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John D. Reimer
John D. Reimer of Winnipeg passed away Dec. 28 at age 80. He was born to Jacob and Emma Reimer in Ukraine. The family immigrated to Canada via Mexico. When he was 4, he lost his mother to typhoid. The family moved to Nelson, Yarrow and then Aldergrove, B.C. He attended Bible school. He was conscripted and served as a conscientious objector, serving in the forest of central B.C. and at Bamberton Cement Works on Vancouver Island. He was baptized May 1944 and joined North Abbotsford (Clearbrook) MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. He married Martha Schmidt Sept. 30, 1945. They spent the first few years on a dairy and strawberry farm in Sumas, B.C. He enjoyed singing, playing the Hawaiian guitar, and the outdoors. He loved the farm, but a fire, tennis elbow and a back injury led him to reluctantly agree to pastor a year. He pastored Harrison Gospel Chapel in Hot Springs, B.C. for 5 years. They moved to Abbotsford, where he was field director for West Coast Children’s Mission. He supplemented his income with carpentry work, making outdoor furniture for Sears, and building houses. His sermons were geared for all ages. He enjoyed summer holidays with his family, making trips to the east coast, California and Montreal. He attended a Christian college in Portland, Ore. In 1963 they moved to Stoney Creek, Ont. and helped establish Mountview Gospel Chapel. He completed university studies in Kitchener, Ont. and Hamilton. He learned to love watching football and hockey. In 1968 they moved to Steinbach, Man. He was the first paid pastor at Steinbach MB Church, helping to move the church from German to English. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing and waterskiing, and travelled to the Holy Land and Europe. They moved to Saskatchewan to pastor and then back to Harrison Hot Springs. He officiated at the weddings of his children and counted each in-law as his own child. As the grandchildren arrived, his and Martha’s prayers lengthened. He involved them in his services and would get them to help deliver Christmas hampers. He tried to get close to all his grandchildren and drove many miles to attend their weddings, graduations and baptisms. He used the computer regularly to send e-mail cards and notes of encouragement. Eight years ago, while serving as pastor of Leamington (Ont.) MB Church, he suffered a major heart attack, but recovered. They moved to an apartment in Winnipeg. His greatest joy was knowing Jesus and sharing Him with others, leading many to the Lord, including at least six since his heart attack and one two weeks before his death. He is mourned by Martha; daughters Emmy Martens, Carol Neufeld and Mic Thiessen; sons Wes and Phil; 22 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 31 in Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Claude Pratte ministering.
Annie Reimer
Annie Reimer of Coaldale, Alta. passed away Dec. 5. She was born Mar. 31, 1928 to Cornelius and Margareta Petker in Coaldale, the eldest of 6 children. She had a happy childhood, benefitting from a solid, Christian environment. During her teen years, through the contagious faith of friends, she put her faith in Christ and was baptized, joining Coaldale MB Church. She married Nick Reimer July 2, 1950. Serving others was the theme of her life. This included teaching Sunday school, being involved in women’s clubs and worked at the MCC store. Her joy and energies were mainly directed at raising her family for God. She faithfully supported Nick on the farm and in his preaching/teaching ministry. They shared a deep interest in world missions. Predeceased by daughter Bertha Geddert, 2 brothers and a sister, she is mourned by Nick; daughters Margaret Sherman, Doris Maxwell and Ruth Clark; sons Harold, Wesley and Arthur; 18 grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was Dec. 8 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Erika Heinrichs
Erika Heinrichs passed away Nov. 2. She was born Sept. 25, 1936 to Johannes and Elizabeth Kroeker in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The family was close. Her home was filled with love of God, and the children were taught right from wrong. She accepted Christ at 11 and was baptized at 15. On Mar. 25, 1954, she married Abram Heinrichs, a corporal in the Brazilian military, in Colonia Nova, Brazil. In 1969 they moved to Canada, with only $1000, not knowing English. Through hard work, sharing and laughter, they survived the early years. They took risks and adapted to change. They made a number of moves in the Niagara area of Ontario. She loved her children and grandchildren, making time for them. She spoke to them on the phone, gave them hugs, made them buns, pancakes, apple fritters and meat buns and served them treats. She knitted quilts for them and for friends. Her hands were always busy; she prayed as she knitted. She cleaned homes working for Mrs. Costello for 28 years. She and Abram moved to Virgil, Ont. 13 years ago. They loved to travel; trips to Calgary, Cuba, Myrtle Beach, Brazil, Germany, B.C. and California were taken. She enjoyed camping, travelling in their motorhome, being with people, sitting around the fire, going for long walks, and sitting by the lake watching Abram fish. She spent hours preparing meals for celebrations as the family played Brazilian music and danced together. She enjoyed times of worship at church. Her Bible was well-worn; she said that there had been many good times, some had been difficult, but God had always helped them through. She was an unselfish, caring, loving, quiet, praying mother. She is mourned by Abram; children Elvera Voth, Lucy Hubert, Hugo, Edith Neufeld, Ed and Carl; and 15 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 5 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Herman Neufeld ministering.
