Johann Goertzen, age 74, passed away after a brief stay at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital on March 22, 2008 at approximately 5:15 pm. Dad was born May 12, 1933 to Jacob F. and Helena Goertzen in Chaco, Paraguay, Schoenthal, Colony Menno. At 24, dad was baptized upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. In the same year, dad began his lifelong relationship with Katharina Schroeder. Mom and Dad’s courtship began in January and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 20, 1957. Together, God blessed them with 11 children. The first 7 years of their marriage was spent in Paraguay; and in 1964, mom and dad, along with 4 children, moved to Bolivia where the remainder of their children were born. Dad is survived by his loving and devoted wife Katharina of 50 years, children Anne Goertzen, Willie (Hulda) Goertzen, Helena McAlpine, Minna Cox, Peter (Mary) Goertzen, Maria (Kevin) Martens, Abe (Helen) Goertzen, Isaac Goertzen (fiancé Viola), and Trudy (Stacey) Richter as well as 16 grandchildren, and one brother and one sister both living in Bolivia. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob F. and Helena Goertzen, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, and 2 of his own children, Abram at infancy and 15 year old daughter Tina in 1982. On behalf of the family, we wish to thank Dr. Ilchyna, the staff at the Bethesda Hospital, and for the many friends who visited dad during his stay in the hospital. Viewing will be held at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover St, Steinbach on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church with interment at the Prairie Rose EMC Cemetery, Landmark, MB.