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Jacob Enns
Jacob (Jake) Enns of Oak Bluff, Man. passed away Feb. 26. He was born Dec. 21, 1920 to Abraham and Helen Enns in Tiegenhagen, Ukraine. The family immigrated to La Salle, Man. He accepted Christ in January 1945 during a Bible conference with missionary William Baerg. He was baptized in summer 1945 and joined La Salle MB Church. In 1946 he married Elizabeth Rempel. He began a trucking business in La Salle, delivering heating oil and fuel oil. This expanded to include the John Deere farm implement dealership known as Enns Brothers Ltd. in Oak Bluff. In 1994 he retired due to ill health. He was active in Domain (Man.) MB Church, teaching Sunday school, acting as superintendent and serving as a deacon, until it closed in 1980. He then joined Portage Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg. In 1982 he joined the Gideons; he enjoyed passing out Scriptures. Predeceased by 3 sisters and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Beth; children Ron, Vic, Bob, Karen, David and Dan; 16 grandchildren; and 3 brothers. The funeral was Mar. 1 in Portage Ave. MB Church, with Abe Neufeld ministering.
Mary Neufeld Klassen
Mary Neufeld Klassen passed away Mar. 2, 3 days after suffering a stroke. She was born May 10, 1916 to John and Helen Penner in Russia. When she was 6, her mother died, leaving a deep impression on her. Her stepmother was Agnes Janzen. In 1926 the family immigrated to Drake, Sask. At 15, she accepted Christ. She married George Neufeld Jan. 6, 1935. In 1936 they were both baptized and joined Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask. In 1941 they moved to Virgil, Ont., where they joined Virgil MB Church. In 1942 they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. In 1975 George died. In 1982 she married Jake H. Klassen of Morden, Man. She loved and was loved by her stepchildren. Most important were her walk with the Lord and that all her children and grandchildren would follow Him. She is mourned by Jake; children Len, Norm and Naomy; stepchildren Rose, Linda, Ted, Peg, Al and Don; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Memorial services were in Morden and, on Mar. 8, in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Ben Falk Jr. ministering.
Mary Heppner
Mary Heppner of Winkler, Man. passed away Mar. 25. She was born Sept. 10, 1917 to John J. and Katherina Kehler in Horndean, Man. She accepted Christ Jan. 4, 1931. Her future husband, Erdman (Ed) Heppner, was instrumental in leading her to Jesus. She was baptized and joined the MB church. She married Ed Oct. 28, 1934. They farmed for many years. She thrived on hard work. She was well known for her generous hospitality, her cooking and baking (especially chicken noodle soup, buns and cinnamon buns), serving her family and giving unconditional love. She and Ed had a strong love for missionaries and supported a missionary couple in Ecuador for a year. She gave unselfishly to church, Christian organizations and her children. Her daughter Esther?s death at age 16 in 1953 was hard on her. She enjoyed attending Camp Arnes in her senior years with her sisters. After Ed died in 1971, she worked as a cook at Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler. She retired at age 74. Her health began to decline within her last 5 years, but her faith in Jesus remained strong. She desired to go and be with Him. Predeceased by Ed, 2-month-old son Eddie in 1936, daughter Esther, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by daughters Katherine Stobbe of Edmonton, Ruth Wiebe of Portage la Prairie, Man. and Madeline Thiessen of Winkler; sons John of Vista, Calif., Tony of Winnipeg, Paul of South Surrey, B.C. and Tim of Winnipeg, Man.; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 5 sisters. The funeral was Mar. 27 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block and John B. Wiebe ministering.
Vickie Lynn Worth
Vickie Lynn Worth passed away Apr. 1 following a heart attack. She was born July 26, 1955 to Bert and Lois Thomson in Mission, B.C. She was baptized June 1, 1986. She called on God daily for strength and guidance. She found joy in things some take for granted. She was outgoing and made friends with neighbours; she sparked a sense of community spirit. Despite the limitations placed on her by post polio syndrome, she was often a model of vibrant faith. Limited by her energy, she was forced to choose between gardening, making dinner, going out that evening or going to church the next morning. She sacrificed a lot of energy for her family and friends. She is remembered as a wonderful wife and mother who loved God; she had a strong faith, a sensitive, kind and loving spirit and an inspiring love of life. She is mourned by her husband John; daughter Janet; son Michael; parents; and brother Bill. The funeral was Apr. 8 in Cedar Park MB Church, Delta, B.C., with Dave Esau ministering.
