Siemens, Kornelius (1897-1966)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1966 Nov 25 p. 19

Birth date: 1897 Nov 03

text of obituary:

KORNELIUS SIEMENS

Kornelius Siemens, Saskatoon, Sask., was born in Southern Russia on November 3, 1897, the oldest child of Kornelius and Agatha Siemens. At an early age he moved, together with his family, to Ufa in North Russia. He accepted Christ as Saviour when he was still quite young and in 1911 was, baptized by the Rev. Henry Siemens and became a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

On June 12, 1921 he was united in marriage to Justina Wiens. Five sons and one daughter were born to this union. The oldest son, Kornelius, died of cancer five years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Siemens, with their two oldest children left a relatively comfortable and prosperous life in Russia to come to Canada in 1926 and face the hardships of immigrants in a strange but free land rather than live under the communist regime. They farmed in the Balgonie district near Regina until they moved to Saskatoon in 1937.

In Saskatoon, Mr. Siemens was a member of the 25th Street MB Church which later moved to 33rd Street. He was involved in the planning and building of both the 33rd Street Church and the Nutana MB Church. He was always active in church affairs, serving as treasurer of his congregation for many years. He was also representative to the MCC and spent much time in the construction of the Menno Home at Waldheim.

Beginning with a small trucking business in 1937, Mr. Siemens built up the enterprise until it became one of the larger businesses of the city. He was working as usual on the day of his passing when he suddenly felt unwell, slipped into a coma, and died a few hours later of a brain haemorrhage.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Charles Roberts (Nell) of Ottawa; four sons, Peter of Outlook, Sask., Dan of Melbourne, Australia, Walter and Erwin of Saskatoon, 21 grandchildren, and five sisters, Anna and Gertrude of Vancouver, Mrs. Harry Chiko (Agatha), Mrs. Edgar Bath (Katie), Mrs. John Isaak (Susie), as well as many friends.