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CORNELIA BRAUN (nee Funk)
1921 - 2005
Cornelia (Nellie) Braun, age 83, passed away quietly in her sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man.
Mom was born in Main Centre, Sask. to Bernhard W. and Katherina Funk on March 17, 1921 and moved with her parents to Grunthal (Gnadenfeld), Man. in April 1935. She was baptized upon confession of her faith in Jesus Christ by Reverend William P. Heinrichs in the spring of 1939, and became a member of the Spencer Bergthaler Mennonite Church. On July 14, 1940, she married Jacob J. F. Braun.
The young couple lived at several places in the Grunthal area, where all four children were born, until 1955, when our father Jacob died suddenly in a highway traffic accident. Two years later, Mom sold the farm and moved us to Steinbach, where she lived until now. Here she helped us adjust to town life, nurtured us, and ushered us into adulthood. In the meantime, she supplemented her Mothers' Allowance income with various other work, became involved in her church's Sunday school ministry, and provided a warm, supportive home for us children.
In the years after we children grew up and left home, Mom worked for 5 1/2 years as custodial staff at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, until allergies forced her early retirement in 1980. Since then she continued to live in her own house, and widened her circle of activities. She enjoyed crafts, day tours, sewing, and, especially, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In the last 20 years she enjoyed a full and vigorous life, gathering the family around her for every occasion, socializing widely with friends and neighbors, even traveling to Germany, and puttering around the yard. Although there was some decline in health over the last year, Mom still participated in the early round of social events preceding Christmas, and then suffered a series of heart failures, which resulted in her being hospitalized in mid December of 2004. There she was unendingly upbeat and cheerful despite the diminished quality of life in the last weeks. She will be remembered for her friendly and outgoing spirit, her incisive mind and clear opinions, as well as her unusual memory for stories both past and current. Mom loved giving gifts, and spent all year preparing for Christmas. She was the backdrop to all our lives, and it is hard to imagine life without the energetic and special constant that she represented. We will miss her profoundly, and will cherish her all our lives.
Nellie Braun was predeceased by her husband, Jacob J. F. Braun, on Nov. 5, 1955; her parents, Bernhard and Katherina Funk; sisters, Maria (Jake) Unrau, Katherina (Otto) Hamm, Helena (Andrew) Braun; and brothers, Peter, Ben, Frank, Martin, Henry, and John Funk.
Left to mourn her passing are two daughters and two sons: Katherina (Albert) Mitchell and family, and Mary Anne Braun, both of Winnipeg, Man., Henry (Alice) Braun and family of Steinbach, Man., and Ernest (Doreen) Braun and family of Niverville, Man. There are eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Nellie is survived by sisters, Clara Doerksen, Anne (Pete) Neufeld; and brother, Dick Funk; as well as brother-in-law, Pete Neufeld; and sisters-in-law, Kay Funk, Lillian Lepla and Irene Funk.
The family is grateful for the special care provided by Dr. Thiessen and the palliative care staff at Bethesda Hospital.
The funeral service will be held in the Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, Friday, Jan. 21, 2005 at 2 p.m., with interment in the Grunthal cemetery. In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made in her honor to the Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn. Main, Guelph, ON, N1H 9Z9.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
JAMES (JIM) RUSSEL PENNER
1939-2004
Peacefully, surrounded by family, Jim Penner, beloved husband, father and grandfather, and respected businessman, statesman and charitable giver, passed away Jan. 17, 2004 at the age of 64 years old.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Beverley (nee Reimer); his sons, Phillip and Greg (Dianne) of Steinbach, Man.; daughter Judy (Jeremy) of Winnipeg, Man.; his grandchildren, Alixandra, Madeleine, Clarey, Lauren, Carli; and by his older brother Reginald (Marj); younger sister Donna; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim was predeceased by his mother Esther and his father Jake.
Jim was born Sept. 4, 1939 in Rosthern, Sask. He moved to Steinbach along with his family in 1946 when his father bought a small grocery store, Modern Grocery. In 1958, Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Bev, and the two moved to Chicago, where Jim studied Sociology and earned his Bachelor's degree from Trinity International University.
