Mennonite
Historical
Society
of Alberta

  1. SUSANNE BUHLER

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    February 5, 1925 – Neuendorf, Ukraine
    November 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

    Susanne Buhler passed away peacefully on Friday, November 27, 2020 at the age of 95 years, after a short hospital stay. She made an impression wherever she went with her wonderful smile!

    Susanne is survived by her daughters, Ericka, and Elsie (Andy); her son Elston, grandsons, Ryan (Jessica), and Corey (Jeana); and her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Nixon, Hunter and Arielle; and many other relatives and wonderful friends she made throughout her life.
    Susanne was predeceased by her husband Abram, daughter Helga, son Edward, and brothers, Henry and John; they are all reunited in the arms of the Lord.

    Due to Covid restrictions, a small family Funeral Service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Susanne’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Calgary & Southern Alberta Chapter, 1130F – 44 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 4W6 Telephone: (403) 266-5295, www.cfcalgary.ca.

     

  2. Schellenberg, Gail

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    Obituary for Colleen Gail Schellenberg

    The life that was Colleen Gail Schellenberg is now ours to remember and celebrate. Gail was born in Calgary, Alberta to John and Ina (nee Hiebert) Schellenberg on November 25, 1957 and passed in Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 4, 2020. The Schellenberg family attended Foothills Mennonite Church and were very active in that faith community.

    Gail pursued post secondary education at Columbia Bible Institute in Clearbrook, BC, and later a teaching degree from the University of Manitoba. She taught at several religious private schools in Calgary, (Heritage Christian School, Menno Simons Christian School) and Kitchener (Rockway Mennonite Collegiate) before serving as principal at Westgate Mennonite Collegiate (Winnipeg) and later Rosthern Junior College (Rosthern). She returned to Winnipeg and became the administrator for IJC, Initiatives for Just Communities, where she worked until health issues intervened.

    Gail loved the prairies, poetry and her profession as an educator. The qualities that endeared her to family and friends she brought to her workplace. She was creative, independent, laughed often from her heart, and loved the students entrusted to her. She erred always on the side of giving second chances to kids first. She travelled widely in Central America, Europe, and China not so much as a tourist but as a keen observer of life. She was a small ‘g’ gardener, a voracious reader, a knitter, an outdoor music festival fan, and always on the lookout for a Christmas tree ornament as a gift for her many nieces and nephews.

    The gift of consciousness bestowed on us by the Divine has, wrapped at its core, the awareness of a limited warranty. How Gail chose to unwrap the gift was reflected in the decisions she made and the beautiful soul she possessed.

    She is survived by her mother Ina, sister Kim (Byron) and brothers Terry (Brenda), Craig (Patricia), Bob (Sandi), Jeff, brother-in-law Mike (Sylvia)

    and 17 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father John (2015), sister Karen (2002) and sister-in-law Ingrid (nee Janssen, 2015)

    At her request, there will be no funeral but private remembrances only. For those who wish, donations to the Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools, or Initiatives for Just Communities may be made.

  3. Baergen, Cornelius (Neil)

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    1931 – 2017

    Cornelius “Neil” Baergen passed into the presence of his Lord on Saturday, April 8th, 2017. Neil is survived by his wife Hilda; son Ralph (Jacque) and their daughters Caroline, Emily and Sarah; daughters Carolyn and Kathleen Baergen. He is also survived by his brother Jacob (Irene) Baergen and sister-in-law Katie Baergen. A memorial service will be held at CrossRoads Church, (SW corner of 32 St and highway 2), 38105 Range Road 275, Red Deer County, AB on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations may be directed to the Canadian Bible Society. Condolences to Neil’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net.

  4. Baergen, Jacob (Jake)

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    Jake passed away peacefully at home with his wife Irene at his side and his children present via Zoom. Jake will be remembered as a man with a strong faith that inspired him to take on whatever he sensed God was calling him to do. He will be missed by his wife of 62 years Irene, his son Bruce (Debbie), daughter Rhonda, daughter Sharlene (Steve), grandchildren Cara, Alyson (Aaron), Sean (Tiffanie), Larissa (Clemens), Charlie, David (Lisa) and 4 great grandchildren.

    There will be a celebration of life via Zoom. Contact family members or First Mennonite Church for details.

  5. Kasdorf, Henry

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    January 03, 1940 – April 29, 2020

    Henry Kasdorf of Rosemary, beloved husband of Laura Kasdorf, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 at the age of 80 years. Henry was born on January 3rd, 1940 in Rosemary to Dave and Helen Kasdorf. He spent most of his life in the Rosemary community farming, ranching and raising his family. Henry was an avid sportsman, who played hockey, curled, hunted, fished and loved travelling. He was very involved in the community and served on the Rosemary Community Lease Board for years. Henry organized bonspiels, was involved with 4H for eleven years, served on Town Council and shared many mornings with neighbors at the Rosemary Bakery. His biggest pride was his family. His wife, Laura and their three children will miss him dearly, son, Mark and his wife Krista and their children Miranda, Britney and Brandon; daughter, Brenda Kam and her husband Richard and their children Jordan (Jalaina and their son Waylon) and Jenna; son Jason and his wife Mercy and their daughter Michelle. Though we are grieving we have many happy memories. A private Family Committal Service will be held. Thanks to the Staff at Sunrise Gardens for their great care and kindness for the last 4 ½ years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Henry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Newell Food Grains Growing Project, Box 294, Rosemary, Alberta    T0J 2W0.

