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Nettie Wiens
Nettie Wiens of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away June 13. She was born May 14, 1918 to David P. and Tina Loewen in Rosenbach, Fuerstenland, Ukraine. When she was about 10, the family immigrated to Hepburn, Sask., then homesteaded in Fairholme, Sask. She attended school to grade 6, helped on the family farm, then did housekeeping. She accepted Christ in 1930 and was baptized Aug. 14, 1932, joining Speedwell MB Church. She met Peter Wiens at choir practice. They married Aug. 13, 1939. After a few months, they moved to Sardis, B.C., then Yarrow, B.C. After several rentals, they bought 5 acres from Peter’s father. Nettie sold milk, picked raspberries, picked and sold plums, did gardening and canning, and made friends with neighbours and their children. She offered sandwiches to railroad tramps in exchange for splitting firewood. Her hospitality was extended to others in the 1948 flood. Their next home had 10 acres of raspberries, beans and strawberries and a cow. She managed the raspberry farm, the pickers and their accommodations. They then had a filbert nut farm. She did volunteer work with MCC and hosted various workers and exchange students. She loved to serve needy people and keep her hands busy. They moved to Foam Lake, Sask. for 2 years, then returned to the nut farm in Yarrow. In 1986 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. She sorted, sewed and quilted baby and child-sized blankets for MCC. They travelled to Churchill, Man., Strasbourg, France, Alaska, Mennonite World Conference, the Holy Land and the Maritimes; and spent time in their children’s homes. She called her children’s spouses “children-in-love”. She prayed daily for her children and grandchildren. She had an ear and a lap for each child, and a Bible verse for every occasion. Her last 6 months of life were filled with pain. She moved to her son’s home in December 2000, then to Ebenezer Home Mar. 26, 2001. Predeceased by Peter, 2 brothers, 1 sister and an infant child, she is mourned by children Irvin, Gordon, Stan, Lenora Siemens, Leonard, Doreen Dyck, John and Clarence; 28 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 4 sisters. The funeral was June 19 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Anna Pauls
Anna Pauls of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 14. She was born Feb. 10, 1925 to David and Anna Schmidt in Steinbach, Molotschna, Ukraine. When she was 6, the family relocated to the Caucasus for safety. Her father was sent to a labour camp. Anna’s mother moved the family to Zagradovka in 1937. After religious services were allowed in 1941, Anna accepted the Lord at a meeting held in her home. She was baptized in the Ingol River and joined the MB church. The family fled to Germany in October 1943, ending up in a refugee camp in West Berlin. In 1947 they went to Paraguay. She had met Cornelius Pauls in the refugee camp. They married in 1948. They moved to Germany in 1956 and to Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. in 1958. Here she worked in factories and cleaned houses, then was a seamstress in a bridal shop. She was an active member of Kitchener MB Church and generously volunteered for many service opportunities. In 1999 they moved to Abbotsford, joining Clearbrook MB Church; they made many friends, and she became involved in many service areas. She said that God had wonderfully led and sustained her and was grateful for all that He had done. Predeceased by son Peter in 1993, she is mourned by Cornelius and daughters Helene and Anne. The funeral was July 20 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Annie Boldt
Annie Boldt of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 15 at Ebenezer Home. She was born June 25, 1913 to Jacob and Margareta Brucks in Kamenetz, northern Russia. They moved to Germany in 1922 and Morden, Man. in 1923. They moved frequently, settling in Gem, Alta. in 1929. At school she did well at literature and writing. She enjoyed the youth fellowship and singing in the church choir. Under the evangelistic ministry of Clarence Ramer, she accepted Christ and was baptized. She worked as a housemaid on farms in Coaldale, Bassano and Hanna, Alta., to help pay the family travel debt. She married John Peters Feb. 28, 1932. They moved to Tofield, Alta. to work on a farm. In 1933 they moved back to Gem and bought a small farm. After 10 hard years of irrigation farming, they moved to Arnold, B.C. John died in 1980. In 1981 she married John Boldt. They enjoyed working together in the church for the next 10 years. She always loved music and singing in various choirs. She served on the catering committee at funerals and gave many volunteer hours at the MCC clothing centre. She anchored her life on Exodus 33:14-15. Predeceased by both husbands, she is mourned by children Elvira Wiebe, Bill, Alvin, Arnie, Wally, Marilyn Peters and Margaret Smith; stepchildren J.D., Bob, Heather, Elizabeth and Henry; 26 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held July 24 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Elizabeth “Betty” Pauls
