Goerz, Abram (1918-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Oct 4 p. 28

Birth date: 1918 May 8

text of obituary:

ABRAM (ABE) GOERZ

Abram (Abe) Goerz passed away July 28. He was born May 8, 1918 in Ladekopp, Molotschna, Russia. When he was 8, the family immigrated to Rosthern, Sask. At 16, in Dalmeny, Sask., he accepted Christ through Abraham H. Unruh's ministry. In the summer, he taught daily vacation Bible school. He graduated from Tabor Bible School, worked on farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta, attended Hepburn (Sask.) Bible School for 2 years and taught Bible school at Speedwell/Fairholme for a few months. Serving as a conscientious objector near Banff, he held Bible studies and many were saved. He married Helen Penner in Kitchener, Ont. May 19, 1945. He graduated from MB Bible College, pastored in Lindal, Man. for 3 years, managed a nursing home in Morden, Man. for 2 years, earned a B.A. and B.D. at Waterloo College, pastored in Main Centre, Sask. for several years and Swift Current, Sask. for a couple of years, then began teaching at Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B.C in 1957. He painted many pictures, including murals at MEl and Clearbrook MB Church. In 1962, the family moved to Kitchener, Ont., where he operated a massage clinic for 13 years. In 1971 Helen died of cancer. In 1972 he married Wanda Hiebert. In 1977 they moved to Abbotsford, joining Bakerview MB Church. After several moves, they returned to Clearbrook and Clearbrook MB Church. In his last years, his health was poor. Predeceased by Helen, he is mourned by Wanda; children Don, Elmira, Margaret Stevens, Edith Loewen, Douglas and Gilbert; 10 grandchildren; and 3 sisters . The memorial service was July 31 at Clearbrook MB Church, with Jay Neufeld ministering.