Memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday October 7, 2023 at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church with private family interment prior at the Winkler Cemetery. Viewing will be from 1PM-8PM on Friday at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler. Donations may be made in Cornie's memory to the Salem Foundation Inc.  ​

Funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday October 10, 2023 at Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden with interment to follow at the Winkler Cemetery. Viewing will be from 1PM-9PM on Monday at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler and prior to the service.

Peter I Friesen
1934 ~ 2023
 Peter Friesen (hardtop Pete) when someone asked "how are you" he'd say "I'm still breathing" On September 29, at 6:15 a m he breathed his last breath!
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his wife Margaret, his son Peter, his girls Debbie & Robert, Nancy and Lauren, Patti and Grant, Roma and Rob, 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter, he was predeceased by 1 grandson. He is survived by 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Pete graduated from high school and took one year of Normal school, he taught for 2 years, he was only 20 years old, I'd much rather be a farmer, okay, he helped his Dad on the family farm, took a drafting course one year, designed and built a small machine to shell sunflower seeds, started Northern Seeds, shelling, and selling the seeds. He bought 40 acres of land east of city limits and started Bonanza Growers, potatoes and some grain. In spring of 1971 he married Margaret Wall (Wieler) and adopted her 3 daughters. He designed, drew and had his dream home built on his 40 acres, later he bought more land, another 120 acres, he loved his lovely home, his family, and his work. Pete had allergies, spraying potatoes was very bad for his health but he kept on did not give up until the year where it all went wrong, the harvesting finished, the barn full of potatoes, they started to "rot!" The seed he bought was deceased, that was the end of farming for Pete! He tried some designing, a drill-fill but no-go! Okay then he started drafting and designing for Pete Friesen in Blumenfeld and later for Convey-all in Winkler until he retired at 65. He and Margaret took dancing lessons, old-time and pattern. He sold his land and kept his dream home, his yard was always very neat, they had family gatherings, the family had grown and there were a bunch of lovely grand children, Pete and Margaret remember their dancing lessons, for many years they danced the evenings away, we made many new friends and through some these we got acquainted with a wonderful new church. In 2012 we became members of the Philadelphia Church of God, Pete and I love this church, we are so blessed!

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church.  Viewing will be on Wednesday, October 4 from 1-6:00 p.m.  Interment prior to the service at Westridge Memorial Gardens at 1:00 p.m.   Memorial donations may be made to Epilepsy Canada  ​

Stephanie Joy Loewen was born to Roger and Judy Loewen on January 4, 2009, in Granby, Quebec.  She peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family, on September 27, 2023, in Fargo, North Dakota, at the age of fourteen years.


Stephanie grew up in Roxton Falls, Quebec, the middle child in a family of seven children.  She had a happy, active childhood.  She milked the cow, worked in the garden, and mowed the lawn.  She was eager to try anything new.  She loved her siblings dearly and always wanted their company during her work and play. One month ago, she moved with her family to Grafton, North Dakota, where she immediately immersed herself in a new environment and began making new friends.


Stephanie possessed a special talent for singing.  She began singing before she learned to talk.  She taught all her siblings to sing, and they would spontaneously burst into harmony many times throughout the day.  She continued singing through her cancer journey, finding courage and strength in song.


Stephanie made friends easily.  She was loyal and transparent, smiling and loving unconditionally.  She easily won the hearts of all she met, both young and old.  During her battle with cancer, she found ways to reach out and comfort others, especially other children who were in the same journey.


A year ago, Stephanie was first diagnosed with cancer, stage 4 lymphoma.  In the months that followed, she endured extended hospitalization, chemotherapy, and two bone marrow transplants. She repeatedly rallied against tremendous odds.  She chose to submit the uncertain future to God and faced each day with courage.   The cancer was partially controlled, and during the last few months, Stephanie once again felt healthy and well.  She became sick unexpectedly, and during the next few hours she was able to say goodbye to the family and assure them that she was ready for heaven.


Stephanie was a true child of God.  Her faith and determination were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.  She was baptized with a radiant face on August 20, 2023.


A special thanks to the medical staff who tenderly cared for Stephanie in Sherbrooke, Montreal, and Fargo.  Hundreds of compassionate doctors and nurses were her ministering angels to carry her through the darkest times, and she loved them all.


