt, Glen (Dora), Kathleen (Geoff) Wusyk.
William HolmesWilliam Robert Holmes died July 3, 2011. He was born May 5, 1931 in Barrie, Ont. to Ray and Dorothy Holmes. Bill accepted the Lord at 11. He moved to Toronto where he joined the Royal Canadian Navy at 17. He honourably served 2 tours of duty in Korea. While stationed to HMCS Griffin, Port Arthur, Ont., he met and married Joan, a Wren Reservist Nov. 16, 1953. Bill was then posted to HMCS Stadacona and the family moved to Halifax, N.S. He travelled the world. The remainder of Bill’s career was spent on the East Coast. When Bill retired from the Navy in 1969, he worked with B.C. Provincial Corrections until 1991. Bill and Joan became members of Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C., in 2003. Bill loved camping, boating, and fishing. Bill is mourned by Joan; children Lynn (Buck), Penny (Barney), Ross (Heather); 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
Alexander NeumannAlexander Neumann died July 17, 2011 at 98. Alex was born Oct. 27, 1912 in Orloff, Ukraine to Johann and Helena Neumann. The family immigrated to Canada in 1926. Alex taught public and Bible school. After farming 1942–64, he was a real estate investor and developer in Lethbridge, Alta. He was also an ordained minister. In 1982, Alex and wife Freda retired to Abbotsford, B.C. Alex loved Freda, his family, the church, and his friends. Predeceased by daughter Myrna, 4 siblings; Alexander is mourned by Freda; children Ron (Joan), Bill (Evelyn), Sandra (Bill); son-in-law Hank (Susan); many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. The memorial was at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford.
John IsaacJohn Isaac died May 26, 2010. He was born Mar. 6, 1927. He lived in Morden, Man, and Winnipeg. John’s life’s verse was Revelation 1:18. Predeceased by daughter Esther in infancy, 2 siblings; John is mourned by wife Sara (Voth); children Sandra, Connie (John) Reimer, Paul (Brenda); 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings.