  6. Braun, Anne

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    Anna (Anne) Braun of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the age of 88 years.  Anne was born on January 3, 1932 at her parent’s home in Hussar, Alberta.  She was the youngest child born to Johann and Susanna Braun (nee Geddert).  In the winter of 1936, the Braun family moved from Hussar to Gem, Alberta.  Anne grew up on the family farm and attended Gem School.  At age 13, Anne became a Christian and was baptized in 1951 in the Gem Mennonite Brethren Church.  As a child, Anne suffered from a bone infection in her ankle.  As a result, she endured many surgeries and long hospital stays to correct the effects of the uneven growth in her leg.  She always walked with a slight limp and wore specially designed shoes with one heel being much higher than the other.  After completing high school, Anne moved to Calgary.  She attended Henderson Business College and secured a job at Ingram and Bell, a medical supply company for 11 years.  Later, she was hired as an accounting clerk by the Calgary District Hospital Group which included the Colonel Belcher, Holy Cross, and Rockyview Hospitals.  She worked there for 20 years before taking early retirement in 1993.  Anne enjoyed traveling and over the years she visited Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, California, and New York.  Many summers were spent at Fairmont Hot Springs, as well as visiting family and friends.  In addition to traveling, Anne’s leisure time was spent sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and crafting.  She was very talented and many friends and family received beautiful gifts from her handiwork.  She had a special place in her heart for Mennonite Central Committee and over the years sewed countless school kit bags and helped with making quilts for those in need.  She also spent many a happy hour engrossed in a good book or putting together a jigsaw puzzle.  Extended family was especially important to Anne and she was close to her nieces and nephews attending most of their graduations and weddings and delighting in each new baby that came into the family.  In 2005, Anne moved to Linden, Alberta, where she made many friends and especially enjoyed those who were part of the MCC quilt making gatherings.  In April of 2013, Anne moved to Newbrook Lodge in Brooks to be closer to family in the area and then to Sunrise Gardens.  Special thanks to all the staff at Sunrise Gardens for the kind and compassionate care shown to our Aunt Anne over the past 5 years.  Anne is predeceased by her parents, brother John and his wife Rose, sister Katherine and her husband Dave Klassen, brother Frank and his wife Agnes, 1 sister and 3 brothers in infancy, and nephew Gary Klassen.  Anne is survived by her brother Dirk and his wife Peggy, and nieces and nephews: Judy Steinke, Betty Wiehler, David Klassen, Susan Neufeld, Ralph Klassen, Janice Juneau, Erwin Braun, Ray Braun, Carol Reid, Harold Braun, Lorna Retzlaff, Gail Amendt, and Andrew Braun. A private Family Graveside will be held from the Gem Cemetery. Rev. Lorne Willms officiating.

  7. Neufeld, Anne (Kliewer)

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    ANNA NEUFELD

    Date: May 26th, 2020
    Service Location: A memorial service will be held on a later date.

    We regret to announce the passing of Anna Neufeld. She was born February 3, 1926 in Stirling, Alberta, and passed away on May 26, 2020 in Tofield, Alberta.

    Anna was predeceased by her loving husband Jacob K Neufeld; her son Donald; and her brother Abe. She is survived by son Ken (Lois); and daughter Betty; grandchildren Stacy (Kevin), Lisa (Joe) and Jennifer; great grandchildren Riley, Jason, Marcus, Harley and Jacob.

    Anna was very involved in the Tofield community, her church, and belonged to the Ketchimoot Creek Family Horse Club in her early years. Anyone who met her immediately felt her friendly and caring personality. Anna’s door was always open and the coffee was always on, and there was always a freezer full of homemade buns, bread, and delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.

    Raising miniature horses and taking part in the July 1st parade was a source of great pride for her and her husband Jake. She loved working at Busy Bee Thrift Shop and doing volunteer charity work. She felt that church, family, and faith were what was important throughout ones life.

    She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and community.

    Due to the Chief Medical Officer of Health restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at the Tofield Cemetery.

     

  9. Schmidt, Mary

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    MARY SCHMIDT

    Dec. 26, 1926 – April 8th, 2020

    Mary Schmidt (Toews)

    It is with both profound sadness and gratefulness for her love, that we the family of Mary Schmidt announce her passing on April 8, 2020 in Tofield, Alberta.

    Mom passed away peacefully after hearing the voices of her children and hearing many of the hymns she dearly loved.

