Baerg, William John (1907-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 May 31 p. 25

Birth date: 1907 Aug 22

text of obituary:

WILLIAM JOHN BAERG

William John Baerg of Abbotsford, B,C. passed away Mar. 29. He was born Aug. 23, 1907 to Johan and Justina Baerg in Rosenort, southern Russia. In 1910 the family moved to the Crimea, where his father took over the farm that belonged to his grandfather. In 1929 he came to Canada alone, at the urging of his family. In the early 1930s, he attended church in the Manitou, Man. area. He married Mary Lepp in November 1932, He worked as a blacksmith in Snowflake, Man. In 1945 they moved to Sardis, B.C., where they built Baerg's Auto Body Shop, which he operated for 39 years. They joined Greendale MB Church, serving on many committees and in the choir. He enjoyed music. In 1984 they moved to Clearbrook, B.C. and joined Bakerview MB Church. Mary died in 1999, and he moved to Menno Home. He had a strong faith in God. Predeceased by Mary, daughter Nellie Hunt and son John, he is mourned by daughters Mary Fast and Rita Thiessen; son Bill; 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandcildren; and 1 sister. The funeral was Apr. 4 in Menno Home, Abbotsford, with David Dick and Henry Thiessen ministering.