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JOHN D. KEHLER
1921 - 2005
Our father and grandfather, John Kehler, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, April 17, 2005 at the age of 83.
John was predeceased by his wife Annie; parents, Gerhard U. and Katherina Kehler; and a brother, Abraham. He is survived by two brothers, George and Henry, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Left to mourn are four sons, Larry and Joan (Kevin and Jason); John; Elmer and Laureen (Erin and Jeremy); Les and Shannon (Scott and Ryan).
Dad was born April 30, 1921. He was baptized as a young adult at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Randolph, Man. He married Mom on Nov. 4, 1945 at Mom's parents' home in Niverville, Man. Dad was in trucking all of his life, first as the owner of Randolph Transfer, then with Bulk Milk Haulers, and finally as a long distance driver for Penner International.
One of Dad's greatest pleasures was woodworking. He spent many hours in his workshop, creating special treasures for his children and grandchildren. Dad was well known as "the Mr. Kehler who makes the deacon benches".
Dad had a passion for fishing. He loved the yearly fly-in trips with his sons and grandsons. Many hours were spent chasing the big one. Dad also had a passion for travel. He loved traveling with Mom, family and friends. Many countries were covered during their excursions.
The funeral service was held Thursday, April 21, 11 a.m., at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church. Interment at the Mitchell CMC Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Store, 409 Main St., Steinbach, Man., R5G 1Z6.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Reimer and the nurses at the Bethesda Hospital for their compassion and care; relatives and friends for their prayers and support; Birchwood Funeral Home for taking care of the arrangements.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
KATHERINE PENNER WIEBE
1906 - 2005
Peacefully, Katherine Wiebe went to be with her Lord, whom she loved and served.
Katherine lived her last years at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man.
She leaves to cherish her love and memory: two sons, Gladstone (Helen) Penner of Steinbach, Man. and Ronald (Gwen) Penner of Ferndale, Washington (State); two daughters, Rosemarie (Peter) Wiebe of Calgary, Alta. and Frieda (Henry) Wiebe of Edmonton, Alta.; 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. A.D. Penner of Steinbach, Man.
Katherine was predeceased by her first husband, Cornelius T. Penner, in 1968 and her second husband, William P. Wiebe, in 1990; her infant daughter Virginia in 1939; granddaughter Landis, daughter of Gladstone and Helen Penner, in 1954; granddaughter Cynthia, daughter of Peter and Rosemarie Wiebe, in 1961; foster son Frank Wall; and more recently, great-grandson Gregory Penner, 2002, son of Murray and Barb and grandson of Gladstone and Helen Penner.
We thank God for a mother who taught us by example to always be thankful and keep trusting the Lord.
We wish to thank the staff of Bethesda Place for the excellent care given to our mother, for Chaplain Larry Hirst for the spiritual care he gave her, also Dr. Reimer for the concern he showed for her health.
Funeral service will be held Friday, April 22, 2005, 1 p.m., at Steinbach Funeral Home, with viewing one hour prior to the service, with interment to follow at Memorial Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Back to the Bible Broadcast.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home, 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
AMANDA BARKMAN
Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Amanda Barkman, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years, Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, Man. She was born Dec. 6, 1911 to Peter G. and Katherine Toews at Greenland, Man. They moved to Steinbach when she was 11 years of age.
Mother gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on July 28, 1929 by Min. F.C. Fricke. To this promise she remained faithful until the end. She was marred to Peter F. Barkman on June 22, 1930 by Min. George F. Giesbrecht. They shared life's joys and sorrows for 54 years before Peter's death in 1984.
They spent their married life together in the house on 181 Hanover St. Mother had an exceptional zest for life. She enjoyed having coffee with her many friends. Mother took great pleasure in God's creation. She especially loved flowers and spent much time in her garden. Mother moved to the Valhaven Home, Abbotsford, B.C., in 1999, moving back in 2003 to spend her last years at home.
She loved and was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are children, Nancy and Leonard Barkman of Abbotsford, B.C., Donald and Sue Barkman, Roger and Marilyn Barkman of Steinbach, Kathy and Robert Froese of Winnipeg, Man.; 13 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elma (Mrs. Waldon Barkman) of Steinbach and Rosella (Mrs. Vernon Toews) of Abbotsford, B.C. She was predeceased by her husband in 1984, her parents, one brother, four sisters, and one great-grandchild.
The funeral service was held at the Church of God in Christ in Steinbach, Sunday, April 17. Interment at Memorial Cemetery, Steinbach.
The family wishes to thank the Maplewood Manor staff for the loving care they gave our mother.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
MARGARET KASDORF
Margaret was born to Heinrich and Maria Federau in Swistenov, Russia on July 20, 1917. As a young girl, her family, together with other families, started the new community of Shimanovka, near the Amor River neighboring China.
After having lived in Shimanovka for a number of years, the time had come for the whole community to leave the homeland and flee across the frozen river during an incredibly cold December night. The Lord protected them and eventually they arrived in Harbin, China. This was their home for the next four years.
