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In this section:
Anna Suderman
Anna Suderman of Winkler, Man. passed away July 13. She was born Feb. 19, 1902 to Peter and Elizabeth Labun in Kronsgart, Man. After grade 8 at Altona (Man.) MEI, she went to Peniel Bible School in Winkler for a year. In 1925 she became a Sunday school teacher. She married Abram J. Suderman Nov. 24, 1929 in Kronsgart MB Church. They lived in Morden, Man. for a few months, then moved to Gnadenthal, Man. They moved to Kronsgart in 1937, where their farm prospered, and to a new house built by Abe in Winkler in 1952; she lived there till her death. Anna was kind, caring and loving to her family and everyone she knew. She taught her children that there was good in everyone and that their job was to look for it. Part of her freezer was reserved for cookies she baked for neighbourhood children. She was a tireless prayer warrior. While her health endured, she volunteered for work in the church; her greatest satisfaction was in serving others, catering and sewing for the church. She is remembered for her sense of style, hospitality and sewing skills. At 90, she learned to crochet when her eyes no longer let her sew. God, her family and church were defining forces in her life. Predeceased by Abram in 1988, sons John and Ronald, a grandson and 2 brothers, she is mourned by her children Betty Wagemakers, Ruth Rink and Walter; 6 grandchildren; 4 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was July 16 in Winkler MB Church, with Neil Block ministering.
Maria Pankratz
Maria Pankratz of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Aug. 5. She was born Mar. 6, 1907 to Dietrich and Maria Janzen in Schoental, Crimea, Russia. She accepted Christ at 14, was baptized June 22, 1921 and joined the Mennonite church in Lichtental. She married Peter Pankratz Feb. 22, 1933. Son Henry was born in 1934. In 1937 Peter was arrested and sent to a prison camp; he died in 1942 of kidney failure. Daughter Elizabeth (Betty) was born in 1938. With the threat of war, Maria sent Henry to her brother’s for a week; she did not see him again until 1991. She was working for the Russian post office. When the war broke out, she, Betty and her sister Elizabeth Janzen left on the last train for Germany. They were housed in a refugee camp in Neustadt, Germany, then sent to Poland. An injury to her arm by a horse kick left it useless. She was washing clothes for soldiers, struggling to wring out the clothes by hand, when the cartilage in her elbow tore; when the pain subsided, she had the use of her arm again. In 1948 she and Betty immigrated to St. Catharines. She lived with her brother Henry 1 year. She cleaned Calvary Church, worked for Zellers in the stockroom and later was a housekeeper at the Hotel Dieu Hospital for 10 years. Her desire was to love God to the best of her ability in hard times and good times. Throughout her life, she became strong in character and faith. She lived her faith. She was respected for who she was and what she stood for. She was predeceased by 6 brothers and a sister. The funeral was Aug. 9 in Scott St. MB Church, with Albert Friesen and Waldo Pauls ministering.
