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ESTHER FRIESEN
1923 — 2006
Esther Friesen of Steinbach, Man. passed away Sunday, March 26 at Rest Haven Nursing Home at the age of 82.
She is survived by her children: Erna of Steinbach, son-in-law Rick Fehr of Winnipeg, Man., Mary (Jake) Schellenberg of Mitchell, Man., Leonard (Kathy) of Kleefeld, Man., Daniel (Sylvia) of Red Deer, Alta., William and Diana of New Bothwell, Man., Andrew (Myrna) of Lorette, Man., Alvin of Mississauga, Ont., Wayne of New Bothwell; sunshine friend Wendy Friesen; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Agnes (Frank) Steingart and Margaret Loeppky; brothers-in-law, Henry Fehler and Henry Wiebe. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter M. Friesen, in 1991; her daughter Hilda in 1998; and numerous brothers and sisters.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service also will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel Friday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m., with interment to follow at the New Bothwell Sommerfeld Cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
DAVID REDEKOP
Nov. 15, 1935 — March 28, 2006
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Redekop of Niverville, Man., at the age of 70. David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Margaret (nee Hildebrandt), and daughter Catherine.
David leaves behind his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Katharina Hildebrandt; brothers, Jake (Marge), William (Roselyn), Henry (Edith), Aaron (Donna), Victor (Karen); and sister Helen (Wesley) Plett; half-sisters, Margaret (Dave) Dawes, Hilda (Stew) Cherry, Linda (Jesse) Leung and half-brother Peter (Darcy); along with many nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by two daughters and his parents.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2 p.m., at the Word of Life Mission Church, 233 3rd St. S., Niverville, with viewing prior to the service. Interment at the Glenlea Cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
CONRAD ROBERT ANDERSON
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Conrad (Coni) Robert Anderson, aged 49, of Piney, Man., on March 30, 2006, at the Vita & District Health Centre, Vita, Man.
Left to forever embrace his memory and hold him close to her heart is his kindred spirit and best friend, his loving wife of 19 years, Merle. Also left to cherish his love and his life are his wonderful parents, Roy and Lillian Anderson; his mother-in-law, Evangeline Einarson; stepdaughter Tammy (John) Bergthorson; stepson Ward Howardson; step-grandchildren, Jamie Lee, John, Rachel, and Eric Bergthorson; his brothers, Lyle (Frederica), Allan (Cheryl), Brian, and Wayne (Cathy); his sisters, Linda (Kerry) Thompson, Carol (Andrew) Hildebrandt; and brother-in-law Grant (Kathy) Einarson. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss him dearly.
His adopted Shih-tzus, Dixie and Jersey, who were so vigilant and so comforting to him during his illness, are already lost without him.
Coni was predeceased by his brother Edward; father-in-law Leifer Einarson; sister-in-law Debra Anderson; brother-in-law Howard Einarson; and very dear friends, Don King, Fred Lamoure, and Robert Pederson.
Coni was born Nov. 27, 1956 in Roseau, Minnesota, a big strapping baby boy, 10 lbs. 10.5oz. He often bragged that he and his mom walked home hand in hand from the hospital. He remembered his childhood years as so full of love from his mom and dad and his teenage years as wild, exciting, and wonderful. Roy and Lillian remember his teenage years too, but they persevered and miraculously survived them.
Favorite childhood memory — frequently walking after school the 2.5 miles to Grandpa Carl's and Grandma Anne's (after hiding his homework in a culvert) to help Grandpa with chores and be pampered by and get to indulge in Grandma's delicious cooking. Favorite teenage memories — fast cars, girls, and faster cars, also cruising around with Uncle Gordie and Don King — they were babe magnets and they had good tunes on the car radio. Favorite adult memories — Merle, home, East Ridge, Harleys, hunting, good friends, and family.
Upon his passing, Coni had worked for Manitoba Hydro for 30 years in various capacities, which included bucket truck operator for Hot Line Tools, ground testing, winter fuel haul monitoring diesel fuel hauled to isolated diesel generation sites, and most recently District Serviceworker in Stonewall, Steinbach, and St. Pierre districts. His work involved traveling extensively throughout the province, and wherever he went he invariably made new friends. His home and gardens filled him with a sense of pride and joy. He planted many, many trees, tended his lawn, and trimmed and weeded Merle's flower gardens. His vegetable garden was his forte. His greatest passion was his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles; bike trips with Merle to New Orleans and to the bike rally in Sturgis were highlights, but with any ride, even 10 kilometers, as long as the wind was in his face and the Harley was rumbling, he was in heaven.
