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HARVEY RANDAL GERBRANDT
1928 - 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at his residence in Winkler, Man., Harvey Randal Gerbrandt, aged 78 years, went to his eternal rest.
Left to cherish his memory are: one daughter Dorothy of Thailand; one son Jim and Deb of Winnipeg; two grandchildren, Jayme and Dustin; two sisters, Olive Dyck, Alvina and Art Pankratz; five brothers, Elymer and Helga, Gilbert and Margaret, Gordon, Don and Erma, Herb and Vikki; and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Peter J. and Marie Gerbrandt; sister Helen; two brothers, Walter and Harold.
Harvey worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. He enjoyed keeping busy by giving haircuts and repairing watches and clocks. Upon his retirement, he had more time to enjoy and show his unique collections. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service arrangements are pending.
Wiebe Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
MATILDA (TILLIE) DORIS MARSHALL SNEAD
1930-2006
Peacefully, June 20, 2006, Tillie passed away with family by her side as she lost her year-long battle with cancer.
Her memory will be lovingly remembered by her only son Kerry, daughter-in-law Susan, grandchildren, Blake and Brittney; brothers, Eddie, Ray (Mildred), Lorne (Rose); sisters, Margaret, Mavis (Walter); and brother-in-law Ken (Audrey). She was predeceased by her husband Norman and parents, Tom and Doris, as well as two sisters and three brothers.
Tillie was born in Vita, Man., July 4, 1930, and raised in the Woodmore, Man. area. Always helping at home, she soon learned to be a wonderful cook and baker of bread and buns. In 1951, she married Norman Snead and they farmed in the Woodmore area until Norman passed away in 1993. She was an active community member, working hard for over 50 years with the Woodmore Women's Institute and as a 4-H leader for 15 years right up till the age of 75. Her teaching and active role with youth in the 4-H club kept her young at heart.
After Norman's passing she moved to Steinbach, Man., where she could be closer to her family, especially her grandchildren, Blake and Brittney, whom she adored. She soon became the neighborhood grandma for Fernwood Bay and Coral Crescent. Tillie was an active member of the Steinbach United Church and the Serving Seniors organization, which included helping with the preparation of meals for the Meals on Wheels Program.
Tillie enjoyed playing various card games, and learned to play bridge at the age of 64, sewing with her 4-H girls, and knitting many mittens and afghans kept her busy. We would often come home and be pleasantly surprised to find the counter full of meat pasties, buns, cookies, pickles and pies, as well as the ironing done. She had a green thumb when it came to her garden and flowers and looked after her own yard right up until a year ago.
Last summer she was diagnosed with cancer and fought through chemo and radiation treatments. The hardest blow came with the loss of her eyesight, but she met every challenge with determination.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks for all the love, prayers, acts of kindness, visits, phone calls and support shown to us from all of our family and friends during Mom's illness. To the wonderful staff from Steinbach Home Care Program, the support of the Steinbach Cancer Care Staff, the dedicated care of Dr. Gordon Dyck and the Bethesda nursing staff, we thank you for making Mom's journey of this dreaded disease bearable. Aunt Margaret - no words can express the love and support you have given our family. Truly there is no sister like you and we will be forever grateful to you.
Funeral services for Matilda will be held Saturday, June 24, 2006 at Greenridge United Church at 11 a.m. Viewing will take place Friday, June 23, 2006 at Steinbach Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. and half an hour prior to the service. Interment will follow after the funeral service in the Greenridge Cemetery.
Donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
A cluster of precious memories
Sprayed with a million tears
Wishing God had spared you
If only for a few more years
You left a special memory
And a sorrow too great to hold
To us who loved and lost you
Your memory will never grow old
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
MARY DOERKSEN
Peacefully, Thursday, June 15, 2006, Mary Doerksen, beloved wife of David P. Doerksen of Steinbach, Man., passed away at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital at the age of 79 years.
Mary was born April 16, 1927 at Sommerfeld, Man., to Jacob and Anna Hildebrand. She married David on June 29, 1950 in Sommerfeld Colony, Paraguay.
