Dyck, Katharina Willms (1878-1965)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Jan 14 p. 19

Birth date: 1878 Dec 07

text of obituary:

MRS. JUSTINA TOEWS

Katharina Dyck nee Willms was the eldest daughter of John and Katharina Willms of Kleefeld, South Russia, and was born into their home on December 7, 1878. She enjoyed a happy childhood and at the age of 20 years accepted Christ as personal Saviour. The following year she was baptized and accepted into the Rueckenau Mennonite Brethren Church. On September 26, 1905 she was united in marriage to Peter Dyck of Kleefeld. The Lord gave her and her husband nine children, two of whom died in infancy.

In 1926 the family moved to Canada, first to Winkler then to Mountainside, Manitoba. In 1933 her husband passed away and soon thereafter she moved to Ontario with her seven children. For the next 32 years she lived as a widow at Leamington, the last seven years blind. In her longing and struggles she often spoke the words: "He gives strength enough to them that have no strength." Even in her greatest trials she could be thankful.

She died December 15 at the age of 87 years. She is survived by four sons, Peter in Vancouver, John at Wheatley, Ont., Nick at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., Frank at Cayuga, Ont.; three daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Mary) Willms at Virgil, Mrs. Jacob (Tina) Klassen at Kitchener, Helen at Leamington; their wives and husbands; and 24 grandchildren. The funeral took place December 18, 1965 at Leamington.