William (Wilhelm) Schellenberg Sr.

William Schellenberg Sr. of Yarrow, B.C. passed away April 12, 1991.

William was born October 13, 1901 to John (Johann) and Elizabeth (Klassen) Schellenberg in Leonidovka, Ignatievo, Russia. When he was 5, the family moved to Steinfeld near Babenkow, Russia where they farmed. His brother was conscripted and his father passed away about 1914, Barrisow, Russia. In 1919 they lost everything to robbers and they fled to Leonidovka. Wilhelm was baptized in 1919 by elder Unruh of New York, Ignatievo. He married Katie Klassen on June 28, 1920 in South Russia. They came to Canada in 1927 and to Yarrow in 1931.

Five children were born to them: Bill, Abram, Frieda, Hugo and Erna.

William was active in community endeavours. In 1931 the First Mennonite Church in Yarrow was without a pastor, they chose Aron Jantzen and Wilhelm Schellenberg to be their leaders. In 1940, he was elected to be their first Sunday school superintendent.

Katie died June 30, 1977.

He joined Yarrow MB Church on October 30, 1988.

He is survived by his children: Bill Jr. (Mary) of Yarrow, Abe (Mary); Frieda (Peter) Martens, Hugo (Beryl); and Erna (Erwin) Klingspohn; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and one brother Peter (Tena) Schellenberg of Kelowna.

The funeral was April 15, 1991 in the Yarrow MB Church with Ron Braun and Wilf Richert ministering.