Giesbrecht, Henry (1912-2004)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2004 Nov 26 p. 28

Birth date: 1912 Sep 18

text of obituary;

HENRY GIESBRECHT SR.

Henry Giesbrecht Sr. died Sept. 18. He was born Sept. 18, 1912 to Johann and Katharina Giesbrecht in Michaelsburg, Russia. He worked on his grandfather's farm, and trained in tractor and combine repairs. He became supervisor of a tractor/ combine crew on a collective farm. His father was sent to a labour camp. He married Mary Derksen Dec. 4, 1934. The family fled to Poland in 1943. He was conscripted into the German army, captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in France. The family was reunited in Germany. In 1948 they immigrated to Sardis, B.C., later moving to Clearbrook. He worked as an auto mechanic. New Year's Eve 1950 he and Mary accepted Christ. They were baptized the following year, joining Clearbrook MB Church. He worked at his son's service station, retiring in 1977. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, travelling and work at the church. He worked in the repair section of the MCC store. Mary died in Jan. 2004. He was sustained by his strong faith in God. Predeceased by Mary, he is mourned by sons Henry and Helmut; daughters Zena (Joy) Locken and Mary; 7 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren; 2 brothers. The funeral was Sept. 22 in Clearbrook MB Church with Eldon DeFehr and Jay Neufeld ministering.