Elizabeth Neufeld
Elizabeth Neufeld passed away Mar. 28. She was born Oct. 2, 1912 to George and Elizabeth Neufeld in Olgafeld, Russia. At 8, she accepted Christ. In 1926 the family immigrated to Saskatchewan. In 1926 she was baptized in Watrous. In 1946 they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. She worked in the canning factory and did housekeeping for several families. After retirement, she enjoyed travelling with her sister Agatha. In 1977 they sold their home and moved to Pleasant Manor in Virgil, Ont. She was active in the ladies? sewing circle and a weekly Bible study. In 1996 she suffered a stroke. She loved the Lord, attending church whenever possible even when her walking was reduced to a shuffle. She was always friendly and never complained. In November 1998 she became ill, and in December she moved to Tabor Manor. She was predeceased by 3 brothers and 1 sister. The funeral was in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with Albert Friesen ministering.
Julius J. Kasper
Julius J. Kasper passed away Apr. 13. He was born Feb. 6, 1915 in Petrovka, Russia. The family fled to Mexico in 1924. Here one night he felt called by God to be a missionary to India. The family moved to Gruenthal, Man. in 1926 and to Avonlea, Sask. in 1929. He went to Herbert (Sask.) Bible School for 3 years and then to Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. for 4 years. Here he met Eva Block. They married and moved back to Saskatchewan. He taught at Herbert Bible School till 1946, when they went to India as missionaries with MBMSI. Eva and their youngest son Julius Jr. died in a drowning accident. He married Mary Doerksen, a nurse serving with MBMSI. Two more children were born. They moved to Chilliwack, B.C. in 1963 and to Clearbrook, B.C. in 1965. They pastored Matsqui MB Church. After that, he served at Central City Mission in Vancouver until retiring in 1980. He then helped with the ministry at Clearbrook MB Church and spent many hours studying the Scriptures. He also enjoyed talking to his grandchildren about the Lord. A favourite verse was Isaiah 40:31. He continued to pray for and support the work of the MB churches in India. Predeceased by Eva, Mary, son Julius and a sister, he is mourned by children Jack of the US, Betty and David, both of Vancouver Island; and 4 grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 20 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter Klassen and Ted Fast ministering.
Norman Herbert Neufeld
Norman Herbert Neufeld of Steinbach, Man. passed away Feb. 19. He was born Nov. 19, 1943 to Henry and Lydia Neufeld in Herbert, Sask. He grew up in B.C.?s Fraser Valley, where life on the farm included milking cows, picking strawberries, hoeing beans and playing baseball. He attended Columbia Bible College and graduated from MB Bible College and Wilfrid Laurier University. He married Irene Braun June 1, 1968 in St. Catharines, Ont. He earned an M.Div. at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. in 1970. He had an unflagging commitment to the church and a passion for people, desiring to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. He loved God?s Word and delighted in studying it and teaching it to others. He and Irene pastored in Onida, S.D., Stoney Creek, Ont., Regina, Winnipeg and Steinbach. Shortly after arriving in Steinbach, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. A bone marrow transplant from his sister Alita was done in January 1999. In May, a blood test showed no trace of the disease. Complications arose in February 2000. Throughout the struggle, he was an example of courage and faith. He had an infectious humour and the grace to take himself lightly. His sermons were permeated with warmth and a passionate love for God and His church, teaching his listeners to take hold of life with zest but to treat others with tenderness. Predeceased by 1 brother and 2 sisters, he is mourned by Irene; daughter Karis; sons Jason and Justin; 1 grandson; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. The memorial service was Feb. 23 in Steinbach MB Church, with Herb Kopp and Justin Neufeld ministering.
