Hanna Dirks
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hanna Dirks on January 31, 2026, at the age of 96 years.


She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Ed, her parents, all her siblings and granddaughter Catherine.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her large family; Children Gerald (Barb), Pam, Randy (Yvonne) and Nancy. She is also survived by her Grandchildren Garth (Adele), Leanne (Grant), John (Raelyn), Alicia, Brenda (Brett), Justin, Tony (Jenny), Tiffany (Kyle) and 20 great grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves to mourn her brothers-in-law Henry (Stella), Willie (Mary), and sister-in-law Clara.


Mom’s passion in life was working side by side with her husband on the farm, raising her children, growing a huge garden and generally taking great pride in her family. Mom and Dad moved from the farm in 1997 to Carman to retire and take life easier. The past 5 1/2 years mother has been under the vigilant care of Tabor Home in Morden. She is at peace with the Lord and reunited with her Ed and her family. Safe in the Arms of Jesus. Mom, you are our sunshine.


Funeral service will be held from Carman Christian Fellowship on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Tabor Home or to a charity of one’s choice.

Cornie (CC) Thiessen
1929-2026
Father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend!


Cornie was born to Cornelius and Susanna Thiessen on March 21st, 1929 in the village of Schoenwiese Manitoba. Cornie left his earthly body and passed on to his eternal home in the early hours of January 31, 2026.


Cornie was the second oldest of five children of whom two, one sister and one brother passed on in early life. He attended elementary school in the village of Schoenwiese where he finished Grade 8. Dad enjoyed his childhood playing with his cousins and keeping an eye on a young girl named Helena Falk. Dad married the love of his life, Helena Falk on November 10th, 1951 with Bishop Johann Bueckert officiating. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage and were blessed with 4 sons and 4 daughters.


Dad was predeceased by mom in 2012, two daughters in infancy, Elaine and Viola, two sons, Vern accidentally in 2008 at the age of 38, Harv on December 9, 2025. Dad is survived by two sisters, two sister-in-laws, and one brother-in-law, two sons, Alvin (Carol), Gerald (Tina), and two daughters, Sylvia (Vic), Bev (Jackie) and daughter-in-law Helene, 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.


Dad accepted Christ at a young age and as he matured, his faith in Christ grew and became real to him. He was baptized June 15th, 1949 by Bishop Toews in the Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in Reinland.


Dad grew up farming and enjoyed life on the farm. He enjoyed helping others and was often found helping someone at the expense of his own crops. Helping others in need ultimately led to being called into ministry in the church. Dad continued farming during this time but his passion for walking with and serving others took priority.


In 1968 Dad & Mom were elected as Deacons and joined the Ministerial Team in the Blumenort Mennonite Church (BMC) in Rosetown. From there Dad became church council chair and then in 1975 Dad was ordained to the Ministry and installed as Leading minister at the BMC and served in this capacity for seven years. In each step Dad leaned heavily on the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.


In 1982 Dad resigned as leading minister but his passion for this ministry and devotion to God never wavered. In the early 1990’s following their move off the farm and into Winkler Dad led Bible studies at the Heritage High Rise and the Lion’s Manor. For a period of time Dad travelled to the EMM church in Altona to preach in their low German services. Dad would prepare his lessons in English, practice in low German, and on one occasion in particular there was a couple who only spoke high German so he switched to high German for that day. Dad often mentioned and gave credit to the Holy Spirit for giving him what he needed in those times.


From 1991-1993 Dad accepted the position of interim pastor at the Carman Mennonite Church travelling back and forth from Winkler.


Even though Dad’s preaching and teaching officially came to an end, on a personal level the desire to serve the Lord never left him. He used many opportunities to share his faith and his love for Christ! Even in his last years and days of being in care at Peter George Dyck Villages in Buhler and at Salem, Dad encouraged, prayed with and for the staff. His deepest desire was that no one should perish but all would come to know and accept His Lord and Saviour.


Dad studied the Bible faithfully and spent many hours in prayer. Regularly he prayed for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.


Dad’s biggest passion and deepest longing was that all of us would join him in eternity some day.


We want to express our thanks to the staff at Peter George Dyck Villages, and the staff at Salem for their deep love of and care for Dad. Thankyou to Wiebe’s funeral home for their compassionate care. Thankyou also to Randy Smart and Pastor Dean Huber for their care. Most of all we want to thank our God and give Him the honour and glory for the legacy and example Dad left for us. Until we meet again! Your loving family.

