Agatha (Dyck) Buller Dec. 24, 1914–Aug. 6, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask. PARENTS: Jacob & Margaret Dyck; step-parents, Cornelius & Anna Enns MARRIAGE: William Buller, Nov. 28, 1943 [d.] CHURCH: Herbert (Sask.) MB FAMILY: children Marvin [d.] (Lucy), Lowell, Elaine (Walter); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 2 siblings
The death of Agatha’s father in a farming accident in 1915 and her mother to influenza in 1918 left the family orphaned. At 5, Agatha became part of Cornelius and Anna Enns’ warm home and family in Winkler, Man. After public school, Agatha helped her mother at home, developing skills as a seamstress, baker and cook. At 19, she gave God control of her life and was baptized. She frequently talked of her assurance that Christ was in her life. She was thankful for the opportunity to attend Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute for several winters. Her faith was evident throughout her life. After their wedding, Agatha and William moved to the Buller farm near Ernfold, Sask. They farmed at Flowing Well from 1949 until they left to pastor Meadow Lake (Sask.) MB Church in 1962. In 1972, they moved to Herbert, Sask., living in their own home until poor health forced William into long-term care. Agatha moved to the Herbert Heritage Manor in 2002 and to the Herbert and District Integrated Facility after an injury in 2013. Agatha was a devoted believer, a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a kindhearted friend. She was always interested in her family’s activities and prayed faithfully for them. Hospitable and generous in a quiet way, Agatha made friends of all ages.
Ruth Marie Janz May 22, 1927–Aug. 9, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask. PARENTS: David R. & Helen Ewert MARRIAGE: Waldemar Abram Janz, July 23, 1952 [d. 2011] BAPTISM: Swift Current Creek, Sask., 1944 CHURCH: Bethania MB, Turnhill, Man.; Main Centre MB; Bridgeway, Swift Current; West Portal, Saskatoon FAMILY: daughters Kathleen (Blake) Penson, Sandra (Leo) Derksen, Jeanette (Michael) Schroeder, Donna (Darrell) Schroeder, Sharon (Jeff) Jenkins; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters
Ruth played violin and piano, and she enjoyed singing with her dad, sister and friends. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School 3 years, graduating in 1947. Ruth loved her calling as a farmer’s wife, working side by side with Waldemar in Main Centre, Sask. She enjoyed being involved in church and taught Sunday school many years. She was active in the community: curling, picnicking, visiting friends. Ruth had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed serving guests, cooking, baking, crocheting, canning and gardening. In 1984, Ruth and Waldemar moved to Swift Current, Sask., but continued to farm for many years. In 2005, they moved to Saskatoon, where they attended West Portal Church and enjoyed being close to their children. After 58 years of marriage, Waldemar died. Ruth had a strong faith and a determination to regain her health, but God took her home.
Susie Wiens Feb. 15, 1922–Aug. 10, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Gnadenthal, Ukraine PARENTS: Jacob & Anna Loewen MARRIAGE: Peter Enns, May 1951 [d. Aug. 9, 1990]; Abe Wiens, Feb. 15, 2002 [d. Apr. 5, 2011] BAPTISM: 1936 CHURCH: Grantham (Ont.) MB FAMILY: children Violet (Peter) Tubb, Vic (Linda), Al (Elly), Annemarie Davis, Ed (Bert), Olive (Dan) Fast, Linda (David) Klassen, Wilfred [d.]; son-in-law Allen Davis; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; “adopted” children; 4 brothers
Susie was a storyteller. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Manitoba, a place of uncertainty and few amenities. In this soil, Susie’s faith was nurtured. She committed herself to following Christ in 1931. She completed 4 years of Bible school and returned to high school for Grade 11, so she could enter nurse’s training and prepare for missions. Her vision of a mission field changed when she married Peter, a widower with 1-year-old twins. Over 15 years, Susie and Peter farmed in Elm Creek, Man., adding 6 children to their family. In 1966, when the farm could no longer provide, they moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where Susie worked at Linhaven seniors’ home for 18 years. She earned her RNA certification and her driver’s licence, showing her children one is never too old to learn. Though her work often prevented her from attending worship services, Susie served her church, hosting visiting missionaries and students, attending ladies’ groups. After she retired, she taught Sunday school and became a deacon. The death of her son Wilfred in 1972 and of Peter in 1990 did not shake Susie’s faith. Her marriage to Abe Wiens on her 80th birthday gave her joy. Losing Abe, her health, her independence and her memory didn’t diminish her gratitude.
Jacob Dahl June 16, 1918–Aug. 21, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Kronswiede, Ukraine PARENTS: John & Anna (Peters) Dahl MARRIAGE: Helena Nightingale, Aug. 14, 1949 [d. Sept. 4, 2010] CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Dorothea (Jim), Charlotte (Lorne), Wes (Doreen); 9 grandchildren; 2 greatgranddaughters
Jacob’s family left the volatile situation in Ukraine in 1925 and immigrated to Canada, settling in Saskatchewan. Jacob had a passion for Jesus and his church, a love for people and a deep desire to serve. All who knew him loved and respected him. He had a sense of humour and a sparkle in his eyes.
Anneliese Jeske Aug. 19, 1937–Aug. 26, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Stolp, Germany PARENTS: Johann & Anna (Voth) Barwich MARRIAGE: Ben Jeske, Dec. 26, 1966 BAPTISM: Volendam, Paraguay, age 13 CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Ben; children Marvin (Tanya Robinson), Kevin (Glenda Laird), Lisa (Hans Dueck), Lynn (Judd Boxtart); 9 grandchildren; 2 sisters
Anneliese’s father was drafted at the beginning of WWII and only reunited with the family at the end of the war through the help of the Red Cross. Anneliese suffered deprivation and hardship, including a year in a TB sanatorium. After the war, her family settled in Cologne, Germany. When Stalin tried to repatriate all Russian-born German citizens, the family relocated to Paraguay under the auspices of MCC to escape deportation to Siberia. In 1954, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver, and later in Abbotsford, B.C. Anneliese completed high school in one year, skipping six grades, and earned her teaching certificate from University of B.C. She met Ben at a youth retreat. They served many times with MCC in Algeria, Kentucky, Haiti and Zaire. Anneliese was diagnosed in June 2014 with aggressive cancer.
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014
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