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In this section:
George Klassen
George Klassen of Saskatoon passed away June 30. He was born Oct. 27, 1913 to George and Sarah Klassen near Hague, Sask. He left home at an early age, supporting himself by doing odd jobs and working for farmers. He had a pioneering spirit and enjoyed creating things out of nothing. In 1939 he homesteaded in Carrot River, Sask. While he was building a log house, it burnt down, and he started over. He married Anne Wiebe Nov. 26, 1939. At 32, he accepted Christ. He was a hard worker and a good provider for his family. He didn’t believe in vacations, instead they moved several times. He held various jobs, including working at Blanchard Foundry, Pool Construction and Waldheim (Sask.) Golf Course and in the bush and sawmills. He enjoyed reading, fishing, gardening, hunting, playing with his children, visiting friends and taking pictures. He is remembered for his strong handshake, sense of humour and mischievous nature. Predeceased by sons Rueben and Marvin and 1 brother, he is mourned by Anne; children Martha Giesbrecht of Shell Lake, Sask., Naomi Primeau of Hafford, Sask., Allan of Waldheim, Victor of Langham, Sask., Betty Hingston of Saskatoon, Arthur of North Battleford, Sask., Carol Lamb of Saskatoon, Dianne of Waldheim and Ron of North Battleford; 20 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 3 sisters and 1 brother. The funeral was July 6 in Waldheim MB Church, with Jake M. Willems and Otto Derksen ministering.
Susie Schmidt
Susie Schmidt (nee Baerg) of Linden, Alta. passed away at the Linden Nursing Home May 8. She was born Sept. 14, 1919 in Mennon, Sask. She is remembered as a caring, energetic woman full of life and love. Predeceased by her husband Henry Oct. 7, 1987, she is mourned by sons Lavern, Cliff, Ray and Calvin; daughters Marcella and Ruby; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was May 22 in Highland MB Church, Calgary, with Phil Reimer ministering.
Henry H. Wiebe
Henry H. Wiebe, formerly of Vineland, Ont., passed away June 22. He was born Apr. 22, 1912 to Heinrich and Katharina Wiebe in Omsk, Siberia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Elm Creek, Man. In spring 1927 he accepted Christ; he was baptized Aug. 7, 1927, joining Elm Creek MB Church. He enjoyed singing in a quartet and the church choir. He married Katie Penner June 9, 1935. They farmed in Elm Creek. They moved to Beamsville, Ont. in 1941, then to Vineland. They joined Vineland MB Church. They farmed near Vineland and St. Catharines, Ont. He also worked for General Motors for 34 years, retiring at age 70. In his 50s, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. With treatment and prayer, the disease remained largely in remission; he was in good health, working hard on the farm until age 82. On Mar. 13, 2000 they moved to St. Catharines. In the past 2 years he suffered poor health, but though he often was unable to speak clearly, he prayed fervently for his family. Predeceased by 2 brothers, 4 sisters and 6 siblings in infancy, he is mourned by Katie; daughters Mary Leveille, Katie Hochhalter, Anne Neufeld and Erika Sawatzky; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 stepgrandchildren; and 7 stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral was June 26 in Vineland MB Church, with Henry Wiebe ministering.
Elenore Marie Fast
Elenore Marie Fast of Winnipeg passed away June 4. She was born Aug. 24, 1933 to Nicolai and Louise Fehderau in Kitchener, Ont. She spent her early years in Kitchener before moving to Detroit, then Ann Arbor, Mich. In a 30-year career, she was an administrator at the Henry Ford Hospital, conference coordinator at the University of Michigan and administrator at Electro Arc Manufacturing. In 1989 she married Neil Fast and moved to Winnipeg. She was a patron of the arts. She loved painting watercolours and Dresden china, theatre, music and gourmet cooking. She also loved animals and spending time looking after her bird sanctuary at Victoria Beach, Man. She was well-read and very knowledgeable in current events and history. She travelled to Holland, Poland and Ukraine as part of a heritage tour, visiting her father’s and grandparent’s homeland in Ukraine. This inspired her to write her father’s story using his diaries and writings. At the time of her death, she was working on her mother’s biography. Elenore valued relationships and maintained correspondence with many friends in Michigan. Her greatest love was her relationship with Christ. Her knowledge of God’s Word was extensive; she spent time daily studying the Bible. Predeceased by a brother, she is mourned by Neil; stepdaughter Marlene Janzen; stepson Neil Jr.; 6 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The memorial service was held June 8 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Keith Poysti ministering.
