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ELIZABETH KEHLER
1913 - 2003
Jan. 23, 2003, our dear grandmother, Elizabeth Kehler, went to be with her Lord and Saviour in heaven at the age of 89.
She was predeceased by her husband Jacob J. Kehler in 1982; her daughter Rosella in infancy; her son Denis in 1978; daughter-in-law Helen in 1983; and one granddaughter in infancy.
She is lovingly remembered by her six grandchildren: Diane and Eddy Funk, Don and Agnes Kehler, Darlene and Ed Reimer, Teresa St. Hilaire and Garry Falk, Darryl Kehler and Sherry Goertzen, Russel and Ann-Marie Kehler; and 18 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bethesda Place for their compassionate care during her time there.
The funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, Steinbach, Man. Interment in Memorial Cemetery.
Donations in Elizabeth Kehler's memory may be made to CMC Missions, Box 968, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
BRAEDEN RYAN HENDRIK THIESSEN
It is with great sadness that Riley and Nancy announce the passing of their little angel, Braeden. Braeden was born Dec. 29, 2002 in Winnipeg, Man., and passed away peacefully at the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alta., Jan. 18, 2003.
Braeden leaves to mourn his parents, Riley and Nancy; his big sister Katerina; grandparents, Herman and Arlene Ballast of Treherne, Man., grandparents, Gary and Linda Thiessen of Brooks, Alta., grandparents, Margaret and Fred Tabert of Drumheller, Alta., great-grandparents, Bob and Lily Duncan of Glenboro, great-grandparents, Frank and Martha Smith of Drumheller, great-grandma Ruth Smith of Tilley, Alta., great-grandma Margaret Thiessen of Medicine Hat, Alta.
The family of Braeden would like to thank Dr. Carol Schnieder, Dr Sani and all the nurses in Winnipeg, Dr. Van Arde, Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Campbell, Dr. Robertson and all the nurses in the NICU in Edmonton for the wonderful care of Braeden. All of you will always have a special place in all our hearts.
Pallbearers for Braeden were Grandpa Ballast, Grandpa Thiessen, Dan Ballast and Kirk Lamontgne.
Viewing was conducted from the Budz Funeral Chapel, Holland, Man., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 at 7 p.m.
Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Jim Haupt from the Treherne United Church, Treherne, Man., Friday, Jan. 24, 2003 at 2 p.m.
As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Braeden's memory to the Variety Children's Heart Centre, FE 241685 William Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2 or to the Treherne Kinsmen Club, Treherne, MB, R0G 2V0.
Online condolences can be made at www.budz.ca T.J. Burnett Budz Funeral Service of Holland in care of arrangements.
HELEN FRIESEN WIEBE (nee Wiens)
1915 - 2003
Mom was born Jan. 12, 1915, the daughter of Margaret (Sawatsky) and Peter H. Wiens of Barkfield, Man. As a young girl she and her brothers had to work hard digging out Seneca Roots.
Aug. 4, 1934 she married William T. Friesen, son of Agatha and Peter P. Friesen. They lived in their own house on their parents' farm. Their first few years were very tough, being the Depression Years. Dad cut cordwood and Mom spun wool on her spinning wheel. They also dug out and sold Seneca Roots and tried any other way to make ends meet.
In the 1940's and 50's they bought 160 acres of land in Pansy, Man. and farmed for a few years. This is where six of their seven children were born; only the youngest was born in a hospital. In 1957 they sold all their cattle and moved to Ontario, working in a canning factory. They only stayed for one season and then moved to the Bristol, Man. area. They did some farming again and then both started working at Friendly Family Farms in Steinbach, Man., where they stayed until they retired.
Retirement was filled with helping out their children whenever needed and spending priceless time with their grandchildren. Mom and Dad moved to Steinbach in 1983. They enjoyed going for coffee with friends, or if people stopped in for a visit they always had to have Faspa. If you didn't eat Faspa Mom was very hurt. She always had a big heart, helping anyone who needed it. We always knew she had a very big heart and the last six weeks have proved that she had a very strong heart.