Elizabeth “Betty” Pauls of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 27. She was born Apr. 21, 1923 to Henry and Elizabeth Unger in Slavgorod, Siberia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. At 10, she accepted the Lord; at 13, she was baptized and joined the MB church. She attended Bible school in Steinbach, Man. She married Henry Pauls Nov. 9, 1941 in Steinbach. They moved to Yarrow, B.C. in 1946, to a large dairy farm in Rosedale, B.C. in 1960 and to a smaller farm in Chilliwack, B.C. in 1967. They were deacons in Chilliwack Central MB Church for 17 years. She was committed to the Lord and served Him in many ways. In 1993 they retired to a condo in Abbotsford. She was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. Though ill, she cared for Henry, whose eyesight was failing. He died Aug. 11, 2000. She is mourned by children Henry of Fresno, Calif., Judy Kropp of Sherwood Park, Alta. and Lillian Thielmann and Dorothy Wiens, both of Mission, B.C.; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Art Isaac and Jay Neufeld ministering.
George A. Hipperson
George A. Hipperson passed away May 1. He was born Mar. 22, 1913 to William and Violet Hipperson in Ingersoll, Ont. The family returned to England during World War I while his father fought in the army. After the war, the family returned to Ingersoll. He used to fish on Sundays. After an elderly lady said he should be in church, he went to a Pentecostal church. He accepted Christ in his teens. At church, he met Marie Brunskill; they married June 21, 1939. In 1940 he joined the army and was stationed at Dundurn (Sask.) Military Reserve, while Marie worked in Saskatoon. After the war, they moved to Woodstock, Ont. He was shy but a hard worker. He worked most of his life for the Kirsch Company, which made curtain rods. He travelled to northern Ontario, Alberta, B.C., the Northwest Territories, Texas and Florida. His soft, friendly manner and kind words endeared him to many, especially children. In 1990 they moved to Pleasant Manor Retirement Village in Virgil, Ont. They joined Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on-the Lake, Ont. He was a willing volunteer at church and the Manor. In summer 2000 he fell while vacationing and broke his leg. That fall, they began attending Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil, joining in spring 2001. They regularly attended Monday evening hymn sings at the Manor. He is mourned by Marie; children Jackie Wynychuk of St. Catharines, Ont. and Judy Ashton of Welland, Ont.; 1 granddaughter; 1 great-granddaughter; and 2 brothers. The funeral was May 4 in Cornerstone Community Church, with Vic Loewen, Rudy Bartel, Tim Siemens and Helmut Koop ministering.
Katie Falk
Katie Falk of Winnipeg passed away July 16. She was born Sept. 9, 1909 to William and Aganetha Falk in Kronsweide, Russia, the youngest of 8 children. In 1923 she immigrated to Canada with her mother, 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, settling in Herbert, Sask. Here she continued her schooling and worked. She attended Herbert Bible School. She became a believer as a young girl, was baptized and joined the church. Throughout her life, she was committed to the church. She and her sister Margaret moved to Winnipeg in 1949, where she joined Elmwood MB Church. She was avidly interested in the world around her and in international, national and local news. She was fond of her nieces and nephews and their children, showering them with love. She loved to travel, visiting Europe, South America, Alaska and many Canadian destinations. She worked for 25 years at Universal Printers in Winnipeg. A favourite Scripture was Psalm 90:12. A recurring feature in her prayers, even in her final days, was a desire to serve the Lord faithfully. She lived her last 3 years at Donwood Personal Care Home. The funeral was July 20 in Elmwood MB Church, with Jacob Pauls ministering.
