Abram John Esau

ABRAM JOHN ESAU was born October 4, 1913 in Kuban, Russia to Johann and Sara (Wiens) Esau. A number of years later, they moved to Molotschna for a time, and then on to Soworowka. It was here in Soworowka, that Abe’s mother died when he was only 11 years of age. Within a year, his father married Mary Reimer, and at the age of 12, Abe and his family immigrated to Canada.

It was in 1925, that they arrived in Langham Saskatchewan, where they lived for 3 years. The family moved to Yarrow BC in 1928, where they bought a small farm.

It was when Abe was alone at work on the farm, at the age of 17, that he recommitted his life to the Lord, and said “I am Yours, for whatever ministry you may have for me, even if it is overseas”. As time went on, Abe attended Bible School in Winkler, and Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills. During this time, he met Sarah Martens, and they were married in Yarrow, BC on June 7, 1942.

After graduating from MBBC in Winnipeg, in 1947, they left for missionary service to the Belgian Congo, where they spent some 30 years. It was in the Congo, that all of their 6 children were born.

In 1980 Abe and Sarah retired from the mission field, and in 1985 Sarah passed away in a battle with cancer.

Abe married Katie Siemens in 1987, and together they enjoyed a number of mission trips to Africa and India. In January of 2010, they moved to the Menno Home, where they remained until Abe went to be with the Lord on March 24, 2011.

He is predeceased by his first wife Sarah, and 9 of his siblings.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Katie; his two sisters Mary Reimer, and Gertrude Martens and husband John; his 6 children and their spouses, Lois and Allen Epp, Merilyn and Gary Nuss, Carol and Randy Peters, Harold and Vangie Esau, Dan and Brenda Esau, Esther and Wes Friesen; his 22 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.