Mom and Dad had seven children, Pete, Bill, Norman, George, Agatha, Cornie, and Bert.
She was predeceased by her husband William in 1989; her son Bill, also in 1989; one great-granddaughter Tiffany in 1991; one daughter-in-law Bertha in 1992; and one son Cornie in 1998; her parents; sisters, Margret and Susie; and brothers, Peter, George, Ed, Art and Tony.
In March of 1993 Mom married John Wiebe. They lived in Steinbach, did some traveling, went to Florida, Ontario and B.C. John passed away in October of 1998. Then in spring of 2000 she moved to Grunthal Menno Home. She enjoyed her neighbours and friends in the home and was always happy to see her family. She loved her family very much and was very proud of us all.
Feb. 13, 2002 Mom had her first stroke, but Mom being the feisty little granny that she was, would not let that stroke keep her down. With great determination and almost three months in the hospital she went back home for one more summer of visiting with her friends in Grunthal, Man. Then, Dec. 13 Mom had one more stroke from which she did not recover. Monday, Jan. 27 she very peacefully went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ for eternity in His arms; forever in our hearts.
Mom leaves to mourn her children: Pete and Helen Friesen of Grunthal, Mary and Dick Dyck of Grunthal, Norm and Lena Friesen of Grunthal, George and Lil Friesen of Pansy, Agatha and Bill Pries of Steinbach, Theresa Friesen of Grunthal, Bert and Mary Friesen of Pansy; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Richard and Mary Wiebe of Ontario, Jerry and Kathy Wiebe of Ontario, John Wiebe and Mary of B.C., David Wiebe and Kerri of Ontario; brothers: Dick and Therse Wiens, Walter Wiens and Elsie; sisters-in-law: Tina Wiens and Agatha Wiens.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, 2 p.m., at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, Grunthal. Interment in Grunthal Cemetery.
Donations in Helen's memory may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Suite 200; Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6
A special thanks to the staff at Bethesda Hospital. The doctors and nurses were very good to Mom. Also a thank you to Birchwood Funeral Chapel for all their help.
Arrangements entrusted to: Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
FLORENCE FRIESEN
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Florence Friesen passed away at the age of 54 years.
She is survived by four sisters: Linda of Elma, Man., Marlene (Stanley) Wiggers of Halstead, Kansas, Bernice of Steinbach, Man., Karen Martin of Fort Mackay, Alta.; two brothers Harry (Kathy) of Birnie, Man., Earl of Steinbach, Man.; one brother-in-law Danny Reimer of Steinbach; one sister-in-law Liana of New Bothwell, Man.; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Albert W. and Susanna Friesen.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 29, 2002 at 2:30 p.m. at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Steinbach with Ministers Ralph Toews, Lorne Toews, Linden Wohlgemuth officiating.
Interment followed in the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
ELISABETH (HARDER) FUNK
1917 - 2003
Peacefully, Dec. 31, 2002, with her family at her side, Mom went to be with the Lord at the age of 85.
She leaves to cherish her memory, four sons: Abe (Mary) of Grunthal, Man., Jacob (Ann) of Altona, Man., Neil (Grace) of Steinbach, Man., and Peter of Mitchell, Man.; five daughters: Mary (Cornie) Martens of Kleefeld, Man., Margaret (Ernie) Martens of Steinbach, Erna (Neil) Martens of Ste Anne, Man., Linda (Jerry) Thiessen of St. Germain, Man., Betty (David) Fehr of Kleefeld; 49 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, two sisters, four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.
She was predeceased by her husband, Peter J. R. Funk, in February of 2002, four brothers and four sisters.
Mom was born March 24, 1917 in the Silberfeld area. She was baptized upon confession of her faith on May 16, 1937 in the Chortitzer Conference. June 30, 1938 she married our Dad, with whom she shared the joys and sorrows of life for 63 years. Mom and Dad first lived in the Randolf area and then moved to Grunthal in 1951. In 1975 they moved to Mitchell, and then to Woodhaven Manor in 1997, where she lived until her passing.