She worked at Granny's for a number of years until she retired in 1993. She then started making blankets and working at MCC.
Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; and five children: Helen (Cornie) Fehr of Steinbach, Willie Doerksen of Winnipeg, Man., Dennis (Diana) Doerksen of Renton, WA, Linda (Arley) Barkman of Ridgewood, Man., and Stan (Cari) Doerksen of Steinbach; as well as 11 grandchildren. She also leaves to mourn her passing, three sisters, Eva Schroeder of Steinbach, Tina (Peter) Hildebrand of Vollendam, Paraguay and Helen (Jake) Penner of Sommerfeld Colony, Paraguay; and two brothers, Peter Hildebrand and Henry Hildebrand, both of Steinbach. She was predeceased by one son Eddie in 1967, two brothers and two sisters.
The funeral service was held Monday, June 19 at the New Bothwell Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6.
A special thank-you to the doctors and staff at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
MARIE NORDSTROM
Marie Blanche Olive (Pollard) Nordstrom passed away unexpectedly June 15, 2006 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C. She was born May 18, 1928 in Pinewood, Ont. She married Lloyd Duane Nordstrom in 1953 and had four daughters, Debbie, Rhea, Bernice and Colleen. We are brokenhearted by our sudden loss.
She was a remarkable woman, born ahead of her time. She was a woman of strong faith and vision, with a kind and generous spirit, adventurous, outspoken, entrepreneurial, and fiercely independent. She believed education was the key to life, and was herself a life-long learner. She had a passion for traveling, country life, the ocean, Northern Manitoba, horticulture, quilting and cooking. She was committed to family and community service and her role as a mother was most important. During her working life she had many jobs and her final position as a counselor was her most rewarding. She loved shopping and derived immense pleasure in giving.
She is survived by her immediate family: Debra Andersen, Bernice and Lynn Humphrey, Colleen and Gerry (Hunt) Nordstrom; her grandchildren whom she adored, Bo Erik Andersen, Peter and Manon Humphrey; her sisters, Lynn Prestidge, Rose Delorme, Jean (Noella) Bleeker, Helen Schmidt, and her brothers, Jules (and Helen), Joe (and Margaret, deceased), Harvey, and John (and Peggy) Pollard; her Nordstrom family: Lawrence and Ruth Nordstrom, Clarence and Fern Nordstrom, Arnold and Selma Nordstrom, Lil and John Hebel, Mary and Dave Klippenstein, and Elaine and Karl Tosberg; many nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own children, who often sought her valued advice; numerous extended family members and friends in Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia and New Zealand; and, last but not least, very special friend, Cecil Gracey, who adored her and brought her much happiness.
She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd in 1998; beloved daughter Rhea Dawn Friesen in 1994; mother Olive (Bruneau) Pollard in 1989; father Joseph Theodore Pollard in 1997; sister Rae Penner in 1998; father-in-law John Nordstrom in 1963; mother-in-law Jennie (Lind) Nordstrom in 2002; and her precious grandson, Tim Humphrey, in 2005.
In spite of tragic losses and significant health challenges, she remained fully engaged in life with optimism, determination, poise, and humour. She was one-of-a-kind who will be sorely missed by all whose life she touched and will remain in our hearts forever.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, Man., Thursday, June 22, 2006 from 7 to 8 p.m., with prayers at 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Christ Our Saviour Catholic Church, 365 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach, Man., Friday, June 23 at 11 a.m., interment at Heritage Cemetery, with a luncheon social afterwards. A memorial service will be held at Luther Court in Victoria, B.C. at the end of June. Please call (250) 477-7241 ext.39 for details.
Donations may be made to Aurora House, Box 2779, The Pas, MB, R9A 1S4 (a women's shelter in The Pas, Man.) in Marie Nordstrom's name.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach and Winnipeg, Man.
