Franz Ebner

On October 12, 2025 we said our final earthly goodbye to Frank Ebner, who passed away at the age of 91, in Hope, B.C. He went home peacefully, surrounded by family, after a sudden bout of pneumonia. We will greatly miss his gentle love and caring but are grateful for the legacy of godliness and integrity that he leaves behind.

Frank, or Franz, was born in Ungenach, Austria on Nov 13th, 1933. He grew up amidst the poverty and disillusionment of the war years and spent much of his early youth working on farms and then as a master cabinet maker. Franz loved hiking in the mountains and playing the clarinet and baritone in a folk band.

At the age of 23, Franz emigrated to Canada. His life was changed when he was working in Vanderhoof, BC. First, he had a conversion experience and came to know God and dedicate his life to ministry in Austria. Then he met his life partner, Katherine Bueckert. They were married on September 22, 1962, and moved to Steinbach, Manitoba, to study for the ministry. Their son Gregory and daughter Genevieve were born during this time. Two more children, Gerald and Gloria, would follow. His son Gerald passed away in 1996.

Frank worked as a missionary and church planter in Austria from 1967 to 1996, where he helped to establish an evangelical church in his home town, the Voecklabrucker Freikirche. Following retirement, he moved back to Steinbach, Manitoba. When his wife began to show signs of Alzheimer’s, he moved to British Columbia to be close to his daughter, Gloria. He faithfully cared for Kathy until she passed away in 2015.

Frank had three deep loves: his family, his God and the mountains. In his last years he lived in Hope, BC, which he called his “gateway to heaven”. He spent his time looking at the mountains, growing in his faith, and praying for his children, his six grandchildren, and his four great-grandchildren. His daughter Gloria and her family moved to Hope to care for him in his last years, and he felt blessed and grateful to his last day.

Frank is predeceased by his wife Katherine and his son Gerald. He is survived by his children Gregory (Claudia) Ebner, Genevieve (Andrew) Wu and Gloria (Colin) Ebner; his grandchildren Prisca, Stella, Charis, Corban, Jayin, Gyan and their spouses; and four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at the Woodlawn Funeral Home in Abbotsford, BC, on October 20th, at 11:30 AM, followed by a graveside service at the South Poplar Mennonite Cemetery.