Redekopp, Anna Janzen (1909-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Jun 15 p. 30

Birth date: 1909 Apr 25

text of obituary:

ANNA REDEKOPP

Anna Redekopp was born in 1909 in the village of Alexanderwohl, South Russia, to John and Anna Janzen. In her teens she made her commitment to Christ and through baptism became a member of the M. B. Church.

In 1925 she emigrated to Canada with her mother, a widow, as well as her two brothers and a sister. They settled in Winkler, but Anna came to Winnipeg and served for many years in various homes. There she also found spiritual fellowship in the Girls' Home on Mountain Avenue, where Miss Anna Thiessen served as a warm-hearted matron to those who entered the home.

In 1936 she was married to Issac W. Redekopp, and they shared joys and sorrows for almost 37 years. Six children were born to them. Although they never were rich, Anna was able to make each house into a home and fill it with sunshine.

In 1941 they were ordained to the preaching ministry, and she rejoiced when the ministry was successful. Their service brought many friends and enriched their lives throughout the years.

In 1961 Anna had to submit to surgery, from which she recovered and enjoyed fairly good health until September, 1972, when she was again hospitalized. The disease seemed to be progressing, and she was transferred to Donwood Manor, where she received very good care and experienced Christian love until her death on May 9. Her parents, a sister, and one grandchild preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her husband Isaac, 3 sons: Waldemar, Harold, Orlando; 3 daughters: Irmgard, Viola, Irene; and their respective families. All members were able to be present at the funeral except Irmgard and Neal Webster, missionaries in Brazil.

The funeral service was held in the North Kildonan MB Church on May 12, with Rev. Wm. Neufeld and David D. Duerksen giving messages. A ladies' choir from the Elmwood MB Church sang several songs. Interment was in the Glen Eden Cemetery. After the burial relatives and out-of-town guests attended a reception at the church.

As part of his message, David Duerksen quoted the following sonnet which he wrote for the occasion:

For Whom the Bell Tolls

So close to home we hear the death bell tollWife, mother, sister, cousin, our good friend; In hope, in faith, in courage to the end She fought and prayed : "God can indeed make whole Whose arm is never short" (and yet whose goal with us attained through a mystErious blend of dark and light; the secret patterns pend) ; "Thy will be done, to Thee resigned in soul." And so her testimony to us lingers on, A pillar of fire, a guide in our dark night Of doubt and pain of parting on the shore; With hope we travel towards another dawn, Diminished by her passing, yet our sight Set on that Land where Death shall be no more.