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Lorina Marsch
Lorina Marsch passed away Nov. 7 in Winnipeg. She was born Oct. 9, 1940 to Henry and Cornelia Hubert in Coaldale, Alta. As a child, she struggled with assurance of salvation, but found help in John 1:12 during deeper life services in church. She was baptized in Coaldale MB Church. She played piano, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school and daily vacation Bible school. Colossians 3:17 was a favourite verse. She attended Alberta Mennonite High School, then Coaldale Bible School, where she met Roland Marsch. They married June 23, 1962. She worked at various jobs while Roland studied at MB Bible College in Winnipeg. They pastored Grassy Lake (Alta.) MB Church for 2 years, then in Neuwied, Germany for 12 years. Because of tuberculosis, she spent 3 months in a sanatorium. She was the heart of a coffee house ministry in Neuwied, had an open house policy and unofficially counselled many young people, leading a number to Christ. In 1979 they returned to Winnipeg, pastoring North Kildonan MB Church until 1986. She sang in the choir, taught Pioneer Girls, helped start a junior high ministry and revived vacation Bible school. She was devoted to learning all her life. She loved reading, and passed this love on to her children and grandchildren. She earned a B.R.E. from MBBC in 1988. She was editor of Mennonitische Rundschau 1989-97. She was on the boards of MB Communications and Sophia magazine. At Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, where Roland pastored, she was on the board of spiritual concern and worship, sang in the choir, helped start a home Bible study and was instrumental in starting a Slavic ministry. In 1997 she and Roland returned to Germany to pastor in Dresden. She began a coffee house ministry, fostered a senior ministry and encouraged care groups. In July 1999 she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She accepted this with peace. She felt she had lived a full and blessed life. Predeceased by a sister, she is mourned by Roland; children Robert of Winnipeg, Susan Jakobeit of Neuwied, Germany and Judy von Kampen of High River, Alta.; 9 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 12 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with Abe Konrad, George Shillington, Claude Pratte and Herb Kopp ministering.
Mathilda Agnes Peters
Mathilda Agnes Peters passed away July 20. She was born Dec. 10, 1911 to Cornelius and Annie Friesen in Rosthern, Sask. At age 12, she received assurance of salvation after praying with her mother. She was baptized Aug. 4, 1928 in the North Saskatchewan River. Growing up in Waldheim, Sask., she attended Brotherfield MB Church. Her education was interrupted by illness during grade 8, after which helping at home took a priority over school. She enjoyed singing in choirs and small groups. In 1931 she attended Bethany Bible School, Hepburn, Sask. She married Sam Peters of Langham, Sask. July 5, 1939. They farmed near Waldheim for 20 years. Her dependence upon God grew during times of poor health and major surgery. She was deeply impacted by the death of her mother in 1940. She and Sam were deacons in Brotherfield Church, and later in Central MB Church, Saskatoon, and Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C. They served as caretakers at Bethany for 3 winters beginning in 1958. In 1960 they moved to Saskatoon. She served regularly in the church and at Western Tract Mission and the MCC Self Help store, and sang at the local geriatric centre. She sent cards and poems to comfort friends. In 1976 they moved to Abbotsford. She enjoyed family activities, Bible studies, choirs, crocheting afghans, housekeeping, flowers, playing organ and hosting impromptu visitors. She often expressed amazement and thankfulness for God’s love and providence. Sam died in 1992. Her prayers were marked by concern for family, friends and missionaries. She suffered a stroke in January 1999. She is remembered for her sparkling eyes, cheerful giggle and warm smile. Her favourite song was “My Jesus, I Love Thee”. Philippians 4:19 had special meaning. Predeceased by Sam, she is mourned by daughter Victoria Wiebe; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; 1 brother and 2 sisters. The funeral was July 26 in Central Heights MB Church, with Paul Dyck and Paul Wiebe ministering.