Lena Peters (nee Dyck) ObituaryOur Mom, Lena Peters (nee Dyck), was born on June 1, 1931 to Aron P and Lena Dyck on a farm 5 miles NW of Winkler, in the Zion school district. In 1940 they moved to the Burwalde District for the remaining years of her childhood. She had 2 sisters and 3 brothers of which she was the youngest. She grew up in a home where they loved the Lord.


Lena (Mom) was privileged to get her grade 10 education and then proceeded to Bible School in Winkler for 3 years.


Hard work was a big part of her life, both on the farm where she grew up, and later on a farm with her husband. She was not shy to get her hands dirty. Work was a part of survival and being grateful for what you have.


Sewing was one of her many ‘joys’ in life. When she was younger, she enjoyed cutting fabric into squares and sewing them into blankets. Later, she made clothes for herself, her family and others. She also sewed numerous wedding dresses including her own. Crocheting was another hobby. She made a variety of doilies and table runners. Many Christmas Shoe boxes also had toques and wash cloths made by her!


When she was a young teen, she committed her life to the Lord at a revival meeting with Rev Hoover at the old MB Church. She was baptized on confession of her faith, on September 9, 1945. She served in the MB church all her life, being involved in Bible Studies, Prayer Group, Special Music, Choir, Visitation, Mary Martha Fellowship, Music Ministry at Salem Home, Sunday School teacher and Hospitality. Wherever she was needed, she would lend a hand of service.


In the early 1950’s Lena was pursued by a young man named John. He knew her brothers and so found many opportunities to see her. They were married on September 13, 1953 and made a life together on the family farm 4 ½ miles North of Winkler. They welcomed 3 boys into their home – James in 1954, John (JC) in 1955 and Lawrence in 1959. Then in 1964 they were blessed with a girl – Dorothy…”finally someone to do the dishes”!


When she was just a young mom, in 1958, she lost her mom, who had been struggling with her health for several years. This was a significant loss for her.


John and Lena built their life together. It is very hard to separate them in memories. They farmed together, sang together, played games together, travelled together and did a lot of camping! Many of their friendships were strengthened around a campfire.


Mom was primarily a homemaker and mother. Before she was married, she did work one summer at an apiary near Myrtle. Then later, once we were pretty much grown, she worked at Salem home for 7 years as a housekeeper and then in the activity program.


They lived on the farm until 2003, when they moved to Lion’s Manor. It was a drastic move, from the farm to an apartment, but Mom always said she only wanted to move once. Lion’s was a great place for them. They forged many new and lasting friendships there. The amount of puzzles that were accomplished on the 5th floor common, was actually quite astounding. She was known for her serious puzzling skills!


In 2017, when Dad’s dementia increased, we had to move him to Salem Home. Mom was faithful to visit him regularly. She would give him a kiss when she greeted him and again when she had to say goodbye. That was a lot more sentimental demonstration than we every saw growing up as kids! It was touching. They were able to celebrate 66 years of marriage, before he passed away on June 19, 2020.


Although Mom’s body had been plagued with arthritis for years, she was a determined woman, living without homecare until she was 93. She became more fragile and unstable, causing us to hospitalize her in December of 2025. After just over 7 weeks, she passed away peacefully. Those 7 weeks seemed a bit of a roller coaster ride, but we had a number of what we would call “bonus days”, were we would see the ‘old MOM’ shining through.
While she was in hospital, one of the nurses had a conversation with her in which she said “fun and laughter – that’s me”! Her sense of humor and ready smile was there till the end.


Lena is predeceased by her husband John M Peters, parents, Aron and Lena Dyck, parents-in-law John J and Sarah Peters, sister Annie (Jake), sister Ruth, brother Aron (Anne), brother Henry, sister-in-law Susan, sister-in-law Betty (Jake), brother-in-law James.


She is survived by her children James (Charity) with Julie(Bryon) and Russ; JC (Lin) with JR (Tonille), Jeff (Karen) and Jenn (Zach); Lawrence (AJ) with Collin, Adam (Alexis) and Zach; Dorothy (Keith) with Derrick, Danny (Tom) and Jo (Cliff), 15 great-grandchildren, brother Frank, sister-in-law Evelyn, and brother-in-law Ron(Ginny).


We would like to thank the wonderful care of the staff at Boundary Trails Health Centre and especially the palliative care team. She was definitely cared for and she felt it. Every time they would walk into the room, her smile would be right there. She was grateful and she told them so all the time!

Abram "Abe" Giesbrecht ObituaryAbram "Abe" Giesbrecht, age 91, of Winkler, formerly of Plum Coulee and Gnadenthal, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 at the Carman Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his children Marge (John) Schapansky, Mary Martens, John (Deb) Giesbrecht, Tina Heide, Jake (Erna) Giesbrecht, Eva (Pete) Redekopp, Liesa (Pete) Fehr, Abe (Joyce) Giesbrecht and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Katherina in 2015. 


