HELEN DRIEDGER (KRAHN)

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HELEN DRIEDGER (nee KRAHN) Helen Driedger passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2004 at the Menno Home for the Aged, Grunthal, MB at the age of 94 years. She was born on a farm in the village of Grigorievka on the steppes of the Ukraine on December 16, 1909. Her parents were Bernhard and Katherina (nee Bartel) Krahn. When she was 13 years old, her father died, leaving her mother a widow with seven young children to care for. This was also a time when the political climate in Russia had become most unstable and somewhat dangerous. In 1925, the family, together with their widowed Grandfather Bartel, emigrated to Canada, seeking greater security and opportunity for the children. They eventually settled on a small farm in Pansy and later in Grunthal. Helen married John A. Driedger in 1932. She personified the boundless love and devotion which only a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother can give. Her deep faith in God and her Saviour Jesus Christ seemingly gave her an endless capacity for love for her large family of seven children, 24 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She shared the joys and sorrows, successes and failures of each and every one and was their biggest prayer warrior. She constantly thanked God for keeping her large family relatively healthy, and made Omas house a haven of warmth and security for all of them! We, the family are most grateful for the many years she was given to us. She is survived by her children, Lena (Jake) Schapansky, Albert (Mary), John (Judy), Ellie (Jake) Friesen, Johanna (Lloyd) Kellett, Fred (Shirley) and Victor (Cindy) and their families. Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Friday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal. Interment in Grunthal Cemetery. In memory of Helen, donations may be made to the Menno Home Foundation, Box 280; Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0 or to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Birchwood Funeral Chapel 150 Penfeld Dr.; Steinbach, MB 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2004