ANNE VOGT (nee Schalla)
Mrs. Anne Vogt, aged 81 years, beloved wife of the late John J. Vogt, passed away peacefully at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, Man., Thursday, June 15, 2006.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: son Earl (Isabel); daughters: Shirley (Gerry) Klassen and Carol (John) Funk; daughter-in-law Irma (Jim Dyck); 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; sisters: Louise (Dave) Falk and Eva McLourghy; and brother Fred Schalla. She was predeceased by her husband John J. in 2004 and son Gerald in 1997.
Mom lived life to the fullest and her family meant everything to her. She had a keen sense of humour right to the end. She was an avid bottle collector amongst other things. She amazed people with her endless energy - owning and operating Johnny's Grill, J & A Restaurant, Vogt Snack Bar and South Junction Restaurant with her husband John, all while raising her family. Later in life, they enjoyed travelling and making spur of the moment visits to B.C. Mom also took special pleasure in spoiling her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She was a devoted wife and wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to all.
Funeral service were held Monday, June 19, 10 a.m., at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 465 Henry Street, Steinbach, with Pastor Al Maier officiating. Interment followed at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Friends could view Sunday, June 18 from 7 to 7:45 p.m. at the church and also prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
-The Family
Sobering Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Beausejour, Man., in care of arrangements.
JOHN MURRAY REIMER
1951 - 2006
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John Murray Reimer on June 18, 2006, at the age of 55, after a long battle with schizophrenia. He leaves to mourn his family, Linden, Lorna and Abe Penner, Kathy, LillyAnne and Ken Giesbrecht, nieces and nephews, Sheila and David Kroeker, Christopher Penner, Kevin Penner, Angela Penner, Colin and Jeanette Giesbrecht, and Jill and Nathan McCall. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry F. and Jessie Reimer.
His first seven years of school were taken in Clearspring and the rest in Steinbach, Man. He was known for his athletic ability, excelling in fastball and hockey. His hobbies included watching N.H.L hockey, playing pool, growing and selling vegetables, traveling, and reading. He always loved animals and the family dog and cat were great companions. John will be remembered for his great sense of humour and his mischievous grin.
At 20 years of age he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The rest of his life was largely occupied with a search for recovery from this illness.
The funeral service was held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, Wednesday, June 21, with interment at Heritage Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Eden East and the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society for the way they encouraged and supported John.
If friends so desire, donations in John's memory may be made to Eden Foundation, Box 129, Winkler, MB, R6W 4A4 or to Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, 3-227 Main St., Steinbach , MB, R5G 1Y7.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
EVA TOEWS
1912 - 2006
Eva Toews was born Dec. 26, 1912 to Peter (Wiens) and Margaretha (Penner) Toews at Rosenort, Man. She received her elementary education at the Pleasant Valley School. Eva and her siblings worked hard on the farm during the Depression years. Later, she worked as a cook in various institutions. For many years, she worked as a housekeeper for the Andy Whitehead family of Steinbach, Man. On retiring, she spent many hours volunteering for the local Thrift Shop.
Eva loved people, especially handicapped and special needs folks. She had a keen sense of humor and could tell fascinating stories. Eva loved anything red, which was her favorite color. She loved the outdoors, walking long distances, and birds, cats and buffaloes. Her nieces and nephews remember her Nanaimo bars and oatmeal cookies as unbeatable.
Eva passed away at Maplewood Manor on June 19, 2006. She is predeceased by her parents, six sisters and three brothers. She is survived by one brother, Nick (Johanna) of Louisville, Georgia, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 23, 2006 at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Steinbach, Man., at 10:30 a.m., with viewing prior to the service. There will also be viewing at Steinbach Funeral Home on Thursday, June 22, 2006 between 7 and 8 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
DOREEN (MCKENDRY) ROWLAND
1932 -2006
Peacefully, Friday, June 16, 2006, Doreen passed away at the Ste. Anne Hospital. At Doreen's request cremation has taken place, and there will be no service. The family wishes to specially thank the doctors and staff of the Ste. Anne Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home 5 Chrysler Gate, steinbach, Man.
ANNA PENNER
Our mother, Anna Penner, was born to parents, Gerhardt and Elizabeth Giesbrecht, in Steinbach, Man., Sept. 10, 1905. She passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at the Vita Personal Care Home.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ben D. Penner, in 1991; two sons: Wesley in 1965, Dennis in 2005; and her daughter Dorothy in 2006. Remembering her with deep love are two daughters: Irene and Frank Barkman of Steinbach, Caroll and Erwin Kroeker of Winnipeg, Man.; son Eric Penner and Bev Funk; and daughter-in-law Joyce Fink of Germany. She also leaves to mourn, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Anna is survived by her siblings: Katie Toews, Mary Mooney, Lottie Mooney, Minna Goosen, and Ernest and Alma Giesbrecht.
After completing grade 9 at the Clearspring School she helped on her parents' farm and also worked at the telephone system in Steinbach in the early 1920s, where she, as the central operator, was the first to hear of wedding plans, the birth of babies, or other important news.
Keeping occupied was not a problem for our mother. She loved to be intellectually stimulated by reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble and other board games. She crocheted numerous afghans for each family member, participated in volunteer work at her church and in the community, and quilted at the Steinbach Heritage Village Museum. Mom liked to garden and walk to keep in shape and to travel (she drove her car well into her 80s). Above all, she enjoyed showing love to her family by requesting, participating in and planning get-togethers. She was ready for a party at the drop of a hat.
Anna was baptized upon the confession of her faith in1921 and married Ben Penner in1925. She put her faith into practice, demonstrating patience and choosing wisely the ways of peace throughout the challenging experiences of life. Our mother constantly sought God's comfort and strength through prayers and Bible readings. Despite life's difficulties, she retained a gracious and thankful spirit, blessing everyone she met with genuine goodness.
The family wishes to thank the home care workers at Fernwood Place, the personnel at Vita P.C.H., and Dr. Karen Toews for the years of understanding, compassionate care they gave to our mother. Anna was always very appreciative of their support.
The funeral service will take place Saturday, July 1, 2006, 10:30 a.m., at Cornerstone Bible Church, Steinbach, with viewing prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCC, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9 (or available at the church) or to a charity of one's choice.
Birchwood Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
JACOB I. WARKENTIN
Jacob's vibrant tenor voice joined the choirs of heaven on June 25, 2006. Farewells were offered by Helen Warkentin, his wife of 65 years, and his four children: son Rudy and Joy Warkentin of Thunder Bay, Ont.; daughter Marlene and Larry Fast of Kleefeld, Man.; son John and Elaine Warkentin of Winnipeg, Man.; and daughter Susan and Wade Meszaros of Terrace, B.C. Also missing the opportunity to spend more time with him are nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jacob was predeceased by his parents, Reverend Isaac and Katharina Warkentin, and his sister, Katherine Nickel of Steinbach, Man.
Jacob was born Feb. 19, 1919 in Gruenfeld, South Russia (Ukraine). His family immigrated to Canada when he was 11 years old. They lived on a farm near Starbuck, Man. for a number of years and then moved to Giroux, Man. Shortly thereafter he married the love of his life, Helen Froese. After leaving the farm, Jacob worked as a carpenter and as a life insurance agent. He and Helen were long-standing members of the Steinbach Mennonite Church.
Jacob will be remembered as a generous, kind, devoted, faithful, humble and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 27, at Steinbach Mennonite Church. Burial took place at Heritage Cemetery. In memory of Jacob Warkentin donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.
Arrangements entrusted to Steinbach Funeral Home 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man.
FRANK F. REIMER
Frank Friesen Reimer was born in Steinbach, Man. on June 23, 1908 and died peacefully at Calvary Place in Winnipeg, Man. on June 24, 2006, the day after his 98th birthday.