"Crazy Not To" became his motto and that's how he lived his life. He lived every day with such a joie de vivre, he could make the rest of us envious.
He was a big man with an even bigger heart. A special, loving, kind, caring, and fun gentleman. He was a dependable and dedicated friend — so few words to describe this admirable human being, Coni Anderson.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service and celebration of his special life will be held at Piney Community Hall, Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m., with Reverend L. Hermanson officiating. Ash interment will take place at a later date.
Honorary pallbearers are Lyle Anderson, Grant Einarson, Don Fender, Grant Goodman, Blair Burdett, Bob Tkachuk, Tom Scheer, Tim Shyiak, Wally Gushulak, Mike Demer, Marc Dion, and Herb Meisner.
Very special thanks to the following: Dr. L. Smith for being our friend, confidant, advisor, and counselor as well as our doctor; doctors and staff at Cancer Care Health Sciences Centre and Steinbach Cancer Care; Dr. Ahmad and nurses Louise and Tammy at Vita Hospital for your compassion and care during Coni's last hours; Grant Goodman for always being there; Marlene Goodman, our `Guardian Angel', for everything you did for us; Earl and Mavis Asmundson — two amazing people who helped us through more than they'll ever know; Don Fender — friend extraordinaire — where would we begin to thank you for everything; Shirley Fender — thank you, dear friend, for making your home Merle's home in times of need.
If friends so desire, donations in Conrad's name may be made to Cancer Care of Manitoba.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Vita Funeral Homes, Vita Chapel.
BETTY FRIESEN
Betty Friesen of Steinbach, Man. passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
She'll be greatly missed by her loving family: her husband, Peter Friesen; her children, Corina and Steven Patterson and daughter Taleshia; Dalen and Tanya Friesen and expected grandchild; Renelda and Trevor Dmitruk with Kyden and expected grandchild.
Born in Swift Current, Sask., she became a child of God. She pursued His face and all that He had for her. She was raised in His grace and claimed the freedom He gives His cherished children. She held a strong conviction and sense that God had a purpose for her life. She received wisdom and revelation over the hope of her calling to her family and a ministry to those in physical and spiritual need. Declaring that God's glory would be seen in her life and that the best was yet ahead, she faithfully served Him and entered into the very presence of God on March 29, 2006.
A celebration of Betty's life was held Monday, April 3, 2006 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
Mary Melnychuk (nee Gushuliak)
It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Melnychuk of Caliento, Man. Mary lost her battle with cancer on Thursday, March 30, at Steinbach Bethesda Hospital, at the age of 82 years.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Mary is survived by her two sons: Edward (Johanna) and Lloyd (Marie); grandchildren: Tannis (fiancé Dan), Sylvia (Jamie), Jeff (Denise), Crystal (fiancé Greg), Pamela and Brian; great-grandchild: Tristan; brothers: Mike (Lena), Bill (Rose), John and Matt; sisters: Lorraine (Albert) Hirschfield and Della Badiuk; also many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Fred; daughter Joan and husband David Semeniuk; one son, Marvin, in infancy; parents George and Elena Gushuliak; sister Ann Chubey; brothers, Vick and Nykoli.
During her lifetime on the farm with her husband and children, Mary enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, making hay, and raising a variety of livestock. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., at Steinbach Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. Oris Naherniak officiating and Matt Drewniak Cantoring. Interment followed in Sts Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Arbakka North.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Bethesda Hospital, Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital for the wonderful care they gave to Mary.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home, 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
SAWERIA (SALLY) MICHNIEWICZ
Sally was born July 11, 1925 in Sarto, Man. to parents Anna and Michael Romaniuk. She was an only child. She married John
Michniewicz July 16, 1949 in Sarto. They bought a farm in Stuartburn, Man. where they raised kids, cattle and crops until 1973. In 1973, they bought a house in the town of Emerson, Man., where they retired from farming, but not from work. They carried on growing a garden to feed most of the town and chopped enough wood to heat half of Manitoba.
