Sawatzky, Cornelius John (1902-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 July 26 p. 23

Birth date: 1902 Dec 24

text of obituary:

CORNELIUS JOHN SAWATZKY

Cornelius John Sawatzky was born to Johann G. and Aganetha (Froese) Sawatzky on December 24, 1902 in Nikolaewka, South Russia. Here he spent his childhood and youth and received his education.

In 1924 he came with his parents to Aberdeen, Sask. He became a Christian in 1925 when he heard the gospel proclaimed by evangelist C. N. Hiebert. The same year he was baptized and became an active member of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On August 4, 1935, Lydia Niessen, also of Aberdeen, became his loving wife. Their marriage was blessed with one son and six daughters. In 1947 the family moved to Coaldale, Alta. where they resided until 1955, at which time they moved to Virgil, Ont. Here he served in radio work for ten years as well as faithfully teaching Sunday school as long as he was able.

In the summer of 1973 cancer set in. He was hospitalized on his return from a trip west to visit their children, relatives and friends. and passed away May 27. People were impressed with his cheerfulness and his ability to accept the situation into which God had placed him.

Funeral services were held in the Virgil Mennonite Brethren Church on May 29. Officiating were Rev. J. G. Baerg, Rev Frank Wiens and Rev. Peter Dick. He leaves to mourn his wife, Lydia; his son, Ted, of Virgil: his daughters: Mrs. Carl (Marlene Quapp of Calgary, Lois Berg of St. Catharines, Ont., Mrs. George (Nell) Kroker of Kamloops, B.C., Mrs. Walter (Magdalene Esau and Mrs. Dennis (Carol) Nickel, both of St. Catharines; and Linda Sawatzky of Calgary: 16 grandchildren; and three sisters Mrs. David (Margaret) Froese, Coaldale Alta. Mrs. Henry (Annie) Neufeld, Virgil and Mrs. David (Tina) Boschman, Coaldale.