Deaths
Joseph Harrison AtkinsonJoseph Harrison Atkinson died Feb. 5, 2008. He was born Feb. 29, 1924 in England. He moved to Deroche, B.C. at a young age and served overseas as a gunner with the Canadian Army in Europe from 1943 to 1946. Joe worked as a mobile operator for Canadian Forest Products Canfor Division at Harrison Mills from 1947 until his retirement in 1989. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent much of his time camping and gardening. He spent many happy “coffee times” sitting in his chair outside enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. He loved to watch his great-grandchildren at play. He is mourned by his wife Mae of 60 years; children Elizabeth Regier (Walter), Ralph (Helen), Kevin (Debbie), Kathy; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. The celebration of life was Feb. 11 at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Frank BornFrank Born died Jan. 4, 2008. He was born June 7, 1931 to Wilhelm and Maria Born in Sagradowka, Ukraine. During WWII, his father was taken, and the family fled to Belarus, then Poland, and eventually Germany in 1944. He met Martha Schierling in a Russian POW camp and married her on Nov. 7, 1952 in exile in Siberia. In 1958 the family was given permission to leave Siberia, and moved to Alma-Ata, where Franz worked as a carpenter. Then in 1978 they moved to Canada, sponsored by his brother Peter. That year, Frank accepted Christ as Saviour, was baptized, and became a member of King Road MB Church, Abbotsford. As a father, Frank provided for his family and was always ready to help his children. During hard times, he sought help from the Lord. Predeceased by 2 brothers and 2 sons, Frank is mourned by Martha; children Elizabeth (Henry) Penner, Peter (Agnes), Maria (Yuri) Geng, Will (Luise), Agnes Schmidt; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter.
Aganeta (Nettie) DueckAganeta (Nettie) Dueck died Aug. 16, 2007. She was born Nov. 20, 1910 to Abram and Anna Pauls in Gruenfeld, Ukraine. Her family moved to Canada in 1923 and she married Fred Dueck on Apr. 12, 1931. They farmed near Lucky Lake, Sask. and raised six children. Nettie was baptized in 1941, and became a member of the MB Church in Lucky Lake. Fred retired in 1976, and died in 1981. Nettie moved to Beechy Personal Care Home in 2002. She is remembered for her faith, her prayers, her generosity, and her love for people. She is mourned by 1 sister; 5 children; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.
Nicolai (Nick) DueckNicolai (Nick) Dueck died Jan. 28, 2008. He was born Oct. 1, 1929 to Nicolai and Helena Dueck in Hawarden, Sask. The family moved to Saskatchewan and later Virgil, Ont. during the Great Depression. Nick was baptized and joined Virgil MB Church in 1950. He worked at General Motors, where he met his wife Della. They married May 6, 1952. Nick retired in 1986. For 11 years Nick and Della enjoyed spending winters in Clearwater, Florida. Della died March 26, 2006 and Nick’s health deteriorated. He moved into Upper Canada Lodge in Niagara-on-the-Lake in October 2007. Predeceased by Della; son Terry in 2001; he is mourned by daughter Debra; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 siblings. The memorial service was Jan. 31 at Tallman Funeral Home Chapel, Vineland, Ont.
Maria EdigerMaria Ediger died Jan. 7, 2008. She was born Feb. 21, 1908 in Franztal, Russia. Maria accepted the Lord as Saviour at 14, was baptized in a river, and later taught Sunday school. On Dec. 8, 1935 she married widower Peter Ediger. In 1941, Peter was taken away to Siberia and never returned, and her step-son Heinrich died in the war. In 1943, the family joined the trek to Poland, and then Germany, where they eventually left for Yarrow, B.C. in 1948. Maria bought a small acreage and grew raspberries and other fruits and vegetables. She always provided for her family. In 1996 she moved to Abbotsford. Maria’s thankfulness to God and her family never wavered. Predeceased by Peter; children Heinrich and Mariechen; she is mourned by children John (Hilda), Tina (Reinhardt) Wesner, Peter (Alice); 13 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Annie (Anne) EsauAnnie (Anne) Esau died Feb. 17, 2008. She was born Jan. 3, 1926 to Johann and Elizabeth Heinrichs in Aliessovo, Russia. Her family moved to Eyebrow, Sask., where she was baptized at 18. After attending Coaldale MB Bible School, she married John Esau in 1948 and moved to Vauxhall, then to Coaldale, and finally Lethbridge, Alta. Active as a church volunteer, her love and energy were largely spent on family. She found joy in baking, painting, and writing memoirs and poetry. She will also be remembered for her courageous spirit, living a decade with cancer. Predeceased by John in 1996 and 3 brothers, she is mourned by children Marion (Ron) Braun, Alvin (Sandra), Rose (Dennis) Siemens, Linda (Bill) Holden, Frieda (Norman) Klippenstein, Ken (Karen), Ron (LeAnn); 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Feb. 22 at Coaldale MB Church.
