Cornie F. Ginter

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CORNIE F. GINTER
March 2, 1928 - August 30, 2016

Cornie F. Ginter, 88, of Altona and Steinbach, MB, formerly of Silberfeld, MB, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Altona Community Memorial Health Centre, Altona, MB.

He is survived by his wife Teana (nee Friesen) of 68 years, their children: John (Esther) of Altona; Judy (Neil Schellenberg) of Rosenort; Peter (Irene) of Silberfeld; Mary Anne (Pete Friesen) of Halbstadt; Jacob (Karen) of Guelph, ON; Art (Cheryl) of Winnipeg and Renee of Halbstadt; 20 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Cornie is also survived by one sister, one brother and one sister-in-law.

He was predeceased by one grandson, two sisters and one brother.

Cornie was born in Sommerfeld, Manitoba to Johann and Maria Ginter, the youngest of six children. His father passed away when he was just a boy. He was baptized in Sommerfelder Mennonite Church in spring of 1948, where he first felt a calling to serve the Lord.

Cornie married his sweetheart, Teana, at Mom’s parent’s home in St. Joseph, July 08, 1948.

Dad and Mom lived with Dad’s mother for the first years of their marriage. In 1950, they moved to Silberfeld, to begin farming. In 1952, financial hardship forced them to move to Winnipeg, where Dad drove a truck. At this time, Dad served as song leader and Sunday School teacher in the Winnipeg Sommerfelder/Chortitzer church. Cornie and Teana returned to the farm in Silberfeld in 1957, where they continued raising their family. Again, Dad served as Song Leader and Sunday School teacher in the Silberfeld CMC, and in March of 1964, was elected to become one of the pastors. A passionate preacher, Dad was known by many as “the weeping pastor” although his preaching often included anecdotes and humour that made their point.

Dad was a Pastor/Farmer for many years, often leaving field work to attend to church matters. During his years in Silberfeld, Dad influenced the introduction of English Sunday School, the use of instruments in worship, as well as the controversial change of clothing for CMC pastors.

Dad was on the leadership team at the Silberfeld church until 1987, when he was asked to be the full-time pastor in the Erin Street Mission Chapel by conference leadership. This was a difficult transition for Dad, having served for many years in the church on a volunteer basis. He wrestled to accept pay from the church, yet enjoyed the extra time for reading and studying. The church grew as Mennonite immigrants joined the group, embracing salvation in Christ, and growing in the grace and truth. He remained in this role through the church’s transition into the new Callsbeck Church in East Kildonan.

In 1991, Dad and Mom began serving as CMC church planters in Thedford, ON, focusing on ministry to immigrating Mennonites from Mexico. In Thedford, Dad served as counsellor, pastor, teacher, father and grandfather to church adherents. In 1993, they returned to Manitoba to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

In 2000, Dad moved to Steinbach with Mom, in order to accommodate Mom’s health and to be nearer to their friends, many of which had retired in Steinbach. They lived in Stone Creek Courts along with a number of their friends. As part of their ongoing ministry during retirement, both served the retirement community in Dominion City for a number of years. They often involved friends and family members in the singing, the sharing and the bible teaching.

Just over a year after moving to Altona, Alzheimer’s necessitated Dad’s hospitalization. We would like to thank the staff at Altona Community Memorial Health Centre for their amazing care for Dad during this period.

All who knew dad recognized his love for God and others. We are comforted knowing that today Dad rejoices in the presence of his loving Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Steinbach CMC, Steinbach, MB, with the interment at Silberfeld Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Cornie may be made to CMC Missions or CMC Radio (in memoline: Die Herrliche Botschaft), Steinbach, MB.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Sep 06, 2016