Jim intended to study overseas following his university graduation and pursue a career in academics, but due to the health of his father, he returned home in 1962 to help run the grocery store. While it was not Jim's initial intention to get involved with the family business, he proved to be a skilled businessman. Together with his staff, Jim grew the company from a small one-store enterprise, to one of Canada's most successful independent grocers, Penner Foods Ltd. During Jim's 36 years as president of Penner Foods, he and his staff won many local, provincial and national awards for quality service and retail excellence, including Independent Grocer of the Year. By 1998, at the time of its sale, Jim had grown the company to six stores employing more than 800 people across the province. Despite the many pressures of retail business, Jim never lost sight of the importance of people and Penner Foods developed a reputation for superior service and as one of the best places to work in Manitoba. Jim always credited the success of Penner Foods to his staff and customers.
While Jim had a head for business, he truly had a heart for service. In keeping with that spirit, he was quick to look for another opportunity to serve people after the sale of Penner Foods. He found that opportunity when he was elected as the Member for the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Steinbach Constituency. During his term in the provincial legislature, Jim often commented how lucky he was to be representing the same people who were his customers and staff at Penner Foods. He always took great pride in the people he represented and will be remembered in the Legislature by all MLAs and staff as a true statesman.
Throughout his life, Jim practiced his belief in giving. He believed that he was only the steward of the resources that God had given him and his many public acts of charitable giving were matched by the countless anonymous acts of charity he performed each day. He traveled the world to help others, from teaching free enterprise in Russia to working with the Mennonite Economic Development Association in India. Jim's concern for people led him to become actively involved in many organizations such as the Association for Community Living, The Variety Club, and Trinity Western University. While he shied away from public recognition for his charitable acts and service, the honors came, including recognition as the 2001 Variety Club Humanitarian of the Year and with the designation of an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Trinity Western University.
In spite of his many accomplishments, Jim's greatest pride was reserved for his family. While the demands on his time were often great, he always made time, whether in person or by phone, to connect with those who meant the most to him. The family cottage at Falcon Lake became a meeting place and Jim spent many summer weekends in the company of family and entertaining friends. Jim's love for travel and his love for family often met as numerous family trips were enjoyed throughout the world, including a family trip to Disney World last spring prior to his diagnosis with cancer.
As a husband, father, grandfather, employer, representative and charitable giver, Jim touched the lives of thousands and thousands of people around the world. His spirit, his compassion and his love for people will live on forever in each of these lives. Jim was a true servant of the people. He has gone to be with God, but he has left our world a better place.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Curtis Krahn, the Steinbach Cancer Care Unit, Palliative Care and supportive friends and family.
The viewing was held from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 at the Cornerstone Bible Church in Steinbach.
A Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 at the Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Steinbach.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Association for Community Living (395 Main Street, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1Z4) or Trinity Western University (7600 Glover Road, Langley B.C., V2Y 1Y1).
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
JEANNETTE LEVAC (nee Ross)
After a lengthy battle, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at the Riverview Health Centre, Jeannette Levac (nee Ross), beloved wife of Maurice, passed away at the age of 51 years.
Jeannette is survived by her loving husband, Maurice, of 29 years; children: Michel (Shannon), Danielle (Ewan), and Marc; parents, Eveline and Louis; brothers and sisters, Olive (André), Norman, Fernand (Doris), Solange (Gabriel), Daniel (Nancy), Louise and Della; numerous nieces and nephews.
On behalf of Jeannette, the family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospital's Oncology Department, especially Dr. Maxwell; nurses, Anne, Bonnie and Penny; home care nurses, Leena and Hope. A special thank you to all the staff and Riverview Health Centre.
"I would like to thank all my friends and family who stood by me and understood - my co-worker Irene and friend June who were like sisters to me; Raymonde and Réjean who took such good care of me; close family friends, the Langs, for their love, care and support during the years; sisters and brothers-in-law who are far but close to my heart."