    Mom is lovingly remembered by her 3 children and their families:

    Daughter Evelyn and Peter Bartel (Ryan and Erinne, Jasper & Kagan) (Mark and Lisa, Logan, Sydney & Justin)

    (Kenton and Sarah)

    Daughter Irene and Ken Froese (Nathan and Brieanne, Shaeley, Gavin and Avery) (Kerri and Trevor, Adam)

    (Karla Neufeld)

    (Nolan and Madison, Aubrey)

    Son Gordon and Monica. (Lauren and Justin Lungal, Walker & Dayton) (Jordyn and Miles Pennington, Cardin & Tayla)

    (Alayna) (Landon)

    She is also remembered by her special cousin Ann Neufeld.

    Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband David, brother and sister Abraham Toews and Sara Zweigert and step sister Lucy Benko.

    Mary was born in the Ukraine in 1926 and after living through many hardships of WWII, at the age of 21, mom was invited to Tofield, Alberta to be a “daughter” of her uncle and aunt Jacob and Elizabeth Kliewer. This wonderful relationship provided mom with roots in Canada, and she went on to study English, make friends and marry our dad. This security allowed her to flourish and enjoy life. The Schmidt family proved to be a large family who embraced her, and for this she was ever so grateful.

    Together, Mom and Dad farmed south of Tofield; this was an enjoyable career for them and proved to be a wonderful rural setting for our family.

    Mom devoted many years volunteering: selling Self Help goods for MCC, working at That Place, and sewing many blankets for MCC. These activities brought her much enjoyment and offered her the opportunity to “give back” to MCC – for it was from MCC that she received a care parcel while in Germany during WWII.

    After being separated from her family for 43 years, she was reunited with them after they immigrated from the Soviet Union to Germany. The four trips mom and dad made to Germany, allowed mom to reconnect and celebrate her family.

    Mom was fully devoted to our dad and our whole family where each new member of the family was celebrated and treasured. She considered her greatest joy to be her enduring and unfailing faith in God.

    Mom enjoyed good health and vitality her whole life. As her health waned, she appreciated the care and support she received at the Tofield Lodge, from Tofield Home Care and at the Tofield Long Term Care. We thank you for your kindness and exemplary care for mom.

    On April 11, 2020 we met over Zoom and with Rev Adam Hall leading, we remembered and celebrated the life and faith of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

    Interment of ashes will be at a future date when the family will gather to celebrate mom’s life. Donations would be gratefully accepted for MCC and the Tofield Handivan Society

  10. Dueck, Elvira

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    Elvira Dueck
    August 19, 1926 ~ January 4, 2019 (age 92)
    Mrs. Elvira Dueck of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. John J. Dueck, passed away tragically at her home on Friday, January 4, 2019, at the age of 92 years.
    Elvira was born in Grand Prairie, Alberta on August 19, 1926. While she was still young, the family moved to the Coaldale area and she attended school in Readymade. She advanced her education in Calgary where she received a teacher’s certificate, and then taught primary grades at Coaldale School until she married John on July 25, 1948. Together they raised their family and were a farming partnership until 1989. Upon retirement, John and Elvira moved to the town of Coaldale where she has resided ever since.
    Elvira is remembered for her unwavering faith in God, lived out in loving commitment to her husband, her children, her church and community. Over the years, she served in many capacities; in children’s programs and musical groups, on committees, volunteering for long-term residents at the Coaldale Health Centre or at the MCC store and offering gracious hospitality to friends and family whenever she could.
    She loved words and often read to others, wrote articles, translated documents from German or helped with others’ memoirs. Throughout the years, her family received hundreds of pithy letters; she loved to describe interesting encounters or highlights of the week and wanted to keep her large family connected to each other. After John died, the daily emails to her large clan included family anecdotes, important dates and bits of wisdom, always ending with an expression of love for her family.
    A fearless traveler, photos show her on the back of a camel in Egypt as well as on the back of a Norton motorbike on the farm. She noticed beauty, and her love of nature and adventure prompted excursions even up to 2018, around the countryside, to the mountains, to all the provinces, and even to other continents.
    She was an avid supporter of any sports team or performing arts event in which her family participated. Although she wasn’t shy about expressing her opinions, her consistent, deep love for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild was unquestioned.
    Elvira is survived by her children: Edgar (Ruth) Dueck, Art (Sharon) Dueck, Natalie (Harold) Warkentin, Alvin (Janet) Dueck, Marvin (Shannon Little) Dueck, Mona Dueck, Rod (Lisa Blue) Dueck, Renita (Bill) Hamm, Carl (Jennifer) Dueck and Emery (Sharon) Dueck, and 28 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
    Besides her husband of 62 years, Elvira was predeceased by a sister, a brother, and a beloved granddaughter Alexis Dueck.
    Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERIVEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
    A Celebration of Elvira’s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street Coaldale, Alberta, T1M 1G2.