|  | |
Previous | Next
In this section:
Neva Emma Goertz
Neva Emma Goertz of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 10, following a stroke. She was born May 14, 1914 to Joseph and Eddice King in Edgeley, N.D. She was baptized in 1929. She attended St. Paul Bible College and then completed a nursing program. In 1945, after hearing the experiences of a missionary couple, she felt called to be a missionary to Nigeria with SIM. Here she met Frank Goertz. They married in 1948. Her work consisted of diagnosing and treating 60-100 outpatients daily, caring for numerous inpatients and running a leprosy treatment program. By the time she retired in 1983, she had delivered more than 500 babies. She also assisted Frank in ministry to surrounding Nupe villages and the production of theological education literature. She taught reading and Bible knowledge classes to children. After retirement in Abbotsford, she worked at Helping Hands and served in the choir and orchestra. Her love of music was well-known. She enjoyed playing violin, piano, harmonica and other instruments. She is mourned by Frank; daughter Marilyn and son James. A memorial service was held Dec. 14 at Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Christopher Douglas, Paul Wiebe and Art Redekop ministering.
Mary Petkau
Mary Petkau passed away Nov. 24, of cancer, in Simcoe, Ont. She was born Feb. 16, 1928 to Jacob and Helena Klassen in Holmfield, Man. The family made several moves in Manitoba. When she was 7, they moved to Leamington, Ont., and when she was 11 to Port Rowan, Ont. In her teens, she accepted Christ. She was later baptized and joined Port Rowan MB Church. She attended 1 year each at Eden and Winkler Bible Schools. She then worked in Kitchener, Ont., where she met Abe Petkau. They married May 22, 1949 in Port Rowan. They lived in St. Catharines, Ont., then Port Rowan. She supported Abe in building their trucking business. In 1990 they moved to Simcoe, where they joined Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship. Her involvement with her family, church and community was an outward expression of the woman she was becoming through the challenges and testings God brought into her life. Throughout her struggle with cancer, her desire was to glorify the Lord. She made it her prayer each day to encourage and minister to whoever walked through her door. Predeceased by 3 brothers, she is mourned by Abe; children Wayne of Winkler, Man., Carol Hiebert of Simcoe, Brenda of Chatham, Ont., Lynn Andres of Virgil, Ont. and Gayle Gill of Brampton, Ont.; 10 grandchildren; sisters and brothers. The funeral was Nov. 27 in Emmanuel Bible Church, Simcoe, with Richard Martens ministering.
Robert Dalby
Robert (Bob) Dalby passed away Nov. 5 in Simcoe, Ont. He was born Aug. 9, 1914 to Theodore and Rachel Dalby in rural southern Ontario. In 1939 the family moved to Simcoe. He married Justine Niwranski Nov. 13, 1943. His first job in Simcoe was to deliver bread with a horse and wagon. He later worked at the Simcoe Mitt and Glove factory. He loved to tease and didn’t mind taking a joke. He had a great love for his family and friends. On weekends, they enjoyed spending the day in parks. He enjoyed food, and was considered the connoisseur of the Dalby family. At age 50, while awaiting surgery, he said an angel appeared to him and told him that God would heal him. He immediately accepted Christ. After surgery, he was baptized at First Baptist Church. He served as assistant secretary for Sunday school and as a deacon for a term. In 1984 he joined Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship in Simcoe. He was a faithful attender until his health declined. His favourite Bible verse was Joshua 1:5. Favourite songs were “Amazing Grace” and “My Jesus, I Love Thee”. He is mourned by Justine; daughters Nancy Eyre of Washington, D.C. and Heather Gee of Dorchester, Ont.; and 4 grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 8 in Ferris Funeral Home, Simcoe, with Richard Martens ministering.
Tina Ekkert
Tina (Penner) Ekkert of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 30. She was born Aug. 8, 1923 in Orenburg, Russia. At age 6, the family fled to Germany, then to Paraguay. She committed her life to God at an early age; at 15 she was baptized. In 1942 she married Jacob Ekkert. After living in different places, in 1948 they homesteaded in Landskrone, Fernheim, Paraguay. Farm life was hard, but they made spiritual matters a priority. In 1973 they and 7 sons immigrated to Vancouver, leaving 2 daughters in Paraguay. They found fellowship in Vancouver MB Church. Life was easier, but they continued to work hard. They opened their home to visitors, offering a caring smile, inviting conversation and lodging. In retirement, she expressed creativity by making framed verses with dried pressed flowers. In 1996 they moved to a condo in Clearbrook, B.C., where they enjoyed old and new friendships. She suffered a severe stroke Mar. 24, 1997, leaving her dependent on others. Predeceased by Jacob and 3 sons, she is mourned by her children Friedrich, Herbert, Rudolf, Harold, Helga Friesen and Marlene Bartel; grandchildren and several brothers and sisters. The funeral was Jan. 4 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen and Hans Wiens ministering.
