Franz E. Guenther A resident of Chilliwack for 21 years and formerly of Yarrow, B.C. and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Franz Enns Guenther of 101 College Street, died February 11, 1972 in Chilliwack General Hospital.

Franz Guenther was born on August 3, 1890 to Johann & Judith Guenther in Schoenweise, Manitoba. He was baptized when he was 20. On July 11, 1911 he was married to Susanna Martens. Six children, 4 sons and 2 daughters were born to them.

The Guenthers farmed in Osler until 1940 when they moved to Yarrow B.C. where he was a watchmaker and had a small jewellery store on Central Road until 1951 when they moved to Chilliwack where he operated his watchmaking and jewellery shop again until he became ill in 1969. Our dear mother passed away on March 13, 1964. On July 6, 1964, our father Franz Guenther married for a second time, with Justina (Unger) Harms from Chilliwack.

Our father had his first stroke on August 18, 1968 and had never recovered from this completely. He suffered one stroke after another until his end. He was not lame or paralyzed, just his memory and recollection was weak and he couldn’t talk or communicate like he wanted to. During this time, he slept a lot but didn’t complain of any pain, just that he was very weak and tired. He longed to go home to heaven. Our dear mother was at his side, she helped and faithfully supported him. He to was brought to the hospital in Chilliwack on December 19, 1971 and stayed there until his death on February 11, 1972 at 1:45 pm. In his last few days, he went through very hard suffering, however, he was unconscious during this time.

He reached the age of 81 years, 7 months and 8 days. He is survived by his wife Justina Guenther; two daughters: Anna (Mrs. George) Sawatzky of Yarrow and Susie (Mrs. Peter) Teichroeb of Vancouver; four sons: John of Yarrow; Abe of Liberia, Africa; Henry in Florida and Bill of Chilliwack. 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and 7 stepchildren, all of them are marred.

Rev. Peter Teichroeb, (his son-n-law) officiated at the funeral service on February 14th, 1972 at Henderson’s Funeral Chapel, assisted by Rev. George Groening of Eden Mennonite Church spoke words of comfort and encouragement to the family. He was followed by Rev. Peter Teichroeb, who spoke on Revelations 14:13 “…Blessed are those who die in the Lord…”. The choir sang: “Holy Ghost, you comfort and counsel. A telegram from his nephew, George Guenther, Ontario was read. Rev. Teichroeb comforted the family by telling them that nothing could hurt their father anymore, that he was resting and had reached his goal. The choir sang: “Nearer My God to Thee” and the closed the service with a prayer. Viewing of the body followed.

Many friends and relatives had come for the funeral. Pall bearers were Ervin Sawatsky, Neil Guenther, Elmer Guenther, Paul Teichroeb, Bob Harms and Wayne Guenther. Burial was at Yarrow Cemetery, near the grave of his first wife Susanna Guenther, the mother of his children.