Sally, Mom, Baba, and Nana's #1 love was her family. Her family was small, but she was very happy to have three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She never forgot their birthdays and always had a card in the mail for them. She loved to visit her friends over a cup of herbal tea and talk about just anything. There were not too many quiet moments in the conversation, as she would always pop up with something more to say. One never got a chance to talk with her around, you just had to listen. She loved tending to her vegetable garden and flower garden. She had the most colorful lilies at the side of the house. She was always willing to dig up her perennials to share with you. You usually left with a trunk full of perennials.
Sally was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church for many years. Her faith led her way throughout each day. She cherished Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. She looked forward to who her prayer friend was each year and receiving a gift from them.
Sally is survived by her husband John; daughter Johann (David) Kernot, granddaughter Susan (Jason) Thompson, great-grandchildren Madeline and Brendan; daughter Agnes (Orest) Bespalko, granddaughter Jolene (Wesley) Stryletski, great-granddaughter Emily, grandson Jason Bespalko (friend Shauna); daughter Chris (Fred) Dobchuk.
The funeral service for Sally Michniewicz was held Monday, April 3, 2006 at 1 p.m. from Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emerson, followed with interment in the Emerson Cemetery.
In memory of Sally, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and/or to the Emerson Health Care Centre.
Pallbearers for the funeral were David Kernot, Jason Bespalko, Orest Bespalko, Jason Thompson, Fred Dobchuk, and Wesley Stryletski.
Wiebe Funeral Home Altona Ltd. in care of arrangements.
KATHERINE GOERTZEN FALK
Katherine (Mom) was born March 6, 1916 to John and Helena Goertzen nee Harder. She passed away Thursday, April 6, 2006 at Rest Haven Nursing Home at the age of 90 years.
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Jacob, Helen Mann, Abram, David, Elizabeth Schultz and Anna, who died in infancy. She is survived by her sister Mary Goertzen, sister Susan (Abe) Bergen, brother Peter (Mary) Goertzen, sister Agatha Smith and brother John and (Evelyn) Goertzen.
Upon confession of her faith in Jesus Christ she was baptized on May 16, 1937 and accepted as a member of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church. Katherine (Mom) married Peter Gerbrand Falk (Dad) on Nov. 6, 1938. This union produced four children: Helen, who predeceased her, and now Dick (Margaret) Wiebe, Pete and Kay Falk, John (Connie) Falk and Tina (Rudy) Hildebrand.
Grandchildren through her oldest daughter Helen (deceased): Larry and Lori Wiebe, Warren and Haley Wiebe, Glen and Brenda Wiebe, Paul and Rachel Wiebe, Trevor and Mona Wiebe, Melissa and Walter Wiens; through her oldest son Pete: Jason and Elisa Falk; through her second son John: Steven and Sheila Falk and Denise Falk; through her youngest daughter Tina: Dale Hildebrand, Terry and Cindy Hildebrand and Crystal and Jonathon Rydych. Great-grandchildren are numbered at 27 to date.
Mom and Dad's pilgrimage as a married couple came to an end on Dec. 5, 1974 when the Lord called Dad home. For a period of about a year Mom thought that her life had ended with Dad's passing. Then one day she had a long talk with a woman who was separated from her husband, but not by death. After that day she decided that things could be worse. She said at the time that although she knew her husband was never coming back, she at least knew where he was. And true to her word, she began to live again. Having never had a driver's license, she decided to learn how to drive. This was a major undertaking, and tested her will to the limit. It also revealed that not all people are meant to teach their mother-in-law how to drive. Her cousin Jake Goertzen it turned out had what it took to develop her driving skills. Well, her perseverance paid off; she did get her driver's license after failing the test a few times. She even drove to Gladstone, Man., where Pete and Kay lived at that time. Paul, who was 10 at the time, was the favored grandson who got to go with Grandma on those trips. Despite all our assurances to the contrary, Paul believes to this day that he was only chosen because everyone else was afraid to ride with grandma. It is true she did have a few fender benders, but she also knew when it was time to turn in her driver's license, and make other arrangements.