Abram (Abe) Giesbrecht Obituary
1934 ~ 2026
Peacefully on Wednesday January 28, 2026, Abe Giesbrecht aged 91 years of Plum Coulee, MB formerly of Gnadenthal went to be with his Lord and Saviour. He was admitted to Boundary Trails Health Centre on November 2, 2025, where he was put on oxygen to help with his breathing. On November 27, he was transferred to Carman Memorial Hospital where he stayed till his passing. With his labored breathing, he got so very tired.


A poem “GOD’S GARDEN” written by an unknown author explains our dad. “God must have looked around His garden and found an empty place. He looked down upon this earth and saw his tired face. So, He put His arms around him and lifted him to rest. He knew the pain that he was in, so He closed his tired eyes and whispered, “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.”


Dad was born July 30, 1934, to Jacob and Margaretha Giesbrecht in Mexico. He was baptized in June of 1955 upon the confession of his faith and married Katharina Guenther on July 17, 1955. In July of 1967, mom and dad made a choice to move to Canada to provide a better life for their family, and for that, we will be forever grateful! For a short while they lived in Winkler and then bought their first home in Schanzenfeld. From there, they moved to Gnadenthal until 1989 and retired to Plum Coulee. Dad moved to the Lions Manor in Winkler in April 2024.


Dad was a hard-working man; he welded for Prairie Cab for 20 plus years, which later became Jodale Perry. Together with mom and us children, he farmed milking cows, and raised pigs, chickens and sheep. Dad was always determined that we had enough hay on the farm to feed all the livestock for the winter.


Dad served the church as a song leader for over 30 years and felt called to serve as long as he possibly could. Dad together with mom also volunteered at Salem Home and other places for many years and visited shut ins and went to different places singing for the elderly.


In his retirement years, dad, together with mom, spent many days making homemade noodles and pies and then going to Farmers Market which they really enjoyed. They also made lots of perogies which they sold out of their home, and through that they made a lot of friends. It eventually got so busy that they had to give it up and sold the business which then became Rede Made Noodles. After mom passed away, he started a different hobby with matchstick puzzles and built some amazing structures which can be seen in the foyer. Dad had a little woodworking shop in Plum Coulee where he enjoyed making things for his children and for others. It was interesting what he all came up with.


He leaves to mourn his passing, his five daughters, three sons and their families: 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, one sister, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Katharina of 59 years, one daughter in infancy, one great grandson in infancy, 2 sons-in-law, his parents, 6 sisters and 4 brothers.


A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday February 2, 2026, at the Winkler Reinland Mennonite Church with interment at the Gnadenthal Cemetery. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at BTHC and the Carman Memorial Hospital, and the Home Care Staff for the excellent care that dad received. Also, want to thank Bishop David Penner, the song leaders, the pallbearers, serving ladies, ushers, family and friends for your prayers, visits, flowers, cards and food. Thank you to Wiebe Funeral Home for their service, compassion and care in planning the funeral. Thank you all so very much! – the Family.


Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler
In care of arrangements
wiebefuneralhomes.com




Donations in memory of Abram "Abe" Giesbrecht can be made to the Carman Memorial Hospital Palliative Unit.

Agatha Wall (née Funk)
Agatha Wall, aged 93, of Winkler, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Tabor Home in Morden. Born on August 20, 1932, in the RM of Morris to George and Anna Funk, Agatha grew up in the Grunthal area. After a brief period working in Winnipeg, she married the love of her life, Abe Wall, on May 17, 1953, in Plum Coulee. Together, they made their home in Winkler where they raised their family. Once her children were grown, Agatha enjoyed her time working at Hiway Shell, where she was a familiar face to many in the community.


Agatha was predeceased by her husband, Abe; her grandson, Mitchell Wall; her parents; and two brothers. She leaves to mourn her passing her three children: Gary Wall (Brenda) of Estevan, SK; Darlene Loewen of Winnipeg; Deborah Scott (Aaron) of Olathe, KS, as well as five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one sister.


A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Prior to the service, a private interment will take place at 1:00 PM at the Winkler Cemetery, where Agatha will be laid to rest alongside her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to the Tabor Care Home in memory of Agatha, as a thank you for the compassionate care she received.

