Labun, Gerhard (1904-1973)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 Feb 08 p. 30

Birth date: 1904 Feb 20

text of obituary:

GERHARD LABUN

Gerhard Labun was born February 20, 1904 to Peter and Elizabeth (Dyck) Labun in the Kronsgart, Manitoba area. He received his elementary education in the Rosewell school and his high school in Altona and Carman. After attending the Provincial Normal School in Winnipeg he taught for 10 years in public schools in southern Manitoba.

At the age of 21 he received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, was baptized and received into the fellowship of the Kronsgart Mennonite Brethren Church. He enjoyed singing, and initiated many musical groups with his sisters and brothers, at school, and later with his own family. His desire to serve the Lord was visible throughout his life.

On August 10, 1930 he married Nettie Penner, a union blessed with three sons and two daughters.

After teaching ten years, he began farming. In 1958, however, they again returned to teaching, this time in Indian Day Schools in the Scanterbury area of Manitoba as well as for nine years in northern B.C.

In 1970 thev both attended Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alta. for three semesters. In 1971 they went to assist the Wycliff Bible Translators in Mitla, Mexico.

Ill health forced him to retire from a life of active service for his Lord in the spring of 1973, and on December 29 he was taken home to be with the Lord.

He was predeceased by one son, Dr. Clarence Labun, in 1972. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Nettie; daughter-in-law Lydia Labun; son Arthur and wife Margaret; daughter Lenora and husband Bert Suess; son Albert and wife Nettie; daughter Evelyn; 12 grandchildren; five sisters and three brothers.

Funeral services were held January 2 in the Kronsgart church with Rev. A. A. Hyde officiating.

CORRECTION: February 22, 1974 p. 29 The obituary for Gerhard Labun, which appeared in the February 8 Herald, should have stated that the funeral was conducted at the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church, with Rev. John Stoesz ministering, and that interment took place in the Kronsgart Cemetery. Rev. A. A. Hyde conducted the graveside service.