Wohlgemuth, Lina Heinrichs (1912-2002)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2002 Aug 2 p. 29

Birth date: 1912 Mar 16

text of obituary:

LINA WOHLGEMUTH

Lina Wohlgemuth passed away Apr. 26. She was born Mar. 16, 1912 to Hermann and Ida Heinrichs in Lansen, Poland. She accepted Christ in early childhood, was baptized and joined the Baptist church. At 21, she left home to learn to be a chef and businesswoman. She married Heinrich Wohlgemuth June 28. They established a successful bakery. Heinrich was conscripted into the army and went missing on the Russian front. She and her three young children fled west. They were overtaken by the Russian army. They hid in the forest. She lost her possessions, including her Bible and hymnbook. At Gansow, Mecklenburg, she found her father, sister and brother with their families. Later, she exchanged some butter for a Bible; this gave her strength and comfort. She and her children escaped out of the Russian zone into West Berlin without documents. After some time in Gronau, Westphalia, in 1949 she moved to Kitchener, Ont. She worked unceasingly for her children, first in Kitchener-Waterloo Hospital, then at Fashion Lane. Her husband's mother and brothers and her brother-in-law helped where they could. She continued to hope she would see Heinrich again. In 1996 she learned that he had died shortly after the end of the war in Smolensk, Russia. Lina was an example of optimism, prayer and thankfulness. She was a faithful, active member of Kitchener MB Church. She worked tirelessly in the ladies' group, made handcrafts for her children and grandchildren, travelled throughout the world in retirement and enjoyed times at Camp Crossroads with her friend Margarete Bachmann. Inseparable friends, they did good for the sick and needy. In 2000 she moved to Tabor Manor, St. Catharines, Ont. Predeceased by Heinrich, she is mourned by sons Horst and Rainer; daughter Gudrun Mathies; 8 grandchildren; and 6 sisters. The funeral was held in Kitchener MB Church, with Grant Gordon and John Wall ministering.