Deaths
Louise BartschLouise Bartsch died Mar. 18, 2008. She was born Jun. 1, 1908 in Slavgorod Settlement, Siberia. In 1924, the Wiens family immigrated to Canada, and Louise married John Bartsch in Peace River, Alta., in 1928. They moved to the Fraser Valley, B.C. in 1942, clearing land and farming in Abbotsford. Louise was a faithful member of Clearbrook MB Church. She had a strong interest in MCC and sewed thousands of blankets. She is mourned by children Alice, Walter, Amanda, and William; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. The memorial service was Mar. 25, Abbotsford.
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Howard BrownHoward Brown died Apr. 10, 2008. He was born Nov. 1, 1906 to Peter and Mary Brown in Kenesaw, Nebraska, where he grew up on a farm. Howard married Lucy Conger, Mar. 2, 1930 and lived in Grant, Neb. He worked on the farm and in construction and shipbuilding, and was known as a good carpenter, building movie sets in California and remodelling homes. Howard was a deacon and Sunday school teacher in the Baptist church, and served camps and missions. He started a family dinner ministry, and was a successful gardener. When Lucy died, Howard married Phyllis Van Bergen and moved to Canada and loved his new-found family. He had a gentle generous spirit and gusto for life. He is mourned by 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and Phyllis’ 5 children, 18 granchildren, and 42 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 17 at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Katherine CorniesKatherine Cornies died Mar. 16, 2008. She was born Mar. 3, 1918 to Frank and Anna Dyck in Winkler, Man. Katherine accepted Christ as Saviour at 16. She married David Cornies on April 6, 1940. In 1945, they were baptized and joined North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg. They moved to Arnold, B.C. in 1946 and to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1953. Along with mixed farming, they grew berries. After they sold the farm, Katherine made use of her seamstress skills, and also volunteered for MCC and Helping Hands. Predeceased by David, she is mourned by children Kathy Klassen, David, Rick, Bill, Louise Sparrow; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 11 at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Adolf (Ad) DirksAdolf (Ad) Dirks died Apr. 15, 2008. He was born June 26, 1929 to Gerhard and Tina Dirks in Namaka, Alta. Ad committed his life to Christ at 18, and met Amanda Siemens in 1952 while visiting his sister at Bible school. They kept up the romance by mail, and were married on June 7, 1953 in Glenbush, Sask. They moved to Vancouver and attended Kennedy Heights MB Church in Surrey for 23 years. In 1979, Ad went into the taxidermy business in Oliver, where they attended Oliver Alliance Church. Ad was a man of deep faith and conviction, who prayed for his family and loved ones. He studied the Word and loved to teach it. He had a gift for spiritual leadership and godly advice, and was willing to help. He is mourned by Amanda; children Sharon (Dave), Terry (Dot), Sandi (Don), Steven; grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 21 at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.
Susie Goertz Susie Goertz died Apr. 9, 2008 at age 91. She was born to Abraham and Anna Martens in Landskrone, Russia. They immigrated to Canada in 1926, and farmed in Crowfoot, Alta. Susie attended school a few years but then had to work as a maid. On Mar. 25, 1940, Susie and Dave Goertz were married and worked on a ranch. In 1956, they moved to Coaldale, Alta., and farmed. Susie was a wonderful cook and gave generously of her time to camps, MCC, and catering events. Susie was a member at Coaldale MB, Lakeview Bible, and Claresholm Faith Community Baptist churches. Predeceased by 4 siblings and husband Dave in March, she is mourned by children Martha (Dave) Hubert, Dave (Kathy), Erv (Lorna), Mary Ann (Norm) Elford; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren. The service of thanksgiving was Apr. 18, 2008 at Claresholm Faith Community Baptist Church.