David Waldemar FriesenDavid Waldemar Friesen died Mar. 6, 2008. He was born Dec. 12, 1924 to Waldemar and Maria Friesen in Welikoknajschesko, Russia. In 1926, David’s family immigrated to Main Centre, Sask. At 12, he received Christ as Saviour, was baptized, and became a member of Main Centre MB Church. He taught for 27 years and then went into sales for Choice Books in Waterloo, Ont. His winning smile gave cheer to everyone, and he was involved in church throughout life. Hardworking, David always took good care of his wife and family. He enjoyed sports, music, Scrabble, and fixing things. Predeceased by son Arthur and 1 sister, David is mourned by Lena (nee Bergen); children Lynette Eulette (Richard), Gerald (Carol), Verna, Dwayne; 10 grandchildren; 3 siblings. The memorial service was Mar. 10 at Waterloo MB Church.
Gertrude Enns FroeseGertrude Enns Froese died Dec. 10, 2007. She was born Nov. 8, 1926 to Jacob and Gertrude Enns in Hepburn, Sask. Gertrude graduated from Bethany Bible Institute and became a nurse in 1950, marrying John Froese. John taught school in B.C. while Gertrude worked with the West Coast Children’s Mission. In 1961, they moved to Whitehorse, Yukon for 6 years followed by 12 years in Sydney, Nova Scotia. In 1980 they moved to Ottawa, where John worked for Transport Canada and Gertrude returned to nursing. Gertrude loved working with people, especially in a church setting, and was involved in Sunday school, Bible study, Pioneer Girls, IVCF, and the Gideon’s Auxiliary. Her hospitality was renowned. She is mourned by John; children Sharon, Ken (Holly), Kate, Brenda (Stan), Pat (Bernie), Brian (Karen); 8 grandchildren ; 1 great-grandchild.
Lillian Susan Giesbrecht Lillian Susan Giesbrecht died Jan. 29, 2008. She was born in a log cabin Sept. 6, 1925 to Peter and Susan Epp in Clairmont, Alta. In 1934, the family moved to LaGlace, Alta., where Lillian spent the rest of her childhood years. Along with simple farm joys, Lillian attended Sexmith Bible Institute and Bear Lake Kid’s Bible Camp where she was challenged in her faith. Known for feist and adventure, Lillian pursued a nursing degree in Winnipeg. She married Burton Giesbrecht and moved to Kelowna in 1957. Along with extreme camping, skiing, and canoe escapades, she lectured at Okanagan Bible College, held Bible clubs, and published writing and poetry that many appreciated. She had a keen ability to read people around her and touch them with a deep sense of hope and love – especially lonely people or strangers. Predeceased by Burton in 1985 and two brothers, she is mourned by children Steve (Betty), Darrel (Surjit); 3 grandchildren; 1 brother.
John HeidebrechtJohn Heidebrecht died Feb. 12, 2008. He was born May 13, 1919 in Hamberg, Ukraine, during the chaos of the Russian Revolution. At 5, his family moved to Canada and farmed in Tofield, Alta., where John learned to work alongside his father. In Sept. 1944, he married Mary Spenst and moved to Wembley, Alta., where they farmed for 44 years. In 1991, they retired to Kelowna, but John remained a farmer at heart. His life was defined by his deep love for Jesus Christ and the local church, and commitment to family. John was a tower of steady strength in their lives. He is mourned by Mary; 1 son; 5 daughters; great-grandchildren.
Hertha Lily Hiebert
Hertha Lily Hiebert died Feb. 6, 2008 after a 33-year struggle with multiple sclerosis. She was born March 11, 1936. Hertha loved Jesus and served in her own quiet way. Predeceased by 1 granddaughter, she is mourned by her husband Jacob; children Nancy (Tom) Boese, Debbie (Dave) Murray, Chris (Loral) Derksen Hiebert, Vickie (Kelly) Willems; 10 grandchildren; her mother Katharine; 3 siblings. The memorial service was Feb. 11 at Fairview Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
Henry HildebrandHenry Hildebrand died Feb. 13, 2008. He was born Mar. 1, 1931 in Niverville, Man. As a boy, he dreamed of, and eventually became, a prominent vascular surgeon in Vancouver from 1966 to 1996. He was highly regarded by his peers, patients, and students. Henry was very involved in professional and volunteer organizations and received numerous awards and recognitions for his work. He had a deep faith in God and was not afraid of death. He is mourned by wife Hilda; children Lloyd (Jenny), Ralph (Janet), and Sharon (Glenn); 8 grandchildren.
