Herman Voth

Reverend Herman Voth

1915-2010

With family at side, Herman Voth passed away on Monday, December 6, 2010 at the Morden Tabor Home at the age of 95 years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Katie, parents Nikolea and Kaethe Voth, daughter Elfrieda, grandson Andrew Nikkel, daughter-in-law Jean Voth, 5 brothers and 3 sisters. Herman is lovingly remembered by his children Bert (Barb) Voth of Surrey BC, Herb (Virginia) Voth of Chilliwack BC, Ruth (Walter) Ewert of Portage, Maryanne (John) Nikkel of Portage, Vi (Ed) Siemens of Newton, Dorothy (Harry) Funk of Portage and Don (Jan) Voth of Newton; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; sisters Katie Dyck, Mary (Irvin) Penner, Kathy (Rudy) Pauls; sisters-in-law Kay Voth, Hedy Voth and Jean Voth and special friend Mary Gerbrandt; along with many nieces and nephews.

Herman Voth was born March 1, 1915 in Steinfeld, Russia to parents Nikolai and Kaethe (Bartsch) Voth, joining his older sister Margaret. Herman's mother Kaethe passed away in 1916 shortly after giving birth to her third child Katie. Nikolai Voth married Katherine Thiessen and the family grew. Due to the political instability in Russia, the Voth family journeyed to Canada in 1925.

After arriving in Manitoba at the age of 10, Herman began to attend school in Grade 1, not knowing the English language. The family began farming at the beginning of the "great depression" in Hochfeld and later in Arnaud. These were very difficult years, with a large family of 12 children. However by 1939 they were able to build a barn and a house. Walking with God was always very important to Herman's parents. In 1931 at an evangelistic service in Winkler, Herman gave his heart to Jesus and began his walk with God.

Herman enrolled at the Winkler Bible School in 1935. This was also where he met Katie Janzen. They were engaged in April 1938 with the wedding taking place in October 6, 1938. Herman and Katie spent their lives in various church ministries. These included teaching Bible School in Ontario and BC and ministering as a pastor couple in various churches: South Abbotsford MB Church, East Aldergrove MB Church, Herbert MB Church and the Otter Road Community Church. Herman also worked as a chaplain in the Tabor Home in Clearbrook, BC and in Morden.

In 1983 his beloved wife Katie passed away after a brave fight with cancer and Herman began his life alone. He lived in Winnipeg, Winkler and finally moved back to Morden. During his time in Morden, Herman volunteered at the Tabor Home, preaching at the German services and assisting at the Sunday morning church service. In his retirement Herman enjoyed fishing, reading and watching his favorite CFL team the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Westside Community Church, 831 Thornhill St., Morden, MB at 11:00 am with viewing prior to the service. Interment will follow at Winkler Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy if friends so wish donations may be made to the The Gideons International Canada- Box 3619 Station Main, Guelph ON N1H 9Z9 or Tabor Home Inc. 230- 9th Street South, Morden, MB. R6M 1Y3

The family wishes to express our thanks to the staff at the Tabor Home in Morden and the Salem Special Care Unit for their tender care of our Dad.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com