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FRANCES BARKMAN (nee Mooney)
Frances Mooney was born of Irish descent to William and Margaretha Mooney, June 28, 1917 in Lubbock, Texas. With her family, she moved to Kansas and then to Canada to the Clear Springs District. Frances was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite in Greenland, Man. by Minister F.C. Fricke, June 26, 1931. Her God and her church were very important to her.
Although afflicted with many difficulties over the course of her life, including cancer and heart failure, Mom was a lady of grace…always interested in others and drawing attention from herself. Mom loved life.
As Mom's health declined, it became necessary for her to move to the Maplewood Manor in Steinbach, but she was only there for three weeks as her health continued to fail. Mom passed into eternal life with Jesus in the early dawn hours, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004.
The family deeply appreciates all those who showed such compassion and love to her. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Duerksen, the staff at Bethesda Hospital, and more recently, Maplewood Manor.
Our mother was exceptionally gifted in each task she did. She learned to sew at a young age and continued through the years, sewing for others to supplement her income and then sewing draperies at Ray's Interiors for many years. She especially loved quilting and has left several pieces for us to cherish. Knitting and crocheting were also her favorite pastimes, knitting intricate baby blankets for her newborn grandchildren. She also lovingly prepared many, many meals for her family.
Mom enjoyed the outdoors immensely, spending many hours tending her flowerpots and garden. Just this summer she "just wanted to get her hands dirty." Indoors, her "too many" plants thrived under her tender care. They suffered much when she later could not look after them anymore.
Mom's home was the center of family life. No matter the season or the occasion, her home was alive with fun and festivity, family, friends, and her beloved grandchildren. Each one has special memories at "Grandma's house". Many cups of tea were also prepared for the many nieces and nephews who showed up at her door. No one ever left without feeling loved and special.
Mom enjoyed traveling (even if it was just a trip to Walmart or for coffee), and had always hoped to do more of it, so to fill the gap she kept travel magazines on the table to enjoy. One favorite trip was to Churchill, an endeavor she took on her own, traveling by train.
It is simply not possible to adequately describe such a full life in a few lines. Mom was proud of all her children and was devoted to all her grandchildren, who were the love of her life. She was a selfless caregiver and a loyal friend; she was loved by all. She was gifted with a great sense of humor and shared unique stories with many friends, young and old, chuckling at a good joke or favorite reminiscence. We will miss her gracious and loving ways and will cherish her in our hearts forever.
Those left to mourn are: her beloved children, Margaret Barkman of Steinbach, Man., Jim and Jackie Barkman of Oakville, Ont., Lloyd and Jane Barkman of Steinbach, Kathy and Bruce Wohlgemuth of Riding Mountain, Man.; seven precious grandchildren, Jeff (Carol) Wohlgemuth (two great-grandsons, Kelsey and Taylor), Lisa Wohlgemuth (fiance Chad Friesen), Richard Wohlgemuth, Russell Wohlgemuth, Kevin (special friend Dominique) Barkman, Trevor Barkman, Tanis Barkman (special friend Dean); one sister, Gladys and Dan Barkman of Giroux, Man.; five sisters-in-law, Mary Mooney of Steinbach and Lottie Mooney of White Rock, B.C.; Martha Wohlgemuth of Steinbach, Elda Barkman of Steinbach, and Mary-Anne Barkman of Roblin, Man.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Harold; her parents; two brothers, Isaac and William; three brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and a special nephew, Bill Barkman.
To honor her, contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, CE501, 840 Sherbrooke, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1S1, The Canadian Cancer Society, and the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Funeral service will take place from the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Sunday, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. Viewing will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, from 7 to 8 p.m.
The Family
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sobering Funeral Chapel, Beausejour, Man.
STEVE SYMBOL
After a lengthy illness as a result of emphysema, Friday, Oct. 29, 2004 at the Beausejour Hospital, Beausejour, Man., Steve Symbol, aged 80 years, beloved husband of the late Irene Symbol, formerly of Ostenfeld, Man., passed away.
He is survived by his children, Mark (Julie), Dale Werry (Robert); his grandchildren, Jodi, Nicholas, Brent (Colette), Brad (Sharese), Scott (Angela) and Sonya; as well as great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Serena, Ariana and Hailey. Steve also leaves his sister, Tina Steinke.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, and wife Irene in 1996.
Steve, along with his son and grandson, worked the family farm and it was his legacy to them. He loved his family and always made time for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were a source of pride for him.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life was held Monday, Nov. 1, 2004 at 1 p.m. from the Ostenfeld Lutheran Church, Ostenfeld, with Rev. Paul Gehrs officiating. Interment of his cremated remains will be in the Parish Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, Winnipeg, Man.
Russell's of Beausejour, Man. in care of arrangements.
DAVID E. PLETT
David E. Plett, age 86, of Steinbach, Man., passed away peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2005 at Bethesda Hospital, with family at his side.
