GOETZKE; Marianne Elisabeth (Götzke)
Marianne Goetzke died peacefully at Zion Park Manor, Cloverdale, January 19, 2016. She will be missed by the family she loved, by her friends, and remembered at Bethel Mennonite Church, where she was an active member for nearly 60 years. Her family includes 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren: Reimar Goetzke & Beverly Short (Lyris Short-Goetzke & Eric Stutzman-Calum, Myelle; Seth Goetzke), Ute Goetzke (Jen & Mark Goerzen-Gabriel, Gus, Piper; Rena & Matt Siddall), Bodo and Sharon Goetzke (Larissa & Jeff Neale-Oliver; Vanessa Goetzke; Natasha & Tyrell Mara-Olia), Lissa and Bill Decker (Brad Decker; Jonathan Decker; Ashley & Jayeson Wall-Madeline, Lincoln, Beckett), Helga Goetzke. Marianne was born May 2, 1923 in Neuhof, East Prussia and baptized in the Adlig-Pokraken Mennoniten Gemeinde. She enjoyed school, especially mathematics. She and Otto Ernst Goetzke married in 1950 and with their first two children emigrated to Canada in 1952. The wildlife around Westwold made the walk to school precarious for the children so Otto left his mill job for a little farm in Aldergrove, 1954. In 1961 they moved onto a larger farm where they raised strawberries and laying hens. Marianne worked on the farm while Otto often did seasonal work at a tannery or fish cannery. Marianne showed her deep faith through action rather than word, ministering to her church together with Otto from 1980 to 1989 as a deacon. Her generosity continued with many gifts from her big garden, from her kitchen, and treats of Christmas and birthday chocolates. People tell of her bursting into a beaming smile that lit up her face. One couldn't guess what would make her laugh, but her laughter would make people grin. The celebration of Marianne's life will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church, 24687-56 Ave., Langley, 11:00 am, February 01, 2016. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations to MCC BC.
"Goodness and love unfailing will follow me all the days of my life." Ps. 23:6
Online condolences to the family may be made to: www.wiebeandjeskefh.com
Wiebe & Jeske - 604.859.5885