George Stobbe
George Stobbe passed away June 19 in Abbotsford, B.C. He was born Aug. 22, 1918 to John and Margaretha Stobbe near Borden, Sask. When he was 10, the family moved to Agassiz, B.C. At 11, he accepted Christ at a missionary service. He was baptized July 28, 1935 and joined the church. In 1936 the family moved to a farm in Abbotsford. He attended South Abbotsford MB Church. He attended Bible schools in Hepburn, Sask. and Yarrow, B.C. He taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school in various communities. He married Mary Epp June 11, 1944. In 1949 they felt led to Hazelton, B.C. Through Sunday school, street meetings and hospital singing, an MB church was planted in New Hazelton. He worked in construction and at the local grocery store. He was a good provider. In 1963 they moved to Abbotsford, buying a berry farm. He continued in construction, retiring in 1983. His baritone voice was an asset to singing groups. He loved hiking, mountain climbing, gardening and working with Helping Hands, a relief organization. George and Mary travelled to Europe in 1991 and in 1995 to visit their missionary son. He survived a heart attack in the last year, but his health declined. Predeceased by 5 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by Mary; children Darlene Henderson of Surrey, B.C., Marilyn Boonstra of Abbotsford, Ruth MacTavish of Langley, B.C., Lori Neigh of Colorado Springs, Colo., Ken of Strathmore, Alta. and Jerry and Alan, both of Abbotsford; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The memorial service was June 24 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Dave Epp and Steve Berg ministering.
Margaret Kroeker
Margaret Kroeker passed away Nov. 8 in Rosthern, Sask. She was born Apr. 1, 1913 to Nicolai and Kathe Voth in Pologi, south Russia. After the third child was born to the family, her mother died, and her father married Katherine Thiessen. In 1925 the family came to Manitoba to farm. At 13, she accepted Christ, based on Matthew 11:28. At 15, she was baptized and joined the church. To help with the farm expenses, she worked in Winnipeg. At 19, she continued her education: 3 years of Bible school, 3 years of high school and 3 years of nurses’ training in St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. She then worked for 25 years in hospitals and a nursing home and as a private nurse. On Nov. 12, 1971 she married Frank F. Kroeker, a widowed minister and former teacher. They farmed near Brotherfield Church for 7 years before moving to Waldheim, Sask., taking on a prayer and visitation ministry. They moved to Waldheim Lodge and then to Rosthern Nursing Home. After Frank’s death, her Alzheimer’s took over rapidly. Predeceased by Frank, 2 sisters and 4 brothers, she is mourned by daughters Frances Quiring of Saskatoon and Ruth Hindmarsh of Abbotsford, B.C.; 8 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 11 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
Helen Neumann
Helen Neumann passed away Oct. 21 in Abbotsford, B.C. She was born Oct. 2, 1910 to Heinrich and Katharina Penner in Orloff, Zagradovka, Russia. When she was 13, the family came to Canada. They lived in Herbert and Blumenort, Sask. At 16, she accepted Christ, and was baptized the following summer. She married Dick Neumann in 1939. They lived in Calgary, then Vancouver. Dick’s health prompted a move to Rosedale, B.C. He died of cancer in 1949. She moved to Yarrow, B.C. In 1963 she moved back to Vancouver. She retired to Clearbrook, B.C. She suffered a stroke in 1990, and spent the next 9 years in extended care. She is remembered for her sense of humour, fun, compassion, strength and determination. Predeceased by Dick and daughter Laurena Block, she is mourned by sons Ernie, Ron and John; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 26 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Henry Thiessen and Henry Block ministering.
Jacob Henry Paetkau
Jacob (Jack) Henry Paetkau of Hepburn, Sask. passed away Nov. 6. He was born July 27, 1919 to Jacob and Helena Paetkau in Osterwick, Russia. In 1923 the family immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm near Hepburn. He enjoyed playing hockey and ball. After grade 8, he stayed home to help on the farm. He worked at various jobs in Ontario and British Columbia before returning home. In 1951 he married Adeline Peters. They farmed near Hepburn for 31 years. Early in their marriage, they gave their lives to the Lord, were baptized in the North Saskatchewan River and joined Hepburn MB Church. He was an usher. Adeline died in 1982. He spent many hours reading his Bible and praying for his children, grandchildren and siblings. He had a deep faith in God. He felt blessed that his children and their spouses loved the Lord. His grandchildren were special to him. For the past 13 years, he enjoyed farming with son Neil. Predeceased by Adeline, 2 infant siblings and 2 brothers, he is mourned by children Neil of Hepburn, Brenda Goodyear of Saskatoon and Joyce Warkentin of Debolt, Alta.; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Nov. 10 in Hepburn MB Church, with Ross Penner ministering.
