Yssennagger, Robert (1934-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 May 3 p. 26

Birth date: 1934 Jun 20

text of obituary:

ROBERT YSSENNAGGER

Robert Yssennagger of Herbert, Sask. passed away Feb. 19. He was born june 20, 1934 in Amsterdam. His par- ents separated within a year; he was looked af- ter by his father, grand- parents and others. At 5, he cam e to an or- phanage. His father re- married, and Robert became part of a new family. After grade 7, he got a job in a con- struction workshop. Fascinated by steel construction methods, he took night classes in technical drafting. At 18, he began a 28-year career in design-draft- ing, working for vari- ous engineering com- panies. A year later, he was drafted by the Dutch army, where as an officer he developed a gift for teaching. In 1958 he married Hele- na Stoevelaar. He ac- cepted Christ in his mid-20s. Their middle child died in an acci- dent in 1966. He be- came unemployed. In 1967 they came to Hal- ifax, where they were taken in by the local Christian Reformed Church. They later moved to Calgary and Sudbury, Ont. to work. After serving a year as a pastoral intern in 1982, he and Helen pastored churches, in Calgary, Brandon, Man., Her- bert, Sask. and Chap- lin, Sask. In 1997 they retired to Herbert. He loved visiting people, leading Bible study groups and preaching God's love in homes and churches. Prede- ceased by son Frank, he is survived by Helen; children Diana, Esther, Ron, and Vanessa Kor- nak; and 5 grandchil- dren. Th e funeral was Feb . 23 in Herbert MB Church, with Henry Dueck ministering.