DeFehr, Vivian Koch (1935-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1991 Jan 25 p. 27

Birth date: 1935

text of obituary:

VIVIAN DEFEHR

Vivian DeFehr of Winkler, Man. passed away Dec . 31. She was born Jan. 12, 1935 to Edmond and Ida Koch of Three Hills, Alta. Her parents developed in her a love for God's Word and a strong desire to do his will. Her education at Prairie Elementary School, Prairie High School and Prairie Bible Institute reinforced her desire to serve the Lord. She met Eldon DeFehr while teaching music at Peace River Bible Institute. They were married July 1, 1961. They lived in Clearbrook, B.C. for 2 years, then moved to Winnipeg so Eldon could study at MB Bible College. In 1969 they began teaching at Winkler Bible Institute. She served as piano accompanist and organist and taught piano for 30 years, instilling in the children the self-discipline that comes from faith till practice and an appreciation for detail. Devoted to her husband and children, she made clothes and meals and tended the garden with enthusiasm. She taught her children to pursue excellence, to do the right thing rather than take the road of least resistance, to have the integrity and strength to be themselves and to walk in the ways of the Lord. Though not a public person, she was very supportive of her husband's ministry. She highly regarded family and friendships from Bible school days. She had a quiet beauty and a restfull confidence in God. She experienced the need for kidney dialysis and the ravages of cancer as an indignity unjustly thrust upon her and realized that she would not be sharing future events with her family, but she submitted to the Lord's grace. She is mourned by her husband and children Wayne, Jenell, Janice Willems and Brian. The funeral was Jan. 5 in Winkler MB Church, with Wally Klassen ministering.