HENRY J. GERBRANDT

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HENRY J. GERBRANDT With sadness and gratitude for his life, we announce the peaceful passing of Henry J. Gerbrandt, age 95, at Pembina Place Personal Care Home, in the early hours of December 23, 2010. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan, his children: Gerald and Esther Gerbrandt, Elaine Bergen, Norma and John Thiessen, Linda and Eckhard Claassen, son-in-law Abe Bergen, and niece Rose and Larry Tryon, his grandchildren: Nathan and Angela Gerbrandt, Bradley and Natalie Gerbrandt, Virginia Gerbrandt, Jeremy Bergen and Rebecca Steinmann, Rachel Bergen and Chino Argueta, Laura Thiessen, Julia Thiessen, Jonathan and Sarah Claassen, and Vanessa and Mark Wiehler, and great-grandchildren: Seth Bergen, Sylvie-lyn Claassen, and Hazel Argueta. He was predeceased by all his siblings and several in-laws; surviving is a large family of in-laws, nieces and nephews. Henry Gerbrandt was born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba on December 6, 1915. In 1944 he married Susan Heinrichs. After three years as medical missionaries in Mexico, they returned to Manitoba for a life of service in the Church. Henry taught at Elim Bible School, pastored the Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Altona, and held the position of Executive Secretary of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada. After his retirement in 1981, Henry and Susan enjoyed 20 years of continued service in Germany, Mexico, and Winnipeg, along with a new freedom to spend time with family and friends, to travel and garden. Henry enjoyed a loving relationship with Susan which remained strong until the moment of his death. The family wishes to thank those who visited regularly the last two years at Pembina Place, and staff who got to know and appreciate Henry as they cared for him. Funeral Service will be held Monday, January 3, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, Stafford and Carter, with viewing at the Church on Sunday, January 2 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and prior to the service. If friends desire, donations may be made in Henry's memory to Mennonite Church Canada Witness or Canadian Mennonite University.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2010