Businessman.
Born in South Russia in 1881, son of Abram and Helen DeFehr, he was a partner in a farm implements manufacturing business until 1925, when he emigrated to Canada and lay the foundation for the furniture business of C. A. DeFehr and Sons.
In 1903, he married Elizabeth Dyck (1885-1972). They had four children: Elizabeth “Liese” DeFehr (1904-1976, wife of Bernhard B. Fast), Abram C. DeFehr (1909-2006), Cornelius C. DeFehr (1911-2000), and William DeFehr (1913-1987). In 1967, he wrote a memoir entitled Memories of My Life Recalled for My Family. In recognition of his community service, he received a Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977).
He died at Winnipeg on 11 February 1979 and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery.
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Mackenzie and Powis Building (78-84 Princess Street, Winnipeg)
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 13 February 1979, page 180.
Elizabeth Wilhelm Dyck DeFehr, FindAGrave.
We thank Randy Klassen for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 8 May 2025
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