Adeline Mabel Green
Adeline Mabel (Phillips) Green of Meadow Lake, Sask. passed away Jan. 11 of cancer. She was born May 7, 1929 in Viceroy, Sask. In 1954 she moved to Meadow Lake with her daughter Donna. In 1962 she married Robert Ernest Green; 2 more children were born. She worked at the Empire Hotel and babysat for several families in Meadow Lake. She was involved in the Home League, served several years as a Brownie and Girl Guides leader and was manager of the Salvation Army Thrift Store for many years. She enjoyed bowling and outings with friends of Golden West Manor. She enjoyed fishing, leisure sports and the peacefulness at their cabin at Greig Lake. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by Robert; children Donna Berrie of Chilliwack, B.C., Kim Umpherville of Nipawin, Sask. and Robert of Saskatoon; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. The funeral was Jan. 15 in Northwest Community Church, Meadow Lake, with Bob Cappelle ministering.
Karin Dueck
Karin Dueck of Virgil, Ont. passed away Nov. 27. She was born May 21, 1921 to Dietrich and Katharina Dueck in Altenau, Ukraine. She had a happy, optimistic spirit. When she was young, her father and a sister died. While she was working in another village, her mother, 2 sisters and a brother were sent to Siberia. When she came home, she found the village deserted and was enlisted as a cook in the German army. She later fled west. In Austria she found her Aunt Mary, but they became separated. She continued alone to the American zone. In 1945 she trusted a man who promised to marry her. When they realized she was expecting a child, he left to find a home and never returned. On Aug. 22, 1946 daughter Heidi was born in Frankfurt, Germany. Karin worked at the hospital. In 1948 she went to the refugee camp at Backnang and then to Gronau. Here she was baptized and joined the MB church. Her faith in Christ gave her great joy and sustained her through difficulties. In 1949 she immigrated to Jordan Station, Ont. She worked on the Jacob Thiessen farm there. The work was hard, but the family was good to her. She and Heidi moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. and later to her own home in Virgil. She worked as a clerk in the local grocery store. When she retired, she moved to Pleasant Manor. She was active in the auxiliary, and continued to quilt, bake, cook and help anyone she could. She is mourned by her daughter Heidi Reimer; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother in Germany. The funeral was Nov. 30 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Herman Neufeld ministering.
Kathryn Thiessen
Kathryn Thiessen of Saskatoon passed away Feb. 5. She was born Mar. 7, 1913 to Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich Schulz near Herbert, Sask. She attended Greenfarm Rural School, but left to help on the farm. She became an excellent homemaker. At an early age, she accepted Christ. She was baptized and joined Greenfarm MB Church. She was active in the choir, occasionaly singing solos or duets with her sister. In 1932 she married George Thiessen, a teacher. They lived in various locations in Saskatchewan, including McMahon, Gouldtown, Main Centre, Waldheim, Blaine Lake (where he became superintendent of schools) and Saskatoon (where he accepted a position in the College of Education in 1959). She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and growing flowers. She was known as the “Begonia Lady” because of the begonias she grew in front of their home in Saskatoon. She designed the house herself in 1965. In 1991 she suffered a stroke; she spent her last years in Circle Drive Special Care Home, Saskatoon. Predeceased by her parents, stepmother Annie Andres, 1 brother, 2 sisters and a granddaughter, she is mourned by George; children Muriel Romancia, Roland and Burton, all of Saskatoon; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Feb. 9 in Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, with Abe Klassen ministering.
Peter J. Friesen
Peter J. Friesen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Dec. 31, after a brief, courageous battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 22, 1925 to John and Elizabeth Friesen in Steinfeld, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada. He was owner of Alder Vista Farms, president of the Fraser Valley Milk Producers Cooperative Association (Dairyland) 1982-90, a director of the Dairy Products Promotional Fund Committee and a member and chair of the B.C. Dairy Bureau of Canada. He was also active in the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce as chair of the Agriculture Committee for 9 years and was a founding board member of the B.C. Egg Marketing Board, chair of the Canadian Egg Producers Council and a director with the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency. He was an active leader of the ministry to seniors at South Abbotsford MB Church. He is mourned by his wife of 52 years, Betty; children Ron, Loretta Penney, Evelyn Faulkner, Dorothy Johnson and Allan; 11 grandchildren; 5 brothers and 6 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 4 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Steven Berg ministering.
