Deaths
Peter Johann Froese & Margaret FroesePeter Johann Froese died Sept. 25, 2007 at age 99. He was born Aug. 13, 1908 in Waselovka, Ukraine to Johann and Katherina Froese. Peter’s mother died in 1919 and his father remarried. In 1926, the Froese family immigrated to Canada, settling in Manitou, Man., where Peter met and married Margaret Konrad in 1931. Peter and Margaret farmed at Newton, Man. for 35 years, retiring to Winnipeg, in 1973, where they joined Portage Avenue Church. From an early age, Peter found peace, joy, and assurance of salvation from reading Scripture verses. As an adult, he worked with the Gideons, carrying a New Testament in his jacket pocket to witness to neighbours and service people. Predeceased by son Peter; granddaughter Charlotte; 10 sibilings; he is mourned by his wife; children John (Irene) , Katie (Paul) Wiebe, Dave (Rose), George (Kae), Margaret (Jake) Peters, and Alfred (Ruth); 1 daughter-in-law. The memorial service was Sept. 28, 2007 at Portage Avenue Church.
Margaret Froese died Mar. 29, 2008 at age 98. She was born Jan. 21, 1910 in Alexanderkrone, Ukraine to Abram and Katherina Konrad. In 1918, bandits entered her home, and shot and killed her father. Margaret’s teacher and family friend led her to Christ at age 11. In 1922, Margaret’s mother remarried, and in 1926, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Manitou, Man. Margaret married Peter Froese June 1931. The couple moved to Newton, Man., where they lived until their retirement to Winnipeg, in 1973. Margaret loved being a homemaker, hosting friends and relatives, and supporting her husband. Even after her memory began to fade, she continued to quote hymn lyrics. Predeceased by her husband; son Peter; granddaughter Charlotte; 9 siblings; she is mourned by children John (Irene), Katie (Paul) Wiebe, Dave (Rose), George (Kae), Margaret (Jake) Peters, and Alfred (Ruth); 1 daughter-in-law. The memorial service was Apr. 4 at Portage Avenue Church.
Ernest Henry DyckErnest Henry Dyck died Dec. 8, 2007. He was born Sept. 1, 1935 in Burwalde, Man. to Peter and Anna Dyck. Ernie committed his life to Christ at 21 and was baptized in the South End MB Church shortly thereafter. He participated in the choir at South End, where he met Mary Goertzen whom he married Sept. 12, 1959. Following a career in banking, he began studies at Briercrest Bible College in 1963. In 1966, Ernie and his family left for 14 years of service in Congo with MBMSI. Returning in 1984, he obtained a master’s degree in economic development at the University of Winnipeg and worked as an international economic and agricultural development consultant. Predeceased by 3 brothers; he is mourned by Mary; daughters Linda Powers (Jim) and Cynthia Hodgins (Clifford); 5 grandchildren; 3 brothers. The memorial service was Dec. 13, 2007 at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg.
Ernst Richard “Ernie” Vogt
Ernst Vogt died Jan. 9, 2008. He was born Oct. 24, 1926 in Steinbach, Man. to Peter and Susanna Vogt. Ernst lived in Manitoba most of his life, where he trained as an actuary and became head of the department of Actuary Mathematics at the University of Manitoba in 1958. He was a favourite among students and colleagues for his quick wit, sound advice, and helpful manner. He set an example of compassion and dignity by caring for his aged parents and assisting in caring for his brother Andrew and brother-in-law Victor. Although he battled lifelong health problems, he neither stopped fighting nor caring for others during his trials. He will be remembered for his wisdom, capacity for life, and ability to forgive. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by his wife of 56 years, Kathy; son Rick (Rae), daughter Lori (Sheldon); 1 granddaughter; 3 brothers. The memorial was Jan. 19 at Saanich Community Church, Victoria, B.C.
Michael WallMichael Wall died Jan. 21, 2008. He was born Nov. 2, 1983 to Howard and Judy Wall of Saskatoon. Mike was baptized on the confession of his faith and joined Forest Grove MB Church at age 12. He attended Bethany College following high school. He loved worship and drama, and was pleased to be on Bethany’s drama team. He had a talent for art and painting, and worked as a chef. Mike had to cope with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. While the family grieves his early death, they are thankful God kept Mike from many problems associated with his condition. Predeceased by his grandmother Tilly Friesen, Mike is mourned by his parents; sister Stacey; grandparents Corny and Vi Wall, and John Friesen.
Jaeden Marc HuttonJaeden Marc Hutton died Feb. 25, 2008. He was born Jan. 15, 2008 in Campbell River, B.C. to Dave and Carolyn Hutton. Jaeden lived for 41 days here on earth as the littlest teacher. During his short life, he touched many lives and his work continues to bear fruit today. Sadly, Jaeden’s body was not able to keep up with the demands of life and he was called to be with our Lord. He was valued and deeply loved, and will be mourned by his parents; brother Ryan; twin sister Sofia; grandparents Doug and Melody Lang; great-grandparents Walter and Marie Ridgway; uncles and aunts; cousins.
