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 parents separated within a year; he was looked after by his father, grandparents and others. At 5, he came to an orphanage. His father remarried, and Robert became part of a new family. After grade 7, he got a job in a construction workshop. Fascinated by steel construction methods, he took night classes in technical drafting. At 18, he began a 28-year career in design-drafting, working for various engineering companies. A year later, he was drafted by the Dutch army, where as an officer he developed a gift for teaching. In 1958 he married Helena Stoevelaar. He accepted Christ in his mid-20s. Their middle child died in an accident in 1966. He became unemployed. In 1967 they came to Halifax, 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., Herbert, Sask. and Chaplin, Sask. In 1997 they retired to Herbert. He loved visiting people, leading Bible study groups and preaching God's love in homes and churches. Predeceased by son Frank, he is survived by Helen; children Diana, Esther, Ron, and Vanessa Kornak; and 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Feb. 23 in Herbert MB Church, with Henry Dueck ministering.