Sara Anne Jantzen
Sara Anne Jantzen passed away Feb. 9 at Central Haven Nursing Home, Saskatoon. She was born July 16, 1911 to Gerhard and Sarah Berg in Goessel, Kan. In 1913 the family moved to a farm near Brotherfield, Sask. When she was 11, the Lord said to her, “Cheer up. Your sins are forgiven you” (Matthew 9:2). Soon after, she was baptized. She married Edward P. Jantzen Oct. 28, 1932. They farmed near Brotherfield. In 1974 they retired to Waldheim, Sask. They both enjoyed singing in the church choir and Golden Age Choir. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school for 31 years and ministered to others by playing organ and piano. She was alert to the end; her last words reflected Jesus’ love for her and others. Predeceased by Edward, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and a grandson, she is mourned by her children Alvina Block of Winnipeg, Archie of Arelee, Sask. and Grace of England; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 12 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
Allan Merrill Cleroux
Allan Merrill Cleroux of Vauxhall, Alta. passed away suddenly Jan. 11 of a heart attack. He was born June 26, 1934 to Oscar and Sarah Cleroux in Carleton Place, Ont. He worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia in various places in Ontario. On Oct. 1, 1955, he married Ruby Runtz of Arnprior, Ont. He was baptized at McPhail Memorial Baptist Church in Ottawa in 1964. In 1977 they moved to Vauxhall, where he served 12 years as manager at the Scotia bank. He retired in 1989. He served in various capacities in the community: on town council, Vauxhall’s Businessmen’s Association and Vauxhall Performing Arts. He coached hockey and softball, curled and participated in many other sports. He enjoyed gardening, was an avid hunter and restored several antique vehicles. He was a member of Vauxhall MB Church for 22 years, serving as youth leader, church treasurer, deacon and usher and was on various boards and committees; he had just been elected as an elder. He was on the Camp Evergreen Board and served a lengthy term during retirement as interim executive director of the camp. He enjoyed travelling and camping. For 2 winters, he and Ruby served with Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service in California and Texas. He is remembered for his uncanny wit, patience, helpfulness, quiet good nature and bone-crushing hugs. He was ever ready to play with, babysit, instruct, roughhouse with or tease his grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 brothers, he is mourned by Ruby; children Donna Chaloux of Gravenhourst, Ont., Paula Epp of Vauxhall, Sarah Dufton of Kitchener, Ont. and Greg of Toronto; 7 grandchildren and 2 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 14 in Vauxhall MB Church, with Bill Glasspell ministering.
Helen Klassen
Helen Klassen passed away Jan. 11 of a stroke. She was born Mar. 29, 1923 to Dave and Helen Neufeld in Herbert, Sask. In November the family moved to a ranch in California. They returned to their farm in Herbert in 1926, moved to Kavanaugh, Alta. in 1933 and moved to B.C. in 1934, settling on 40 acres in Abbotsford. They found fellowship in South Abbotsford and Clearbrook MB Churches. Helen was baptized. She married Herman Klassen Nov. 18, 1945 in Clearbrook MB Church. They farmed near Mt. Lehman, B.C. until her passing. Their children were her joy, and she continuously gave them love and care. Various adversities challenged her health but strengthened her faith. In October 1964 she faced her first heart surgery with calm resolve. She recovered from her second open heart surgery in fall 1992, hip surgery in fall 1996 and shoulder surgery in December 1999. Despite the pain, she was optimistic. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by Herman; children Arnold, Irma, Richard, Arthur, Leonard and Rhoda; 11 grandchildren; and 3 brothers. The funeral was Jan. 17 in East Aldergrove MB Church, Abbotsford, with Art Isaac and Al Stobbe ministering.
Peter H. Quiring
Peter H. Quiring of Dalmeny, Sask. passed away Nov. 3. He was born May 23, 1908 to Henry C. and Maria Quiring near Hepburn, Sask. They moved to Dalmeny. At 15, he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Dalmeny MB Church. He enjoyed attending church and singing in the choir and Glee Club. He married Annie Buhler Oct. 21, 1930. He enjoyed nature and the fields. Working the land, he encountered God’s creation and often expressed his appreciation for the beauty around him. The Depression brought difficult years, but he felt sustained and blessed by the Lord. He was an usher in Dalmeny MB Church and a member of the board of trustees for 25 years. He and Annie served on the lunch committee for the church. He was a member of the Mountain Lake School Board. After 43 years of farming near Dalmeny, they retired to town, where he pursued his hobbies of building model steam engines and a threshing machine. He was hospitalized in May 1998, later moving to Spruce Manor Special Care Home, Dalmeny. Predeceased by 4 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by Annie; daughter Dorothy Goetz and son Sam, both of Dalmeny; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 5 brothers. The funeral was Nov. 7 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky and Alvin Penner ministering.
Previous | Next Last modified May 4, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.
|