Erika Schmidt
Erika Schmidt of Waldheim, Sask. passed away May 3 of cancer. She was born Oct. 6, 1929 to Johann and Sara Isaak in Moscow, Russia. Weeks later, they immigrated to Manitoba. They moved to southern Saskatchewan, then to Glenbush, Sask. She had to work hard because her mother was sick. At 14, she accepted Christ; in 1947 she was baptized, joining Glenbush MB Church. She attended Bethany Bible Institute for 1 1/2 years, returning home to care for her siblings when her mother died. After her father remarried, she became a teacher for 3 years; later, she began the kindergarten program in Waldheim, which she taught 11 years. She married Vernon Schmidt July 19, 1956. She worked hard at raising a family, gardening, sewing and cooking. After 1965, she and Vernon were involved with the Gideons. They made trips to Jamaica, Bahamas and Europe and took family vacations each summer. She taught Sunday school most of her adult life and was involved in a number of ministries in church, including 8 years on the board of administration. She volunteered at the MCC store. Community involvement included Home and School Association, figure skating club and local news reporting. After Vern died in 1992, she stayed on the farm as long as possible. In 1996 she moved to daughter Loretta?s home. In 1998 she moved to Waldheim. She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing Scrabble. She entertained many people over the years, including missionaries and Bible school students. In 1994 a battle with cancer began. Numerous surgeries and treatments helped for a time. In 1999, after a trip to Hawaii, ill health returned. Throughout these struggles, her faith never wavered and she remained grateful. Predeceased by Vern and 1 brother, she is mourned by children Larry, Loretta Bueckert and Lanny, all of Waldheim, Lavonne Derksen of Rosthern, Sask., Lucille of B.C. and LeeAnne of Saskatoon; 14 grandchildren; 1 sister and 3 brothers. The funeral was May 7 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
George Gerhard Hooge
George Gerhard Hooge of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Apr. 21. He was born Jan. 8, 1903 to Gerhard Heinrich and Helene Hooge in Franztal, Ukraine. In 1904 they moved to Grossweide. He completed 7 years of schooling, then helped on the farm. He accepted Christ during evangelistic meetings at an orphanage. He was baptized in the river at Katenesfeld and joined the MB church. Despite communist pressure, he could not bring himself to sing the Communist anthem, which included the words ?No God?. In 1926 the family immigrated to Regina. George?s father went to B.C., then sent word for George to bring the cows, machinery and the family in a train boxcar. He married Mary Dahl June 16, 1929, the first marriage in Yarrow, B.C. They were charter members of Yarrow MB Church. They raised cattle, shipped milk, sold chickens and grew fruits and vegetables. In 1946 they bought a 100-acre dairy farm in Arnold, B.C. They ran a dairy farm and grew raspberries, beans and other fruits and vegetables. They were members of Arnold MB Church until 1966. They retired to Abbotsford and joined South Abbotsford MB Church. Church was important, and he seldom missed a Sunday before his 97th birthday. Mary died in 1984. He carried on, trusting God to look after him. He learned to cook. He kept on gardening, planting fruits and vegetables and a variety of grapes, which he sold. He mowed a large lawn until 1998. Any aches and pains were cured by prayer. In January 2000 he was hospitalized, then moved to Bevan Lodge. He grew weaker, but felt no pain. His mind was alert to the end. Predeceased by Mary, 1 son at age 4, 2 brothers and 1 sister, he is mourned by 7 sons; 5 daughters; 34 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was Apr. 26 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with David Epp, Steve Berg and Ed Balzer ministering.
Maria Unger
Maria (Penner) Unger of Winnipeg passed away Nov. 15. She was born Dec. 8, 1906 in Gruenfeld, Ukraine. In 1914 the family bought a farm in Kitschkas, Orenburg. She was raised in a Christian home, where singing and music were practised often; music became a vital part of her life. During Advent music, she felt the Lord telling her to make peace with God. In her third year of school, she asked for her parents? forgiveness and said she wanted to follow Jesus. In 1931 she married Albert Unger. In 1934 they were forced to move to Ukraine. During World War II, Albert was drafted into the German army. She fled with their 3 children to East Germany, then escaped to West Germany and to Friesland, Paraguay, where they homesteaded. She had moved God to the backseat, but, during her escape to the West, in the back of a truck, she called on God to help her, promising to serve Him all her life. In 1957 she and 2 daughters immigrated to Winnipeg. The first years were difficult, but her trust in God never failed. ?As the Lord wills,? she often said. In 1966 she and Albert were reunited. Her faith in God?s love and mercy guided her to the end. During her last week in hosptial, she and Albert talked about the consolation they found in the Bible and Matthew 6:33; included in their discussion was a mutual forgiveness. She desired to go home. She is mourned by Albert; children Hugo, Herta Oss and Lina Woelke; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Nov. 20 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Jacob Pauls and Gerhard Friesen ministering.
