Rev. Werner Trapp
Obituary
Retired Pastor Werner Trapp, of Steinbach, MB, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 years on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Bethesda Hospital. He was born on December 23, 1926, in Kassel, Germany, as the eldest child of Georg Karl Trapp, an electrical engineer, and Dora Trapp (née Apel), who served as Lady-in-Waiting to Government President Springorum of the Province of Kurhesse, Germany.
Werner’s education began in the public schools of Kassel, Germany, and extended to institutions in Sweden, including Rasunda, Örebro, and Svennevad. He completed his high school studies at the Wolfgang Goethe Realgymnasium in Kassel where he was taught Latin and English.
His military service commenced on November 1, 1943, when he was drafted into the German Luftwaffe as a professional soldier. He trained at the Fliegerwaffentechnische Schule 1 in Tongeren, Belgium, earning a diploma in Air Release Weapons Technology. He served as an Air Release Weapons Technician with Fighter Wing 300, “Die Wilde Sau,” until its dissolution in March 1945, later being transferred to the 2nd Paratrooper Army in the Battle of Berlin. Werner was captured as a prisoner of war by the Russian army but because God answered his prayers was miraculously released on August 25, 1945, along with only 19 others out of 20,000 men. The rest were deported to Russia as labourers.
Werner was a deeply spiritual person as evidenced by his retelling of miracles that occurred in his life starting with his birth. In 1946, Werner experienced a profound spiritual transformation, committing his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Kassel on December 26, 1946. Because of a promise he made to God in the prisoner of war camp, he immediately dedicated himself to Christian ministry, beginning his service with the Evangelical Young Men’s Society of Germany.
He met Helene Roeske in 1949 and was married April 12, 1952. After immigrating to Canada with his wife, on August 14, 1952, Werner pursued a career in horticulture in Medicine Hat. He had studied horticulture in Wolfhagen, Germany, earning his diploma in 1947, and later to supplement his income as a pastor, completed a carpentry course at Red River College in Winnipeg in 1974.
His theological studies spanned institutions including Eichenkreuz Seminary in Kassel, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Northwest Bible College (now Vanguard College) in Edmonton, Steinbach Bible College, and Bible Research International in Cambridge, ON, culminating in a Bachelor of Bible Research degree in 1980. He was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in 1971.
From 1952 – 1965 Werner served in various ministries in Medicine Hat at Grace Baptist Church and Full Gospel Church during which time God confirmed his call to Werner to go into full time ministry. In 1965 he quit his lifetime job as a horticulturalist and moved to Edmonton to go to Bible college. It was a time of miracles experienced by the whole family. There Werner began his pastoral career while attending NBC (1965-68) serving churches in rural Alberta. He pastored briefly in New Sarepta, AB, then Thorsby, AB, Moosehorn, MB, and Steinbach, MB, with his longest pastorate at Bethel Christian Centre in Steinbach, where he ministered for nearly 25 years. He was a true pastor caring deeply about his flock. He kept his promise to God to serve small churches without regard to financial rewards and God carried him through.
Throughout his life, he was deeply engaged in his community serving as chairman of the Steinbach Ministerial Association, organizing the first appreciation banquet for the Steinbach Fire Brigade, and championing accessibility initiatives, including launching the Handi-Van service in Steinbach. He volunteered as a tax worker for the Canada Revenue Agency for a decade, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the Minister of National Revenue. In 2012, he was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contributions to Canadian society. He joined the Steinbach Legion Branch 190 in 2014 becoming chaplain to his time of passing. He served about 30 years as a founding board member of Circle Square Ranch at Spruce Woods MB, initiated by Pastor John Howson around 1987.
In retirement, Werner continued his passion for teaching and writing. He authored “The Redemption Story” in 2010 and “From the End Time to Heaven” in 2023, in addition to an unpublished memoir titled “My Pilgrimage Through Life” – hailed by reviewers as “fascinating” and “compelling.”
Werner was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time with his family. He loved studying the Bible, preaching and storytelling. He found joy in camping, model railroading, reading, and scenic drives.
He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. Having lived a life rooted in faith and profound spiritual experiences, his legacy endures, and his loved ones find peace in knowing they will meet again in heaven.
Werner was predeceased by his brother Helmut (1935), his parents (father 1970 and mother 1984), and his sister Alfrede Tate (2018) and his wife Helene (2023). He is survived by his sons Eberhardt and Harold (Marge, née Hiebert); grandchildren Kelly and Nathaniel; his brother Georg (Birthe) and sister Sonja in Denmark; and his sister Elske Evans (Neil) in Red Deer, AB. Then also his sisters-in-law Christel and Edelgard Roeske and brother-in-law Siegfried Roeske (Christel) in Germany including numerous nieces and nephews.
A livestreamed memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Highway 52 W, Steinbach, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Terry Kaufman officiating. A private interment will follow at Steinbach Heritage Cemetery. A viewing will take place Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 7-8 pm.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate care to Werner during his seven-week hospital stay. Your dedication and kindness brought immense comfort to him and our family during a challenging time. Your efforts will never be forgotten.
We also deeply appreciate the family and friends who supported Werner throughout his final days. Your love, patience, and unwavering care made a significant difference in his journey.
A sincere thank you to Pastor Terry Kaufman, other contributors and the musicians and singers who participated in the service, creating an atmosphere of solace and reflection.
Our gratitude extends to the funeral home staff for their professionalism and compassionate guidance, ensuring a dignified farewell.
Lastly, we express our appreciation to the kitchen caterers for their generosity and care in providing nourishment to all who gathered, fostering a sense of togetherness in remembrance.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