A celebration of Jeannette's life was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004 at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 Des Meurons Street, Winnipeg, MB.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1000, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8 (1-800-387-9816) or to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.
The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
EVA FRIESEN (nee Heinrichs)
Eva was born March 4, 1929 on the family farm at Halbstadt, Man. (near Altona). Eva was the fourth child of Anton and Margereth Heinrichs.
Eva's youthful years were cherished with school friends, neighbours and relatives around Halbstadt.
Eva's young married years were spent raising children, working alongside with Jake on the farm. Eva always worked hard and without hesitation on everything she did, from milking cows, driving farm equipment, sewing, and a lot of vegetable gardening. She always found time for company, volunteering at church, as well as over 25 years at the MCC Thrift Store in Brandon, Man.
In Eva's retirement years they moved from the farm to Brandon, in 1987. Here they enjoyed building a new home. Mom started to have time for flowers and drop-in guests. Eva and Jake enjoyed travelling to visit their children, relatives and going on vacations.
In Eva's latter part of retirement, they packed up their home and moved to Winnipeg, Man. in September 1999, and had lived in the Vic Wyatt Building until the time of her death. Here she really enjoyed her social life of watching baseball games, playing pool, Scrabble and card games. In quieter times she enjoyed the library, reading and puzzling.
Eva was always a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and steadfast friend. Saturday, Oct. 2, all seven children and Jake surrounded her in a special family time. She passed away at home one week later on Oct. 9, 2004. Eva was 75 years old. After a courageous and dignified struggle with cancer, we believe Mom was welcomed into heaven by Jesus himself.
Eva is survived by Jake, her loyal and loving husband of 53 years. Together they had seven children: Vivian and her husband Ernie Wiebe of Winnipeg, Leslie and his wife Dolores Friesen of Minnedosa, Man., Carol and her husband Tom Wieler of Steinbach, Man., Linda and her husband John Sawatzky of Moose Jaw, Sask., Marvin and his wife Edith Friesen of Togo, Africa, Pat and her husband Al Fuller of Calgary, Alta., and Janet and her husband Daryl Sawatzky of Winnipeg. Eva has 22 grandchildren, for whom she was so giving and proud of. Three sisters survive Eva: Hilda Martens of Crystal City, Man., Trudy and Pete Heide of Beaumont, Alta., and Elnora and Cornie Froese of Killarney, Man. She is survived by two brothers: Art and Anne Heinrichs of Morden, Man., Alfred and Ann Heinrichs of Kelowna, B.C., and was predeceased by her brother Edward Heinrichs in 1944 in WWII.
ANNA H. M. PODOLSKY
Anna H. M. Podolsky passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2004 at the Vita Personal Care Home.
She is predeceased by her husband Harry and daughter Mary; parents, Joseph and Maria Kohut; sister Catherine; and brothers, John and William Kohut.
Beloved mother of Elsie and Ross Stewart Sr.; beloved Baba of Ross Jr., Bart and Phylis. Loved and remembered by great-grandchildren, Stephen and Sean; dear sister of Lena; fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
She was an active member of the church, including the Ukrainian Catholic Woman's League of Canada, Vita Branch. A special thank you to the staff of the Vita and District Personal Care Home.
Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at the St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Vita, Man., with interment at the Vita Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whispering Pines Lodge Personal Care Home, Box 160, Vita, MB, R0A 2K0.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
ANNA KLIPPENSTEIN
Peacefully, Oct. 23, 2004 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., Mrs. Anna Klippenstein (nee Doerksen), 81 years, of Kleefeld, Man., (formerly of Niverville, Man.), dearly beloved wife of Jacob R. Klippenstein, went to be with her Lord and Saviour.
Besides her husband Jacob, she will be lovingly remembered by seven sons and two daughters: Henry (Anne), Peter (Arla), Jake (Irene), Gerhard (Yvonne), Dan (Linda), Maggie (Dave) Stobbe, John (Lina), Neil (Sharon), Liz; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother; two sisters; and many relatives and friends.
