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PETER L. FRIESEN
Peacefully, Feb. 3, 2006, at the Red River Valley Lodge in Morris, Man., Peter L. Friesen, aged 93 years, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away.
Peter Loewen Friesen was born March 1, 1912 to David F. and Anna Friesen in the Rosenhoff/Morris area. His grade school education took place in Rosenhoff School. He completed grade 10 at MCI in 1935. An academic education was always important to him and he encouraged his children to pursue a good education before embarking on their careers.
Baptism, on his confession of faith, took place Aug. 9, 1931 by Bishop Jacob B. Kroeker. He was received into membership in the Kleine Gemeinde Church, which later became the Evangelical Mennonite Conference.
His first marriage, to Helen Dueck, took place June 5, 1938. Helen died in 1947, leaving Dad with their three daughters. Dad married Gertrude Dueck on July 4, 1948 and established their home on the Rosenhoff farmstead. This marriage was blessed with three daughters and two sons.
Dad was the oldest of a family of five brothers. He grew up on a grain farm, which also included cattle, and horses in which the family took great pride. Due to a childhood injury he walked with a limp all his life. A freak accident in 1992, at age 80, resulted in a break in his injured leg, which prompted him to use elbow crutches for several years before resorting to a wheelchair in 2000.
For a short time during his early-married life he managed the Altona Flour Mill in which his parents had a vested interest. He moved back to the Morris area and returned to grain farming with his brothers.
Driven by his strong faith, community and church involvement were important to him. He served as trustee on the local school board for 6 1/2 years, secretary treasurer of the Morris Trump Oil Company, and on the MCI Board. Deeply committed to his Christian faith, Dad was elected to the ministry of the Rosenort EMC in 1951. He was the secretary treasurer for the Mission Board of the EM Conference in its pioneer years (1953-1971), which included receipting and forwarding missionary allowances. In 1954 he was chosen as pastor of the Rosenort EMC and served in that capacity until 1974, performing and conducting numerous funerals, marriages and baptisms. Dad was elected as Moderator for the EM Conference for several terms. Following his retirement from pastoral duties, Dad and Mom were active participants in the coordination of the Golden Age program, with Dad taking meticulous care in recording and arranging visitation groups.
During these years of ministry he maintained his grain-farming career. In 1969 Mom and Dad established a fabric business. They operated Riverside Economy Shop for 27 years, until the doors closed in 1996. This venture extended their connections beyond the community and provided an opportunity to express their faith in honest business dealings with both wholesalers and customers. Establishing this business fulfilled a business interest for both of them and allowed them to work together. Dad finally retired at 84 years of age. Somehow he managed to balance ministry, farming and family life.
The Dad we as a family knew and loved was a thoughtful, considerate, kind, gentle and a soft-spoken man. He was very organized and a meticulous statistician. Although a man with unwavering principles, as children we sensed an openness and acceptance of new ideas. The trademark sparkle in his eyes demonstrated a quiet wit and sense of humor.
Peter L. Friesen will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gertie; five daughters: Dorothy and Menno Kroeker of Rosenort, Man., Alvira Friesen of Mexico, Diana and Wayne Fields of Winnipeg, Man., Donelda Friesen of Winnipeg, and Val and Alf Dyck of Winkler, Man.; two sons: Wes and Alvina Friesen of Rosenort and Stan Friesen of Morris, Man.; six grandchildren: Don Kroeker, David (Sheila) Kroeker, Leanne (Trevor) Olfert, Heidi (Bernard) Schellenberg, Amy (Eric) Unrau and Jillayne Friesen: four great-grandsons: Ethan and Tait Olfert, Liam Unrau and Kai Schellenberg; and one brother: Dave L. Friesen. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Anna Friesen; three brothers, Frank, Abe and John; a foster sister, Elsie Dyck; his first wife, Helen; and one daughter, Myrna Friesen.
Dad enjoyed good health most of his life. In the latter years mobility became more difficult, eventually necessitating the move to the Red River Valley Lodge on Dec. 23, 2004. As a family, we want to express sincere appreciation to the staff for their compassionate and loving care of our Dad.
