Enns, Gertrude Fransen (1899-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 June 11 p. 31

Birth date: 1899 Feb 15

text of obituary:

MRS. GERTRUDE ENNS

Gertrude Enns (nee Fransen), passed away on March 20 and Jacob A . Enns, her husband, passed away on May 18, both at the Menno Home, Clearbrook, B.C. He was born October 20, 1896 in the Old Colony, Russia, and she was born February 15, 1899 at Wohldemfuerst, Kuban, Russia. In their teen years both accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, were baptized, and became members of the Mennonite Brethren Church. During World War I he served in the medical corps on the Turkish front. They were married February 2, 1920.

In 1925, with three children and Mrs. Enns' mother, they moved to Canada and homesteaded at Speedwell, Saskatchewan. Here he was ordained and served as leading minister of the Mennonite Brethren church. In 1948 they moved to a farm near Steinbach, Manitoba. After Mr. Enns suffered several strokes they retired to North Kildonan, Winnipeg, in 1956. In 1971 they moved to Vancouver after celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in North Kildonan, in 1970.

During their fruitful ministry and their long retirement they made many friends in several provinces. Many appreciated the deep, gentle piety of Mrs. Enns; she suffered greatly during the last several years. The unshakable faith and cheerful disposition of Mr. Enns during 20 years of partial paralysis were a testimony to the grace of God. In the end he suffered from cancer.

Both funeral services were conducted at the Culloden Mennonite Brethren Church, Vancouver, where the Ennses had experienced much love in their final years. The brethren D. B. Wiens, Henry Classen, Ben Baier, and John C. Dyck, as well as the senior choir, served at the funerals.

They are survived by four sons and four daughters and their families: Abe of Delta, B.C.; Jack, of Kelowna, B.C.; Henry, of Katmandu, Nepal; John, of Morden, Man.; Adeline, of Vancouver; Gertrude (Mrs. John) Froese of Sydney, Nova Scotia; Hilda (Mrs. William) Schroeder of Winkler, Man.; Nettie (Mrs. Dan) Doerksen of Cambridge, England; 26 grandchildren; seven great·grandchildren; and many friends. One daughter, Mary, predeceased them in childhood.