Peter Isaac Harms
Obituary
Peter Isaac Harms, age 91, of Steinbach, MB., passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital after a brief illness.
Peter was born to Elisabeth (Ens) and Isaac Harms February 2, 1935, the oldest of 4 children. He was born in the village of Osterwick, in what was then known as the Chortitz district of Russia, and is now known as Zaporozhye in Ukraine. Peter was originally named Isaac, but his name was changed to Peter when the German army arrived a few years later and Old Testament names were considered undesirable. When the German army retreated in 1943 the family also moved west, along with other Mennonite and German families of the area. Peter’s father was drafted into the German army, and while they had periodic contact until his death in 1962, they never saw him again.
After years in various refugee camps, Peter’s mother applied through MCC to move to Canada. After more delays, primarily due to various health problems, the family finally arrived in Manitoba in the summer of 1952. They were sponsored by the Abram Rempel family of Randolph, and settled in Steinbach, quickly becoming involved in Steinbach Mennonite Church.
After working as a farm hand for various families, in 1955 Peter began working for CT Loewen and Sons, starting out as yard hand and helper. Beginning in 1958 Peter had the privilege of attending Elim Bible Institute in Altona, graduating in 1961. He appreciated the opportunity to study the Bible and church history. It was also at Elim the Peter met a young woman by the name of Frieda Thiessen. They wrote many letters to each other when not together, and were married on June 24, 1962, in Wingham.
Returning to work at CT Loewen’s after graduation, the young couple built a house and home together on Oak Crescent in Steinbach. They added both rooms and children over the years. Together Peter and Frieda raised 4 children in the house they built. They spent many hours playing in the large backyard with their children and tending their garden. They also took the time every summer to get away on a family vacation, often travelling west to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in their tent trailer.
Steinbach Mennonite Church continued to be a central part of the family’s life. Early in their marriage Peter and Frieda decided that regular church attendance and involvement was a priority for them. This led to Peter taking on a variety of leadership roles in the church. In 1972 he became a deacon, and in 1976 was ordained as a lay minister. The call to ministry shaped many of Peter’s decisions, and he saw it as a great privilege to serve the Lord in this way. He often preached in the German language Sunday morning service and led a Wednesday evening Bible study for many years.
After his retirement from the lumber yard, he had more time for the broader community. He spent many afternoons visiting members of the church and was a regular visitor at Bethesda Hospital and at all of the care homes in Steinbach. He would go to visit a particular person, but stop to say hello to anyone he knew, or who happened to be sitting in a common area and was ready to talk. To Peter it continued to be a privilege to serve God and the church in this way. Not being able to continue this ministry of visitation when he gave up driving at the age of 90 was a loss to him. Retirement also brought many enjoyable afternoons as a tour guide at the Mennonite Heritage Museum. He met people from around the world in this way and indulged his interests in history and sharing knowledge.
In spite of a fragmented education as a child, Peter remained curious and loved learning throughout his life. He wanted to learn something new everyday. He spent many hours reading Bible commentaries while preparing for sermons and Bible studies, and he loved to visit museums when he traveled. Peter viewed travel as a great privilege, and enjoyed many trips across Canada, often to attend church conferences. He also attended Mennonite World Conference four times, and enjoyed every one of them.
Even as he was able to travel less, keeping in touch with friends near and far remained important to Peter. He still went for coffee several mornings a week with friends, right up until his final illness, as well as keeping in regular contact with relatives across Canada and in Germany.
Peter will be remembered as a gentle and caring man. He was kind and generous, in ways both seen and unnoticed. His many small acts of kindness over the years have added up to a large positive impact on his community.
Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife Frieda in 1987, son-in-law Murray Phillips, as well as by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Peter is survived by his daughters Linda (husband Rob and daughters Amanda and Megan), Evelyn (stepchildren Christine, James, and Jon, and their families), and Alice, and estranged son Paul. He is also survived by his brothers Henry and Jacob and sister Elisabeth and their families.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with reception to follow.
