Foth, Heinrich (1892-1997)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Apr 29 p.34

Birth date: 1892 Jan 26

text of obituary:

HEINRICH FOTH

Heinrich Foth of Waterloo, Ontario was born on January 26, 1892 in Gnadental, Molotschna, southern Russia to Isaak and Agatha (nee Thiessen) Foth. He was the only one of 10 children to survive the difficult years in Russia. He was baptized on his confession of faith at the age of 20. His first wife, Maria Driediger, whom he married in 1917, died in 1922, leaving two daughters, Maria and Agatha. In 1924 he married Katherine Bergen, and one son, Isaak, was born to them.

In Russia he served as a choir leader and Sunday school superintendent until forbidden to do so by the communists. Ten years in a Siberian labour camp followed. In 1972 he received permission to emigrate to Canada, where he made his home with his daughter Maria of Waterloo. He was a great lover of people, a cheerful and grateful person, who never complained.

Mr. Foth passed away on January 23. A funeral was held on January 28, his 85th birthday, at the Kitchener Mennonite Brethren Church, with pastor John Froese and Rev. Dietrich J. Klassen officiating. He leaves to mourn his daughters, Maria of Waterloo, and Agatha and son Isaak of Russia; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren; also of Russia.