Redekopp, Isaac W. (1910-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 June 14 p. 38

Birth date: 1910 Mar 25

text of obituary:

ISAAC W. REDEKOPP

On March 24, 1974, his 64th birthday, Rev. Isaac W. Redekopp passed away at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg. He was born in South Russia, to William and Katherine (Klassen) Redekopp. At 12 years of age he accepted the Lord as his personal Saviour, and loved and served him faithfully throughout his life .

In 1915, when he was only five years of age, his mother died. This event was a traumatic experience for him and he never ceased to feel deeply for such who grieved the loss of a loved one.

In 1924, the family emigrated to Canada, settling at first in southern Saskatchewan. He was baptized in 1925 and received into the Mennonite Brethren Church. Following this, he attended the Winkler Bible School for three years, after which he came to Winnipeg where he was employed at various jobs. At the same time he was active in the North Kildonan MB Church Sunday school and other avenues of service.

He was married to Anna Janzen, in June, 1936. Six children were born of this union, all of whom survive their parents. His wife, Anna, passed away in May, 1973.

In 1942, he was ordained to the ministry in the Mennonite Brethren Church, and served in that capacity until his death. In order to prepare himself for this ministry, he studied at Tabor College, Kansas, and at Wichita, Kansas, from 1944-48, and received degrees from both institutions. On his return he accepted a call to the pastoral ministry in the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church.

In 1954 he accepted the pastorate at the Elmwood ME Church, and for thirteen years he ministered here with much love and devotion. Looking back on those years, he often spoke of them as the richest ones of his life. During the years in the pastoral ministry he also taught at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College, was active on various conference committees, and in the local pastors' fellowship as well.

After he completed his ministry at the Elmwood Church, he spent a year at Houston, Texas, training for pastoral and hospital counselling ministry. Following this he accepted a call to assume the pastorate at the Willingdon MB Church, Burnaby, B.C. Two years later he returned to Winnipeg, and shortly thereafter joined the staff of Eden Mental Health Centre in Winkler as clinical counsellor. He enjoyed this work and appreciated the staff. He served in this capacity until the time of his death.

On January 3, 1974, he was married to Lottie Janzen. Not quite three months later, the Lord saw fit to call his servant home.

Besides his wife, Lottie, he is survived by three sons; Waldemar (Al) and Harold of Winnipeg; Orlando of Hamilton, Ont.; three daughters: Mrs. Neal (Irmgard) Webster, of Brazil; Mrs. Colin (Viola) Ow, of Vancouver; and Mrs. Lothar (Irene) Schmidt, of Morden.

Also surviving are three sons-in-law; two daughters·in·law: seven grandchildren; one brother, Henry W. Redekopp; two sisters, Mrs. Tina Penner of Winnipeg, and Mrs. Mary Klassen of Coaldale, Alta.; plus a great many relatives and friends. All family members with the exception of Irmgard, were present at the funeral.

He was predeceased by his father in 1946, a brother George in 1924. his brother William in 1961, and one brother in infancy. His step-mother. Mrs. Selma Redekopp also survives him.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 28, 1974. at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Chureh. The brethren, A. W. Schel·lenberg, David Duerksen and John Regehr served