The next move took them through the Middle East, through Europe, and eventually to South America in 1934. A large freight ship was their home for three months until they finally landed in southern Brazil. Hard work and perseverance in the jungle called for a constant song on their lips and hearts to make each day worthwhile.
In 1941, Margaret married John Kasdorf. After 30 years of mainly farming, the Kasdorfs, together with their five children, decided to immigrate to Niverville, Man. Farming continued to be a central part of this couple's life. After retirement, the couple moved to Winnipeg, Man. and enjoyed 10 years of a relatively healthy life. They celebrated their 64th anniversary on Feb. 12, 2005.
March 25, Margaret suffered a devastating stroke from which she never recovered. April 23, she went to be with her Lord and Saviour, in whom she had put her trust since the tender age of 14 while in China.
She was predeceased by two children who died in infancy. Left to mourn the loss is her husband John; children, Art and Ursula Boschmann of Winnipeg, Henry and Eileen of Steinbach, Man., Helmut and Elizabeth of Winnipeg, Dan and Linda Klippenstein of Niverville, Ewald and Debbie of Niverville; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was held at the North Kildonan M.B. Church, 1315 Gateway Road, Winnipeg, April 28, 2005, at 11 a.m. Interment followed at Hespeler Cemetery, Niverville.
DIEDRICH T. BLATZ
1928 - 2005
Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, Diedrich T. Blatz passed away at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., Sunday, April 24, 2005 at the age of 76 years.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Mary (nee Neufeld); four sons, Al and Mary, Larry and Marilyn, Jack and Elma, Corniel and Lorna; three daughters, Mariann and Roy Funk, Barb and Clarence Dyck, Carol Blatz; 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He also leaves four brothers, Andy and Lavone, Pete and Ann, John and Margaret, Cornie and Frieda; three sisters, Helen and George Funk, Mary and Dan Roberts, Tina and Richard Mobley; brother-in-law Fred Schalla; two sisters-in-law, Martie Hildebrand and Lana Blatz; Mary's family, the Neufelds; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Diedrich was predeceased by one daughter, Dorothy; three sons, Danny, Edwin and Dickie; two sisters, Nettie (in infancy) and Barbara; two brothers, Jake and Danny; and by his parents, Cornelius and Agatha Blatz.
Diedrich was born on the family homestead on Blatz Road, Dec. 14, 1928. He grew up working on the family farm and received his schooling just down the road at Rocky School.
Diedrich and Mary were married Oct. 28, 1951 and eventually settled down on the farm three miles south of Mitchell, Man. Here they farmed the land, operated a dairy farm and raised hogs. In 1957 Diedrich bought his first gravel truck and began the D T Blatz - General Hauling Company where he became well known in the sand and gravel industry.
In 1993 Diedrich and Mary semi-retired to Steinbach, Man., where he found it easy to pursue another of his hobbies - going for coffee and visiting with his many friends.
Diedrich will be remembered for his sense of humour, his love of a good cup of coffee, his expertise in genealogy and his keen interest in family history.
The family would like to thank those many friends, relatives and acquaintances who so often visited with him during the years he was ill. You may be unaware of how deeply your thoughtfulness touched him - it did.
Funeral services will be held at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover Street, Steinbach, Thursday, April 28, 2005 at 2 p.m, with Rev. Dan Warkentin officiating. Interment to follow at Randolph Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Association for Community Living, 39 5 Main St., Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z4.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
ORIGÈNE MORIN
Sept. 27, 1914 - April 22, 2005
Surrounded by his loving children, Origène Morin peacefully joined his wife, Lilia (Dornez) (1985), and his son, Georges (1989), Friday, April 22, 2005.
He was predeceased by nine siblings, Denis, Gérard, Albertine, Joseph, Phillip, Marie Anne, Elizabeth, Irène, and Louisa.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Simone, Georgette Lamoureux (Laurent), Norman (Terry), Donald (Melanie), Murielle Johnson (Charles), Gilles (Elaine), daughter-in-law Rita; grandchildren, Adam, Evan, Réjean, Justin, Celeste, Paul, Daniel, Jaymes, Shawn, Brandon, Crystal, Megan, Melissa, Victoria, and Tanner; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Brenton, Rhéanne, and Samuel. He is also survived by his two sisters, Yvonne Lanoix and Liliane Nault (Ted); as well as two brothers, Ted (Jackie) and Jean.
Having spent all of his working years on a dairy farm, Father loved fishing, hunting, camping - the outdoors. After his retirement he moved to Ste. Anne, Man., where he participated in curling and the Club Jovial. He was always proud to have served his country in the army and remained an active member of the Legion.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at the Villa Youville for their devotion and wonderful care. A special thank you to Sr. Irene Rioux, for her compassionate support.
