Goerz, Abram (1918-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 4 p. 28

Birth date: 1918 May 8

text of obituary:

ABRAM (ABE) GOERZ

Abram (Abe) Goerz passed away July 28. He was born May 8, 1918 in La dekopp, Molotschna, Russia. When he w as 8, the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. At 16, in Dalmeny, Sask., he accepted Chr ist through Abraham H. Unruh's min istry. In the summer, he taught da ily vacation Bib le schoo l. He graduated fr om Tabor Bi ble School, worked on farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta, attended Hepbu rn (Sask .) Bib le School fo r 2 years and taug ht Bible sc hool a Speedwell/Fairholme fora few months. Serv- ing as a conscientious objector near Banff, he held Bible studies and many were saved. He married Helen Penner in Kitchener, Ont. May 19, 1945. He graduated from MB Bible Col- lege, pastored in Lindal, Man. for 3 years, managed a nursing home in Morden, Man. for 2 years, earned a B.A. and B.D. at Water- loo College, pastored in Main Centre, Sask. for several years and Swift Current, Sask. for a couple of years, then began teaching at Men- nonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B.C in 1957. He painted many pictures, in- cluding murals at MEl and Clearbrook MB Church. In 1962, the family moved to Kitch- ener, Ont., where he operated a massage clin- ic for 13 years. In 1971 Helen died of cancer. In 1972 he married Wanda Hiebert. In 1977 they moved to Abbotsford, joining Bakerview MB Church. After several moves, they re- turned to Clearbrook and Clearbrook MB Church . In his last years, his health was poor. Predeceased by Helen, he is mourned by Wan- da; children Don, Elmira, Margaret Stevens, Edith Loewen, Douglas and Gilbert; 10 grand- children; and 3 sisters . The memorial service was july 31 at Clearbrook MB Church, with jay Neufeld ministering.