Anne Adele Jensen
Anne Adele Jensen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 22. She was born Jan. 31, 1924 to Abram and Anna Wiens in Tiege, Sagradowka, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Ontario; in 1927 they moved to Chortitz, Man. She was bright, cheerful and active, and loved challenges. As a teen, she memorized 500 Bible verses to qualify for a 10-day stay at Gimli (Man.) Bible Camp. She accepted Jesus and was baptized July 16, 1939, joining Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. In 1941 the family moved to a small berry farm in Yarrow, B.C. She finished high school via correspondence and then trained as a nurse. She was a public health nurse in Williams Lake, B.C., where she met Peter Jensen. In 1953 they married in Yarrow. They lived on Vancouver Island, where she enjoyed turning houses into homes and neighbours into friends. In 1988 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. to be close to her ailing mother. She spent her last 13 years enthusiastically helping in the MCC book room, working with Helping Hands and quilting in the church. Predeceased by 2 brothers, she is mourned by Peter; sons Kai and Victor; 1 granddaughter; 1 sister and 1 brother. The memorial service was held June 26 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter Klassen ministering.
Peter P. Toews
Peter P. Toews of Tabor Home, Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 18. He was born May 15, 1910 to Peter Johann and Anna Toews in Protassovo, Siberia. In 1929 he married Margarete Huebert. In 1929-30 they immigrated to the Chaco, Paraguay. Enroute, they both accepted Christ; he based his conversion on Psalm 107:13, fulfilling a vow. They were baptized in a water hole at the first baptismal service of their MB church in the Chaco. Their faith never failed to bring hope and encouragement in hard times. Peter enjoyed singing and playing with his children. Despite poverty, there were musical instruments in their home. After they immigrated to Canada, Peter led the senior choir in Culloden MB Church for many years. Margarete died in 1994. His last 6 years were lonely, but he kept his faith, always thankful to God and his family for the support he received. Predeceased by Margarete and 5 children, he is mourned by his children Frieda Teichgraef, Abe, Elsie Balzer, Helen Hilstad, Anni Dueck and Helmut; 36 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was June 23 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Peter Klassen, John Burns and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Mary Pauls
Mary Pauls of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 3. She was born Oct. 20, 1914 to Peter and Elizabeth Martens in Warman, Sask. She accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized and joined the MB church. She married Henry H. Pauls Nov. 14, 1935. They moved to British Columbia. Life was not always easy, but Mary had a positive outlook on life. When troubles arose, she would say, “Don’t worry; God knows what He is doing, and He knows best. He’ll take care of us if we will only trust Him.” She and Henry served on the church catering committee and in other ways. Henry died in 1986. She moved to Evergreen Village in Abbotsford. She hosted her family the day before her sudden death. Predeceased by Henry and 2 brothers, she is mourned by her children Wilmer, Ron, Ed, Jake, Grace, Marlene, Audrey, Vic, Carol and Dan; 26 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters and 1 brother. The memorial service was held July 8 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Bernard J. Wall
Bernard “Ben” J. Wall of Lethbridge, Alta. passed away June 8. He was born Nov. 2, 1920 in Kurt-Itschki, Crimea, Russia. In 1930 the family fled to Canada, settling near Coaldale/Readymade, Alta. Ben married Katie Nikkel Apr. 29, 1945. They farmed in the area. In 1965 they moved to Lethbridge, where he and his father-in-law leased land from the Blood Indian Reserve to farm. Ben retired from farming in 1980. He lived life to the fullest. His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great-grandson. Predeceased by 1 sister and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Katie; children Clarence, Barb Penner, Kathy Regehr and Bernadine Fleckney; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. The memorial service was held June 12 in Lakeview Bible Church, Lethbridge, with A.J. Poettcker ministering.