Samuel E. Buhler
Samuel E. Buhler of Saskatoon passed away Aug. 6. Born Aug. 8, 1914 to a large Mennonite family, he was raised on a homestead near Dalmeny, Sask., where he lived until retirement at age 68. His desire to provide for his family led him to work hard for long hours on the farm. He married Elsie Tieszen in 1942; they raised 3 children. They were devoted parents; their home was known for its warmth, hospitality and love of music. His strong faith in God, strength of character and love for his wife were proven during Elsie’s extended illness and death. Following retirement, he moved to Saskatoon. He married Annie Dyck, a long-time missionary to South America. They enjoyed 19 years together. He moved to Circle Drive Special Care Home 3 years ago. Throughout his life, he was an active member of his church and community, serving on numerous boards and committees. He was known for his insightful wisdom, gentle and kind spirit and strong faith in God. Predeceased by Elsie, he is mourned by Annie; children Sandra Loewen, Larry, and Sharlene Craig; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was Aug. 9 in Dalmeny Community Church, with Gary Sawatzky ministering.
Abram Henry Rempel
Abram Henry Rempel of Calgary passed away June 10. He was born July 8, 1920 to Henry H. and Maria Rempel in Orloff, Russia. The family came to Canada in 1926, settling in Winkler, Man. In 1936 they moved to Vauxhall, Alta. to farm. He accepted Christ at 16, was baptized by his father and joined Vauxhall MB Church. He served the Lord gladly. He attended Bible school in Vauxhall and La Glace, Alta. During World War II, he performed alternative service, then returned to Vauxhall and bought a farm. He married Catherine Esau May 5, 1946. They farmed in Vauxhall. In 1953 they moved to Calgary. They raised 6 children, 4 of whom were adopted. They loved children and opened their home to foster children for 13 years. He owned his own trucking business and worked in various warehouse positions. He was one of the founders and leaders of Highland MB Church, which formed in 1956. For 9 years, he was responsible for Gospel Light Mission in east Calgary, where he enjoyed counselling and encouraging the congregation. In retirement, he continued working in various positions. In 1989 they moved to Three Hills, Alta. They enjoyed fellowship at Linden (Alta.) MB Church. They returned to Calgary and Highland in 1992. He dedicated his life to others and encouraged and counselled many people. Predeceased by Catherine in 1997, a daughter, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, he is mourned by children Emily Klassen, Garry, Albert, Sharon and Doreen; 9 grandchildren; 6 sisters and 5 brothers. The funeral was June 14 in Highland MB Church, with Harry Heidebrecht ministering.
Elizabeth Mierau
Elizabeth Mierau (nee Klassen) of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 6. She was born Mar. 10, 1910 into a family of 8 sisters and 3 brothers in Gnadenheim, Siberia. She accepted Christ and was baptized July 27, 1924. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927. They lived in Winnipeg. She married Peter P. Dyck Aug. 15, 1937. They moved to Ontario; 4 sons were born to them. She supported Peter in various ventures, including onion farming and producing greenhouse crops and field tomatoes. In 1947 they moved to Arnold, B.C. She initiated many gatherings and picnics with extended family. When Peter began working with the CNR, she was left to run the farm and raise her sons for weeks at a time, but was positive and encouraging. She cooked, baked, weeded, chopped wood and milked cows to keep her family fed. She taught her sons the meaning of hard work and encouraged them to trust the Lord for every need. She enjoyed many friendships in the community. She loved singing and encouraged her sons’ musical pursuits. She knew many hymns by heart and could recall names, places, dates and numbers. In 1964 they moved to Vancouver. She eagerly anticipated family gatherings, prepared meals and never complained about the effort required. She was hospitable, loving and generous to her growing family. They moved to Clearbrook, B.C. Peter died unexpectedly Sept. 4, 1978. She married Henry Mierau Apr. 12, 1980; her family now included 4 more sons, their wives and children. She and Henry spent many years visiting and enjoying their family in Saskatchewan and B.C. She talked about her 8 sons and their families, praying for each individual with fervour and sensitivity. In March 2000, she suffered a heart attack; her health deteriorated. She was hospitalized July 5, 2001. She was humming a tune shortly before she died. Predeceased by her first husband Peter, she is mourned by her second husband Henry; sons Frank of Abbotsford, Rudy of Mission, B.C., Leonard of Ladner, B.C. and Ed of White Rock, B.C.; stepsons Alvin, Harold, Dan and Elmer; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was July 12 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Henry Thiessen and Jay Neufeld ministering.
