George Goertzen (1928-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 25 p. 29

Birth date: 1928 Nov 7

text of obituary:

GEORGE GOERTZEN

George Goertzen passed away Aug. 13. He was born Nov. 7, 1928 to George and Helen Goertzen in Plum Coulee, Man. He was raised on a farm in Homewood, Man. After grade 7, he had to quit school to work on the farm. He attended Winkler Bible Institute. He married Irene Kroeker of Elm Creek, Man. June 12, 1954. He had a strong work ethic. He farmed in Homewood in summer and drove taxi and trucks in Winnipeg in winter; moved to Winnipeg in 1964 to drive truck for Shell Oil; bought a hog and grain farm in Boissevain in 1966; began trucking in Winnipeg full-time in 1976; began operating the bulk Imperial Oil Dealership in Boissevain in 1977; moved to Oak Bluff in 1980 and drove truck for Golden Plains Agro in Brunkild, Man. and other companies for 20 years, retiring at 70. He accepted Christ at age 10 at a Canadian Sunday School Mission camp. In the early 1970s he had a freshness in his walk with God. He worked with Christian Service Brigade and ushered at Boissevain (Man.) MB Church. Around age 71, his faith became a large part of his life as he battled cancer; nightly devotions with friends impacted him immensely. He loved life, humour, teasing and practical jokes and had many enduring friendships. He is mourned by Irene, daughters Karen Iwata, Lori Schroeder, Gwen Goossen, Pat Schmidt and Dian; 12 grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers. The funeral was Aug. 16 in Carman (Man.) Gospel Light Church, with Henry Isaak, Terry Carter and Paul Kroeker ministering.