Stephanie leaves behind her parents, Roger and Judy; one big brother, Richie; five sisters, Rebekah, Jessica, Heidi, Emma, and Kristy; grandparents Gladwin and Pauline Loewen, and Kenneth and Marilyn Fricke; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

 Jeffrey L. Stark, 67, of Cavalier, ND passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at his childhood home in rural Cavalier, after a brief but courageous battle with esophageal cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He fought the good fight. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.
     Jeff was born October 4, 1955 at Cavalier, ND to Louis and Maida (Wallin) Stark. He grew up in the Cavalier area and graduated from Cavalier High School in 1973. Jeff attended NDSU-Bottineau, then returned to Cavalier and worked for various farmers. He worked for Warren Hartje Farms for 15 years, James Brown Farm for over 30 years until he “semi-retired.” Jeff came out of retirement and worked for Morrison Farms until his cancer diagnosis in 2022.
     On June 1, 1979, Jeff married the love of his life, Deborah McLeod in Cavalier. Together they shared life’s many adventures and raised three children, of which Jeff was so proud of and loved very much.
     He was a lifelong member of the United Lutheran Church, serving on church council and various committees. Jeff enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Other things he enjoyed were completing wood projects in his workshop, planting a large vegetable garden and sharing the surplus, and tending Deborah’s many beautiful flower gardens. Jeff was an avid jigsaw puzzler, loved to read, and work crosswords.
     Jeff is survived by his wife, Deborah, son, Brian (Chantel Miller), Fargo, ND, daughters, Katie Kline, Roseau, MN, and Sarah (Marcus) Lee, Grand Fork, ND. Jeff was “Papa” to seven beautiful granddaughters: Brianna, Natalie, Brooklyn, Greta, Elin, Marit and Ida and bonus grandchildren, Carson and Cambry Miller. He is also survived by his sister, Jodi Dub (Bob Mushitz), Grand Forks, ND, brothers and sisters-in-law: Arlene and Doug Herzog, Grand Forks, ND, Larry and Julie McLeod, Kingman, AZ, Kelly and Kris McLeod, Neche, ND, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
     Preceding him in death were his parents, mother and father-in-law, unborn infant, and brother-in- law, Allen McLeod.
     In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Growing Hope in Pembina County or the Cavalier Ambulance Service.

Marco Lynn Eklund, 67, passed away on September 25, 2023, after a two-year battle with liver cancer. Born to Robert and Dorothy (Thingelstad) Eklund, he was the third of four children and the only boy. He lived in Rugby, ND, and moved to Park River, ND in second grade. Marco "played" trombone in the school band, participated in basketball and football, was active in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Boy Scouts. He grew up helping his dad with handyman work, plumbing, and heating. Marco graduated from Walsh County Agricultural School, class of 1974, and worked for Polar Telephone prior to serving in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Glasgow, Scotland. He enjoyed his time in the Navy and attended NDSSS in Wahpeton upon his return. He married Tami Leith in 1979. They relocated to Walhalla, North Dakota, and established Bo-Mar Enterprises in 1979. Three children were born to the couple. Melissa, Calvin, and Riley were his pride and joy. Marco served as a plumbing and heating contractor for 22 years, designing and building their first house and later, a second house, in Walhalla. Marco was active in the Walhalla Lutheran church by serving on the church counsel, and a Sunday school teacher, as well as the Walhalla Fire Department and the Walhalla Park Board. 
Marco relocated to Fargo, North Dakota in 2001, and later to San Tan Valley, Arizona, where he established Eklund Plumbing in the Phoenix/Mesa metro area. He was proud that both of his sons would soon establish their own HVAC companies in the Phoenix/Mesa metro area, becoming the third generation in the family business. 
Marco had many interests, including hunting, snowmobiling, Sunday drives through the Pembina Gorge, ice fishing on Lake of the Woods, yard work, remodeling homes, and traveling to spend time with family and explore the areas where they lived. He instilled deep values into our lives. He took pride in teaching anyone who wanted to learn about home improvement projects, as well as sharing his faith with his children. He proved to be a good sounding-board for his kids and showed up for us with support and enthusiasm. His grandchildren gave him the nickname "Papa" and brought him to his first cherished school concerts, practices, games, and performances. Papa was impressed with their constant hard work, goal setting, and ability to establish friendships. His example of getting to know others, and how to treat one another is something that we value and pass on to others. No matter if it was a four-wheeler ride, a bike ride, swimming at a pool, a visit to a pretend fashion show, slurping down imaginary cups of coffee in an imaginary coffee shop with his granddaughters, hiking, fishing, or snowmobiling, or enjoying a sweet treat, Papa was excited to be with his grandkids! We secretly think that was all second nature to him because he was a big kid himself! He was a reliable and predictable force in our lives, and he was a big teddy bear that was more tender than he let on to the rest of the world.
Marco is survived by his three children, daughter, Melissa Eklund Johnson. Sons; Calvin (Kim) Eklund and Riley (Monica) Eklund, as well as his children’s mother, Tami Leith; and his grandchildren: Audrey, Camille, and Cecily Johnson, Blake Ernster, Lukas, and Jaxyn Eklund. Marco is survived by his sister Lorie Clemetson, Park River, ND; sister Deanna (John) Hogan, Cape Coral, FL; sister, Susie (Biff) Gentry, Warrensburg, MO; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert, and Dorothy Eklund; son-in-law, Rev. Justin Johnson; and grandson, Laurel Robert Johnson.
Marco, our fun-loving father, papa, dear brother, uncle, and friend-may peace be with you. You are dearly loved and will be greatly missed. He didn’t need to be perfect to be loved by us. We treasure the teasing and adventures we had with him. Despite the difficult times ahead, we will relish the wonderful times we shared together. In his loving memory, we will remember to chat with those we encounter, as a kind word can brighten someone's day.
A memorial service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Park River, North Dakota, on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. with an inurnment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, North Dakota. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Park River American Legion Post #147 and the US Naval Honor Guard.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday October 1, 2023 at the Winkler Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with interment to follow at the Rosenbach Cemetery. Viewing will be from 1PM-7PM on Saturday at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler and at the church prior to the service. Donations may be made in Elizabeth's memory to the BTHC Foundation designated to Palliative Care.