James Edward Dirks
James Edward Dirks passed away July 13 of cancer. He was born Nov. 9, 1946 to Sylvester and Matilda Dirks in Lima, Peru. As a young lad, he trusted Jesus for salvation. He was baptized, joined the church and became involved in its life and ministry. He loved Peru and lived there most of his life. He operated a hostel and bought a farm and grew potatoes. More recently, he ran a restaurant in Cuzco. For many years, he worked with various agencies as an adventure tourist guide. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 1999. He moved to Vancouver for treatment. After 2 months in Vancouver General Hospital, he was transferred to a hospice in the city. His prolonged bout with cancer drew him back to God. He died at peace, assured of God’s mercy and salvation. Predeceased by his mother and a prematurely born sister, he is mourned by his wife Edilma; children Kalah and Saya from a previous marriage; his father and wife Nelly; 2 brothers and 5 sisters.
Peter Siebert
Peter Siebert of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 28 in Worthington Pavilion. He was born Feb. 1, 1925 to Peter and Suzanna Siebert in Aliessovo, Orenburg, Russia. In 1926 the family immigrated to Canada and bought a small farm in Coaldale, Alta. He left school after grade 7 to help on the farm. He attended Coaldale Bible School. There, he accepted Christ, based on John 3:16. He married Mary Martens May 2, 1948. They lived on an 80-acre farm near Coaldale. He enjoyed farming and did well at it. He enjoyed singing in church choirs and quartets. In 1959 they moved to Coaldale, where he served on the school board for several years and on town council for 9 years. He had a heart for missions. In 1972 they moved to B.C., where he was involved in real estate and later semi-retired. Predeceased by a brother and a sister, he is mourned by Mary; children Elsie Stanko, Frieda Isaak, Devra Funk, Norma Cornies, Dorothy Lister, Robert, Ruth Goyette and James; 21 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers and 6 sisters. The funeral was Aug. 1 in Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, with Ross Johnston and Henry Thiessen ministering.
Peter Teigrob
Peter Teigrob of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away July 11. He was born Nov. 18, 1905 to Heinrich and Katharina Teichroebe in Blumenort, Ukraine. After his father was killed by bandits in 1919, the family moved to Rueckenau, Ukraine. His sweetheart, Helen Hiebert of Rueckenau, fled with her family to Canada in 1925, and he followed them to Kitchener, Ont. They married in 1927. He did factory work. They then moved to Port Rowan, Ont. to begin farming. They were blessed with bountiful crops and a large family. In 1946 he accepted Christ, was baptized and joined Port Rowan MB Church. He became involved in various areas of service to God and the church, was treasurer for many years and sang in the male choir. They retired in 1969. Helen died in 1992. His last years were spent in Tabor Manor, St. Catharines. His health began to fail. Predeceased by Helen, he is mourned by his children Ralph of Port Rowan, Hilda Suderman of Port Rowan, Henry of Manitoba, Peter of B.C., Alice van Dyke of Alberta, Kate Knechtel of St. Williams, Ont., Ed of Port Rowan, Dave of Saskatchewan, Helen Block of Alberta, Helmut of Port Rowan and Rose Teichrob of B.C.; 38 grandchildren and 68 great-grandchildren; The funeral was July 14 in Port Rowan MB Church, with Sandy Young and Abe Block ministering.
Beverly Hammond
Beverly Hammond of Port Rowan, Ont. passed away July 7. She was born Apr. 5, 1944 to Fred and Kathleen Mudford of Port Rowan. She accepted Christ as a child and, after some difficult years, recommitted her life to the Lord in 1967. She was a member of Port Rowan Community Church, and recently began attending Port Rowan MB Church. She had many jobs, including clerical and security work, self-employment, bus driving and receptionist work. Most important to her were her children and grandchildren; she gave much of herself to them and others. Her inner beauty was seen by others. She loved playing the piano and served the Lord faithfully, playing for choirs and other groups. She had a deep faith in her heavenly Father no matter how hard the circumstance. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1989; with surgery and chemotherapy, she was able to live a number of years in fairly good health. The cancer returned, and she again recovered. She married Bill Hammond Aug. 14, 1999. The cancer returned. Predeceased by her father and a granddaughter, she is mourned by Bill; children Jeff Neuman of Port Rowan, Charlotte Heinrichs of Port Rowan, Mark Neuman of St. Williams, Ont. and Chris Neuman of Long Point, Ont.; stepchildren Darlene Helmer, Danny, Brent, Brenda, Barb Muszik, James, Bonnie Varga and George; 9 grandchildren; 15 stepgrandchildren; her mother; and 3 brothers. The funeral was July 7 in Port Rowan MB Church, with Bill Wiebe and Ralph Teigrob ministering.
