Riesen, Isbrand (1889-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Mar 06 p. 26

Birth date: 1889 Feb 10

text of obituary:

ISBRAND RIESEN

Isbrand Riesen. late of 4450 Dyke Road. Yarrow, H.C., passed away J'anuary 20 in th e ChiHiwack G enera,1 Hospita-i. He was 80 yea rs old . Mr. Riesen w as born on February 10. 1889 in Tastchinak, Taurien, South Russia . He became a Christian in 1908 and ,in th e same year was p~iz d and received into the M ennonit e Brethren ·Church . On November 22. 1912 he w as marri ed to Tina Berg en. a union which was blessed with four 'children. two of whom, however. passed aw ay in infancy. His f.irst w ife predeceased h'im on February 9, 1923. He foun d a second partner in El'izabeth Berg en (nee Spenst) ,a widow. In 1926 the family emigrated to Canada and ,in 1928 Mr. Riesen and his wi<fe were orda,ined to the diaconate in the Gem (Alta.) Church. Severa.l years later, in 1933, th e family felt lied to move to Yarrow, where they had lived since. They felt a divine leading to start a home for the aged and sick ,in the Y'arrow area and in 1944 t hey est,abNshed such a home, initiating a ministry that was rewarded with many b less'ings. In 1946 his second wife p redeceased him and in the foHowing year he again found a helpmeet, Elizabeth Unruh, who w as able to assist him ,in the great work he was engaged in. In 1953, beca'use o'f failing health, they were forced to give up the work at the home. They ret,ired and moved 'into Yarrow. After regaining 'his health somewhat, he continued to minister in many ways, especiaHy in vis'itation and in transporting others about. The funeral for Mr. Riesen was conducted from the Yarrow Church, January 24, with Rev. Henry Thielmann and Rev. P.D. Loew en ministering. Mr. Riesen is survived by his wife Elizabeth; two daughters, Mrs. Louise Matties and Mrs. Kat ie Martens;his sons-in-law; and one granddaughter.