Obituary of Henry R. Loewen

Our dear father, Henry Roland Loewen, passed away peacefully at Rest Haven Care Home, Steinbach, MB., on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 96.

Henry was born in Steinbach to Jacob F. and Katherine Loewen at their farm on Twin Creek Road. 

He is survived by his sisters Martha & Elaine, as well as by four daughters: Audrey (Fred) Otto, Joanne (Buck) Nageli, Arlene (Wayne) Kroeker, and Luanne (Brent) Toderash and one son Henry James (Becky) Loewen. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Henry’s childhood on the farm instilled in him a lifelong passion for farming. However, God had different plans which led him to a career in missions in Brazil. He was challenged to attend Steinbach Bible School. It was there he met his wife, Betty Kroeker. After their marriage, and some missionary training, they headed for Brazil. 

In 1956, while on their first trip back to Canada, Henry was faced with one of the most difficult challenges of his life. By then, he had four children, six years of age and under. While they were giving a report at the same Bible School where he had met Betty, God chose to take her Home. However, in a few short months, God graciously gave him Edna Reimer to be his new life-long partner. The family then returned to Brazil.

During his 33 years in Brazil, Henry worked with the Baniwa people. He learned their language, reduced it to writing, translated and printed the New Testament, and established numerous churches. After leaving Brazil in 1985, Henry developed teaching lessons in Baniwa which were transmitted on Trans World Radio (TWR). Many of the Baniwa people continue to follow the teachings from the Word, which they now have in their own language.

Henry and Edna lived in Steinbach during the ensuing years, where they were heavily involved in their church, their community, and their ongoing ministry to the Baniwa people.

The immediate family will gather for a private time of honoring and remembering Henry on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2024, at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.