Erwin Walter HueskenErwin Walter Huesken died Feb 26, 2008. He was born Mar. 14, 1920 to Joseph and Marie Huesken on a homestead near Macklin, Sask. He married Thelma in 1943, and served in the Canadian Artillery during WWII. He opened a service station in North Delta, B.C., where he also served as an alderman and was active in the Evangelical Free Church. In 1970, Erwin and Thelma bought a farm in Columbia Valley. Thelma died in 2002. Erwin was very generous with his resources and time. He is mourned by children Claudia (Victor) Janzen, David (Patti), Paul (Beverly); 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 brother. The funeral was Mar. 3 at Yarrow MB Church, B.C.
Ella KlassenElla Erna Klassen died Feb. 13, 2008. She was born June 15, 1931 to John and Mary Thiessen on a rural Saskatchewan farm. The family moved several times, eventually settling in Ontario in 1938. Ella was baptized in her early teens and was very involved in youth group, where she met Hardy Klassen. They married on May 8, 1945, and Ella took business school and worked in a number of offices, mostly Schneiders. Her many hobbies included sewing and knitting, reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors and at the cottage. Hardy and Ella travelled the world, were active at Camp Crossroads, and were charter members of Glencairn MB Church, always sharing their gift of hospitality. Diagnosed with Alzheimers, Ella moved to Tabor Manor in 2004. Predeceased by Hardy; son Bruce; sister Lena; she is mourned by children Ann (Jeff) Taylor and Gord (Laurene); 5 grandchildren; 3 siblings. The memorial service was Feb. 16 at Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont.
Henry LoewenHenry Loewen died Jan. 19, 2008. “I was born Nov. 8, 1934 in Filadelfia, Paraguay to Peter and Anna Loewen. At 14, I accepted Jesus as Saviour and was baptized at 18. I became a member of Karlsruhe MB Church. I attended Bible school and the theological institute. At 23, I married Gertrud Schroeder. I was given the opportunity to teach at the Bible school for 10 years – the best of my life. In 1967, we immigrated to Abbotsford, B.C., and joined King Road MB Church, where we worked in leadership for 40 years. We were blessed with a joyful family and attribute our 50 years of marriage to the grace of God. Yet, the time comes when God says: Enough. Come home! I leave behind my loving wife, Gertrud; 5 children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; 4 siblings.”
Katy PennerKaty Penner died Mar. 5, 2008. She was born Mar. 15, 1924 in Schoendorf, Russia and grew up on a farm near Swift Current, Sask. Her early sense of call to Africa led her to Bible college and nursing school. Katy spent 28 years in Africa, going to Congo with MBMSI to start and direct a nursing school in Kajiji. She also took on the direction of an 1,800-bed government hospital in Kinshasa. She returned to Canada to care for family, completed a nursing degree, and taught at the University of Saskatchewan. Katy loved writing and published two books of memoirs. Wherever she lived, the church was a central part of her life and she was the leader of many small groups. She moved to Kelowna in 1996. Katy’s legacy is her attitude of selflessness and work towards others’ dreams. Predeceased by 3 siblings, she is mourned by siblings Cornelius, Peter (Irene), Henry (Helen), David (Anne), Walter (Velma) and Anne Tymos (Russell).
Mary Margarete RegierMary Margarete Regier died Oct. 17, 2007. She was born April 21, 1915 to Jacob and Katherine Unger in Zacheriasfeld, Russia. After Jacob’s death in the Bolshevik Revolution, Mary’s family moved to Provost, Alta. Life was difficult, and Mary began working as a maid at a young age. She accepted Christ as Saviour, was baptized, and joined an MB Church. Mary attended Hepburn Bible School (Bethany) and met Henry Regier. They married in 1937 and farmed in Waldheim, Sask. In 1951 they moved to another farm in Abbotsford, B.C. Mary enjoyed travelling and also created many stuffed toys, quilts, and rugs. Predeceased by Henry; son Walter; 1 granddaughter; 1 brother; she is mourned by children Evangeline (Alfred) Sawatzky, Dave (Irene), Henry (Sherrie), Ruben (Adele); 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; 1 sister. The memorial service was Oct. 22 at Seven Oaks Alliance Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Stella Reimer Stella Reimer died Feb. 13, 2008 after suffering from sarcoidosis. She was born Dec. 28, 1926 to Kornelius and Anna Dueck in Kenaston, Sask. On Aug. 9, 1947 she married Cornelius Reimer. Stella worked in the packing shed on the farm, and loved to bake, cook, and look after their 5 children. In today’s terms she was the farm’s CEO. Off the farm she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and participated in the Dorcas group serving people in the community. Stella and her husband served for years at Camp Crossroads, usually in the kitchen. In 1994 they served on a 5-week mission trip to Lithuania. Stella is mourned by her husband Cornie and 5 children. The memorial service was Feb. 18 at Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
Helen RempelHelen Rempel died Mar. 8, 2008 at age 89. She was born in 1918 in Stepanovka, Russia. In 1926 her family immigrated to Canada and settled on a farm near Steinbach, Man. Helen worked as domestic help in Winnipeg, accepted Christ as personal Saviour, and was baptized in Steinbach MB Church. In 1942, her family moved to Yarrow, B.C. Helen married Jake Rempel in 1943 and moved to Vauxhall, Alta., where they lived till retirement. She was happiest with family sitting around the table, and was known for hospitality. She loved to travel, and explored South America, Alaska, Europe, Israel, and China. She also enjoyed church and used her love of sewing to show compassion for the needy, making hundreds of patchwork blankets for MCC. Predeceased by Jake, she is mourned by children Ruth (Alvin) Pedersen, Mary, Peter (Donna), Paul (Yvonne), Jake (Maryanne), Bob (Bev Evans), and Ester (Werner) Wiens; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings. The memorial service was Mar. 12 at Coaldale (Alta.) MB Church.