Erna HammErna Susanna Hamm died Mar. 25, 2008. She was born Jan. 25, 1932 in Lethbridge, Alta. Her stepmother Maria took responsibility for her 9 siblings after the death of her mother. They lived on a dairy farm in Chilliwack, B.C., where Erna worked hard and became a great cook. She accepted Christ as Saviour at 12. She attended Bible school and married Frank Hamm on July 1, 1951. Despite doctors saying she was barren, they conceived a daughter after adopting a son. Erna had strong faith and the gift of hospitality. She enjoyed travelling with Frank around the world, including numerous mission trips. She is mourned by Frank; children Leonard and Wendy (Rudy) Wiens; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. The memorial service was Mar. 31 at Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C.
Maria KroekerMaria Kroeker died Apr. 2, 2008. She was born Oct. 31, 1915 to Heinrich and Maria Wiens in Ufa, Russia. They moved to Omsk, Russia, and Maria accepted Christ at 11, becoming a member of the MB Church. They travelled back to Ukraine, where Maria trained as a nurse. She married Peter Rempel in 1935, but he was arrested and never seen from again after Stalin’s purge in 1937. After retreating with the German army in 1943, Maria, her daughter, and parents immigrated to Canada in 1948 with the help of MCC. She attended South Abbotsford MB Church and married Jacob Kroeker in 1949. They became charter members of King Road MB Church, serving in choir, Sunday school, catering, and missions committees. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. after retirement, and took many trips. Maria is mourned by children Lily (Hellmuth) Kullmann, Vern, Heidi (Fred) Hess; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 9 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Henry NeufeldHenry Neufeld died March 7, 2008 at age 92. He was born July 12, 1915 to Jacob and Katharina Neufeld in Nikolajevka, Russia. In 1929, his family immigrated to Germany, and later Fernheim, Paraguay, where early years were difficult. Henry accepted Christ as Saviour at 18 and was baptized Mar. 3, 1935. He looked after the farm, dug wells, and became a cheese master on his brother’s dairy farm. In 1943, he married Sara Thielmann and later moved to Santa Cruz, Bolivia in 1954, where machinery made a new beginning easier. Greater opportunities for children led them to Canada in 1967. In 1981, Henry retired after hip surgery, but enjoyed gardening. Along with Sara, he joined King Road MB Church in Clearbrook, B.C. Predeceased by 1 child, he is mourned by Sara; children Almut (Gerd) Loewen, Hartwig (Tina), Hugo (Helen), Edith (Egon) Fedrau, Kathy (Hartmut) Walde, Ted (Elvena), Karl (Johanna); 33 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Mar. 12 at King Road MB Church.
Helen PriebeHelen Priebe died Apr. 2, 2008. She was born to Abram and Mary Willms in Kelstern, Sask. After school, she attended Moose Jaw Normal School and began her teaching career in a one-room country school. She taught in Saskatchewan, B.C., and Alberta. She taught Sunday school, was involved with Pioneer Girls, and sang in the choir. In 1970 she married Jake Priebe, a widower, which gave her an instant family of 10 children and 13 grandchildren. She enjoyed hosting when families came to visit. Predeceased by Jake and 2 brothers, she is mourned by 4 siblings; stepchildren Dennis, Doris, Art, Al, Stan, Ken, Ruby, Maryann, John, and Garry; 25 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life was held Apr. 8 at Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary, Alta.
Mary RempelMary Rempel died Mar. 30, 2008 at 85. Predeceased by her husband John, infant son Harry, and 2 brothers, she is mourned by children David, Louise (Jim), Harry, Ruth Brickwood; 2 granddaughters. The funeral was Apr. 4 at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Kornelius SchroederKornelius Schroeder died Apr. 17, 2008. He was born Feb. 6, 1929 in Leonow, Poland. He chose carpentry and became an apprentice. He was drafted into Hitler Youth and was separated from his family. After WWII, he was reunited with his family and immigrated to Paraguay, where he met his future wife Lena Wall. He accepted Christ as Saviour and was baptized into the MB church. In 1960, they immigrated to St. Catherines, Ont. and then moved to Abbotsford, B.C. Kornelius participated in various ministries at Clearbrook MB Church and enjoyed mission trips to the Philippines and Paraguay. Predeceased by 6 siblings, he is mourned by Lena; children Adelheid (John) Warkentin, Werner (Betty), Dorothea (Dan) Hiebert, Ruth (Steve) Forster, and Lora; 9 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters; 4 siblings. The memorial service was Apr. 23 at Clearbrook MB Church.
