Niebuhrgathering site is back online

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Written by Jeff Rivett

Published: 22 March 2016

After a hiatus of several weeks, the site is back up and running. The software on which the site is based underwent a major upgrade.

Although things may look a bit different, the site's features haven't changed much.

The biggest change is that the site should now work a lot better on small devices like smartphones.

If you have any questions, please use the 'Contact us' link in the sidebar to send email to the site administrator (that's me).

Obituary - Henry Loewen

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Written by Roberta Rivett

Published: 26 November 2013

From Nettie Dueck, as published by the Winnipeg Free Press in May 2013:

Obituary – Henry Loewen

Peacefully, with family by his side, Henry Loewen, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend to many, completed his earthly journey April 30^th at the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit.  He has been welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Henry was born July 13, 1931 in Steinfeld, Ukraine.  At age 5, his father was taken at night by the Russian secret police (NKVD), as were many other Mennonite men at this time.  Henry never saw his father again.  His older sister Lena died the following month of scarlet fever.  In February 1948 Henry arrived in Canada together with his mother & younger sister, following a 5-year upheaval after fleeing their homeland with the retreating German army.  Henry lived his entire life in gratitude to God for bringing them safely to this country. 

Henry apprenticed as a bricklayer in Germany and decided on a career as a carpenter once in Canada, which included a partnership in Ridgeview Homes, working independently as Loewen Homes, and taking great pleasure in finish carpentry for other builders. His talent & skill have been a blessing to many!   

Henry married his sweetheart, Susie Harder, in October 1959 in Winkler, Manitoba where they had met, and settled in Winnipeg.  Their marriage was blessed with 3 daughters.The family grew to include three sons-in-law, 7 grandchildren and a great-grandson who brought him special joy in his final days in hospital.

Henry’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life, characterized by ministry to others through service in the church and with Union Gospel Mission; volunteer work with Trans World Radio in Europe; countless hours of visitation; assisting neighbours, friends & family with home projects and repairs; playing his harmonica with ‘Harmony Sounds’ and during dinners at the Donwood dining hall; and simply extending friendship to all he would meet.

Henry has left a legacy of living in gratitude to God each day, desiring to be a servant to all and make a difference in the world around him.  He was loving, thoughtful, generous and a great planner.  Henry was our spiritual leader and our example of Christian living.We will miss him dearly and live in anticipation of our reunion as promised by Jesus.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, Heinrich & Helena (Niebuhr) Loewen, sister Lena and son-in-law Rick Hamm.  He is lovingly remembered by his wife Susie, 3 daughters and their families; Barb Hamm (Rachel & Matthew Winkler, Karis and Natalie Hamm), Ingrid & Wilson Anderson, Wilma & Dan Wiens (Josh Wiens & Mya Wheeler Wiens with Julian, Malyssa, Cora and Chad Wiens); sister Nettie & Gordon Dueck.

We express sincere gratitude to the entire Palliative Care team for their support & care for Henry while at home and during his weeks in hospital.  As Henry said, “words cannot express my appreciation for your kindness to me.”  Thank you for patiently providing loving care to us all!

The funeral service will be Monday, May 6^th at 11 a.m. at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy.  Please join us as we celebrate Henry’s life.  Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trans World Radio or Union Gospel Mission, available at the church.