UNGER, Brendan
March 6, 1978 – December 21, 2019
Brendan Grant Unger was born the third of four children, and the only son, of Henry and Linda Unger, on March 6, 1978. He died as a beloved husband, father, brother, son and friend on December 21, 2019. Brendan gave his life to Christ at the age of 8 and was baptized at Neuanlage Grace Mennonite Church on June 2, 1996. Brendan’s life was marked with trials and hardship; a difficult upbringing, a long-fought battle with depression, sickness and long-lasting side effects from surgery due to a brain tumor, as well as hardships in farming, among other things. But even with everything he faced, Brendan was able to find joy in the simple things and his faith in Christ remained strong. Especially over the last few years, Brendan grew to be an inspiration to many in the community who battled some of the same issues he had. There was never a question of whether he and his family would attend church. He loved his church family and took his role as a member of the congregation seriously. Brendan met the love of his life, Sara Klassen, in 2007 after a six-month long-distance online and phone relationship. By March 2008, he and Sara were engaged, and they were married on October 11 of that same year. Over the next nine years, they welcomed four beautiful children into their family. Brendan was so proud of his kids. He loved Kathryn, Caleb, Joshua and his little sunshine, Lydia, with every fiber of his being! From teaching them to drive tractors, giving calf-sled rides behind the tractor in winter, creating farm machinery out of Lego, to watching farm parody videos on YouTube, he shared his love and passion for the farm with them every chance he got. His face would always light up when he walked in the door after a long day, to hear Lydia’s pattering footsteps as she ran to the door yelling “daddy’s home!”, before she grabbed his lunch cooler and hauled it to the kitchen to clean it out for him. He loved giving Joshua bedtime kisses complete with whisker scratches. He loved wrestling with Caleb at bedtime and tickling his chin to wake him up in the morning. He loved spending time with his first-born daughter, Kathryn, whether it was taking her to 4H club, attending father/daughter night at GEMS, or having her with him as he worked outside on the farm. Brendan enjoyed being an uncle, spending time with friends, catching up with extended family, singing and listening to music, and connecting with people by playing “The Mennonite Game”. Food played a big part in his life, from a handful of Spitz, to a big pile of mashed potatoes, a good wiener roast, to any kind of chips or candy he could get his hands on. Above all, Brendan loved Jesus, His Word, the Bible, and fellowshipping with other believers. Brendan will always be remembered for his loyalty, his willingness to help anyone in need, his encouraging spirit, his faith…. and for always being late. While we rejoice that Brendan is now in the presence of God himself, healed and free from all his struggles, he will be greatly missed until the time we will be reunited for eternity in Heaven. What a glorious reunion that will be! Brendan is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Sara; children, Kathryn Anne, Caleb John Michael, Joshua Grant, and Lydia Sara; father, Henry Unger; mother, Linda Unger; sisters, Noreen Unger, Carolyn Joy Unger, Roxanne and Dale Jessome, nieces Chloe and Mya Jessome; parents-in-law, John W. and Anna Klassen; and numerous extended family, and friends. Brendan is predeceased by his grandfather, Henry Wiebe; grandparents, Peter and Anna Unger; cousin Shawn Ferguson; aunt, Anne Mould; aunt, Sharon Unger; and uncle, Jim Milligan.