CORNELIUS C. DEFEHR

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CORNELIUS C. DEFEHR Peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2000 at Concordia Hospital, Cornelius, beloved husband of Agatha, passed away at the age of 88 years. He was predeceased by his brother William and sister, Elizabeth Fast. He is survived by hie wife Agatha; brother Abram (Mary) his son William and wife Marlene and their children Kristin, Rochelle and husband Greg Glista and their children Alexander and Victoria; daughter Irene and husband Fred Wall, children Carla and husband Bryan Grom, Andrew, Leana Teasedale and husband Tim and their children Kyle and Amanda; son Artie and wife Patty and their children Ardyth, Ted and Colin. Cornelius was born in 1911 in Millerowo, Russia where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood until the revolution changed his familys life. In 1925 the DeFehrs immigrated to Winnipeg where his father started DeFehr Furniture. Cornelius joined the family business in the early 1930s when he took over management of the branch in Edmonton. In 1936 he returned to the company head office in Winnipeg and on May 24th married Agatha Neufeld, the love of life for 64 years. Cornelius remained in the family business for the rest of his working career and was instrumental in the development of the company across Western Canada. C.C. was a practical and innovative business man, who was highly respected in both Canada and the U.S. furniture industry. In 1935, upon confession of faith and baptism, he joined the North End Mennonite Brethren Church (later Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church). Cornelius was deeply committed to his Church and faith and exemplified this by serving as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, lay minister for 40 years and sat on numerous church and conference committees. Cornelius was devoted to his family and was generous and supportive at all times. He will be missed with great sorrow by his family, many friends and employees whom he has touched during his lifetime. Regardless of his business success his number one priority was his spiritual faith and family. The family wishes to thank his nephew Dr. B. B. Fast and Dr. A. C. Harvey and all of the compassionate staff at Concordia Hospital for the exceptional care they have extended to our father and grandfather. The viewing will be held from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, at the Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy. The funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23 at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy., with interment to take place following the service at the Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2000