Anna Matthies
Anna Matthies of Coaldale, Alta. passed away July 12. She was born Nov. 17, 1903 to Johann and Margareta Koop in Aliessovo, Orenburg, Russia. She accepted Christ at an early age. She married Dietrich B. Matthies Jan. 6, 1925. In 1926 they immigrated to Holdfast, Sask. In 1927 they moved to the Coaldale area. They bought a farm near Broxburn, Alta. She worked hard to help Dietrich succeed on the farm. In 1930 she was baptized and joined Coaldale MB Church. After 25 years on the farm, they moved to Coaldale, where life was easier for Anna. She is remembered for her keen sense of humour and for being an excellent hostess. Her home was never too full to receive more guests. After Dietrich died in 1982, she moved to Sunny South Lodge. She later moved to Coaldale Health Care Centre. Predeceased by Dietrich, daughter Mary Patterson in 1992, son Arthur of Medicine Hat, Alta. also on July 12, 2 daughters and 1 son in infancy, 6 sisters and 4 brothers, she is mourned by daughters Linda Penner of Seven Persons, Alta. and Helen Goerzen of Saskatoon; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister in Germany. A joint funeral service for Anna and her son Arthur was held July 17 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Elizabeth Friesen
Elizabeth (Betty) Friesen nee Schmidt of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 15 of cancer. She was born Mar. 23, 1927 in Coaldale, Alta. In 1943 she moved to Aldergrove, B.C. She was married to Peter Friesen for 52 years. He died Dec. 31, 1999. They were dedicated to their family, farm, community and church. Betty loved to garden and won awards for her beautiful flowers and lovely landscaped gardens. Predeceased by Peter and 2 brothers, she is mourned by her children Ron of Phoenix, Ariz., Loretta Penney of Tsawwassen, B.C., Evelyn Faulkner of Aldergrove, and Dorothy Johnson and Allan, both of Abbotsford; 11 grandchildren; 1 sister and 6 brothers. A memorial service was held June 21 in South Abbotsford MB Church, with Dave Epp and Steve Berg ministering.
Katharina Klassen
Katharina (Katie) Klassen of Black Creek, B.C. passed away June 5. She was born Feb. 6, 1926 to Jacob and Katharina Fast in Gnadenheim, Russia. Her parents died in Russia, leaving Katie to care for her siblings until they went to an orphanage. She fled to Germany. Here, she worked in a photography studio. She was baptized May 19, 1945 in Gronau, Germany. In 1948 she moved to Black Creek, joining Black Creek MB Church in 1949. She also spent time in Vancouver, where she worked in a photography studio. She married David Klassen of Black Creek Aug. 31, 1952. The family enjoyed camping, travelling, working and playing together. David was killed in a logging accident Dec. 20, 1969. Many people in the church and community helped her to raise her family. During this time, her faith in God became very strong. She met regularly with other women for Bible study, prayer and support. She kept a large garden and provided for her family and friends. She gave generously to the church, served for many years as a deaconess in the church and volunteered at Camp Homewood. She loved to play table games. In 1993 she added a self-contained apartment to her house so that she could remain at home while her youngest son and his family lived beside her. She also received care from Joemelin, a caregiver from the Philippines. Katie was diagnosed with Lewy Body disease and spent the last 3 years in St. Joseph’s Extended Care. Through her struggles, she had an unwavering faith in God and looked forward to being in heaven. Predeceased by David, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, she is mourned by sons Walt of Campbell River, B.C., Ernie of Black Creek, Albert of Vancouver, and Vic and Stan, both of Black Creek; 16 grandchildren; 2 sisters and stepmother Rita Fast. The funeral was June 10 in Black Creek MB Church, with Barry Falk ministering.
Nicolay Braun
Nicolay Braun of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away of cancer June 14. He was born Sept. 21, 1918 to Isaak Braun and Margaret Dueck in Molotschna, Russia. When he was 5, the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. After his father was no longer with them, he, his mother and brother moved to St. Catharines in 1939. In 1939 he was baptized by John Derksen in Virgil, Ont. This began his life of unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord. He was a charter member of the MB church in St. Catharines and a member of Grantham MB Church. He married Elizabeth Sawatzky Mar. 23, 1946. Early in life, he knew he would have to support his family; as a boy he was a farm labourer and a clerk in grocery stores and at Eaton’s. He later became an accountant at English Electric and then at John Peart & Son. In the early 1960s he worked at A.A. DeFehr Furniture Manufacturing in Winnipeg for 3 years. He returned to the Niagara region. He graduated in accountancy and hospital administration. He worked as administrator of Bethesda Home in Vineland, retiring in 1978. He then served as chaplain at Tabor Manor Senior Citizen’s Home. He enjoyed vacationing in Florida in winter, although rheumatism and arthritis were beginning to restrict him. Throughout his final illness, he remained steadfast in his faith, setting aside time daily for prayer and Bible reading. He prayed continually for his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Predeceased by a grandson, he is mourned by Elizabeth; children Margaret Pritula, Richard, Gerald, Gordon, and Jennifer Cornelsen; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The funeral was June 17 in Grantham MB Church, with John Wiebe ministering.