Bruno RennertBruno Rennert died Feb. 18, 2008. He was born June 21, 1930 to Ferdynand and Mathilde Rennert in Wymyschle, Poland. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Bruno’s father was conscripted and never heard from again. In 1946, the rest of the family fled to Germany. They later sailed to Brazil and were rescued by a French expedition after the steam engines failed. They eventually settled in Paraguay. There, Bruno was baptized by his brother, attended Bible school for 2 years, and worked on the farm. He married Elizabeth on Jan. 24, 1958 and in 1967 immigrated to Canada. Bruno’s kind and gentle nature was an inspiration to everyone. He is mourned by Elizabeth; children Esther (Bert), Ruth (Jim), Leona (Gord), Arnold, John (Amanda); 14 grandchildren; 3 siblings. The funeral was Feb. 22 at Yarrow MB Church, B.C.
David Heinrich SiemensDavid Heinrich Siemens died Feb. 19, 2008. He was born Aug. 19, 1935. David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and passionate about three things – his relationship with Jesus, his love for family, and his enthusiasm for work. And he loved to fish. All his grandchildren have wonderful memories of camping and fishing with Grandpa. David lived his life in close fellowship with the Lord. He knew that God held all his days in his hands and he rested in the knowledge that God knew best. His faith and hope for the future impacted his family and many friends. He is mourned by his wife of 49 years Erna; children Randy (Janice), Doug (Andrea), and Stan; 8 grandchildren; 5 siblings.
George John SiemensGeorge John Siemens died Jan. 26, 2008 at age 101. He was born June 22, 1906 in Herzenberg, Ukraine. George accepted Christ as Saviour at 11, and became a teacher. He was engaged to Anna and moved to Canada alone in the 1920s, where they were reunited. In Coaldale, Alta., George tried farming, then construction. For 10 years he worked as an orderly in a hospital. He loved taping church services and other German programs, which he played for the sick and elderly over the telephone. Predeceased by Anna, son Ben, and 2 siblings; he is mourned by children Alma, Ernie, and Walter; 10 grandchildren; 2 sisters; 3 half-sisters; several great-grandchildren.
Elsie WarkentinElsie Warkentin died Feb. 1, 2008. She was born Jan. 24, 1932 in Agassiz, B.C. As a child, Elsie had a great desire to please God and do what was right. She married Albert Warkentin July 1, 1952. They farmed in Waldheim, Sask., and later Elsie was a homemaker and worked at Tabor Home after Albert suffered a serious accident. In 1987, Elsie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Her love and constant prayers for her family had an impact on their lives. She led a ladies’ prayer group and loved the neighbours in her condominium. She is mourned by Albert; children Ron (Arleen), Sylvia (Bruce), Ken (Elaine), and David (Val); 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson.
Louise WichertLouise Wichert died Feb. 5, 2008. She was born Feb. 6, 1921 to Henry and Elizabeth Wichert in Mariawohl, Ukraine. In 1926 Louise’s family immigrated to Canada and settled in Ontario. Early in life she accepted Christ as Saviour. She was baptized on confession of faith in July 1940 and joined the Virgil MB Church. She showed her love for family as a teenager during her mother’s illness. She shared generously with others, especially with nephews and nieces who referred to her as “the bank of Louise.” Even through dementia, she prayed, “God, keep my faith to the end.” The memorial service was Feb. 8 at Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, Ont.