Mom took great pride in her garden and flowers; her "green thumb" showed in her beautiful houseplants. Mom also enjoyed doing liquid embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and various sewing projects. Together Mom and Dad did a lot of woodworking projects as well. Their handiwork will be lovingly treasured by their children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad faithfully listened to the German radio ministries. Mom especially received a lot of encouragement and comfort from these programs after Dad's passing.
The funeral service was held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003 at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church. Interment at Heritage Cemetery.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to the nursing staff and doctors for the exceptional loving care given to Mom and to the family at the Bethesda Hospital.
Donations in Elisabeth's memory may be made to the CMC Radio Ministry, Box 968, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0.
"We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but look forward to meeting again in heaven to be with the Lord forever."
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
OPAL BELLE KEHLER (nee Polsom)
1925 - 2003
Opal Belle Kehler, recently of Mitchell, Man., went to be with her Lord on Jan. 1, 2003.
Opal was predeceased by her parents, George and Edith Polsom; husbands, Wilfred Leduc, John Whitmore, Herman Barkman and George Kehler. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Delbert, George and Gordon; as well as her sister Jean Kiel.
She is survived by her son Rene (Ramona) Leduc and their children, Elaine, Michael, Amanda and Justin; daughter Louise (Reg) Bradt and grandchildren Susan (Robert) Strate, Amos Bradt, and John (Jerilyn) Bradt and son Logan (great-grandchild). She is also survived by her sisters, Doreen (John) Polowyk, Edith Jahn, Josephine (Bob) Maclean; and brothers, Stanley (Donna), Ernest (Betty), Wally (Sharon), Victor (Sylvia) and Bob (Carol); and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step-daughters, Jean (Barry) Triffo, Sylvia Kehler, Connie Blackey and her children Alyssa and Stefany.
The funeral service was held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, with Pastor David Reimer officiating. Interment at Heritage Cemetery.
"Rest well Servant of God."
In Opal's memory, should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Shalom Building Fund, Box 778, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
AGANETHA (NETTIE) FAST (nee Plett)
It pleased our Lord Jesus to take our dear mother and grandmother to her eternal home on Jan. 5, 2003, on the 26th anniversary of her beloved husband's (Verner Fast's) funeral. Aganetha (Nettie) Plett was born Dec. 3, 1917 to her parents, the late Abram and Justina Plett, on her maternal grandparents' (Cornelius Unger) farmstead in the Rural Municipality of Hanover. Nettie was the oldest granddaughter of the Henry E. Plett and C.F. Unger families. She was also predeceased by her stepmother, her sister, four nephews and one niece, as well as numerous in-laws.
Mother is survived by: her daughter Wanda (Tim) Kretchmer of Blumenort, Man., grandchildren, Sonya (Greg) Siemens and Chad (fiancée Jolene Martens); son Lloyd of Steinbach, Man. area, grandchildren, Dawson, Mica (Curtis) Unger, Devery and great-granddaughter Ashlyn; son Rod (Liz) of Gardenton, Man., grandchildren, Leila and Dana, and Lucas and Matthew; and son Kevin of Steinbach, grandchildren, Kristopher and Kazz. Mom will be deeply missed.
Our mother grew up on her parents' farm in Greenland, Man. When Mom was only two years of age, her mother passed away. Her father then married Elizabeth Kornelsen. Mom was baptized upon the confession of her faith in July 1936 by Reverend Peter P. Reimer and became a member of the Kleine Gemeinde Church located one mile south of Blumenort. June 22, 1941, our mom married Verner Fast, with Reverend Peter D. Friesen officiating. Vern and his brother Cornie were the founders of Fast Brothers Road Construction, of which she kept the books for many years.
Our parents adopted four children whom they loved dearly. Mom tried to instil strong Biblical values in all her children and grandchildren by modeling a godly life, praying for them diligently, and loving each one unconditionally. Although the family dynamics were at times difficult, changing and complex, our mother continued to be 'Mom' to those who were no longer formal family members.