Peter Braun
Peter Braun of Virgil, Ont. passed away July 12. He was born Oct. 1, 1909 to Abram and Aganetha Braun in Einlage, Ukraine. He lost his father when he was 10. His mother was unable to provide for 7 children, and Peter was sent to a neighbouring village to work, but ran away because he was badly treated. His aunt Tina in Einlage took him in, where he worked for his food. In 1930 they relocated to higher ground due to flooding because of the construction of the Dneper Dam. He worked his way up to manager of the horse barn on a collective. Here he met widow Frieda Janzen, who was the bookkeeper. Their wedding plans were interrupted by the war; they married in Hunteburg, Germany in 1946. He became father to her 2 children. In 1948 they moved to Paraguay, where they both were baptized and enjoyed the freedom to worship with other believers. Two daughters were born. In 1956 they immigrated to Canada. He became a licensed plumber. They joined Virgil MB Church. He retired in 1975 and devoted much time to Bible study and prayer. He remained steadfast in his faith despite struggles and mounting health problems. He is mourned by children Franz, Helena Janzen, Elfrieda Wall and Hedwig Braun; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral was July 17 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with George Wichert and Victor Loewen ministering.
Hildigard Wichert
Hildigard Wichert of Virgil, Ont. passed away July 11. She was born Aug. 19, 1939 to Jacob and Tina Klassen in New Hamburg, Ont. She enjoyed a happy childhood as the eldest of 4 children. She learned to play piano as a young girl. She accepted Christ as a young girl and was later baptized in Kitchener (Ont.) MB Church. She attended Eden High School, where she met her future husband. She took a year of Bible school in Kitchener and then trained as an RN in Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital. She worked for hospitals in Winnipeg, Guelph, Ont. and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., finally retiring after working 13 years at Tabor Manor. She married Jacob Wichert of Virgil in 1961. They did many things together as a couple and family. She became an excellent pianist, accompanied soloists, groups and choirs, and played for countless weddings and funerals. She had an appreciation for beauty. Among many crafted articles, she made beautiful banners for Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil. After returning from a trip to Greece and Turkey in 2000, she experienced some abdominal discomfort. In spring 2001, cancer was diagnosed. She accepted this with grace and dignity. Predeceased by a brother, she is mourned by husband Jac; son Paul; daughters Kathy Braun and Christine; 4 grandchildren; her father; 1 sister and 1 brother. The funeral was held in Cornerstone Community Church, with Gus Quadrizius ministering.
George Warkentin
George Warkentin of Virgil, Ont. passed away June 2. He was born July 7, 1920 to Cornelius and Justina Warkentin in Lindenau, Ukraine. In the early 1930s the family moved to Tshongrau, Crimea, where there was more freedom. Here he attended school and later worked on a collective farm. In 1941 they were sent back to Molotschna, Ukraine. He married Mary Hubert Sept. 20, 1942. A few months after their first son was born, they moved to Poland, then Germany. He worked for various farmers. In 1948 they came to Whitewater, Man., where he worked on his aunt’s farm. In March 1949 they moved to Beamsville, Ont. He accepted Christ while in Germany and was baptized and joined Vineland (Ont.) MB Church in 1949. In 1950 they moved to Virgil, joining Virgil MB Church. Church was important to him. He was an usher for many years. He worked at General Motors 1952–1982. In 1986 he suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Florida. After several moves, they moved to a condo at Pleasant Manor. He had quadruple heart bypass surgery in 1990. Cancer was found in May 2000. He is remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is mourned by Mary; children Alfred, Trudy Hildebrand, George, and Elvira Goertz; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 1 sister. The funeral was June 6 in Cornerstone Community Church, Virgil, with George Wichert and Victor Loewen ministering.
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Last modified October 10, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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