Elizabeth Sawatzky (nee Heinrichs)
1934 ~ 2023
 Elizabeth Sawatzky was born May 31, 1934 in Halbstadt, Manitoba to Johan and Aganetha Heinrichs, the 9th of 16 children. In 1949 her parents immigrated to Reinthal, Paraguay by ship. There, she met Erdman Sawatzky and was married to him December 16, 1956; 11 children followed, 10 of whom were born in Paraguay. In 1973 Mom and Dad moved back to Canada and settled in Winkler. With 10 kids at home Mom resumed her important role as homemaker.
She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Ed, her daughter, Maria in infancy, her parents and eight of her siblings. She is survived by 10 children, 32 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren:


Helen (John) Hildebrand - Cindy, Steven, James, and Calvin;
Sarah Penner - Virginia, Brittany, and Miranda;
Ben (Jorie) - Jackie, Brian, and Joral;
Phil (Judy) - Gustav, Alayna, and Natalie;
Pete - Meagan, Justin, Dale, and Kaitlin;
Ernie - Shania, Joshua, and Landon;
Ed (Rosella) - Kamryn, Kevin, and Terry;
Betty (Ray) Dyck - Matthew, Trevor, Chris, and Jeff;
Allan (Nicole) - Sean;
John - Marcus, Chloe, and Gage
Life in Paraguay was challenging at times, but Mom did a great job. Things got easier for her once they moved back to Canada. As the years went by, Dad developed some health challenges which eventually took him away from her in 2019. Mom was healthy for most of her life. In April 2022, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, but was blessed to not have pain with it. Over the last year and a half, her appetite gradually declined, and she was hospitalized July 13 this year, where she remained until her passing on September 26, 2023.

On September 23, 2023, our precious daughter, sister and aunt was taken to her eternal home in heaven.
She is remembered with much love by her parents Hank and Mary Kamminga and brothers Jeremy and Gaylene (Nathan, Joshua (Melissa Campbell), Brooklyn & Brandon VanderWoude, Rebekah, Samantha); Mike and Lil (Derik, Carter, Amie, Ember); Tyson and Tera (Leighton, Brandon, Roland, Elliot); Tobin and Rachel (Ryder, Jackson, Caden); James. She was predeceased by siblings Derek and Rachel in infancy.
Julie was born on December 16, 1988, in Carman, Manitoba. She attended Dufferin Christian School and thereafter participated in activities provided by Cornerstone Christian Care Society.  In June 2013 Julie became seriously ill and she has lived in Winnipeg since that time. She has had care from St. Amant Center for many years. For most of the past year she was able to enjoy living in her own home under the care of L’Avenir Cooperative.
Julie made friends wherever she lived. Her smile could brighten any room.
We are very grateful for the countless people who provided medical care for her throughout her life.  We are also extremely indebted to the many people who loved her and supported her throughout her whole life.
Her funeral will be on Thursday September 28, 2023, at 1:00 in the Canadian Reformed Church Carman East.
Memorial donations can be made to L’Avenir Cooperative Inc. or Cornerstone Christian Care Society.