Albert Abram Unger
Albert Abram Unger of Winnipeg passed away Apr. 18. He was born June 21, 1904 in Pretoria, Orenburg, Russia. His mother took the young children to Sunday school and church. He, however, accepted communist teachings and often debated with his mother about her beliefs. She always defended her faith in Jesus and His atoning power. He often considered her argument from Blaise Pascal that if there is no God the believer and nonbeliever have lost nothing, but if there is a God, the nonbeliever has lost eternal life. In 1931 he married Maria Penner. In 1934 they had to relocate to Ukraine when his parents were sent into exile. In 1944 he was drafted into the German army. He was a Russian prisoner of war for 4 years. He was forced to work at a goldmine in Magadan, Siberia, 1949-54. In 1966 he was reunited with his family. In Canada, he accepted the Lord?s grace and mercy, was baptized and joined Elmwood MB Church. He always attended the German Bible expositions every year in the church between Christmas and New Year?s. He often talked about his faith in the Lord, who had been merciful to him after all the years of unbelief and waywardness. He is mourned by daughters Herta Oss and Lina Woelke; son Hugo; 6 grandchildren; 2-great grandchildren; 1 brother and 3 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 22 in Elmwood MB Church, with Jacob Pauls, Gerhard Friesen and Abe Neufeld ministering.
Henry Aron Peters
Henry Aron Peters of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 2. He was born Apr. 8, 1907 to Aron and Helena Peters in Felsenbach, Ukraine. He lived on the family farm. He attended middle school for 1 year. They fled communism, reaching Molin, Germany Feb. 4, 1930. The family went to Paraguay; Henry came to Weyburn, Sask. He attended Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School for 1 year. In 1934 he went to Vancouver. He worked on a dairy farm on Lulu Island, then was a longshoreman till 1972. He married Gertrude Dec. 14, 1935. His sisters and mother later came from Paraguay. In 1995 he and Gertrude moved to Menno Home. He and Gertrude showed love by a loving kiss right to the end. He was a member of Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford. Predeceased by 3 brothers and 3 sisters, he is mourned by Gertrude; daughters Margaret Sawatsky, Lena Friesen and Nancy Rahn; sons Frank, Jack and Ron; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was May 5 in Bakerview MB Church, with Peter Harms and Jacob Quiring ministering.
Nettie Strauss
Nettie Strauss of Saskatoon passed away Apr. 13. She was born Aug. 6, 1900 to Henry and Mary Loewen near Parker, S.D. In 1902 the family homesteaded near Hepburn, Sask. After a short stay in Kansas, they moved to a farm near Waldheim, Sask. She had warm memories of school all her life. She had great respect for education and encouraged her children to finish school at a time when it was uncommon. At 16, she accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Hepburn MB Church. She nurtured the beliefs she had formed in her early years and loved the prayers, hymns and fellowship of other Christians. She sang the German hymns of her childhood even in the last week of her life. She trained at Saskatoon Normal School. She taught at Richmond School near Mennon, Sask., then Lakeburg and Hepburn Schools. At Hepburn she met and married Fred Strauss. They built a home on land he had homesteaded. Their first child, Alvin, died at 10 months. Five other children were born. They moved to Hepburn to be near the school. After the children were grown, they built a new home on the farm and worked together until Fred was 86 and she was 79. They then retired to Hepburn. Fred died a year later. At 90, she moved to a condo at Circle Drive Place, Saskatoon, where she enjoyed activities and friends. She spent her last 2 years in Circle Drive Special Care Home. She is remembered as a wife who loved and supported her husband, a mother who inspired her children by living the values she taught, as a grandmother who was a fun-loving playmate, and as a great-grandmother who was an avid listener. Predeceased by Fred, sons Alvin and Erwin and all 3 siblings, she is mourned by children Evelyn Schmidt of Fresno, Calif., Arlene Peters of Shafter, Calif., Gil of Kelowna, B.C. and Dennis of Saskatoon; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. The funeral was Apr. 20 in Hepburn MB Church, with Ross Penner ministering.
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© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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