The oldest of 15 siblings, Pete lived with his family in Waldheim, Sask., and then Vauxhall, Alta., where he finished his schooling early to work with his dad on the…
Obituaries
John Martens was born in the village of Marienthal, Molotschna, Ukraine. He was the firstborn child of his parents. He lived in Marienthal until September 1943 when his family fled…
Jake was the second son born to John and Sarah (Unger) Janzen, his brother Ben being the eldest. Jake was born in Ignatyevo, Russia, Nov. 29, 1930. His mother always…
Jacob “Jake” Born of Abbotsford, B.C., died May 17, 2023, at 96. He is survived by his wife Hilda (nee Klassen) to whom he was married for nearly 70 years.…
Henry’s family were pioneer settlers on a 10-acre fruit farm in the Mennonite community in Niagara, Ont. His mother doted on her “sweet Heinz.” She sang her children to sleep.…
Jo’s early years were spent in Landmark, Schoenwiese, and Blumenfeld, Man., where her father taught school. When she was 12, the family moved to B.C.’s Fraser Valley. She met the…
Renate Clara Ruppert was born on August 20, 1923, in Slawgorod, Siberia, to David and Sarah Penner. In 1929 the family traveled to Moscow in an effort to leave Russia.…
Ernst’s family lived under the Soviet regime until 1941, often going cold and hungry. His father assisted the German Army as translator; they moved often. Ernst was known for getting…
Dorothy’s parents emigrated from Ukraine to Dundurn, Sask., in 1924, and in 1937, welcomed Dorothy, the youngest of 4 (including Henry who died in infancy). Dorothy’s early years were carefree,…
Lillian died peacefully at Freeport Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, to be with her Lord and Saviour. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Lillian was predeceased by her…
Elvira’s was one of the first Mennonite families to farm in Yarrow’s reclaimed lakebed. Before she entered Kindergarten, the doctor discovered she had a weak heart (probably from rheumatic fever)…
Hildegard was a well-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her tenacity, innovation, and engagement with her family, community, and God. She grew up in the Mennonite community of North…
Margarita (Rita) lost her mother Dec. 29, 1929. Her father married Rita’s mother’s twin sister, Tina Apr. 6, 1930. The Russians sent Rita’s father to Siberia in September 1941, never…
Henry moved with his family from Coaldale, Alta., to Chilliwack, B.C. As a young adult, he moved to Vancouver. Henry worked in a logging camp and several sawmills before becoming…
Helen was the youngest of 7 children born to Peter and Marie Heide. The family moved from Manitoba to B.C.’s Mt. Lehman area shortly afterward. Helen married John Ratzlaff Aug.…