Anna was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Aganetha Doerksen; and four brothers.
Anna is known for her acts of kindness in knitting scarves, slippers and mittens for the needy. She had a genuine concern for the well-being of others and encouraged many with her faithfulness in prayer.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m., at the Word of Life Mission Church, 233 Third St., Niverville. Interment at Hespeler Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations in her memory may be made to Back to the Bible, 100 -- 189 Henderson Hwy; Winnipeg, MB, R2L 1L7.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Bethesda Hospital for their compassionate care, to the church, relatives, and friends for their prayers and support, and to Birchwood Funeral Chapel of Steinbach for taking care of arrangements.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
MORRIS(MYROSLOW) PROCIW
It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Morris on Oct. 25, 2004 at Steinbach Hospital, at the age of 83, with his family by his side, following a brief illness.
He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
Morris was predeceased by his wife Myrna.
A celebration of Morris's life will be held Friday, Oct. 29, 2004, 11 a.m., at Loewen Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Al Maier officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7, or Kidney Foundation of Canada, 300-5165 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
ROY DEAN FAST
Suddenly, Oct. 21, 2004, Roy Dean Fast passed away at his residence in Winnipeg, Man. He was born in Steinbach, Man., Dec. 31, 1946 and grew up in Kleefeld, Man., where he enjoyed stock car racing and eventually professional drag racing.
Roy was a hard worker and was often deemed a genius for his mechanical abilities. He took great pride in his hobbies that included the restoration of his father's "Cub Cadet" tractor and his rare `64 Dodge car. In recent years he thoroughly enjoyed his work at Princess Auto.
He was predeceased by his mother, Agnes (Classen) Fast in 1978; his father, Cornelius S. Fast in 1980; and his only brother, Paul D. Fast in 1988.
He is survived by his niece Cynthia and her family, and extended family in Manitoba and Meade, Kansas.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m., at the Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel in Lorette on Station Rd.
LESLIE JOHN LOEWEN
Leslie John Loewen passed away peacefully at K-W Health
Centre of Grand River Hospital, Monday, Oct. 4, 2004. Born in Steinbach, Man., July 27, 1946. Beloved husband of Verna for 27 years. Loving father of James. Survived by his mother Tina
Spingler of Winnipeg, Man., and father-in-law, Menno S. Martin of Elmira, Ont.
Dear brother of Victor and Dianne Loewen of Thompson, Man., and Merry and Bruce Pearce of Mayerthorpe, Alta. Dear brother-in-law of Lena and Roy Roth of Elmira. He will be missed by nieces, Andrea Loewen, Vanessa and Stephen Welch, Callie Pearce and Zoe Pearce; and nephews, Rod and Sylvia Roth (great-niece and nephew Madison and Adam), Steve and Tania Roth.
Predeceased by his father, Jacob Loewen; stepfather Richard
Spingler; and mother-in-law Elvina Martin.
Les retired from BF Goodrich on July 1, 2004 after almost 30 years of service. He was a dedicated volunteer with the Doon Pioneer Park Community Association Christmas Miracle.
A service celebrating Les' life was held at Pioneer Park Christian Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., Friday, Oct. 8, 2004.
NETTIE BLOCK
Sept. 15, 2004 Nettie Block of Grunthal, Man. passed away at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 25 days, after battling various illnesses. She was born in Gnadenthal, Man. on May 23, 1932.
Mom is survived by her children, Floyd (Dorothy) of Grunthal, Wayne of Winnipeg, Man., Elaine (Ron Friesen) of Grunthal, and Craig of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Jeff, Kristen (Johnni Unrau), Vanessa, Todd, Sherilyn and Daniel. She is also survived by her mother, Nettie Penner; and sisters, Mary (Albert Driedger) and Helen, all of Grunthal.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Harry in 1994, and her father, Peter Penner.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at the St. Pierre Hospital.
The funeral service was held Monday, Sept. 20, 2004 at Elim Mennonite Church, Grunthal. Interment at Grunthal Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man
