Paul Rogalsky (1905-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary 1990 Mar 9 p.29

Birth date: 1905

text of obituary:

Paul Rogalsky

Paul and Mary Rogalsky of Chilliwack, B.C. passed away Jan. 5. Mary was born .June 25, 1904 to John and Mary Brandt in Wernersdorf, Russia. The oldest of 10 children, she had a love for children and music. She accepted the Lord and was baptized during a revival in 1923, joining the Allianz Church. She sang, taught Sunday school and was active in youth group. In 1926 she married Paul Rogalsky. Paul was born May 26, 1905 to Paul and Aganetha Rogalsky in Schonfeld, Russia. During the Revolution his father and uncle were murdered and he was hunted by rebels. Because he was unable to finish high school, he could not fulfill his desire to become a teacher. He became a Christian at 19 and was baptized into the Conference Mennonite Church. Paul and Mary escaped Russia in 1929. Their first child died in a refugee camp. They settled briefly in Manitoba. In 1931 they moved to Saskatchewan. Here they had a son who died in infancy and two daughters. They farmed, and Paul was a beekeeper. He was ordained to the ministry in 1944 in Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask. Both participated in many church activities. In 1952 they moved to Chilliwack, where Paul worked in building supplies. Both were active in church. Mary especially enjoyed singing. Paul's poor health, which included many surgeries and a faulty heart, made life difficult, but Mary's cheerfulness was a source of strength. Her motto was "With the Lord we can reach the goal-he has always been faithful." In the past six months she seemed to lose her cheerfulness, and the family prayed that she could soon go to her Lord. On .Jan. 3 they moved to Tabor Home, Clearbrook, B.C. On Jan. 5 Mary died of an apparent heart attack. Paul tried to assist her and also had a heart attack. They passed into eternity together after 63 years of marriage. They are survived by their daughters Anne Toews of Guernsey, Sask. and Eve Nicklin of Williams Lake, B.C.; 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The funeral was .Jan. 10 in Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, with Robert Friesen ministering.