Dora M. Borgen
March 5, 1929 — January 27, 2026
Langdon, ND

​Dora Borgen, 96, of Langdon, ND, passed away January 27, 2026, at Langdon Prairie Health in Langdon, ND.
Dora M. McLean was born March 5, 1929, in Byron Township to Hector and Alta (Nickerson) McLean. She grew up and attended school in the Hannah area. On July 10, 1946, Dora married Ralph Borgen in Crookston, MN. They made their home in the Hannah area and farmed before buying the Hannah Café and running that for a few years. In 1962, they moved to the home farm southeast of Hannah. After retiring from farming, Dora and Ralph continued living on the farm until moving to Langdon in 1990. After Ralph’s passing, Dora lived at Wheatland Estates and for a short time at Maple Manor Care Center.
Dora enjoyed having coffee with friends and golfing in the summers. She and Ralph spent over 39 winters in Texas. She always liked seeing and hearing about her family and stayed connected with her grandkids and great-grandchildren. Dora was a member of Rebekah Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary, and United Methodist Women.
Surviving Dora are her children: Kerwin (Flora) of Fargo, ND, Dennis (Maryl) of Langdon, and Judy (Arnold) Jordan of Langdon; grandchildren: Keri (Dustin), Lindsey, Chris (Missy), Mike, Noel, Josh (Jenn), Angie (Dustin), Jesse, Candace (Scott), Craig (Becky), Jacy (Tyler), and Wayne; and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ralph; son Richard; and siblings: Anita (Chester) Woodrow, Howard (Cathy) McLean, Richard (Donna) McLean, Wayne (Lorraine) McLean, and infant Darrell McLean.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at United Methodist Church in Langdon, ND, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the spring at Hannah Cemetery.

Obituary for Katherina Klassen


Katherina (Kathy) Klassen was born on April 11, 1929, to Abram and Susanah Klassen (nee Enns) in Neuanlage, Saskatchewan. She was baptized upon the confession of her faith on May 27, 1953. Kathy was peacefully called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the age of 96.


Kathy was predeceased by her brother John Klassen and sister-in-law Mary; sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and George Friesen, Judy Thompson, Susan and Abe Schellenberg, Anne and Joe Belton; one nephew, Andrew Belton; one niece, Avril Hughes; and one great-great-nephew, Ricky Unrau. She is survived by her sister Helen and husband Edward Hughes,10 nieces and nephews,28 great nieces and nephews, 46 great-great nieces and nephews and their families.


Kathy devoted many years of her life to teaching at Oak Hammock, Glenboro, Winnipeg, Osterwick, Lowe Farm, Winkler Elementary School and Jr Walkof School, retiring in 1988 and in 1994 she returned to do teacher evaluations. She embraced this calling with joy and a genuine love for her students. She strongly believed in the value of education and in building young minds, and she especially enjoyed inspiring her students to write poetry. Generations of children were shaped not only by her teaching, but by her compassion, encouragement, and sincere interest in her students lives. Kathy had a remarkable memory and, even in recent years, could recall specific students she taught long ago and share updates on what they were doing.


Kathy found great joy in tending her garden and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. She generously shared the fruits of her labor with family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes even strangers. She also loved traveling and experiencing new places, including trips to London, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Scotland and numerous U.S. states.


Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. Kathy trusted the Lord throughout her life, drawing strength and peace from God’s promises. She prayed faithfully for her family and spent many hours reading her Bible, which was evident in her well-worn copy. Kathy lived her faith quietly but steadfastly, offering love, generosity, and grace to all who knew her.


Kathy will be remembered as a loving sister and aunt, and a devoted schoolteacher whose life reflected faith, hope, and love. While she will be deeply missed, we are thankful for God’s faithfulness displayed throughout her life. We are grateful that Kathy slipped quietly from her sleep into the very presence of God. As Scripture reminds us, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” We take comfort in knowing she is now at rest, reunited with her Savior, and hearing the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”


The family extends heartfelt thanks to John (Charlie) and Sandra Braun for being such supportive neighbors, which allowed Kathy to remain in her home for as long as she did.


Thank you to:
• The Salem Home staff for their wonderful and patient care
• To all those who took part in the committal and funeral service.
• To New Style Catering for catering the lunch.
• To Wiebe Funeral Home for their kind and compassionate care.