Abram Huebert
Abram Huebert of Vancouver passed away Sept. 29. He was born Apr. 8, 1909 to Martin and Margaretha Huebert in Liebenau, Molotschna, Ukraine. In 1928 he was baptized in Schoensee Mennonite Church. He married Anna Reimer May 27, 1934. In September 1943 they fled to Poland with their 4 children, but his wife and 3 children were sent back to Russia. Daughter Rita was hospitalized in Poland. Abram and Rita were later reunited in Berlin, Germany. Son Harry I died Apr. 29, 1946. Anna died May 7, 1948; children Selma and Abram were sent to a Russian orphanage; Selma died Aug. 16, 1963 and Abram July 18, 1979 in the USSR. In 1949 Abram came to Canada with Rita. They lived in Pincher Creek, Alta., where he worked as a farmhand. He later worked for a construction company in Lethbridge, Alta., and lived in Coaldale, Alta. He married Katharina Huebert July 15, 1951 in Yarrow, B.C. Three sons were born. He worked at a sawmill in Vancouver from 1953 until retirement. In 1962 they moved to Vancouver. In 1997 he started dialysis treatments. He loved garden work and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his first wife Anna, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 5 brothers and 3 sisters, he is mourned by Katharina; daughter Rita Reiber; sons Harry, John and Jacob; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 4 in Ocean View Funeral Home, Burnaby, B.C., with George Baier and John Dyck ministering.
Mary Louise Simpson
Mary Louise Simpson of New Denver, B.C. passed away Sept. 4 of cancer. She was born Jan. 11, 1955 to John P. and Sarah Martens in Abbotsford, B.C. In her teens, she accepted Christ. She was baptized and joined Arnold (B.C.) MB Church. In 1972 she graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford. She then took 3 years of nursing at Vancouver General Hospital. She worked there and then in Foothills Hospital, Calgary. She married Kenton P. Simpson of Banff, Alta. Feb. 12, 1977 in Arnold MB Church. She loved outdoor sports, skiing, snowmobiling, boating and camping. Predeceased by her mother, she is mourned by Kenton of New Denver, B.C.; children Lori and James; her father and stepmother Emilie; 2 sisters and 1 stepsister. The funeral was Sept. 11 in New Denver High School gym, with Charlie Andrews ministering.
William Niessen
William (Bill) Niessen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 23. He was born June 21, 1908 to Peter and Maria Niessen in Aberdeen, Sask. His father died when Bill was a boy. He accepted Christ at an early age; at 21, he was baptized and joined Aberdeen Church. He joined the choir and was involved in other church activities. He gradually took over the family farm. In 1940 he married Agnes Letkeman. In 1949 they moved to Sardis, B.C. In 1956 they moved to Abbotsford. He is remembered as a wonderful father to his 2 children and to 34 foster children over a 12-year period. He worked at Kilgard Brick Plant for over 20 years, retiring in 1976. In Abbotsford, he joined Central Heights MB Church, helping with the construction of both sanctuaries. He sang in the church choir, the men’s choir and the Men of Praise. He and Agnes faithfully helped in the nursery during Sunday school for 20 years. He suffered a stroke Oct. 16. Predeceased by 3 brothers and 3 sisters, he is mourned by Agnes; son Ron; daughter Marj Jantzen; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 29 in Central Heights MB Church, with Christopher Douglas ministering.
Margareta Janzen
Margareta Janzen of Winnipeg passed away Nov. 13. She was born June 19, 1910 to Gerhardt and Anna Froese in southern Russia. At an early age, she accepted Christ. She was baptized in 1924. During the revolution, the family fled to the Crimea. She was active in church and sang in the choir. In 1924 the family fled to Germany, and 6 months later immigrated to Canada. They lived in Winkler, Man. before moving to Winnipeg. She worked a few years as a domestic worker. In 1935 she found work at Mennonitische Rundschau. She worked at the MCC depot 1945-51, sorting clothing for overseas. She helped recently arrived relatives in various ways. In 1951 she married John Janzen. She supported him in his work on the farm. She taught Sunday school and helped decorate the church for weddings and other special occasions. She loved flowers and took pride in her yard. In 1974 they retired from farming and moved to Winnipeg, joining Central MB Church. Here they enjoyed many good years, cherishing new friendships. After John’s death in 1996, she moved to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. She was an avid reader, receiving much inspiration and joy. Predeceased by John, 1 brother and 7 sisters, she is mourned by stepchildren John of Morden, Man., Nick of Winnipeg, Helen Loeppky of Winnipeg and Katie of Vancouver; 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Nov. 17 in Portage Ave. MB Church, Winnipeg, with Abe Konrad ministering.
