DeFehr, Cornelius C. (1911-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Mar 31 p. 28

Birth date: 1911 Jun 2

text of obituary:

CORNELIUS C. DEFEHR

Cornelius C. DeFehr of Winnipeg passed away Feb. 19. He was born June 2, 1911 to Cornelius A. and Elizabeth DeFehr in Millerovo, Russia. His life was carefree. His father owned a farm implement factory and part of a flour mill. After the Revolution, the family fled their home. In 1925 they left for Canada. He attended Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, Man., and completed high school in Winnipeg. He planned to pursue medical studies, but his father asked him to take over the Edmonton branch of the family business (C.A. DeFehr & Sons and DeFehr Furniture). Here he made a personal commitment to the Lord. He married Agatha Neufeld in May 1936 in Whitewater, Man. His family, his faith and the family business were the major commitments in his life. He was respected, and his up-front Christianity made a deep impression on business associates. He retired at 65, but continued to be involved in the family business into his 80s. He was a Sunday school teacher and taught a class of boys Wednesday nights at North End MB Church in Winnipeg. He participated in the Home Missions program. He was a lay preacher for over 40 years. He and Agatha were deacons for over 30 years. He also served on numerous committees and boards such as the MB Communications Board. His extended family worked, worshipped and played together. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply, always showing interest in their activities and plans. When he took on a project, it was done well. He was optimistic, single-minded and analytical. He loved political discussions and always got the last word. He was an avid reader of Scriptures; in his last months, he and Agatha listened to Scripture tapes each morning. When they moved to a condo, he saw it as an adventure and quickly made new friends. Predeceased by 1 brother and 1 sister, he is mourned by Agatha; children William, Arthur and Irene; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother. The funeral was Feb. 23 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Keith Poysti ministering.