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In this section:
Glenda Yvonne Sara Brown
Glenda Yvonne Sara Brown of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away July 31. She was born May 19, 1955 to Walter and Katherine Brown in Morden, Man. Early in life, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, and doctors said she wouldn’t live long. No surgery was done. She was easygoing and cheerful. She learned to walk at age 3. She accepted Christ at 5. At 5, she tripped and hurt her head, and was hospitalized in Winnipeg. She was not given much time to live. She was brought home unconscious but regained consciousness a week later when all the children at Sunday school were praying for her. She never walked again, but was able to speak and sing for many years. In 1970 the family moved to Abbotsford, where she attended Good Shepherd School and enjoyed life. In 1973 she went to live at Woodlands School in New Westminster, B.C. She moved to Fort Langley, B.C. in 1991, then to her own apartment in Abbotsford under the care of M.S.A. Society. She experienced many difficulties. She wished to be with Jesus every day and to make sure others knew the plan of salvation. Predeceased by her father in 1993, she is mourned by her mother and siblings Darlene, Dennis and Don. The memorial service was Aug. 7 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Lyndon Plett and Korky Neufeld ministering.
William Lenzmann
William Lenzmann of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 16. He was born June 7, 1911 to Hermann and Emma Lenzmann in Halbstadt, Molotschna, Russia. He had a brother and 2 sisters. His mother died when he was 10. His father married Marie Heinrichs, a widow with 4 children. The family immigrated to Kitchener, Ont. in 1924, then moved to Herschel, Sask. He attended school for a short time, then worked on the farm with his father. The family joined the MB church in Saskatoon, but worshipped in a small house fellowship. In 1943 he married Helen Wiebe of Saskatoon. They lived in Herschel for 3 years, then moved to Abbotsford to raise chickens and berries. They joined Clearbrook MB Church. They retired to Clearbrook in 1987. Helen died in 1994. His remaining years were lonely, but he was in close contact with his children. He moved to Tabor Manor, to Tabor Home and then to Menno Hospital, where he spent his last 3 weeks. Predeceased by Helen, 4 sisters and 1 brother, he is mourned by children Mary Brocke, Henry, Emma Krouzelka, Alvin, Susan and Martha; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 4 brothers. The memorial service was Aug. 24 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.
Susie Dyck
Susie Dyck of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 8. She was born Jan. 27, 1912 to Bernhard and Maria Giesbrecht in Hochfeld No. 5, Ekatrinoslav, Russia, the 3rd of 5 daughters. The family loved to sing accompanied by their father on guitar. Her mother died of typhus in 1919. Her father remarried and had 2 more daughters. The family made plans to immigrate to Canada, but her father died of blood poisoning; her stepmother did not pass the medical examination. The 5 sisters aged 5 to 16 immigrated to Canada in 1924. They were placed into different families and worked for them. They could seldom visit each other, and remembering the past was discouraged, causing many tears. She went to school for 4 years in Russia and 4 years in Canada but was unable to fulfill her dream to be a nurse or teacher. She asked God to give her a love for housework and make her a blessing to others. She got her first job as a nanny at 17 and began daywork in Saskatoon in 1933. In 1939 she moved to B.C., where she continued in this work. She married Peter Dyck in Vancouver June 28, 1942. They lived in Vancouver and were members of Vancouver MB Church until the mid-1980s. Their home was a haven for many nephews and nieces who came to Vancouver for school or work. Their basement suite became the home for John and Mary Plett and their daughters. Susie was a warm, giving person who loved children. She and Peter supported children overseas. She loved entertaining, cooking and baking. She enjoyed games. In 1986 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. They moved to Tabor Home in Abbotsford. After Peter’s death in September 2000, she moved to Menno Hospital. Predeceased by Peter and 2 sisters, she is mourned by John and Mary Plett, and sisters Katherine Martens and Mary Redekop, both of Herbert, Sask. The funeral was Aug. 13 at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Abbotsford.
Annie Gutwin
Annie Gutwin of Herbert, Sask. passed away Sept. 14. She was born Feb. 18, 1907 to Adam and Eva Wittman in Winnipeg. When she was young, her family moved to a farm near Rush Lake, Sask. In 1926 she married Nickolai Gutwin. After a few years on the farm, they moved to Herbert. They moved to Swift Current, Sask. in 1951. She moved to Herbert Heritage Manor in 1998 and to Herbert Nursing Home in October 2000. She loved and prayed for her family daily. She enjoyed house and yard work and loved flowers and going for walks. She was friendly and liked to visit neighbours. She was a member of Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current. Church fellowship was important to her. She enjoyed quilting with the ladies. She loved to sing right up to her last days. Predeceased by Nickolai in 1981 and sons Alvin in 1981, Marvin in 1987 and Glenn in 1988, she is mourned by daughter Doreen Klippenstein of Swift Current; sons Otto of Wiliston, Vt. and Denis of Nelson, B.C.; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Sept. 18 in Bridgeway Community Church, with Cliff Janzen ministering.
