Enns, Abram P. (1886-1970)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1970 Apr 3 p. 26

Birth date: 1886 Jun 03

text of obituary:

ABRAM P. ENNS

Abram P. Enns, oldest son of Peter G. and Maria Enns, was born June 3, 1886 in Tiegenhagen, south Russia. He spent his early years there, attended school and as a youth of 19 realized his lost condition and experienced the new birth. He was baptized upon his faith by Adolf Reimer and joined what was then known as the Allianz Church. This became a significant turning point in his life. Of particular help to him at that time was the teaching ministry of a local teacher, Johann Toews.

In 1908 he was conscripted for a three year term in the forestry service. Following his time of service he found a life's partner in Helena Konrad, whom he married on November 23, 1912. Their hopes were short lived when the beginning of the war resulted in conscription for Mr. Enns for a further three years of service. This time it meant leaving behind his wife and two small children. He returned again to his family in 1917 at the conclusion of the war and the beginning of the revolution. Difficult times followed for the family as they lived through lawlessness with the country, famine and removal of Christian teachers from the schools .

When the emigration began in 1923 the family decided to move as well. With seven small children, ranging in age from 11 years to 10 days, they ventured forth on July 13, 1924, arriving in Winkler, Manitoba on August 11. That fall they were able to purchase a farm at LaSalle, where he remained until 1956. The early years were difficult; there was no church in the area and so meetings had to be held in the home; illnesses had to be contended with. But there was much evidence of God's grace also. Mr. Enns always helped where he could, both in the community and the church. He carried a deep concern for the spiritual and educational needs of his family.

He retired with his wife to Winnipeg in 1956 and had lived there since. On March 7, after several years of much suffering, the lord called him home. He is survived by his wife Helena; six sons, Peter and wife Ann, Winnipeg, Abram and wife Emma, Domain, Jacob and wife Elizabeth, Oak Bluff, John and wife Sonia, Toronto, Harry and wife Terry, Winnipeg, Nick and wife Beverly, Vancouver; three daughters, Mrs. Corny (Helen) Wall, LaSalle, Mrs. Ben (Mary) Wall, Winnipeg, and Mrs. Peter (Agatha) Rempel, Winnipeg; as well as three brothers, Henry and Nicolai of Winnipeg, and Jacob of Virgil, and two sisters, Mrs. Jacob (Sarah) Penner of Port Rowan, Ont., and Mrs. N.S. (Katherine) Astakoff of St. Petersburg, Florida.