Goerzen, David (1896-1966)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Feb 11 p. 22

Birth date: 1896 Nov 11

text of obituary:

DAVID GOERZEN

It has pleased Almighty God to take David Goerzen out of this life into a better home on January 8. He was born on November 11, 1896 in Gnadenheim, South Russia, the son of David and Mary (nee Funk) Goerzen. He lost his father in early childhood and lived with his grandparents, Henry Funks, in Alexanderthal, Molotschna, Russia. He found a Christian foster home with the family Peter Dueck in the village of Prangenau. At the age of 17 he learned the trade of carpentry. He was drafted into the medical corps during World War I, and later joined active service.

In February of 1922, he made his commitment to Christ and professed salvation based on Isaiah 43:1.

In 1920 he entered holy matrimony with Anna Letkemann, in Halbstadt. Russia. In 1926 the family emigrated to Canada and bought a farm at Fannvstelle. Manitoba. In 1933 the family moved to Winnipeg where they resided until the time of his death. In 1936 both he and his wife asked for baptism and upon confession of their faith were received into the North End (now Elmwood) Mennonite Brethren Church. In 1937 his first wife was taken from him through death, and three years later he married Mrs. Helen Friesen. There are five children from the first marriage four sons, David, Henry, Peter and John and one daughter Anne, Mrs. B. Iwuac all of Winnipeg.

On Saturday, January 8, at 3 a.m. his Creator called him into a better home. He left a clear testimony as the hope of eternal life. He leaves to mourn his wife; four sons and ther families; one daughter and family; four grandchildren; one brother Henry, Griswold, Manitoiba; and one sister Russia. His love to people and his trust in the redemptive work of Christ will ever be an example to those who knew him.