He found inspiration in his favorite Bible verse, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." In dying, we know our father has been delivered into the full presence of the One, whom, having not seen, he loved.
The funeral service was held at the Rosenort EMC Feb. 8, 2006 with the interment at the church cemetery. The funeral arrangements were under the care of Morris Funeral Home.
MARGARET PAGE
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a dearly beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Feb. 9, 2006 at St. Boniface Hospital, at the young age of 63 years.
Left to mourn her passing are her children: son Kelly Dueck, daughter Jolene Dueck (Denis Tymofichuk) and granddaughter Samantha Tymofichuk.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, Peter K. and Susie Unger; sister Norma; brother Ernie; and special angel Robert.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the doctors and the staff at the hospital for all the wonderful care you have provided her in the last few months.
Service was held Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man. Ash burial at a later date.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Boniface Hospital, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
GARY (NEWFIE) MOORE
1954 —2006
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear "Newfie", Gary Moore, at his home on Feb. 1, 2006 at the age of 51.
Gary is survived by his partner, Elsie Yurechka of Wampum, Man.; his parents, Maxwell and Mary Moore; brother Maxwell Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth and Denise; their spouses and children of
Newfoundland; as well as his dear friends from coast to coast.
Gary was born July 26, 1954 in St. John's, Newfoundland. After a stint in the military, he settled in Winnipeg, Man. In 1999, he moved to Vassar, Man. as a business venture. The remainder of his joyful life was spent surrounded by the love and admiration of his Elsie and devoted friends on both sides of the border.
"Till We Meet Again"
Memorial service to be held at Vassar Hall, Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.
WILLIAM F. (BILL) FALK
1920 — 2006
William F. (Bill) Falk of Steinbach, Man., formerly of Altona, Man., passed away Feb. 19, 2006 at Rest Haven Nursing Home at the age of 85.
He is survived by six sisters, Susie Sawatsky of Winnipeg, Man., Sarah (John) Rempel of Ste. Anne, Man., Martha Voth of Altona, Mary (Larry) Neufeld of Winnipeg, Elizabeth Falk of Rosenfeld, Man., and Magdalene Redekop of Toronto, Ont.; two brothers, Peter F. (Tina) Falk of Winkler and Lowe Farm, Man., and John W. (Mary) Falk of Sundre, Alta.; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Kerry; one brother-in-law, Bill Stoesz; 35 nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Bishop William H. and Sara (nee Friesen) Falk; stepmother Elizabeth (nee Schellenberg); four siblings in infancy; brothers Dave and Henry; sister Justina; and nephew Darcy Dyck.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, 11 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach, Man., with viewing prior to the service. Interment at Heritage Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Rest Haven Foundation, 177 Woodhaven Ave.; Steinbach, MB, R5G 1K7.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
EDGAR KEHLER
Peacefully, after a long illness, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Edgar Kehler, passed away Feb. 17 at Bethesda Hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Helen; children, Terry (Jacqueline), Tim and Chris (Charis); and grandchildren, Cassandra, Julian, Hunter and Ty. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Ike) Giesbrecht of Winnipeg, Man., Betty (Gus) Dueck of Mitchell, Man., and Helen Hildebrandt of Steinbach, Man.; his brothers, Stan (Mary) of Mitchell, Ben (Martha) of Steinbach, Pete (Eva) of Steinbach, and Ernie of Calgary, Alta.; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Dave and Helen Kehler; his brothers, Dave, Henry and Jake; his sister-in-law Helen; and his brother-in-law Bill Hildebrandt.
Dad was born June 7, 1935 in the Steinbach area and grew up on the family farm. Many memories and stories were created there.
Dad was a dreamer, and in 1959, after working construction in Dryden, Ont. and saving a bit of money, he decided to start his own restaurant. He and Helen were married in 1963. They both attended Steinbach Mennonite Church and were baptized there. Dad loved the church and ushered there for about 20 years. They worked together with their sons in the restaurant for 40 years and made many friends.
Dad and Mom loved to watch the beautiful sunrises in the mornings before they started their day. Together, they marveled at God's handiwork in nature. As the kids were growing up they purchased a cabin at Falcon Lake and enjoyed their "little piece of heaven" every summer.
