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, despite the family’s financial struggles. In 1945, they bought a dairy farm in Chilliwack, B.C. Dorothy and her sisters Anita and Ruth did their share of milking. Saturday mornings were for German school, where her instructor Mr. Friesen led her to faith in Jesus. Dorothy grew in faith and life experiences, sometimes inching along; at others, by leaps and bounds; always, God’s grace was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Hebrews 13:21 was Dorothy’s baptismal challenge and ongoing desire. Dorothy and Dietrich married in June 1957, in Eden Mennonite Church, Chilliwack. They thanked God for many good years together as a family, which grew to include 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Their oldest child and only son Ken fell to his death at 21 in a climbing accident on Mount Seymour. Their son-in-law died in a farm accident, leaving their oldest daughter with 3 small children. These losses profoundly impacted Dorothy and Dietrich’s lives. The reality of Isaiah 40:31 was tested; as they waited, God supplied their needs. Psalm 46:1, inscribed on Ken’s grave marker, was their comfort in life and death. Dorothy found God gracious through 2 open-heart surgeries and Dietrich’s cancer operation. Forty years of pastoral ministry was both challenging and rewarding, the highlight being their work with Aussiedler in Berlin, Germany, from 1995 to 2000. Dorothy loved learning, praying, and sharing with Clearbrook MB Church. Gently and peacefully, Dorothy took her last breath on earth, Aug. 23, 2022, at 2:12 pm, after 42 days in Good Samaritan Deltaview in Jade Manor.
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