Koop, Franz (1895-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1973 Mar 09 p. 31

Birth date; 1895 Mar 22

text of obituary:

FRANZ KOOP

Franz Koop of Coaldale, Alta., was born in 1895 in Gnadenheim, S. Russia. He was converted at the age of 12 and his entire life was a testimony to his Lord. During WWI he served in the Russian medical corps.

In 1928 he was married and together with his wife Maria was baptized later the same year and joined the Evangelical church. They adopted four children, one of them dying in early youth. As conditions in Russia worsened, the family emigrated to Canada via Moscow and Germany and arrived in Coaldale in 1930. Here they joined the MB Church where Franz was active on the church council for many years.

After many years of hard work farming, he retired in 1951. After WWII he was able to welcome several relatives from Russia.

He died on January 13 in his 78th year, two weeks short of celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.

Left to mourn are his wife Maria, three sons, two sisters, 1 brother, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held in the Coaldale MB Church on January 17 with Rev. Henry Nikkel officiating.