He was predeceased by our mother, Margaret (nee Penner) on May 20, 1971, and by his second wife, Evelyn (nee Tibstra) on Nov. 25, 1995. He leaves behind three sons and one daughter, 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren: Delbert (Noreen) Reimer - Marcia (Tim) Fretheim (David, Sara and Erin), Debby (Doug) Harink (Elizabeth and Allison), Judi Reimer (Jillian and Taya), Ross (Wendy) Reimer (Alex and Riley); Donald (Anne) Reimer - Doug (Dawn) Reimer (Jordan, Tyler and Keegan), Jim (Sandy) Reimer, Kelly (Sydney) Reimer (Alessandra, Arianne); Gerald (June) Reimer - Darcy (Tara) Reimer ( Hannah and Joshua), Sheri (Merlin) Braun (Kristen and Matthew); Grace (Ken) Betzold - Patricia (Grant) Wainikka (Abigail, Victoria and William), Stephanie Betzold. He was predeceased by two infant great-granddaughters - Leah Reimer and Rachel Reimer. Our father was also predeceased by his parents, Peter B. and Helena Reimer, and his stepmother Katherine, as well as siblings, Otto, Anne, Katherine, Werner, Paul and Charlotte. He is survived by siblings, Amanda, Carl (Annie), Eric Menno, Peter (Gwen), Henriette (Victor Reimer), Arlie (Wally Roberts), and brother-in-law Christopher Kennedy. For the first years of his life, Dad lived in the hamlet of Giroux, Man., near Steinbach, where he attended school and also spent his first years of employment, after which he moved to Steinbach, where he worked with his father, Peter B. Reimer, for the Reimer Trading Company. Our father was an energetic entrepreneur and a merchant. In Steinbach he managed P.B. Reimer & Sons and the Steinbach Feed Service Mill. He was generally known about town as `Carload Frank' because of his penchant for purchasing merchandise by the carload, which he then both retailed and wholesaled from his hometown. In 1952 he assisted his son Donald in founding Reimer Express Lines Ltd. Our father was a man of great faith, having put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as a young man. He had an amazing ability to encourage everyone he met and because of his friendly, gregarious nature he met many more people than most do. He served on the boards of various Christian Ministry organizations throughout his life, including his church, Prairie Bible Institute, Evangelical Free Church of America, Greater Europe Mission (25 years, several as chairman), as well as Bibletown in Boca Raton, Florida. As his age made it more difficult for Dad to move about, his prayer ministry expanded. He prayed on a daily basis for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as for many other people, ministries and needs. The day our father passed away, many members of our family gathered to reminisce about his life and the impact he had upon ourselves and others. There were some amusing incidents that we recalled, including the one about his driver's licence. The day Dad died he still had a valid driver's licence with five merits, of which he was justly proud. During his recent stay at St. Boniface Hospital he realized that it was licence renewal time. He was hoping to get it renewed once more because at the end of this month his current licence will expire. His family had a difficult time convincing him that it would no longer be possible for him to answer the necessary questions on the licence application form honestly. Life became very difficult for our dad during the past few weeks, but thankfully he was still able to communicate understandably on his birthday with some of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although we will all miss him deeply, we are thankful that God has chosen to relieve him of his pain and take him to his heavenly home where he has now met his Saviour face to face. He frequently quoted the Scripture verse, "Eye hath not seen, not hath ear heard not hath entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for those who love Him." Now Dad is experiencing those wonderful things which the rest of us cannot even begin to imagine. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 29, 2006, 2 p.m., at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere, with viewing at the church Wednesday, 7 to 8 p.m., with a devotional at 7 p.m. A private graveside service was held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers: Dr. John Foerster, Mr. Arnold Heron, Mr, Howard Moore, Mr. Neil Rempel and Mr. Joe Freed. We want to express our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the various medical and other personnel who took such good care of our beloved father during the past few months, including the following: his dear friend and personal physician, Dr. John Foerster, his special aide and friend, Mr.Willy Zienkiewicz, Mr. Kevin Friesen, Dr. Duane Hartley and the compassionate, caring staff at Calvary Place, as well as the doctors and staff at the St. Boniface Hospital. Thank you too, to his sister, Amanda Reimer, for her faithful support and concern. Arrangements entrusted to Friends Funeral Service, 339-5555.
