Guenther, Johann I. (1891-1977)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1977 Mar 04 p. 29

Birth date: 1891 Jan 06

JOHANN I. GUENTHER

Johann I. Guenther was born on January 6, 1891 to Isaac and Agatha Guenther in Neu Rosengart, southern Russia. During the First World War he served on a Red Cross ship, and miraculously escaped death when it was torpedoed.

In 1919 he married Maria Warkentin, a union blessed with nine children. In 1922 he was baptized and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. The Guenthers moved to Canada, eventually settling in Beechy, Sask. Pioneer days were difficult. His wife passed away suddenly in 1936. Marriage to (Mrs.) Maria Klassen, a widow, brought the family to 19 children, and though life was hard in the depression, they were a happy family with much music and singing. They farmed in Rush Lake and Greenfarm, Sask., and retired in Herbert, Sask., in 1954, moving to the Herbert Senior Citizens' Home in 1973.

He was always thankful to God, and was an active participant in church life. He helped establish the church in Beechy, and at various times taught Sunday school, preached, served as a deacon and wrote for the Mennonitische Rundschau. The Lord called him to rest on January 24.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Maria; three sons, John, Frank, and Dave; six daughters, Tina (Mrs. Menno) Klassen, Mary (Mrs. Paul) Klassen, Nettie (Mrs. Peter) Dyck, Helen (Mrs. Alvin) Penner, Lydia (Mrs. Arthur) Krahn and Hulda (Mrs. Oliver) Heppner; six step-sons, Henry, Menno, Herman, Paul, Rueben and John Klassen; four step-daughters, Tina (Mrs. Corny) Peters, Eva (Mrs. Jake) Friesen, Annie (Mrs. Henry) Busch, and Margaret (Mrs. Frank) Guenther; 92 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends.