Helmut Schroeder

1922 - 2017

Helmut Cornelius Schroeder, beloved husband of the late Nettie Schroeder, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Monday, March 6, 2017 at the age of 94 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Monday, March 13, 2017 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.

The Burial Service was held at the Bow Island Cemetery on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 11:00 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at the Evangelical Free Church, 214 - 4 Avenue West, Bow Island on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 1:00 P.M.

Helmut will be lovingly remembered by his children and their families, Judith (Douglas) Schroeder-Tabah of Saguenay, Quebec, and their children Aaron (Cynthia), Christian, Rachel (Julio) Solis and Sami; Janet (Gerald) Schellenberg of Bow Island and their children Jessica (Jeremy) Poettcker, Nikki (Randy) Ohlmann and Shawn (Krystal) Schellenberg; Raymond (Angela) Schroeder of Regina, Saskatchewan and their children Randal (Lauren) Schroeder, Jared, Logan (Lanea) and Thomas. He will also be missed by his twelve great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Besides Nettie, his loving wife of more than sixty five years, Helmut was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Katharina Schroeder; his sisters Hulda Penner, Hildegarde Janz and Lora Schroeder; his granddaughters Tanya Schellenberg and Lena Schroeder-Tabah; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Helmut was born to Cornelius and Katharina Schroeder on their farm home approximately two and one half miles north east of Old Main Centre, Saskatchewan on August 9, 1922. Contrary to what he jokingly related to his family, he was not born beside the railway track since the railway was only laid about 1930. Helmut was blessed with three older sisters although one had died prior to his birth. Although his parents were delighted to have a son, one must have been trouble enough since there were no more additions to the family.

Helmut was born into a Christian family whose main concern was their children’s spiritual well-being. Helmut accepted Christ as his Savior at evangelistic meetings when he was about nine years old. He was baptized as a teenager. Helmut spent several years at a lime factory on Texada Island and on a dairy farm near Pitt Meadows in Alternate service. During this time, his mother suffered with leukemia and passed into the presence of her Lord in January of 1945. Soon after, the Lord directed Helmut to attend Prairie Bible Institute.

During that time, Nettie Lepp (a school teacher) and Helmut crossed paths. She enrolled at Prairie and Helmut enrolled at the Provincial Normal School. It was during this time that Helmut’s father passed away following a brief illness. Helmut and Nettie continued their courtship and with her parents consent, she became his wife and partner on July 12, 1949.

Helmut and Nettie then went north to Kitwancool to teach in what was known as Indian Day Schools. While in Kitwancool and Kitwanga, they were blessed with their first daughter Judith. They decided to change directions again. Helmut went to attend MB Bible College in Winnipeg with the prospect of going into full time ministry. In Winnipeg, God blessed them with a second daughter Janet. After completing his schooling there, Helmut and Nettie pastored at the Alexander church and taught school in Brandon. While in Brandon, they were blessed with a son Raymond. After this time, Helmut and Nettie moved to Woodrow and then Beechy where Helmut was a full time pastor. Helmut spent many hours visiting and forming friendships with the church families. They moved to Saskatoon following that and Helmut served as conference minister to the MB churches before going into semi retirement. However, pastors never really retire. He continued to lead care groups and served in several seniors homes. In 2007, they moved to Bow Island when Nettie became ill so they could be closer to family. Helmut continued to lead a Bible study for several years. Nettie was soon unable to care for herself due her health and was moved into long term care. Helmut devoted most of his time to being at Nettie’s side until his health deteriorated. The last six months of their marriage were spent together in the long term care in Bow Island. They were delighted to be together again. Helmut continued to live there for two more years until his passing.

Helmut and Nettie formed many lasting relationships with family and friends. They cherished each relationship and constantly prayed for each one. They continued to nurture these relationships by long distance through phone calls and letters, long after they could no longer travel. Over the years, we as family have been blessed to be able to meet dad and mom’s many friends who meant so much to them and we thank you for your prayers and support for them and for us. Dad truly loved his family and looked so forward to meeting them again in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.