Klaas (Nick) Krahn
Klaas (Nick) Krahn of Coaldale, Alta. passed away Nov. 25. He was born Mar. 23, 1925 to John and Susanna Krahn near McMahon, Sask., the 10th of 14 children. On Nov. 9, 1952, he married Nettie Friesen of Schoenfeld, Sask. He worked for various farmers near Swift Current, Sask. In 1962 they moved to Grassy Lake, Alta., where he worked on the Bill Penner farm for 20 years and for the John Deere dealership in Taber, Alta. for 7 years. They retired to Coaldale. He came to faith in 1956 at a Brunk meeting in Swift Current. He was baptized and joined Grassy Lake MB Church Mar. 30, 1980. In the last while, he and Nettie were studying Philippians, where Paul speaks about being content in all circumstances. Nick modelled this contentment by accepting his limitations due to Parkinson’s. He had a ready wit and connected well with people of all ages and races. He enjoyed coffee and used this time to share his faith, his reasons for contentment and his readiness to go home when the Lord called. He is mourned by Nettie; sons Brian of Calgary, Leo of Huntsville, Ont. and Lyndon of Calgary; daughter Fran Soroka of Lethbridge, Alta.; 8 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 3 sisters. The funeral was Nov. 29 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Paul Anton Alexander
Paul Anton Alexander passed away Dec. 13 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. He was born Jan. 13, 1953 to Otto and Dorothea Alexander in Goodsoil, Sask. He enjoyed farm life and worked hard. He also worked at jobs off the farm: Elk Point Drilling, truck driving for Joe Eckel, Harco Concrete, a fish plant in Beacon Hill, for Ed Brunet Sr. and other carpentry jobs. He married Carla Embree July 5, 1980 in Pierceland, Sask. He loved horses and enjoyed woodworking, building tables, wall shelves, beds and picture frames. He was an open-minded, cheerful man with an optimistic outlook on life and never-failing smile. He was patient, understanding and loving. Predeceased by his father and his stepfather August Todt, he is mourned by Carla; daughter Melanie; son Danial; his mother; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Dec. 17 in Goodsoil Community Church, with Ralph Gliege ministering.
Elizabeth Schroeder
Elizabeth Schroeder of Herbert, Sask. passed away Jan. 1 of leukemia. She was born Apr. 13, 1909 to Abram and Susie Rempel in Steinau, Russia, the eldest of 7 children. When she was 15, the family immigrated to Main Centre, Sask. In 1925, during evangelistic services, she accepted Christ. Her assurance of salvation came through the words of a German hymn (“Heaven’s gate now stands open / O soul tell me why / Because the Saviour from heaven has come forth to die”). In 1926 she was baptized and joined the MB church. She attended Herbert Bible School 3 years later. She married David K. Schroeder Oct. 19, 1930. They farmed and managed the post office in Main Centre. In 1958 they moved to Swift Current, Sask. She worked at Swift Current Union Hospital, at Prairie Pioneer Lodge, for David’s business (Prairie Mennonite Mutual Insurance) and in private homes. She enjoyed helping and encouraging people and had a positive, cheerful disposition. She was faithful in nurturing her spiritual life, loved the Lord and His Word, had regular devotions with David and with him faithfully listened to radio Bible preacher Vernon McGee. At Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, she enjoyed the ladies aid, and she and David were active on the kitchen committee. They were energetic, capable promoters of the MCC sale. Family was important to her. She loved making handcrafts and gave them to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her younger years, she sewed for her children and was often heard singing while she worked. She remembered birthdays and anniversaries, even in old age. After her children and grandchildren moved away, she wrote them letters. For their 60th wedding anniversary, she and David initiated the printing of a book entitled Our Family. In 1995 they moved to Herbert Heritage Manor. She had mainly good health all her life except for recurring skin cancer after age 50, some arthritis and recently leukemia. Predeceased by 3 sisters and 1 brother, she is mourned by David; children Arnold, Annabelle Martens, Alvina Rempel, Alfred, Sylvia Martens and Pauline Power; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 4 in Bridgeway Community Church, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
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Last modified February 14, 2002.
© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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