He is survived by Helen, his beloved wife of 63 years; their two daughters, Irma (Ray) Remple of Steinbach and Brenda (Curt) Loewen of Steinbach; six sons, Larry (Mary) of Okotoks, Alta., Wayne (Liz) of Kola, Man., Wally (Ann) of Brandon, Man., Reynold (Eleanor) of Red Deer, Alta., Lyle (Bev) of Three Hills, Alta., and Barry (Laurel) of Steinbach; as well as 25 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three brothers and three sisters.
Dad lost his father at a very young age and has often voiced how he felt the great responsibility of keeping the family farm operational. It was during one of his many days spent out in the fields on the tractor that he committed his life to Christ, a commitment that was strong and unwavering till his last day here with us. Due to his strong faith and beliefs, he spent some time at a C.O. camp in Clear Lake, Man., where he developed some friendships that he still treasured.
Dad married Mom on Oct. 25, 1942. They were fortunate, with the help of an uncle, to purchase a small farm in the Landmark, Man. area, where together they worked tirelessly to create a comfortable life for their family, somehow still finding time for community involvement as a school trustee and teaching Sunday school.
He had a very big heart for missions, which eventually took them to Kola, Man., where he had an active role in establishing the church. As well as farming and raising eight children, he never missed a day driving the school bus and always attended the school board meetings as a trustee.
In 1969 Dad felt the Lord call him to Vanderhoof, B.C., to assist in church planting. He also worked full-time at the mill as operator of the Dry Kiln.
They returned to Manitoba in 1974, settling in Virden, where he was employed by Co-op as a fuel truck driver till his retirement at age 67. During this time he diligently served his Lord by ministering to the people at the Sioux Valley Reserve. As children and grandchildren, we have many fond memories of assisting him in his mission there. The grandchildren especially enjoyed going with Grandma and Grandpa to sing Sunday mornings, as they were sure to be taken out for lunch after.
One of Mom and Dad's greatest enjoyments during retirement was camping, which often took them to Alberta to visit the children, and also allowed them to make many new friends, which was never a chore for Dad. Dad developed a real love for sports, hockey in particular, especially when he could cheer on and support his grandsons at the game.
The past 10 years were spent in Steinbach near family and old friends. Many days were spent taking long drives on warm sunny days. His eternally optimistic and positive attitude and genuine love for people was evident every day of his life.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 5, 2 p.m., at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main St., Steinbach. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery.
We would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Horne and the staff at Bethesda Hospital for the excellent care Dad received.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Dad's memory to Evangelical Mennonite Conference Missions, 440 Main St.; Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z5.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
SUSAN HEINRICHS (nee Harder)
1927 - 2004
With sad hearts our family announces the passing of our wife, mother and grandmother, Susan Heinrichs. She passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2004 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She will be greatly missed by her loving husband Walter; her children, Sandi (Ed) Voth, Bob (Mavis) Heinrichs, Don (Jennifer) Heinrichs, Lynda Friesen, and Karen Heinrichs; grandchildren, Julie (Daniel), Kristie, Jeremiah, Samara, Skye, Joe, Matthew, Robyn, Mitchell, Carollyne, Sarah. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters and their families. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters, Mary and Agatha; and grandson Tommy.
Susan was born Nov. 25, 1927 in Niverville, Man. She grew up on the family farm in the Kleefeld, Man. area. She always maintained a close relationship with her brothers and sisters. She graduated from Winnipeg Bible Institute and then married Walter Heinrichs on June 13, 1953. God blessed them with being able to celebrate 50 years of marriage in June 2003.
Susan enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, dedicated to her family. Her interests included reading, puzzles, Scrabble, crossword puzzles, music, traveling and most recently knitting. At Turtle Mountain Bible Camp (Family Camp) she earned the title of "Scrabble Susie". We will all miss her calm, gentle nature and her quiet sense of humor.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Curtis Krahn, the dedicated nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital, the palliative care workers, Chaplain Larry Hirst, Pastor Ron Penner, and all those who visited.
In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made to Canadian Sunday School Mission, Manitoba Branch, 200 - 189 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, Man., R2L 1L7.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Sunday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., with a devotional at 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Monday, March 29, 1:30 p.m. Interment at Grunthal Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
NICK G. HIEBERT
Sunday, March 20, 2005, Nick G. Hiebert of Steinbach, Man., formerly of Imperial Beach, California, passed away at the age of 84 at the Grace General Hospital in Winnipeg, Man. Nick was born Sept. 21, 1920 in Chortitz (now Randolph), Man. He was predeceased by his wife Elsie in January 2003. He is survived by one daughter and four sons: Ruth (Bruce), Dan (Shirley), Allan (Sue), Larry, and Ron (Patty); and nine grandchildren.
The memorial service was held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Man., Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 2 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
BRIAN WAYNE CHAMBERS
Aug. 29, 1954 to March 17, 2005
It is with great sadness that we announce that Brian Chambers of Steinbach, Man. went home to be with the Lord following a short and brave battle with cancer.
Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Hilda Anne, daughter Jessica Marie, son Tyler Kenneth Scott, all of Steinbach, as well as son Devon Wayne and stepdaughter Tamara Marie of Taber, Alta. Brian is also survived by his parents, Don and Ida Chambers of Brandon, Man.; two sisters, Barb (Nigel) Packwood of Swan River, Man., Cathie Shaw of Whitehorse, Yukon; and brother Carl (Lois) of Winnipeg, Man.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen and George Kehler, Kathy Fehr of Steinbach, John and Mary Stahn, Neil and MaryAnne Fehr, and John and Heather Fehr of Mitchell, Man. Brian has many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles who will miss and remember him always.
A memorial service was held March 22 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Ash interment at Heritage Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Family Trust Fund set up at the Scotia Bank in Steinbach.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
ANNA LOEPPKY
Peacefully, June 25, 2003, at her residence in Bethesda Place, Anna Loeppky of New Bothwell, Man., passed away at the age of 73 years.
She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Jake T.; and her children, Lorna (Alvin) Friesen of Grunthal, Man., Gordon (Brigitte) of Kenora, Ont., and Deryk (Gillian) of New Bothwell. She was predeceased by three children.
Viewing will take place Saturday, June 28, 2003 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man., from 7-7:30 p.m., with a devotional to follow. The funeral service will be held Sunday, June 29, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, at 2:30 p.m., with interment to follow at Niverville Cemetery
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
JOHN P. FRIESEN
John P. Friesen, also known as "Champion", passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, at the Bethesda Hospital, June 15, 2003. He was born Feb. 25, 1920 at Kronsweide, Man. to Peter W. and Suzanna Friesen. He learned the blacksmith trade from his father at an early age. He was baptized upon confession of his faith and then attended the Elim Bible School for two years while in his early 20's. He was married to Mary Falk on June 27, 1948 and they were blessed with six daughters.
He was predeceased by his parents, five sisters and four brothers, his first wife Mary, and daughter Sarah Rachel.
He is survived by his loving wife Wilma, of almost 17 years; his daughters, Katy (Pete) Friesen of Wetaskiwin, Alta., Judith (Ben) Esau of Norval, Ont., Rebecca (J. Neil) Friesen of Steinbach, Man., Leah (Willie) Friesen of Grunthal, Man. and Eunice (Willie) Stewart of Winnipeg, Man.; 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He began his career with Johnny's Garage located in Lowe Farm, Man. In 1965 they moved to Grunthal, where he established his well-known business Champion Auto and Machine Shop, which was continuously active till 1997. It was there that he satisfied many customers and made countless friends.
His first wife predeceased him in 1981. He was married to Wilma Stobbe on June 9, 1986. In the interim, he filled his extra time by starting a mobile "brooms and brushes" sales business, which he used to distribute Back to the Bible Christian literature.
He went into semi-retirement after major surgery left him with some physical difficulties, but continued fashioning unique items out of metal and giving them away. His passions included garage sales and auction sales, at which he freely distributed Christian literature and Gideon testaments. Dad's somewhat dry humor was evident even in his last days.
He travelled to various countries, of which one of the most meaningful was the trip to the Holy Lands in 1973. The highlight of his summers, for the past 27 years, was going to the Manitoba Thresherman's Reunion in Austin, Man. It was here he managed the blacksmith shop and taught apprenticeship courses in forge welding to many young people.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 19, 2003, 2 p.m., at the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren Church, Grunthal, with viewing prior to the service. Interment in the Grunthal Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Gideons, Box 3619 Stn. Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9, also available at the church.
A special thank you to Dr. Mark Duerksen, Dr. David Horne and the nursing staff of Bethesda Hospital for their compassionate care.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
ABRAM H. NEUFELD
1916-2003
Peacefully, June 9, 2003, Abe Hiebert Neufeld passed away at Bethesda Hospital. He was born June 17, 1916 and was one week away from his 87th birthday.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 63 years, Margaret; children, Erna Hiebert, Harry (Shirley), Jake (Anne Marie), Dennis (Myrna), Shirley (Ernie) Poetker, Peter (Joy), John (Sandra), Doreen (Ken) Penner, and Elaine (Rick) Savoie; and "daughters-in-law", Grace Neufeld and Mary Neufeld. He will also be dearly missed by his 28 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
He also leaves to mourn his passing: sisters, Helen (Abe) Wiebe, Mary (Dick) Blatz; and brothers, Ed, Jake (Margaret) and Pete (Tina); sister-in-law Jessie Neufeld; and their families; brother-in-law Henry (Alvira) Funk; sisters-in-law, Helen Hiebert and Susie Funk of Paraguay, Mary Adamyk and Anne Funk.
He was predeceased by two sisters and a brother in infancy; son-in-law Dick; two brothers, John (Susie) and Henry; and sister Katherina.
Abe married Margaret Funk of Chortitz, Nov. 8, 1939. They began farming north of Mitchell in 1941. In 1974 they moved off the farm to a new house they built. They spent their retirement enjoying hobbies and taking trips. In 2000 they moved to Steinbach.
Visitation will take place Thursday, June 12, 7 to 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with a program to follow. The funeral service will be held Friday, June 13, 2003, 2 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Man., with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow at Randolph Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Bethesda Hospital Foundation, Box 939, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0 towards Palliative Care Furnishing.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. Kaethler and nurses at Bethesda Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
