Krahn, Cornelius (Neil) (1938-1979)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1979 May 11 p. 30

Birth date: 1938 Dec 07

text of obituary:

CORNELIUS (NEIL) KRAHN

Cornelius Krahn of Brandon, Manitoba was born in the Russian Mennonite village of Kronsthal on December 7,1938, the fifth son of George and Margreta Krahn. In 1942, four years later, the family fled to western Europe and finally emigrated to Canada in 1947. Neil grew up in Winnipeg, with many of the interests typical of his age group, and it wasn't until he was 17 that he decisively met Christ. He became persuaded that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed God in human flesh, and once persuaded he steadfastly affirmed his faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Following his conversion he was bapized and became a member of the North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church. He graduated from the MBCI in 1957 and from here proceeded to the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a B.Sc. in engineering in 1962 and began a career in electrical engineering. On July 17, 1965 he was married to Esther Hildebrand of Winkler. Their first home was in Thompson, where Neil worked for Inco. In 1968, he left engineering for teaching, which he continued until the time of his sudden death.

He practiced his profession with diligence, thoroughness and dedicaion. He cared deeply for people and longed o communicate his faith in a living Christ to all he met. Life was of a single cloth to him, a cloth which he sought to weave with faith, words and action. He taught church Sunday school for years and participated gladly in many areas of church life. He was stricken while involved in a church activity.

Cornelius died April 16 and leaves behind his wife and two children, a daughter Cynthia and son Lyall. He is also mourned by his parents, the George Krahns of Winnipeg; his mother-in-law, (Mrs.) Lena Hildebrand of Winkler; two brothers, Peter of Winnipeg and Arthur of Brandon; two sisters, Agnes (Mrs. Jake) Funk and Elfrieda of Winnipeg; and many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his mother and two brothers. The funeral service was conducted from the Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church of Brandon by pastor Albert Baerg.