ABRAM J. (ABE) FROESE

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ABRAM J. (ABE) FROESE Abe Froese suddenly heard God called him to his Heavenly Home on the evening of April 18, 2006 one day prior to his 82 birthday. Abe leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Anita; daughter Eleanor (David) Gummer of Whitby, ON; son John (Jody) of Weyburn, SK; he also leaves his grandchildren, Marie Gummer of Cleveland Ohio and Regan, Cullen and Jaylene Froese of Weyburn, SK; five sisters and their families and many nieces, nephews and friends. Abe was predeceased by one son Dennis Robert, in infancy; his parents, Johann and Sara Froese; two brothers and three sisters. Abe was born April 19, 1924 in the Mennonite village of Schoeneberg, South Russia (now Ukraine). In latter months of 1929, his family began their journey to Canada, via Moscow and Hammerstein Germany. They arrived in Southern Manitoba in the spring of 1930. As a young boy, Abe enjoyed riding his horse to herd cows and earn some pocket change. Later he enjoyed sports, especially hockey and baseball. He completed elementary school in the local Rural School and often talked about those days. Two of his teachers are still living, Rev. Frank F. Enns and Mr. Ike Wiens. Later Abe took some course in agriculture, especially seed grading. These courses were helpful as he developed his seed grain and exporting business in later years. In 1947 he was baptized on confession of his faith and joined the Blumenort Mennonite Church where he served as usher for 40 years, as well as a member of the church council and building committee. Abe married the love of his life, Anita Epp on February 22, 1958. They made their home in the village of Rosetown west of Altona. Here their children were born and their business Evergreen Industries Ltd. developed. Abe loved travel and took many trips in connection with his business; we also took trips with our children to Florida and Hawaii. Life suddenly changed in 1982 when Abe underwent quintuple bi-pass surgery. His health and the economic down turn, took their toll and Abe had to give up his business and farm. We moved to Winnipeg in the spring of 1989. Shortly there after, we were flown by air ambulance to Mayo Clinic for further heart surgery. Abe's health was never quite the same. There were times of chest pain, congestive heart failure and extreme fatigue. Now he has been called to meet his Savior and Lord. Illness, chest pains and the fatigue are over. Abe passionately loved his grandchildren and was very proud of each one, his only regret was that he did not see them more often. As a family, we express our appreciation to the many doctors and medical staff that have cared for Abe during these years. Special thanks to Dr. Russell Albak and Dr. Robert Kroeker; we will always cherish your care and concern. Our appreciation, also to the pastoral staff of Bethel Mennonite Church and our many friends at Bethel Place. Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 20 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a devotional at 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Friday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford. A private family interment will take place. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Abram's name. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2006