Editing Schmidt, John M. (1918-2008)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 20008 Nov p. 33

Birth date: 1918 Apr 6

text of obituary:

<center><h3>JOHN M. SCHMIDT</h3></center>


john M. Schmidt died
July 10, 2008. He was
born in 1918 near Omsk,
Russia. When John was
7, his father, a prosper-
ous farmer, secretly sold
his possessions and the
family left Russia under cover of night. John
grew up on the family farm in Coaldale,
Alta. and studied at Prairie Bible Institute.
During WWII, he served as a conscientious
objector, constructing roads around Jasper
and welding at the Vancouver shipyards.
In 1945, he married Mary Nickel. For two
years they filled the roles of schoolteacher,
preacher, and medical personnel for the
First Nation reserve at Little Grand Rapids,
Man., as missionaries for the United Church
of Canada. Then, John studied at Mennonite
Brethren Bible College, Winnipeg, from
where he was invited, in 1950, to become
director of The Gospel Light Hour, a radio
program later called MB Communications
and today, Family Life Network. He worked
with great joy and zeal in the radio ministry
for 13 years, adding more English programs
and launching the High German, Low
German, and Russian programs. He enjoyed
new beginnings, and pastored in several
churches. Both John and Mary eagerly
helped those in need. John's boldness in
sharing his faith led many people to pray
with him to accept Jesus. He remained full
of hope in the trials of life. After Mary died,
John published his memoir, called The Lord's
Donkey. In 1994, he married Olga Dueck.
He is mourned by Olga; children Elly Dyck
(Edgar), Linda Koop (Walt), Dorothy Siebert
(Harold), Ed, Shirley Schmidt (Wally), John
(Janice), and Grace Penner (Marv); Olga's
children, Rose Prince (David), Marv Dueck
(Kate) and Ron Dueck (Heidi); 25 grandchil-
dren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 3 broth-
ers. The funeral was July 15 at Eastview
Community Church, Winnipeg.

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