Ronald E. Furstenau Sr.
August 18, 1937 — January 25, 2026
Hensel
Ronald E. Furstenau Sr., age 88, of rural Hensel, ND, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural St. Thomas, ND. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier.
Ronald was born August 18, 1937 in the family home in rural Hensel. He was the only child of Edward and Bernadette Furstenau. He grew up farming young and then became a farmer with his father.
On April 25, 1958, he married the love of his life, Patricia Jean Lesher in Hallock, MN. They were married for 50 years. Ron enjoyed his vacations, the fairs, the steam thresher shows and tractor pulls. He loved wrestling, doing puzzles, watching the cattle and enjoying time with his family.
Ronald is survived by his children: Melody Furstenau of Hensel, ND, Kelly (Debbie) Furstenau of Cavalier, ND, Kimberly (Larry) Ford of Jamestown, ND, Ronald Furstenau Jr. of Hensel, ND, and Lisa (Mitchell) Einarson of Cavalier, ND; his grandchildren: LaDawn Helgoe, William Helgoe Jr., Dirk Helgoe, Jonathon Einarson, Eric Ford and Michael Ford and his great-grandchildren: Jordan H., Brianna S., Ascenzo S., Andre S., Nariah L., Trenton S., Adrianna H., Addison H., Kade E., Hunter E., Krista D., Kenny J., Brysen D., Luca S., Samara N., Trenton N., and Asher S., along with one great-great-grandchild: Beckett B.

Arnold J. Barclay, age 95 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.
Arnold was born September 20, 1930, in Harriston Township, the son of Percy and Amelia (Mondry) Barclay. He attended public school in Minto, ND. He joined the Navy when he was 19 and served on the USS Cabot. He worked in the South Dakota gold mines, worked for the telephone company until July 1952 and was then called in for service a second time and was discharged May 1954. Upon returning from the service, Arnold met Mary Ann Thompson at a dance at the Pavilion in Minto. They were married November 7, 1954, in the Grafton Lutheran Church.
Arnold worked for Grafton Floral and a few farmers before buying and running the Minto Café until March 1960. He then was hired by Ida McCann to help farm her land and gradually took over her farming operation. He took great pride in farming, was hardworking and known for his meticulous farming practices and attention to detail. He passed his work ethic to his children throughout their growing years by having them help with butchering the chickens, making hay, tending to the cattle, pulling weeds in the beans and helping with the harvest every fall. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Minto and passed on the importance of going to church to his family. He was a member of the Forest River American Legion.
In their later years Arnold and Mary Ann spent 27 winters in Mesa, Arizona, where they met many new friends from all over the country. They cherished the time away from the cold weather and spending time with their snowbird friends. They also enjoyed having their kids take a break from the cold to come visit them at Trail Riders RV Park.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Ann, his children, Deb (Ed) Karas, Petersburg, ND; Sandy (Craig) Houska, Grafton, ND; Don (Susan) Barclay, Grafton, ND; Diane (Roger) Anderson, Grafton, ND; Amy (Jeff) Sobolik, Reynolds, ND; and JoEllen (Darren) Rohrich, West Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Brian (Samantha) Karas, Kelli Wixo, Jean (Derek) Schmidt, Cory (Mikki) Barclay, Laura (Bailey) Hermanson, Garrett Barclay (Megan Kalka), Briana (Thomas) Martens, Steve (Andria) Miller, David (Sara) Miller, Jeff (Cassidy) Miller, Kayla Barclay, Rebecca (John) Crooks, Amanda (Koby) Sway, Sarah (Alek) Berg, Adam Barclay (Larissa Larson), Aaron (Cori) Anderson, Jason Anderson, Lucas Sobolik (Erika Tinkham), Ben (Samantha) Sobolik, Rachel (Jerrod) Truax, Katie (Stephen) Butz, Isaac Rohrich and Emma Rohrich and 39 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Gary; son-in-law, Rande Miller; sisters and brothers-in-law, Claryce (Frank) Rose, Darlyne (Bob) Murray and Sharon (Bob) Mlcoch.
The family of Arnold would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff at Grafton Unity Hospital for the exceptional care and kindness they showed our family.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. at the Minto Community Center, Minto, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the community center. The funeral will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home website. Interment will be at the Minto City Cemetery, Minto, ND in the spring. Military Rites will be provided by the Forest River American Legion Post and the US Navy Funeral Honors.

Manuel Fast
August 15, 2006 - January 24, 2026


Manuel was a beloved son, brother, and uncle whose life was marked by courage, love, and faith. 


Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at just 18 months old, he faced his illness with quiet strength as his needs grew and he relied deeply on the care and support of his family.


Manuel confessed his faith and was baptized on May 5, 2024. In his final hours, he shared precious moments by speaking individually with each family member, leaving behind words and memories that will be forever treasured.


Though our hearts grieve his passing, we take comfort in knowing Manuel is now with the Lord—free from pain and suffering, resting in eternal peace. His life, love, and faith will remain with us always. 


Thank you for being here and holding our family close in love and prayer.