Sawatzky, Katherina Funk (1892-1968)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1968 Oct 4 p. 26

Birth date: 1892 Apr 18

text of obituary:

KATHERINA SAWATZKY

(Mrs.) Katherina Sawatzky was born April 18, 1892, in Russia, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Funk. During her childhood, because of civil unrest in Russia, her father moved the family to Canada. She found Christ as Savior at the age of 13 and upon the confession of her faith she was baptized in 1905 and joined the Mennonite Brethren church at Aberdeen, Sask.

On September 24, 1911 she was married to Frank Sawatzky with whom she shared 53 years of life. The Lord blessed their union with nine children, one of whom, Alvina, predeceased her. In 1945 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. and shortly thereafter to nearby Greendale.

She experienced the joy of observing the golden wedding anniversary of her marriage in 1961. In 1964 her husband died and the subsequent years were often difficult and lonely. These days were bearable only because of the close friendship of Christ, her Saviour. The last chapter of her life was ended in the Menno Private Hospital in Abbotsford, B.C., where her suffering was eased by the joy and blessing of loving service.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sawatzky were held in the Greendale (B.C.) Church on Thursday, September 5. David Froese officiated. She leaves to mourn, five sons and three daughters, Henry of Victoria, Tina (Mrs. Schellenberg) of Kindersley, Sask., Frank of Camp Borden, Ont., Allan of Chilliwack, Edna (Mrs. Swanson) of Oshawa, Albert of Swift Current, Anne (Mrs. Verner Epp) of Sardis, B.C., Reuben of Chilliwack, 22 grandchildren and one great grandchild.