Schmidt, Heinrich (1916-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Dec 7 p. 28

Birth date: 1916

text of obituary:

HEINRICH SCHMIDT

Heinrich Schmidt of Clearbrook, B.C. passed away Oct. 22. He was born Apr. 24, 1916 to Heinrich and Bertha Schmidt in Strzemieszno, Poland. When he was 5, his parents died; he was raised by his grandparents and 3 aunts on a farm in Kasun, where he learned to work diligently. His uncle Johann encouraged him to go to Wymyschle to find a wife so he could inherit his father's farm. He proposed to Agneta Schmidt Nov. 11, 1934 and married her Feb. 2, 1935. He was baptized and joined the Mennonite Church in 1939. Son Arthur died at 7 weeks and daughter Bertha at 13 months. During World War II he was conscripted. He was imprisoned by the Russians in 1945 but released in 1946. They fled to East Germany. Son Bernie caught TB and Heinrich had asthma, but both miraculously recovered. Daughter Hildegund died suddenly. With MCC help they went to a refugee camp in East Berlin, then Backnang and Gronau. In 1949 he made a recommitment, was baptized by immersion and joined the MB Church in Gronau. After further illnesses, in July, 1950 they immigrated to Canada. After paying off their debt to Jacob Loewen in Alberta, they moved to his brother Adolph's garage in Arnold, B.C., then to a farm of their own. In 1973 they moved to Clearbrook, later joining Clearbrook MB Church. He was trustee for a number of years and he and Agneta were active on the funeral catering committee. Agneta passed away July 19, 1990. He was lonely and the Lord called him home suddenly at home. Predeceased by his wife, 3 children and 1 half-brother, he is mourned by children Helga Wiens of Clearbrook, Bernie of Surrey, B.C. and Irma Martens of Snohomish, WA; and 9 grandchildren. The funeral was Oct. 25 in Clearbrook MB Church, with John E. Klassen and Jacob Pauls ministering.