Esther Krahn

Esther passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on October 28, 2024. Esther was born to parents David J. and Anna (Funk) Sawatzky on the farm 5 miles east of Aberdeen, SW quarter of section 36, township 38, range 2, west of the 3rd on September 20, 1921. Esther was the third child of four – Mary (1915), David (1917), Esther (1921) and Adeline (1935).

Esther attended the New Steinbach country school one mile west of her home where she achieved her Grade 8. She loved playing sports in school especially softball – she was the back catcher – and soccer (or football as she called it). She carried this love of sports with her, later focusing on hockey. Edmonton was her team, and she attended an Oilers game in Edmonton for her 90th birthday.

Esther’s faith in God and her church were of paramount importance to her. As a child and young adult, she attended the Mennonite Brethren church located two miles east of Aberdeen. It was here that her faith was nurtured. In the late 1930’s she attended a Bible school organized by her uncle Ben Sawatzky. She was baptized on August 14, 1938. When the country church eventually closed in 1960, Abe, Esther and their family attended the Aberdeen Mennonite church where she faithfully attended until her passing.

Music was very important to Esther throughout her life. As a young adult, she sang in the Mennonite Brethren church choir conducted by her uncle Aaron and later her father. Later, she sang in the Aberdeen Mennonite church choir, and wherever else a strong alto voice was needed.

Esther married her life partner, Abram Krahn, on June 17, 1943. Together they farmed and raised their 5 children. She was no stranger to hard work, doing whatever needed to be done – cooking for her family, butchering chickens and turkeys, or driving truck during harvest.

Esther survived many health issues, but on Friday, October 18 she suffered a massive stroke which took her life 9 days later, on October 28, 2024.

Esther was predeceased by her parents David J and Anna (Funk) Sawatzky, husband Abram Krahn, brother David and sister-in-law Tina Sawatzky, sister Mary and brother-in-law Ernie Friesen, and brother-in-law Arno Fast. She is survived by her sister Adeline Sawatzky, sister-in-law Lena (Krahn) Fast, sister-in-law Serena (Krahn) and husband Ernie Balzer, children Luella (Allan) Klause, Wendy Krahn, Reg (Dora) Krahn, Lorrie (George) Neufeld, Shelley Krahn. She also leaves behind grandchildren Garth (Sherri) Klause, Alden (Pam) Klause, Allison (Dan) Fletcher, Daniel (Erica) Krahn, Rachel (Ben) Sleeva, Ashley Neufeld, Derrek Neufeld, great-grandchildren Brynn and Lauren Fletcher, Luna and Casper Lealos, Naia and Camden Krahn. Step great-grandchildren Amanda and Kurtis, Jasey and Nickoli and a step great-great grandchild Wylde.

Viewing will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024 at the Aberdeen Mennonite Church. Esther's Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the Olgafeld Cemetery in Aberdeen, SK. Following her interment, a Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., at the Aberdeen Mennonite Church. If we are unable to attend Esther's Funeral Service, please click the following link for livestream: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/99223

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Esther's care and arrangements.