Randy Weber
Randy Weber of Edmonton passed away Sept. 8 at age 46, after a 3-year struggle with cancer. He was born in 1954 to Gord and Jeanne Weber in Orillia, Ont. He accepted Christ at 14, was baptized by Peter J. Klassen and joined Christian Fellowship Church near Orillia. He studied at Ontario Bible College in Toronto for 4 years, graduating with a B.S.M. He was involved in music and led choirs at his home church, as well as at Knox Presbyterian and Bayview Glen Alliance Churches in Toronto and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie, Ont. While at Barrie, he accepted a call to full-time ministry at Grant Memorial Baptist Church in Winnipeg, where he served for 11 years. He then was director of music and public ministries at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton for 9 years, completing his ministry July 15, 2001 when he became too weak to carry on. He loved exploring different ways to minister in music and drama, always striving to raise the bar for himself and others. He enjoyed discussing ideas with staff and friends over coffee. He wrote over 40 songs, and with Richard Craig in July 2001 released the CD The Journey. He was an adventurer and had many passions. He had a licence to glide and a pilot’s licence. He loved to sail with family and friends. He was energetic, creative and fun-loving. He intentionally wove his love for Christ into the fabric of each relationship. His purpose in life was described in his 1996 song “Press On”, based on his favourite Scripture, Philippians 3:7-14. He is mourned by his wife Gwen; daughters Roslyn, Mandie and Torey; his parents; and 3 sisters. A memorial service was held Sept. 13 at Beulah Alliance Church, with Keith Taylor ministering.
Arthur Murray Wilson
Arthur Murray Wilson of Regina passed away Aug. 28 at age 79. His parents were Gordon and Bereth Wilson. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Meyronne, Sask. As an adult, he returned to the farm and was active in the community, serving on local boards and as reeve of the municipality. In 1967 he moved to Regina, where he began a successful real estate career. He was president of the Regina Real Estate Association in 1986. He was committed to his family and his faith. He was an active member of Parliament Community Church in Regina and the Gideons. He is mourned by wife Dorothy of 49 years; daughters Donna Wintemute and Stacey; sons Blair, Kevin and Gavin; 11 grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Aug. 31 in Parliament Community Church, with Philip Gunther ministering.
Henry Bergen
Henry Bergen of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 24 of a heart attack. He was born June 25, 1920 to Jacob and Maria Bergen in Horndean, Man. He accepted Christ in 1939. His favourite Scriptures were John 3:16 and Hebrews 4:15-16. He attended Winkler (Man.) Bible School 1946–48 and was involved with Western Tract Mission. He came to B.C. in 1947. He married Pauline Stobbe May 22, 1948. He was baptized Aug. 8, 1948, joining South Abbotsford MB Church. He and Pauline sang duets and played guitar together, and later sang with their children, especially while they attended the County Line and Aldergrove MB churches. He and Pauline were librarians in East Aldergrove MB Church; he also taught Sunday school. In 1969 they joined Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford, where he sang with The Men of Song and the Jubilee Choir and, for the last 14 years, played guitar and harmonica in the Melody Ensemble orchestra. He was involved in various trades, including construction, cabinetry, farming and working for feed mills. His hobbies were reading, doing puzzles and listening to music and the radio. He volunteered at Helping Hands for many years. He loved the fellowship of the care group, Sunday school and New Horizons. He read many books on prophecy and the Lord’s return. Predeceased by infant son Dennis in 1963, he is mourned by Pauline; children Lydia Hamm, Gerald, Janice Slee, and Melvin; and 4 grandsons. The funeral was Oct. 2 in Central Heights MB Church, with Chris Douglas and Henry Wiebe ministering.
