Geddert, George David (1924-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Nov 15 p.24

Birth date: 1924 Jun 2

text of obituary:

GEORGE DAVID GEDDERT

George David Geddert passed away Oct. 12. He was born June 2, 1924 to David H. and Leise Geddert in Ebenfeld, Slavgorod, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927. They farmed in Namaka, Alta. moved to Coaldale, Alta. in 1943 and bought a berry/dairy farm in Chilliwack B.C. in 1945. At 11, he committed his life to the Lord, largely through the influence of Sunday school teacher John A. Toews. He drifted from the Lord and dropped out of school at 16. At Coaldale Bible School he "was restored to the fold"; baptism and church membership followed. He graduated from Coaldale in 1944, studied 3 years at Prairie Bible Institute and earned a B.Th. at MB Bible College in 1950. He married Annie Hamm Aug. 13, 1950 in Chilliwack, B.C. He served 38 years at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask., first as printer, teacher and librarian, then for the last 12 years as full-time librarian. He also served as secretary of the Saskatchewan MB Conference for 13 years, as a board member of the Canadian MB Conference publications committee and as interim pastor of Hepburn MB Church. He earned a B.A. from the University of British Columbia and a B.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary. When he was 12, curvature of his spine was discovered. Major surgery was required in 1970 to prevent further curvature from crushing his lungs, but progressive respiratory crises occurred in 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2002. Since May 2002 he was on continuous oxygen. He retired from Bethany in 1990; he and Annie moved to Willow Park Terrace in Kelowna, B.C in 1995. He made many new friends, served as secretary of the condominium society and enjoyed the library, seniors' group and senior choir in Willow Park Church. Predeceased by 1 sister, he is mourned by Annie; children Ron, Tim, Wes, Larry, Ken, and Donna Friesen; 20 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 17 in Willow Park Church, with Arnie Peters ministering.