JOHN A. DRIEDGER

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JOHN A. DRIEDGER John Driedger passed away Sunday, September 15, 2002 at the Menno Home for the Aged, Grunthal, MB at the age of 93 years. He was born on a farm near the village of Schoenfeld on the steppes of the Ukraine on September 21, 1908. His parents were Abram A. and Aganetha (nee Enns) Driedger. When he was 11 years old, his family abandoned all their land, cattle, and household belongings in the Schoenfeld area and fled from the oncoming threat of outlaw bands, who gained control of the area, murdering settlers and pillaging their property at will. The family escaped to the south, to the mother colony of Molotschna, where they lived as refugees with relatives for the next five years until they had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in 1924. John leaves to his large family circle a legacy of commitment, commitment to God and his Saviour Jesus Christ, to our mother and his large family, and to his church. He strongly believed that praise, worship, and prayer could be expressed in a special way in music and song. He served his church in various roles but most notably as choir director and song leader. He accepted his role as head of the family with courage, conviction and dedication. The children, and especially the grandchildren will always remember the family gatherings with the singing at Christmas time, the fishing trips and sleepovers in summer with ball games on the large yard, the food and gifts - all of which was always so well organized by Opa and Oma. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 70 years, Helen (nee Krahn) seven children, Lena (Jake) Schapansky, Albert (Mary), John (Judy), Ellie (Jake) Friesen, Johanna (Lloyd) Kellett, Fred (Shirley) and Victor (Cindy) 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one grandson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2:00 p.m. at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Wednesday September 18, 7:00 p.m. with devotional 7:30 p.m. and half hour prior to the service. Interment in Grunthal Cemetery. In memory of John, donations may be made to Menno Home Foundation Box 280, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0 or Elim Mennonite Church Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 150 Penfeld Dr. Steinbach, MB. 1-888-454-1030 or 204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2002