A funeral mass was celebrated Tuesday, April 26, 2005, 2 p.m., at Ste. Anne Paroisse Catholique, 162 Central Ave., Ste. Anne, Man. Interment will follow in Ste. Anne Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Villa Youville's Activity Department, 15 chemin Charriere, Ste. Anne, MB, R5H 1C9.
Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery in care of arrangements.
GERTRUDE REIMER
Peacefully, April 19, 2005, at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gertrude Reimer, was taken from us to be with her Saviour.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her two sons, Ed and Betty, Dan and Martha; and six daughters, Mary and Alvin Suderman, Arlene and Melvin Barkman, Helen and Bert Dueck, Sara and John Plett, Adina and Wes Plett and Norma and Ed Klassen; 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two brothers, two sisters, and nine in-laws, besides numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband Peter, son-in-law Frank Braun, and two grandsons.
She was born Oct. 6, 1910 to John and Gertrude Friesen, grew up in Blumenort, Man., in a home where Christian values were held in high regard. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized into the Blumenort Kleinegemeinde (now EMC). She was married to Peter Reimer on Dec. 11, 1938 and eight children were added to this union. Their life of farming started in Landmark, Man., followed by a move to Fisher Branch, Man. in 1968. Mother was a hard worker and enjoyed life to the fullest. She was very involved with Dad in his farm work and also found time to enjoy her love of gardening, cooking, sewing, and sharing hospitality to people of all walks of life. Despite their busy activities, she did not neglect personal involvement in her children's lives.
After Dad suffered a massive stroke, she was his primary caregiver for eight years and did so without complaint. His illness eventually necessitated a move to Steinbach, Man., which forced them to live separately, with Dad being placed in a nursing home and Mom moving into an apartment. In 1991, Dad passed away, and in 2002 Mother's own health issues led to her move into the Rest haven Nursing Home.
Our mother was a very special part of our lives and we will miss her so much. She was the heart of our family! We will miss her phone calls, her encouraging words, the friendly greetings she had for us when we'd visit, and of course the Tim Horton's coffee times we shared together. We know she has been reunited with Dad and we are thankful that God has relieved her suffering. She has left her wheelchair behind and is now walking through the streets of gold in heaven. We are assured that we will one day be reunited with her.
We would like to express our deepest thanks to Dr. Gordon Dyck, the staff at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Pastor Barry Plett, the caregivers at Woodhaven, and all those who have touched her life in so many different ways. We know how much our dear mother would have expressed her thanks to you once more. Thank you!
The funeral service was held Saturday, April 23, 2005 at the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church, with interment at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Man.
NELLIE SMOOK
1906 - 2005
Peacefully, Nellie Smook passed away April 25, at the Repos Jolys Personal Care Home in St. Pierre, Man., at the age of 99 years.
Nellie is survived by three daughters, Mary Andrusyk, Olga (Steve) Kuska, Annie Dumanski; one daughter-in-law, Rosie Smook; seven grandchildren, Mary Ann (Ken) Chaboyer, Nancy (Victor) Bourgeois, Christine (Dick) Dupas, Harry Smook, Ron Andrusyk, Christine (Terry) Lee, Bruno (Loella) Kuska; nine great-grandchildren, Caroline, Jennifer, Dianne, Rosanne, Mike, Stephanie, Kevin, Janel, Stacie; and many friends, nieces and nephews.
Nellie is predeceased by her husband, Demytro Smook; her sons, Harry Smook RCAF 1945, William Smook; two brothers; one sister; two sons-in-law, Tony Dumanski and Harry Andrusyk.
Nellie enjoyed gardening; she loved flowers and was very involved with the church in her younger years.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 3, 10:30 a.m., at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rosa, Man. Prayers will be held Monday, May 2, 7 p.m., at Steinbach Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be the grandchildren, and Rev. Deacon Leon Twerdun is officiating.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Repos Jolys Personal Care Home, St. Pierre for their wonderful care of mother.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home, 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
JACOB L. KROEKER
1920 - 2005
Husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jacob Kroeker, passed away peacefully in his home, April 26, 2005, at the age of 85.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Jacob B. and Helena Kroeker; and son Peter in infancy. He is survived by his wife Elisabeth; nine children: Rosalind (Irvin Dueck), Laura (Al Friesen), Dennis (Janice), Erma, Dave (Agnes), Elda (John Enns), Ray Louella), Clarice (Roger Plett), Vern (Anne); 27 grandchildren, their families and foster son Kevin.
Dad was born Feb. 15, 1920 in Morris, Man. He married Mom on Dec. 6, 1942. Dad and Mom began farming in Rosenort, Man., and moved to Riverton, Man. as pioneers in 1952. They have spent their last five years in Steinbach, Man.
Dad loved spending time with family and friends. We will miss his prayer support and encouragement to keep following Christ.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 7 p.m. The funeral service will take place at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St, Steinbach, Sunday, May 1 at 2:30 p.m.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to Canadian LifeLight Ministries, Box 4904, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1R5.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ilchyna, nurses, homecare staff, and the many relatives and friends who faithfully visited him.
- The family
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