Ruby Welk
Ruby Welk of Rosthern, Sask. passed away July 1. She was born Apr. 26, 1912 to Jacob J. and Marie Fischer at Laird, Sask. She was a “mother figure” to her siblings since her mother was often ill. She accepted Christ during revival meetings with H.S. Rempel. She was baptized July 8, 1928 and joined Laird MB Church. She often spoke of the good times spent at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., as a student for 2 years, then later as a cook. She married David Ewert Oct. 30, 1932. He died 14 months later. On Apr. 24, 1938, she married Peter Welk, a widower with 3 young children, from Rosthern. Ruby loved life on the farm, cooking for large crews, taking care of family and caring for others in need. She cared for her sister-in-law Bertha, who had cancer, until her death in 1947. Bertha’s son Clancy lived with Pete and Ruby for some time. Ruby loved people. She was always busy, being involved with the school activities of her children, supporting her husband and helping in the community and church. When Pete was diagnosed with cancer, she cared for him until his death Apr. 20, 1957. In 1958 she moved to Rosthern. She worked for the Credit Union, at the Home for the Aged and several years at Rosthern Book and Stationery. She gained satisfaction when people were blessed by a book or card she had sold. She was faithful in church attendance at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, attended ladies’ fellowship, was a deaconess for many years and did hospital visitation in Rosthern. When her eyesight failed, she continued a caring ministry via phone and cards. She was an encourager and kept confidences; people told her their problems, and she prayed for them. She found it hard to accept that her body and sight were failing. Predeceased by David, Peter, 2 brothers and 1 sister, she is mourned by children Shirley Paton, Marlene Davis and Wes; 4 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was July 5 in Waldheim MB Church, with Clarence Peters ministering.
John P. Wiensz
John P. Wiensz of Swift Current, Sask. passed away June 14. He was born Mar. 5, 1918 to Peter and Maria Wiensz in Dalmeny, Sask. At 15, he accepted Christ. The family moved to Rhineland, Sask. He was baptized in 1936. He helped his parents on the farm. He married Minnie Neufeld July 3, 1946 at Main Centre, Sask. He completed high school and studied at MB Bible College in Winnipeg. He taught school with Minnie near Kitimat, B.C. and Bigford, Sask. 1949-52. They owned general stores in Burnham and then Neidpath. He was a hard worker and a good manager. In 1968 he bought a farm and became a full-time farmer. They also cared for a foster child, Stewart. Minnie died Jan. 30, 1976. John learned to cook and continued caring for Stewart. John led a choir near Neidpath/Hallonquist for several years. He married Margaret Wiens Mar. 13, 1982 in Kelowna, B.C. In 1983 they moved to Swift Current and continued farming. They travelled to the Holy Land, Europe, the Mediterranean, South America, East Asia and Alaska, often with an interest in the missionary efforts of his church. He faithfully supported the church. In declining health, fellowship with Christians became even more important. Predeceased by Minnie and 2 brothers, he is mourned by Margaret; son Ted; 3 grandchildren; and 2 brothers. The funeral was June 19 in Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, with Ken Dryden and Abe Konrad ministering.
Elmer William Labersweiler
Elmer (Al) William Labersweiler of Saskatoon passed away May 14. He was born Aug. 28, 1934 to Martin and Rose Labersweiler near Strasbourg, Sask. Growing up, he was positively influenced by his grandparents, John and Mary Labersweiler, and close friends Alfred and Katie Kelln. He married Iona Schapansky Aug. 31, 1960. They lived in Dalmeny, Sask. He was active on the Dalmeny Rec. Board and Town Council. He owned two local businesses; his major career was selling cars, trucks, boat and even snowmobiles. In 1997 they moved to a condo in Saskatoon. They made many friends in Dalmeny and Saskatoon. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying family, friends and celebrations. He loved to travel, hunt, fish and spend time at the cabin. His outgoing and humorous character lit up a room. He is mourned by Iona; daughters Deb and Barb; and 2 granddaughters. The funeral was May 19 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky and Reuben Dirks ministering.
Previous | Next Last modified September 16, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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