Goertz, Frank (1918-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald \ obituary: 2000 Oct 20 p. 33

Birth date: 1918 Jul 24

text of obituary:

FRANK GOERTZ

Frank Goertz of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away Aug. 23 of cancer. He was born July 24, 1918 in a Mennonite village in Ukraine. When he was 7, the family immigrated to Alberta. He knew hunger and hard work, working on the family farm. He said the greatest moment of his life was when he accepted Christ at age 12. He was baptized and dedicated his life to the service of God. He graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. He began a preaching ministry in a small new church in Saskatchewan. In 1941 he began a 42-year career with Sudan Interior Mission, working with the Nupe people in Nigeria. His work included school administration, preaching, translation and helping with medical emergencies. In 1945 he met Neva King; they married 3 years later in Oregon. In 1983 they retired to Abbotsford, where he taught Bible studies, continued his Nupe translation and never missed an opportunity to share his faith with others. In December 1999 Neva died. He found comfort in Ps. 116:15. In his loneliness and in his battle with cancer, his faith grew. He never lost hope, often quoting Rom. 15:13. He was grateful for the prayers of others, seeing them as the extension of God's loving arms. He is mourned by children Marilyn Deer and James; and 5 grandchildren. The funeral was Aug. 25 in Central Heights MB Church, Abbotsford, with Christopher Douglas ministering.