Madeline Ruth Kroeker
Madeline Ruth Kroeker of Winnipeg passed away Sept. 9. She was born June 30, 1919 in Sevastopol, south Russia. She was left without parents at an early age. She was brought to Canada by relatives in 1927 and welcomed into the family of Rev. Jacob P. and Helene Epp of Glenlea, Man. Proud of being a “chosen” child, she believed she had a head start in understanding we all are adopted by God. She married Walter Kroeker May 30, 1940. She supported his many business, church and personal pursuits. She shared his commitment to broadcasting and agriculture, and enjoyed the annual conventions of the National Religious Broadcasters in Washington and the Canadian Horticultural Council in Ottawa. Music was a vital part of her life. She followed the religious and classical music programs of Radio Southern Manitoba, with which she and Walter were closely involved. She was a strong supporter of Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and other musical efforts. She loved flowers and often grew the first tulips of spring and the last roses of summer. She was passionately interested in genealogies, found people fascinating, delighted in conversation on a wide range of topics and loved the church. She was baptized in her youth and was a long-time member of North End (now Elmwood) MB Church. Since Walter’s death a year earlier, she treasured the support of church, family and condo companions. She retained her good humour and enthusiasm for living and was prepared for life’s final step and joys still to come. She is mourned by children Marlyce Swinnerton, Wally, Allan and Randy; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 sister and 1 brother. The memorial service was Sept. 15 in Elmwood MB Church, with Keith Poysti ministering.
Nancy Marie Broers-Philip
Nancy Marie Broers-Philip of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 18. She was born Feb. 18, 1920 to Charles and Lela Williamson in Ottawa, Kan., the eldest of 4 children. The family attended a Free Methodist church. At revival meetings, she went forward at every altar call, asking for forgiveness. In her senior year of high school, she cried to God because of a series of lies. For the first time, she found assurance of her faith in Scripture. She enjoyed music and drama in high school; she played clarinet, saxophone and bassoon and was a drum majorette. She was the string bass player in the orchestra at Bible school. She attended Prairie Bible Institute, and her spiritual life flourished. She gave a year to missionary service in Venezuela. Health problems cut her term short, and she returned to Kansas. She married Wiley Glenn Broers Nov. 13, 1954, a union blessed with 2 children. He died suddenly following minor surgery. This was a difficult time for her. She moved to the city to be closer to her mother. Her compassion for single women was born at this time. She saw God as her provider and husband. She moved to Hillsboro and then Inman, Kan. to care for her father. She developed deep friendships with ladies at a Bible study she led. She moved to Alberta so her children could attend Prairie Bible Institute. She made many new friends through her love of writing and special way with words. She married Marshall Philip. She felt deeply about things – her own inadequacies, special friendships, her children’s successes, her desire for companionship and her need for a Saviour. The basis of her life was prayer. She instilled spiritual values in her children and grandchildren. She loved people, especially those hurting, had an open purse and heart, was transparent and warm, had a heart for God and desired that others might know Him. She suffered from arthritis and other health problems for several years. Predeceased by Wiley and Marshall and a brother, she is mourned by son Bill; daughter Bev Kirk; 9 grandchildren; and 2 sisters. The funeral was Sept. 21 in Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jay Neufeld, Eldon DeFehr and Dan Goldsmith ministering.
Henry Funk
Henry Funk of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Sept. 24 of cancer. He was born Oct. 18, 1931 to Johann and Elise Funk in Blumenort, Sask., the 6th of 9 children. His father was a preacher, and Bible reading and prayer were practised daily in the home. In 1940 the family moved to Elm Creek, Man. He was under deep conviction of sin, so he went to a summer camp run by Canadian Sunday School Mission. He recited 300 Bible verses, prayed with his counsellor and found forgiveness. At 14, he was baptized and joined Elm Creek MB Church. He studied at Winkler (Man.) Bible School 1952–55, then prepared for a teaching career by studying at the University of Manitoba. He taught 3 years in rural Manitoba. In 1960 he married Hedy Poetker, a teacher. They moved to Brandon, Man. to assist a church plant; he was involved in camp work, directed the choir and served as moderator. They served with MBMS International as teachers in a bilingual school in Cali, Colombia 1974–76. He was principal and Hedy a teacher at a private Christian school in Brandon for 3 years. He then entered the life insurance business. They moved to Abbotsford, where he served as stewardship representative in Alberta and B.C. for the Canadian MB Conference 1984–94. He and Hedy then served as church planters in Lithuania. In retirement, he continued to enjoy Sunday school, care groups, giving devotional messages and music ministry. He and Hedy sang duets together. His favourite pastime was golfing, which gave him unique opportunities to witness. He is mourned by Hedy; son Darrel; daughter Christal Zerr; and 9 grandchildren. The memorial service was Oct. 1 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Jacob Quiring and Chris Douglas ministering.
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Last modified November 21, 2001.
© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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