Toews, Abrahm Henry (1885-1976)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1976 Dec 24 p. 28

Birth date: 1885 Oct 26

text of obituary:

ABRAHAM HENRY TOEWS

Abraham Henry Toews was born on October 26, 1885 in Alexanderwohl, Molotschna, south Russia, the son of Henry and Katharina (nee Klassen) Toews. He entered the teaching profession after education in Alexanderwohl and Halbstadt. In 1904 he was baptized on his confession of faith and accepted into the Mennonite Brethren Church.

Martha Susanna Friesen became his bride on August 22, 1913, and their marriage was blessed with one son and six daughters. Two daughters predeceased them in childhood. Service in the medical corps during the First World War and teaching at Blumenort, south Russia preceded a move to Canada in 1925. After living in rural Manitoba at Osborne and Arnaud, the Toews moved to Winnipeg and joined the North Kildonan Church. Here he was ordained to the preaching ministry in 1937 and led the church from 1942 to 1949. Fellowship and service were the deep commitments of his faith and life.

Rev. Toews lovingly cared for his wife during a three-year illness which ended with her passing in 1953. He returned to teaching for three years and this gave him much pleasure and satisfaction. On October 26, after a happy 91st birthday celebration, he suddenly became ill and passed away peacefully two days later.

He leaves to mourn one son, Henry Helmut and his wife Freda; four daughters, Elfriede (Mrs. Henry) Peters, Ida, Edith, and Dr. Helen Toews; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother Isaak; one sister, (Mrs.) Sara Duerksen; one sister-in-law, Anna Toews; nephews, nieces, and many friends.