As the children got older and grandchildren started to appear, Dad showed other skills besides cooking. With time and a nurturing touch, he was able to turn his backyard into a child's paradise. There was a handcrafted wooden walkway leading through an enchanted forest, over a bridge, past some very life-like bears and at the very end stood a magical tree house just for you. The many types of flowers and the fishpond were a nice touch too!
When Dad retired in 1999, we all remembered the many wonderful years spent in his restaurant and how he could go out of his way to make a complete stranger feel right at home. Dad spent his retirement spending time with his wife, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying life through his grandchildren.
Dad's health started to fail over the last few years. He was diagnosed with Picks' Disease (The Long Goodbye) in fall 2004. He enjoyed all the many visits to him at home and in the hospital, and despite the illness, tried to make little pieces of his personality shine through.
Mom and the amazing staff at Bethesda Hospital always tried to give Dad the very best quality of life he could have. Thank you. The family would like to thank Dr Thiessen for his excellent care, very kind attention and the respect he showed Dad and the family during this difficult time. Special thanks to all those who came often, for your support and encouragement, and especially to those who helped walk Dad: Aunt Tina, Helga Froese, Tony and Eva Unger, Eric and Anne Froese, Stan and Mary Kehler and Henry and Erna Dueck.
The funeral was held Wednesday, Feb 22, 2006 at the Steinbach Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steinbach Mennonite Church Missions Fund or the Bethesda Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Chapel
5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
JOHN W. MARTENS
1918 — 2006
Peacefully, in his sleep, Feb. 21, 2006, John W. Martens, aged 87, passed away at his residence at the St. Pierre Nursing Home.
John leaves to mourn his wife Katherine of Niverville, Man.; four sons and two daughters: Ed (Tina), Irene Pauls (Dan), Walter (Sandra), Harold (Kathy), Art (Carol), Valerie; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, four brothers, one grandson and one granddaughter.
John was born July 9, 1918 in Warman, Sask. The majority of his working years were spent farming. He had various other jobs throughout his life, but farming was what he most enjoyed.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the doctors and staff at the St. Pierre Nursing Home for the wonderful care that our father received during his six years as a resident.
The funeral service will be held at the Fourth Avenue Bible Church, 62 4th Ave. S, Niverville, Friday, Feb. 24, 2006 at 10 a.m., with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Hespeler Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
DOROTHY PENNER JONES
Dorothy Penner Jones, age 75, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006 at the Victoria Hospital, Winnipeg, Man. She leaves to mourn her mother, Anna Penner, and Irene (Frank) Barkman, Caroll (Erwin) Kroeker, Eric Penner (Bev Funk) and Joyce Fink. She will also be sadly missed by Debbie, Cathie and Ingrid, and many other friends and members of the family.
She was predeceased by her father, Ben D. Penner, and two brothers, Wesley and Dennis.
Dorothy was an unselfish, caring person, phoning regularly to family and friends to be fully informed of their activities, joys and concerns. She made sure to attend family functions, enjoying these thoroughly.
The family expresses sincere thanks to the staff of the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home for the many years of care given to Dorothy. It was a place she called `home'. Many times she expressed appreciation for the kind assistance she received.
The funeral service was held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, Man., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mental Health Association, Winnipeg Region, 432 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1Y4.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
ESTHER PLETT
(as written by Esther)
I was born Sept. 27, 1935 in Blumenhof, Man., to Abram and Mary Friesen. We moved to Greenland, Man. in 1941 and this is where I started elementary school.
At the age of 10 I accepted Jesus as my personal Saviour and it has been a wonderful journey ever since. At the age of 11 we moved to Niagara Falls, Ont. for three years and then back to Blumenhof, where my dad purchased his father's farm.
At 16 I was the bridesmaid for my sister Rose and Edgar's wedding; Leonard was the best man. This is when the sparks between us started to fly. A few months later we started dating. I attended one year of Bible School in Saskatoon when I was 17. It was hard to leave Leonard and my newborn niece Sharon.