Sara Maria Unger
Sara Maria Unger of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 21. She was born Jan. 22, 1908 to Franz and Maria Toews. In 1921 her mother died on the trek to Germany. Sara’s father remarried, and the family moved to Danzig, West Prussia, where he started a private business and Sara was bookkeeper. In 1945 they were deported to the Urals. Sarah worked in the mines. Life was difficult with little food and clothing. The family was scattered. She wandered from house to house looking for food and work. MCC helped her. She was later reunited with her parents. She immigrated to Canada, joining her sister-in-law Margaret in the Fraser Valley. She worked for relatives in New Westminster, B.C. and Greendale, B.C. She picked berries for a season for Daniel Unger. They married Dec. 5, 1954. In 1982 they sold the farm and moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Daniel died May 17, 1983. The last years she spent in Menno Home and Hospital. She is mourned by 1 brother in Germany. A memorial service was held July 25 in Menno Hospital chapel, with Peter J. Klassen and Eldon DeFehr ministering.
Elden Penner
Elden Penner of Tillsonburg, Ont., formerly of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., passed away July 23. He was born Aug. 15, 1937 to Peter and Frieda Penner in Laird, Sask. In 1941 the family moved to Kitchener, Ont. In 1943 they bought a 10-acre farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In the 1950s Elden joined his father in the family business, Penner Lumber & Building Supplies in Virgil, Ont. He later became manager of the hardware department. In his teens, he accepted Christ. He later was baptized and joined Virgil MB Church. He enjoyed the youth group and played his mouth organ in a musical group. He married Irene Schroeder of Main Centre, Sask. June 17, 1961. They lived in Virgil, where he was involved in music ministry, singing in a family trio and the Virgil Men’s Quartet. In 1987 Elden went into business for himself in Tillsonburg. Irene died Feb. 28, 1993. Later that year, he married Marilyn Long of Tillsonburg. They operated a successful hardware business. In May 2000 they sold the business and retired. In June Elden suffered his second heart attack, and his health deteriorated. Predeceased by Irene, he is mourned by Marilyn; children Larry of Niagara Falls, Lynn Mansfield of Tillsonburg, Joan Heidebrecht of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Jean and Sharon Diamond, both of St. Catharines, and Donna Bernatchez of Tillsonburg; 3 stepchildren; 16 grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was July 27 in Bethel Baptist Church, St. Catharines, with Paul Robinson ministering.
Margareta Born
Margareta Born of Coaldale, Alta. passed away July 20. She was born Aug. 14, 1911 to Frank and Maria Born in Schoensee, Russia. She was baptized by John Bartel July 20, 1929. She, her sisters and mother fled to Germany in 1944. In 1948 she immigrated to Vancouver, where she worked as a nanny. In 1949 she worked for the Poettcker family in Pincher Creek, Alta., then the Peter Langeman family in Coaldale. She joined Coaldale MB Church in 1950. In 1952 she and her sisters Neta and Mariechen built a small house in Coaldale, digging the cellar by shovel. They lived there with their mother. In 1969 they were joined by their sister Tina Bergmann and nephew Henry. After her sisters and mother died, Margareta moved her house to another part of town. In 1998 she moved to Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale. “Tante Greta” is remembered as a caring person who enjoyed visits with her nephews and nieces. She loved to knit and crochet, and made many blankets for the Salvation Army and MCC. She loved her garden, especially her flowers. Predeceased by all the members of her family, including her sister Lena Regehr of Germany, she is mourned by 7 nieces and nephews, 6 of them in Germany. The funeral was July 25 in Coaldale MB Church, with Lorne Willms ministering.