Henry A. Bergman
Henry A. Bergman of Blumenort, Man. passed away Oct. 16. He was born Sept. 4, 1919 to Abram and Katherina Bergman in Rueckenau, south Russia. In 1924 the family immigrated to Canada, settling near St. Anne, Man. He suffered from toxic goiter from age 16 to 26, undergoing numerous surgeries. At 18, he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. He married Helen Enns Oct. 9, 1954. They lived on the family farm in St. Anne. In 1962 they moved to Blumenort. He was a ranger in Christian Service Brigades and an usher, taught Sunday school, and for many years sang in a quartet ministering to the Overstoneville Church. He and Helen were deacons. He farmed, drove school bus and served on the Blumenort village council. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, berry and mushroom picking, writing poetry and stories and guiding school groups in the Sandilands Provincial Forest. He is remembered as a creative, generous, caring, humorous, godly man who respected everyone. Predeceased by son Abe Dec. 31, 1978, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Helen; son Robert of Blumenort; daughters Caroline Unger and Hedy Serger, both of Steinbach; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 20 in Steinbach MB Church, with Neil Rempel and Walter Reimer ministering.
Katherine DeFehr
Katherine DeFehr of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Oct. 17 of cancer. She was born July 5, 1911 to Jacob and Anna Martens at Main Centre, Sask. She completed grade 8 and then helped out at home. She loved to ride her favourite horse. As a child, she was stirred during evangelistic meetings in church, but was too shy to go forward. An older sister prayed with her to accept Christ, but she lacked assurance of salvation. She found peace after reading Psalm 50:15. At 17, she was baptized in Wiebe Lake, near Main Centre. She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday school and participated in youth activities in the church where her father was lay leader. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School. She married Frank DeFehr June 14, 1934. She suffered from a weak heart, facing death several times. She was a great and resourceful cook and seamstress, and loved gardening. In 1945 they moved to Abbotsford. While Frank worked, she spent many hours with her children, tending to the chickens and berries and sharing her concerns and values. Though not a public person, she led a ladies’ aid group and a girls’ club and hosted child evangelism clubs. She and Frank were deacons for many years in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, where they were also charter members. She is remembered as a helpful, caring, sensitive person with a ministry of intercessory prayer. She was independent in spirit, yet submissive to her husband. Her strength of character and steady faith in God sustained her through tough times. Predeceased by son Glen, 3 brothers, 1 sister and a great-granddaughter, she is mourned by Frank; children Eldon, Evelyn Schmidt, Don, Gordon, and Ruby Harder; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Oct. 21 in Central Heights MB Church, with Christopher Douglas ministering.
Walter Jacob Wiebe
Walter Jacob Wiebe passed away Oct. 23. He was born Oct. 22, 1948 to Jacob and Elizabeth Wiebe in Steinbach, Man. As a child, he and sister Irene spent many happy days together. Vacations were spent at Camp Arnes, Falcon Lake, Winnipeg city park and in Ontario. He worked on the extended family’s potato and sugar beet farm. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School. He earned a B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Manitoba. In 1971 he began teaching junior high school in Grunthal, Man. In 1985 he transferred to Steinbach Junior High School, where he spent the remainder of his career. He married Suzanne Forcese July 6, 1972. They lived in Steinbach. During 25 years of marriage, they travelled to Mexico, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Hong Kong and Thailand. Summers were often spent at a cottage at Victoria Beach, where he enjoyed nature and fishing. During the past 2 years, his back pain increased, and he was unable to work. During his last stay in hospital, he acknowledged Jesus as his Saviour and said he belonged to God. He is mourned by his parents and 1 sister. The funeral was Oct. 27 in Steinbach MB Church, with Walter Reimer ministering.
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© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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