Wilber Russel HallWilber Russel Hall died Apr. 12, 2008. He was born July 12, 1929 in Calgary. Russ served 27 years in the Royal Canadian Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He owned and operated the bowling alley in Rossland, B.C. He resided in Nova Scotia for 16 years before retiring to the West Coast. Russ loved his family and the Lord. He enjoyed carpentry and genealogy. Russ used his carpentry skills to build several houses, and his genealogy skills to trace his family back to the 1500s. Predeceased by an infant daughter, Barbara Joy, he is mourned by his wife of 56 years, RoseMarie; children David (Diane), Dan (Elvie), Michelle Tanner (Kendall), Dianne Menzer, Janice (Sally); 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 19 at Northside Community Church, Mission, B.C.
John SchmidtJohn Schmidt died Apr. 27, 2008 after a battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 12, 1938 in Grande Prairie, Alta. He grew up on a farm near La Glace, Alta., and gave his life to the Lord at age 9. He attended high school and Bible school in Coaldale, Alta., where he met his wife Erna Voth. After completing schooling, John began pastoral ministry which took him to Port Edward, Fort St. John, Delta, and Vancouver, B.C. He then went on to teaching ministry at Columbia Bible College for more than 20 years. John devoted himself to bringing glory to God in everything he did. His humbleness, love, and compassion struck a chord with many. John is mourned by Erna; children Darrel (Maureen), Carolyn (Dave) Parker, and Milt (Becky); 8 grandchildren. The memorial was May 2 at North Langley (B.C.) Community Church.
Kurt Hamm
Kurt Hamm died April 3, 2008 at age 87. He was born in Gdansk, Poland to Johannes and Meta Hamm. At 17, Kurt was drafted into the army with the outbreak of World War II. He served in North Africa, where he contracted malaria, was captured by the British, and sent to prisoner of war camps in Texas and Oklahoma. Released in 1946, he returned to Germany, where he met and married Renate Gudsche. In 1951, they immigrated to Canada, where Kurt met Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. As a retiree, Kurt volunteered at Niagara Detention Centre as a “visiting friend.” He was honoured for his 23 years of service with the Ministers Award for exceptional volunteer service. The Lord blessed his life with 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild.
Mary NeufeldMary Neufeld died May 11, 2008 at age 96. She was born in Hamberg, Ukraine to Gerhard and Katharina Willms. On Oct. 13, 1931, she married David Neufeld. Her first child, Victor, born in 1933, died before he was a year old. In Septmber 1945, Mary’s husband was taken, along with other village men, to a Siberian concentration camp where he died. Guided by Mary’s strong faith in God and tenacious spirit, her family arrived in Germany in 1945. Mary was a resident of Virgil, Ont., at the time of her death. Predeceased by David; son Victor; granddaughter Karla; she is mourned by children Hedy (Henry) Winter, Hertha (Victor) Boese, Henry (Anne); 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
Jake Peter LetkemannJake Peter Letkemann died May 27, 2008 after a short battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 13, 1928 in Schoenhorst, Ukraine to Anganeta and Peter Letkemann. His family emigrated from Ukraine to Germany in 1943, then to Canada in 1948, where he settled in Vancouver. He married Louise Goerzen March 11, 1951, at Vancouver MB Church, where he was later baptized and received into membership. Jake and Louise transferred their membership to Culloden MB Church, where for 18 years he enjoyed serving through drama, preaching, and committee membership. Jake and Louise returned to Vancouver MB for a time until moving to Abbotsford and joining King Road MB Church. Jake’s life was a testimony of hard work, love, faith, and plenty of laughter. His love for God was evident in his teaching and preaching, both locally and overseas on mission trips to Russia. He is mourned by Louise; daughters Anne (John), Sue (Ray), Hildi (Bill), Erica (Jeff); 11 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial was June 3 at King Road MB Church.
Mary Kroker
Mary Kroker (Wiebe) died June 8, 2008 in Coaldale, Alta. She was born Apr. 21, 1917 in Arkadak, Russia. In 1924, she immigrated to Canada with her father and siblings, settling first in Steinbach, Man., later moving to Coaldale. Mary was a happy, singing person who loved her family dearly. She faced many hardships throughout her life, such as serving as primary caregiver to her siblings upon the death of her mother. Mary was a great gardener who taught her children how to work, and who took joy in attending her grandchildren’s special events. She demonstrated the importance of faith by enforcing church and Sunday school attendance for her children. Predeceased by 1 sister and 3 brothers; she is mourned by her children George (Nell), Eleanore (Vern) Friesen, Edna (Peter) Neufeldt, Ron (Patty); 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; Peter’s 3 sons, their wives and 8 grandchildren; 1 sister.
Erna EnsErna Ens died June 9, 2008. She was born Dec. 22, 1930 in Mullingar, Sask. to John and Helen Block. Erna moved to Yarrow, and later to Vancouver, B.C., where she met her husband Alvin Ens. Erna gave her life to Christ in her youth. She was a devoted wife and mother, known for both her community and church involvements. As a Sunday school teacher and ladies speaker, Erna was an encouraging mentor and an example to many people who encountered her loving heart and deep wisdom. Erna was a godly woman full of integrity and life, who became mother and grandmother to many others she loved unconditionally. Erna is mourned by Alvin, her husband of nearly 53 years; children Audrey (Bob) Carroll, Philip (Connie), and Eric (Mary); 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. The celebration of Erna’s life was June 16 at Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C.