Walfried (Wally) Dyck
Walfried (Wally) Dyck of Winnipeg passed away Mar. 18. He was born in 1924 in the Crimea, Russia. In 1930, his family fled to Winkler, Man. They later settled in Winnipeg. He married Aganetha Steingart in September 1949 in North Kildonan MB Church. In 1965 they were baptized and joined North Kildonan MB Church. They later joined McIvor Ave. MB Church when it was built. Wally was a member of the church’s finance committee for many years. He and his father Isaac founded Hawthrone Woodworks in 1946. He managed the business diligently until health forced him to retire in 1995. He took great pride in his work of manufacturing first wooden ladders and later kitchen cabinets. His courage and cheerfulness in business and life were founded on his faith in God. Shortly before his death, he read Ps. 131, which was a fitting testimony of his life and a later comfort to his family. He is mourned by Aganetha; children Melinda Heidebrecht, Ron and Victor; and 7 grandchildren. The funeral was Mar. 24 in McIvor Ave. MB Church, with John Epp and John Neufeld ministering.
Arthur Edward Prochnau
Arthur Edward Prochnau of Penticton, B.C. passed away July 19. He was born Feb. 22, 1928 to Edward and Olga Prochnau in Bruderheim, Alta. When he was 6, the family moved to Aldergrove, B.C. After graduating from UBC, Oregon State College and Seattle Washington College, he worked for the B.C. Forest Service in Victoria. He married Helen Wiens May 13, 1955 in Greendale MB Church. They lived in Victoria 2 years before moving to Prince George, B.C., where he worked for the Forest Service (Research Division) 1957-1962. After receiving his master’s degree in forestry in 1962, he worked for the Agriculture Division in Nelson, B.C. In 1964 they moved to Burnaby, B.C. He worked for ARDA at UBC until that program was discontinued and for MacMillan Bloedel for a few years. He was a gardener at Burnaby Park for 20 years. He was raised in the Lutheran church (Missouri Synod). As a youth, he accepted Christ. In Prince George, he enjoyed listening to Billy Graham radio broadcasts. In Burnaby, he was a Sunday school teacher and sang in the choir in the Lutheran church. In 1987, he was baptized and joined Willingdon MB Church. He sang in the choir and was active in home Bible study groups. He enjoyed buying Bibles and Christian books for children. He supported Campus Crusade for Christ. He and Helen moved to Langley, B.C. in 1989, to Coquitlam, B.C. in 1990 and to Penticton in 1995, joining Grace MB Church in 1997. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in July 1988. He enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. His favourite Scriptures included Philemon 4:19, Ephesians 2:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6. He is mourned by Helen; children Daniel of Coquitlam, Dolores Speight of Penticton, Paul of Calgary and Pamela Macdougall of Lumby, B.C.; 6 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was July 24 in Grace MB Church, with Dave Esau ministering.
Ivy May Fretwell
Ivy May Fretwell of Coaldale, Alta. passed away July 11. She was born June 25, 1912 at Guernsey, Sask. After earning a teaching certificate from Normal School in Calgary, she taught in several one-room schools in Alberta, including Ranchville (1936-39) and Eclipse (1940); she taught in Clive, Lacombe and Blackfalds in later years. In 1940 she married Geoffrey Fretwell of Clive, where they farmed until 1965. In 1974 they retired to Coaldale. Ivy was active in the Women’s Christian Temperance Union for 40 years at the local, provincial and national levels. She worked in the Coaldale Public Library for 10 years and served as secretary of the Coaldale Senior Citizens for 5 years. Because of the illness of her son, she suffered difficult times. She loved the Word of God and relied on His promises during trials. Predeceased by Geoffrey, she is mourned by her children Frank, Dave and Edith Enns; 5 grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was July 13 in Cornerstone Funeral Chapel, Lethbridge, Alta., with Lorne Willms and Les Enns ministering.
Previous | Next Last modified September 18, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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