Mennonite
Historical
Society

of Alberta

GOERZEN , David D.

GOERZEN , David D. September 17, 1923 – March 24, 2009

David passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Sarcee Hospice, Calgary, Alberta. He leaves to mourn his passing his dearly beloved wife of more than fifty-seven years – Margaret (Nachtigal) Goerzen and his four children and their spouses – Marguerite Jack (Dan), Richard Goerzen (Esther), Robert Goerzen (Linda), and Leland Goerzen (Candace). He will be dearly missed by eleven grandchildren, four grandsons-in-law, one granddaughter-in-law, and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandchild. David was the eldest son of David Peter Goerzen and Susanna (Wiens) Goerzen (now deceased). He is survived by all nine of his brothers and sisters. He was born in the former Soviet Union (in the Caucasus region) in the Mennonite village of Kalantarowka, a place which was abandoned later as a result of the collectivization of farmland – a consequence of the Russian Revolution. He immigrated with his parents in 1925 along with the 22,000 Mennonites allowed into Canada as refugees in the 1920’s through the efforts of Mennonites already in Canada and the willingness of the government of William Lyon Mckenzie King. David was raised on a farm on the Rosebud River, performed alternative service as a conscientious objector to war during WWII, both as farm labour and as a construction worker in the Banff and Jasper National Parks, the latter included building “unawares” the largest prototype of Sir Winston Churchill’s top secret “Ship of Ice”. After the war he was involved in building houses in Calgary till 1950. David then bought a half-section of farmland and ultimately farmed where he was raised on the Rosebud between Crossfield and Acme till 1988. He was active in church and community affairs throughout his life and was well known for his energetic participation in building the institutions of the church and community. He continued to enjoy good health during his retirement years in Calgary – building toys and furniture in his woodworking shop; travelling to Paraguay, Israel, and Europe; the pleasures of being a grandfather and great-grandfather; and volunteering for MCC – especially the thrift store. Interment Services will be held at Bergthal Mennonite Church, Didsbury at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 30, 2009. A Memorial Service will be held at First Mennonite Church, 2600 Richmond Road S.W., Calgary, the same day at 3:00 p.m. A lunch (faspa) will follow.