After returning from Paraguay in the early 50s, she lived in the same house in New Bothwell, Man. She would have preferred to die there as well, but the Lord had other ideas, and eventually she had to be taken to the hospital. She weathered a number of surgeries and always surprised us when she just bounced back time and again.
In March she celebrated her 90th birthday. There is no doubt that the Lord gave her a strong body and an uncomplaining spirit. She tried to accept circumstances that were not to her liking, and the Lord granted grace that she could bear it. She had a strong sense of God's purpose, even though she had a difficult time understanding that purpose as she pleaded with the Lord to take her home. Why He tarried so long will not matter to her anymore. Thank you Lord Jesus for taking her home!
As a family we are grateful that she was finally admitted to Rest Haven Nursing Home, and that she considered it her home until her passing. We also thank the staff at Rest Haven, together with Chaplain John Wiebe, for their part in making Mom feel at home. Thank you to the nursing staff at Seven Oaks and Bethesda Hospitals for their compassionate care and the respectful way they took care of Mom. Thank you to Dr. Krahn, who took her on as a patient late in her life because she had no family doctor. Thank you to Pastor Sam and Pauline Doerksen for their part in the funeral arrangements. Finally, thank you to those friends and family members who continued to visit her even when she forgot that they had been there a short time afterward.
Once more Lord we thank you for the Mom you gave us, and gladly surrender her into your everlasting arms.
The Falk Family.
The funeral service was held Sunday, April 9 at the Silberfeld Chortitzer Mennonite Church, with interment in the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
WILHELM L. DYCK
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Wilhelm L. Dyck, age 93, at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital on April 5, 2006.
He was born Dec. 9, 1912 in Arkadak, Russia and came to Canada at age 12 in 1925.
Willie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Ginter; three daughters, four sons and 16 grandchildren: Linda (Will) Klassen of Chilliwack, B.C., Danny (Rose) Dyck of Steinbach, Man., Harold Dyck of Kleefeld, Man., Clarence (Barb) Dyck of Mitchell, Man., Cathy (Lloyd) Pachal of Steinbach, Erna Moir of Winnipeg, Man., Richard Dyck of Kleefeld. He is also survived by two brothers, two sisters, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Heinrich in 1960; his mother Katherina in 1973; four brothers: Frank in 1934, Henry in 2002, John in 2002, Peter in 2003; and two sisters: Mary in 1960 and Nettie in 1999; three brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law and two nephews.
He started working at age 12 for Doerksens and Hieberts on their farms. It was hard work for a young boy. At age 30 he was conscripted into the army, where he remained for two years.
After that he bought a 3-ton truck, and started hauling grain in the summer and beets in the fall. He also worked in the bush, hauling pulp.
He was baptized in June 1934. He married Helena Ginter on Sept. 28, 1952 and joined the Chortitzer Church. Shortly thereafter he purchased a farm in the Kleefeld area from Jacob Schroeder.
Dad loved his farm near Kleefeld. It consisted of milk cows, chickens, sheep and some pigs. While farming he also worked for Manitoba Hydro and Telephone System. In latter years he cut the grasses in the ditches for the Municipality of Hanover for over 20 years.
At age 82, in 1994, his sons took over the farm. He was reluctant to leave, but he was able to come back almost daily to check the garden, fix some tools, and work on the tractor or whatever else he could find to "pucka" on.
At Fernwood, once he realized there was a workshop in the basement, he worked tirelessly late into the evening on his wood projects. He built barns, garages, birdhouses, step stools, doll cradles and even Barbie furniture. He enjoyed the workshop very much. He always said, "When I am working downstairs, then nothing hurts."
The funeral service was held Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church, with interment at the Grunthal Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the E.M.S. team and the staff at the Bethesda Hospital.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
CHARLES (CHUCK) GREGORY
Suddenly, at his residence in Sandilands, Man., Chuck passed away April 9, 2006 at the age of 56. He is survived by his wife Margaret; children, Christopher and Tamara of Calgary, Alta.; his father Jim of Sandilands, Man.; sister Pat of Vancouver, B.C.; and stepsister Kim. He was predeceased by his mother Lucy and uncle Reg.
Chuck worked for many years at Dominion Bridge in Winnipeg as a foreman and later made Sandilands his home.
The memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 18, 2 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