Henry Peters SchulzHenry Schulz died Dec. 3, 2007 after a 16-year struggle with cancer. He was born Jan. 25, 1922 to Daniel and Elizabeth Peters in south Russia. His parents died soon after and he was adopted by Peter and Helen Schulz, who immigrated to Canada. He grew up on a farm in Kronsgart, Man., and later Homfield. Henry married Nettie Wiebe Sept. 23, 1950 and took over the family farm, doing lots of construction and hauling coal. Henry and Nettie raised 5 children and many foster children. They moved to Killarney in 1977 where Henry managed a chemical plant and kept up the arena in winter. He was active in the community, and his sense of humour was well known. Henry loved and served the Lord in practical ways, including children’s and youth ministries. He is mourned by Nettie; children Lloyd (Arlene), Esther (Ron) Dawson, Peter (Linda), Mary (Albert) Zubert, Paul (Darlene); 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Margaret Toews“I was born in Saskatchewan in 1907. My family moved to Manitoba where I went to school. I met my husband, Abram and had six children, though one of our sons tragically passed away at 17. Just before our diamond anniversary my husband passed away. With six children and a house and farm to tend to, I didn’t have a lot of spare time. I sewed for many hours in order to keep my children warm and clothed and did my best to keep my house clean. Life was not always easy, but we made it through the “Dirty Thirties.” I took my family to church every Sunday and I taught Sunday school to the children. I enjoyed trips to the United States, especially California. I now have 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.” The memorial service for Margaret was Apr. 19 at Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C.
Arthur (Art) WiebeArthur Wiebe died Mar. 13, 2008. He was born Nov. 13, 1932 to Ben and Katherina Wiebe. At 19 he accepted Christ as Saviour. He met Anne Blatz during high school in Kane, Man., and they married May 31, 1953. Arthur pursued a career in teaching, first in Neuhorst, then Blumenort, Aklavik, Tuktayaktuk, Blumenort, and Steinbach – a total of 34 years. Art enjoyed playing and watching sports, travelling, and church choirs, Sunday school, clubs, and catering. He very much enjoyed leading Bible studies and singing in the Eastman Choir. His quiet, steadfast faith in his Lord was an encouragement to many. He is mourned by Anne; children Daryl (Terrie), Gwen (Phil) Castle, Cathy (Ken) Dycke, Yvonne (Merle) Hiebert; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings. The funeral was Mar. 19 at Steinbach MB Church, Man.
Anne WillmsAnne Willms died April 8, 2008. She was born Aug. 22, 1925 to John and Anna Kliewer in Klinok, Russia. The family moved to Canada in 1926 and farmed in Beechy, Sask. During the Depression, they moved to the Niagara, Ont. area to farm fruit. Anne accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized at 17, and joined the Virgil MB Church. She was involved in the youth group, playing guitar, singing in the church choir, teaching Sunday school, VBS, and Pioneer Girls. She married Abraham Peter Willms Nov. 8, 1947. Anne’s life was a demonstration of her strong commitment to the Lord. She emphasized family devotions, encouraged her children to attend Bible school, and was a fervent prayer warrior. Predeceased by Abraham, she is mourned by children Shirley (Walter) Janzen, Elizabeth (Henry) Toews, Lori (Richard) Tompkins, Edward (Laurel); 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 13 at Bakerview Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
Mary (Maria) WillmsMary Willms died Mar. 23, 2008. Predeceased by her husband, Jacob P. Willms (her sister’s widower), 1 sister, and stepdaughter; she is mourned by her stepchildren Doris (Ervin) Toews, Betty (George) Foster, Irene (Ike) Dyck, Clara (James) Senek, Ruth (Ernie) Crossley, Esther (Lloyd) Rempel, Joy (Miriam-Don) Neufeld, Viola (Will) Reddekopp, Jim (Linda); 32 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchilden. The memorial service was Mar. 26 at Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.
