Neufeld-Klippenstein, Erna Sawatzky (1926-2005)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2005 Jun 10 p. 28

Birth date: 1926 Feb 12

text of obituary:

ERNA NEUFELD-KLIPPENSTEIN

Erna Neufeld-Klippenstein died Apr. 14. She was born Feb. 12, 1926 to Peter and Justina Sawatzky in Davlekanovo, Russia. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927, settling in Herbert, Sask. and moving to Main Centre, Sask. in 1935. She married Alvin Neufeld in 1944. They were stationed with the Royal Canadian Air Force in Charlottetown, P.E.1. After WW II they returned to Saskatchewan, then moved to Calgary where they established a rental business. They were founding members of Highland MB Church. Alvin died at age 52 and son Marshall a year later. She was comforted by her faith, and by reading authors such as Muggeridge, Bonhoeffer and Solzhenitsyn. In 1984 she, together with others, started a Ten Thousand Villages store. In Dec. 1980 she married Dick Klippenstein. They enjoyed travelling, hiking and visiting family and friends. She was an attentive listener and accepted others as they were. She had an infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Her favourite Scripture was Isa. 40:31. Predeceased by Alvin, Marshall and 2 brothers, she is mourned by Dick; daughter Julie; son Donald; stepsons Terry and Randy; 6 grandchildren; 2 sisters. The funeral was Apr. 18 in Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary, with Abe Quiring ministering.