KATHERINA ANDRES

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KATHERINA ANDRES Peacefully on September 27, 2002, at Bethania Personal Care Home, Katherina Andres, widow of John Andres, died at the age of 94 years. She is survived by her sister Else Krueger of Winnipeg; by nephew Harold (Judy) Block; and nieces, Melanie (Edwin) Klassen, Alma (Victor) Tomm, and Anne (Rudy) Peters all of Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her husband John in 1988, by their only child, son Leonid in 1943, by three sisters and four brothers. Katherina (Kathe) was born on February 22, 1908, and grew up in Chortiza, Ukraine, where her father Jacob, was a teacher, and her mother Anna (nee Krahn) cared for their nine children. Many hardships were endured during the Russian revolution and the Second World War including the deaths of her father and her only son. A career teacher, she was banned from teaching when she refused to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ. She found employment as a bookkeeper in a factory where she met the love of her life, John Andres. They married in 1935. In 1936 their beloved son Leonid was born, only to be killed in 1943 during their flight to the west. With the help of relatives, they were able to immigrate to Winnipeg in 1948 where they joined the First Mennonite Church and rebuilt their home surrounded by family and many friends. Vacations at Clear Lake, attendance at many Ukrainian and other festivals, and family gatherings, especially at Christmas, were special delights. The deaths of her husband John in 1988 and her sister Neta in 1998 were very hard on Katherine, but her faith was strong. She was certain that one day she would be rejoined with them, and with her dear son and other loved ones, and that together they would bask in the glory of her Lord Jesus Christ. She longed for that day. For the last two years of her life, she was a resident of Bethania Personal Care Home where she received most excellent care. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the caring staff at Bethania. While her prayers have now been answered, she will be sorely missed by those she left behind. A memorial service for Katherine will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. in the First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg. Internment at Brookside Cemetery has already taken place. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Bethania Personal Care Home, 1045 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 3S7 Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2002