Bergen Reunion

by Martha Martens

The Isaak Bergen (1816-1888) & Helena Von Niessen (1820-1894) descendants gathered at the Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, MB. On 28-30 July 2000 325 come home to get reacquainted. There was representation from each branch except the Gerhard Bergen family. They came from Belize, Mexico, USA, and in Canada from southern Ontario to the west coast.

Some highlights were a trip to Fort Dufferin; Jake Hildebrand their guide led the way and gave them a chapter of history in the lives of the Bergens. Another trip that many took was to the Blumenort cemetery, where a tombstone had been erected this summer in memory of the Isaak Bergens.

There was a worship service on Sunday. "the food was outstanding, the opportunities for fellowship and thanksgiving next to none - the facilities were, by far prime. . . made it possible for many to celebrate and recognize their roots, and feel proud about the contribution our people have made to the enrichment of Canadian culture" said one participant.

Further information maybe made by contacting Martha Martens 225 Pembina Ave. E, WinklerMB.R6W3N8 or emm@mb.sympatico.ca

Dyck Reunion

by Mel Klassen

A reunion for the descendants of Jacob H. and Katharina Dyck was held at the Altona Park on 6 August 2000. It was a beautiful, sunny, warm, Sunday afternoon. Approximately 100 descendants signed the register.

Mr. Art Dyck (son of Abram & Annie Dyck) was the chairman for the afternoon of activities, and in his opening comments welcomed all of the descendants that had taken the opportunity of attending this event.

The Dyck family came from the Bergthal Colony to Manitoba in 1875 headed by Maria Epp and Heinrich Dyck. They settled in the East Reserve village of Rosenthal. Maria died in 1877 and Heinrich remarried his sister-in-law, a widow, Aganetha Friesen Dyck. The family then moved to the West Reserve village of Kornsgart, currently Rosenort.

Recollections : were given by: Mr. Pete Letkeman (son of Abraham & Helen Letkeman) and Edgar Klassen (son of David J. & Annie Klassen). Bill Dyck (son of John & Henrietta Dyck) & Art Dyck shared some recollections and also lead in a brief memorial service.

A short meditation was given by Mr. Steve Dyck (son of Henry & Mary Dyck). The program concluded with Judith Klassen and Rachel Klassen (Huebner) playing and singing some old gospel hymns.

Faspa: a Dyck specialty was enjoyed by all. There were watermelons, buns, coffee, pickles, sausage, ham and an excellent variety of desserts. Pete (son of Pete & Mary Dyck) & Emily Dyck serenaded the group with a singsong during ''Faspa''.

21,22,23 July 2000 the Hoeppner/Heppner Reunion

by Mavis Dyck

Invitations were extended to all who were descendants of the Delegate Jacob Hoeppner (born 1748) who with delegate Johann Bartsch were responsible for arranging the migration of the Mennonites from Prussia to Russia in 1789. Then in 1874 began the migration from Russia to Canada.

On Friday, Hoeppners/Heppners began arriving from all directions for this special celebration at the Steinbach Bible School The evening program set the stage for an informative weekend interspersed with humour, music, and singing.

A few highlights were:

On Saturday morning the family gathered at the memorial of Jacob Hoeppner at the Steinbach Heritage Museum to remember the Mennonites following the leading of God through the centuries. A short service was held in the Old Colony Church of Chortitz (West Reserve) situated next to the monument. The nostalgia of the men seated on the left and the women on the right all singing from the depths of their hearts "To God be the Glory" was awesome.

Opera singer Ben Hoeppner's three sisters from parts of the U.S.A. were thrilled to meet the extended family. Everyone was pleased with the arrival of the extensive Heppner/Hoeppner History Book!

Celebrations continued 24 July with many family members making their way to the Waldheim Cemetery located s.w. of Winkler. Of the 24 families who homesteaded in the Waldheim district 10 were Hoeppners. Marking the graves of Hoeppner descendants were 70 ribbons! Ed Hoeppner of Winnipeg, a member of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society, gave a short talk on Waldheim history. Many local family members had stories to share. From this location an excited group followed George and Mavis Dyck to the original homestead of Peter (b.1829) and Elizabeth (Penner) Hoeppner to choose as a souvenir a piece of oak log from the log house built in 1877. The farm has remained in the family for 123 years! Many pictures were taken and stories shared. The afternoon concluded with tearful, but happy good-byes as families departed for home.