The church was a very important component of mom's life. She attended faithfully as long as her health allowed and was an active participant in numerous facets: teaching Sunday School, corresponding regularly with missionaries around the world, making patchwork quilts and blankets for MCC, as well as knitting scarves and toques for inner city children, to name a few. Her legacy as a prayer warrior is God's gift of grace to cherish and will never be forgotten.
Our mother's strong faith in Jesus carried her through much hardship and adversity. For most of her life she experienced good health and was a hard worker. She enjoyed handwork, gardening, cooking, sports, politics, reading and music. Mom moved into her apartment at Oakwood Place in June 1987. After her 80th birthday, her health deteriorated steadily and she had to be hospitalized on July 19, 2001 until she was placed in Rest Haven Nursing Home. As her health declined, Mom struggled in the transition of giving up many liberties and privileges to the point of becoming totally dependent on the assistance of others. Mom was a gentle and quiet spirit who, amidst struggles, persevered; being thankful for all the help she was given.
With her daughter by her side, Mom passed away at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, where she had been a resident for just over a year. The family sincerely thanks Dr. Mark Duerksen and the home care coordinators and workers who did what they could to meet Mom's needs while she still lived in Oakwood Place. The family is grateful to Drs. Krepart and Lotocki and the caring staff at CancerCare HSC, the EMS attendants who transferred Mom frequently to Winnipeg for her appointments, and more recently Dr. Curtis Krahn and the dear staff at Rest Haven for taking care of our mother with dignity, love and compassion.
The funeral service was held at Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church Jan. 8, 2003. Interment at Blumenort EMC Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evangelical Mennonite Conference Mission Fund, Box 1268, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0 or to the Rest Haven Nursing Home, 185 Woodhaven Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 1K7.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
TAMI RENÉE BUECKERT
Nov. 10, 1969 - Jan. 6, 2003
Changed residence to God's mansion. Tami leaves behind: her husband Carl; precious children, Chenoah, Josh, and Dawson; her beloved family: Dad and Mom Dan and Pat Harder, sisters Carrie (Stan) and children Sebastian (Zoe), and Jodi (Shaun) and children Gavin and Seth, Grandpa Reimer, Grandma Harder, numerous relatives and true friends.
Oh that I had wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
Far from the tempest and storm.
Psalm 55:6 and 8
The funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 10, 2003, 3 p.m., at Word of Life Mission Church, 233 3rd St. S., Niverville, MB. Interment at Hespeler Cemetery, Niverville, Man.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
WILLIAM MICHAEL STRYLYTSKI
1956 - 2003
Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep regret that we announce the passing of William (Willie) Michael Strylytski, Monday, Jan. 6, 2003 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., at the age of 46 years.
He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife of 12 years, Verna of Sundown, Man.; his mother Mary Skrumeda of West St. Paul, Man.; brother Larry (Suzie) Skrumeda; niece Stephanie of Winnipeg, Man.; Uncle Walter (Jean) Strylytski; Aunt Janet (Tony) Matiation; numerous relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his stepfather Morris Skrumeda in March 2001 and grandparents Tony and Valerie Strylytski.
Willie was born Sept. 8, 1956 in Winnipeg. His greatest achievements were owning and operating WS Trucking of Sundown, Man. He also enjoyed ice fishing and working in his shop on his numerous vehicles.
Viewing will take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, with a meditation at 7:45 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003, 10 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with Pastor David Loeppky officiating. His honorary pallbearers will be Val Strylytski and Warren Matiation. Pallbearers are: Terry Wilchuk, Hans Kolano, Leverne Edbom, Wally Strylytski, Frank Davies and Wes Strylytski. Interment to follow at Menisino Cemetery.
The family would sincerely like to thank Dr. Cristo Minnaar, Dr. Karen Toews, special friend nurse Jean, and all the other nurses of the Medicine Unit at Bethesda Hospital for all their kindnesses, love and compassion. We would also like to thank Pam a patient on Willie's ward, and all other friends and family for their love and support. A special thank you to John Fehr and wife Mathilda from Trucks Unlimited for their support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Willie's memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Division (for research), 193 Sherbrook Street; Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, or the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, (Manitoba Chapter), 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
