Juri Mattner

1934 - 2002

On Sunday November 24, 2002 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, Juri Mattner, age 68, went to his eternal rest.

Juri Mattner was born on October 18, 1934 in the village of Olgina, Siberia, near the city of Omsk. For many years he lived there with his parents and two brothers. At the age of 4 he became deaf which determined much for the rest of his life.

In 1957 he met his future wife, Pijada Boeshans who was also deaf and together they raised three children. That was quite an achievement.

He never learned to read or write but he did learn to work hard, first as a shoemaker and later as a vineyard labourer.

In 1969 they move to Kergiesia and lived there for 21 years. In 1990 Juri and his wife moved to Germany together with his son Juri and his wife, Olga, and their three sons with whom they lived until Juri and his family moved to Canada in 2001. In September 30, 2001 his dear wife died; a huge loss because she was one of the very few people that he could communicate with. Three months later he came to Winkler, Manitoba to visit his children and grandchildren, hoping that he could stay here in this country. In August of this year it was determined that he had cancer and died in the hospital of this disease on November 24, 2002.

He is survived by his son Jakob and Claudia and three children; his son Vasili and Tamara and three children; his son Juri and Olga and three childen.

The funeral service was held on November 27, 2002, 2:30pm  in the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Pastor John R. Friesen and Pastor Ben Pauls officiating.  Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.  Donations may be made towards the family's medical expenses.

Wiebe Funeral Home Winkler in care of arrangements.