One year later, in September of 1954, Leonard and I got married. God blessed us with three wonderful children, Reginald Roy, Carol Grace and Kimberly Dawn. The Lord gave us seven wonderful grandchildren: Troy, Trevor, Tylor, Cherisse, Kyle, Jared and Carissa. They brought so much joy to my heart - playing with them and babysitting. I enjoyed many wonderful trips to beautiful places with my children and grandchildren.
I always loved gardening, canning and sending cards to family and friends.
Life wasn't always easy for me, especially when I lost my sight in 2002 and I could no longer read, drive or enjoy nature. I tried to accept it, knowing that one day I would clearly see again. This day has now come for me. Cancer took over and I am now where I always longed to be.
Esther passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2006 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., at the age of 70 years. The funeral service for Esther was held Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 at Southland Community Church in Steinbach, with interment at Heritage Cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
PETER PENNER
Peter Penner was born Dec. 6, 1947 in Steinbach, Man., to parents, Annie and Ben C. L. Penner of Blumenort, Man. He was the sixth child in a family of eight. He grew up on a dairy farm and he loved horses as well. He was the first one in his family to get his high school diploma and the first one to stay off the family farm and work elsewhere.
Dad was married to Mom, Lorna Janzen, on June 14, 1969. Shortly thereafter he started working at A.K. Penner & Sons in their Farm Services division and has been there ever since. His face behind the counter was one all farmers knew and respected. He was a fixture on the road, seen walking or cycling down the 311 to and from work twice a day for over 35 years.
Dad was famous for his many carpentry projects; making beds for his kids and bunk beds for his grandkids, birthday presents for his brothers and sisters, and Christmas presents for his nieces and nephews. He loved to help others, especially giving his brothers a hand on their farms, and helping his sons on their building projects. He never tired with the extra work and the many projects that he enjoyed. It usually made him feel better physically and mentally and he was insulted when people told him that he should be slowing down.
Dad also took great pride in serving his church and community, giving countless hours of his time. He was always the steady voice of reason, respected by all. He cared very deeply about his faith with Jesus Christ, never pushing it on anyone, but living by example and offering his advice whenever asked. He loved using his holidays at Eagle Lake Bible Camp whenever he had a chance, working as a counselor during his younger years and as a maintenance man later on.
Dad was called home very suddenly on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006 to be with his Lord and Saviour. His legacy will be left with his wife Lorna, and their children and grandchildren: daughter Roxane; sons, Rick and (Kristy), Cade, Rylan, and McKenna; Sheldon and (Melanie), Jasmin, Lia, and Serena; and Stuart and (Charis), Ella and Reese; his brothers and sisters: Bertha and (David) Plett, Leo and (Erma) Penner, Betty and (Leo) Plett, Lottie and (Menno) Reimer, Lillie Penner, Larry and (Eleanor) Penner, and Emily and (Donald) Fast; his sister-in-law Pat and (Wes) Plett, and brother-in-law Earl Janzen; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben C.L. and Annie Penner.
The funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, 2 p.m., at the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Blumenort EMC Eagle Lake Bible Camp.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
MARGARET THIESSEN
Margaret Reimer Thiessen, resident of Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man., passed away Feb. 21, 2006 at the age of 96.
She is survived by four children, one daughter-in-law and 15 grandchildren: Daniel of Steinbach and children Marge, Karen (Warren), Merrill, Jeremy; Loreena of Winnipeg, Man. and children Michael, Matthew; Alfrieda of Steinbach and children Jordan, Kara, Stephanie, Mary Jane; Paul and his wife Lois of Tin Burkina Faso and children Josiah, Ruth, Jonathon, Caleb, Sarah.
She was predeceased by her husband, Isaac Janzen Thiessen, in 1971; her daughter-in-law, Lottie Thiessen; and her son-in-law, Harold Fast.
The family is grateful to the staff at Rest Haven for their kindness and thoughtfulness in caring for our mother.
The funeral service will be held Monday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m. at the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church, with viewing prior to the service. Interment at the church cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Back to the Bible, 100 — 189 Henderson Hwy; Winnipeg, MB, R2L 1L7.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
