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PETER MIKEL TKACHUK
"It must be true-it's in the Winnipeg Free Press!"
Today, the Winnipeg Free Press reports that Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, Peter Tkachuk peacefully passed away in his sleep. Sadly, this time the report is true.
He leaves behind his mother Mary, wife Brenda, children Ramona (Brad) and Warren (Lisa), grandchildren Daniella and Marcus, stepsons Lance (Trina), Grant (Cora), and Shane (Becky), stepgrandchildren Zane, Mallory, Brendan, and Julia, sister Lillian, and brothers William (Joan), Stan (Joanne), John (Rose), Steve, Maurice (Patricia), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Michael and his brothers Metro and Bobby.
Peter was born Sept. 1, 1943, the middle child in a family of nine. He grew up on a farm outside of Stuartburn, MB. Eventually he made his way to the big city of Winnipeg. He had a few jobs, like delivering bread for McGavin's, but decided he would have more fun delivering newspapers for the Winnipeg Free Press. Thirty-seven years later, in 2004, he retired to see the world, and have more fun. He and Brenda traveled to Arizona and Mexico and Texas and Branson and South Dakota. There is a magnet for every province and state they visited on the refrigerator at home.
He loved hunting and fishing. As soon as he came home from a hunting trip he was planning the next trip. Even when he came home empty-handed he was looking forward to going back in the bush.
Peter was a kid at heart. Whether he was pulling a practical joke on a co-worker at the Winnipeg Free Press, or rolling on the floor with his grandchildren, Peter loved life. He had a one-liner for everyone and for every situation. He loved to laugh, and you couldn't help but laugh along with him. Even when Brenda was skunking him in their cribbage tournaments, he was laughing.
Peter was not a big tough guy, no matter how hard he tried to act like one. Every phone conversation or visit with Brenda or his children ended with a hug and `I love you".
He left us too soon. He was supposed to outlive us all, and now we have to say good-bye. Please join us at Cropo Funeral Chapel at 1442 Main Street. Prayers will be held Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 at 11 a.m.
Peter wanted to be cremated and buried in the cemetery at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish of the Holy Trinity in Stuartburn. He will be cremated after the funeral services and a graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
MELVIN UNGER
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Unger on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 at his residence. He was born to Dave and Ann Unger on Nov. 30, 1943.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nettie, his children Shannon (Ian Loeppky) and Paul (Jo Unger) and his grandson Adam, the light of Papa Mel's life. He is also survived by his father, Dave Unger, his sisters Marlene (Richard Reinke), Susan (Paul Dumonte), and Phyllis (Ken Forslund) and their families, and by his many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in the Klippenstein family. He was predeceased by one son, Randolph David in infancy and by his mother Ann Unger.
Mel will be remembered as the owner of the Village Inn Restaurant and as a farmer in the Niverville area. He served as a counsellor for the RM of Tache for 22 years and prior to his retirement he owned and operated Mel's Septic Service. After his retirement Mel enjoyed the privilege of looking after his beloved grandson Adam on a weekly basis. He enjoyed travelling and one of his greatest gifts was striking up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path. Even in his last days he found a way to cheer up people in the Cancer Centre.
The funeral service was held at the Fourth Avenue Bible Church, 62 4th Ave S, Niverville, MB on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 at 2 p.m. with ash interment at the Hespeler Cemetery in Niverville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.
Psalms 91:1-2 — "We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. This I declare that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I am trusting Him."
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
PETER W. SCHELLENBERG
June 10, 1916 — Jan. 1, 2008
It is with love and great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father and grandfather. Dad was born in Friedensfeld, MB, to Helena and Gerhard Schellenberg.
Peter's dad died when Peter was just nine months old, and was raised by his mother, who later married Peter R. Reimer, who became a wonderful father to our Dad, learning life's skills on the farm.
Dad married our mother Winona (Hiebert) in 1935, raising a family in Steinbach, MB. Dad owned and operated a furniture store in Steinbach for many years, while also holding the position of school trustee. After our mother passed away, Dad married Dorothy (Smith), and moved to Winnipeg to become sales manager and buyer for Eaton's Furniture, which gave him many trips as a buyer to travel to many parts of the US. After retiring from Eaton's, they traveled extensively, and eventually bought a house in the Rio Grande Valley of Edinburg, Texas, where they spent the winters and spent summers at their cottage at Whytwold Beach. While in Texas, Dad volunteered at Rio Grande Bible Institute for many years working in the print shop. When Dad felt he was getting too old to travel back and forth to Texas, they moved back to Steinbach, where he volunteered for 17 years at Rest Haven PCH, Bethesda Place, and at the Heritage Museum. He also joined a harmonica group and played at many functions for 10 years. He also enjoyed playing the accordion entertaining us all.
Dad had several strokes and was confined to a wheel chair. When he was 90, he moved to Bethesda Place, where he spent his final year.
Dad was predeceased by his first wife, Winona, second wife Dorothy, son-in-law Allen Morrison, all his brothers and sisters. He was the last surviving sibling.
He is survived by his daughters Eileen (Bob) Anderson, Betty Morrison, Dorothy (Jake) Poetker, Marie (Greg) Gretchen, and Carole Schellenberg (Terry), sons George (Alice), James (Sandra), Allen (Marcia), numerous nieces and nephews, 23 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach on Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 at 11 a.m. with viewing prior to the service. Interment at Steinbach Memorial Cemetery.
If friends so desire donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
MARTIN PENNER
1916-2007
Martin T. Penner, 91, of Steinbach, MB, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007, at Bethesda Place.
Martin was born in Wymark SK, on Oct. 7, 1916, to his parents Jacob and Anna Penner.
He leaves to mourn his son Willie (Rose) of Steinbach, daughter Anna, of Steinbach, son Dave (Paula) of Ste Anne, son Arnold (Shirley) of Steinbach, 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, four half sisters, four half brothers, his church family and many other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Agatha, one son-in-law, three brothers, three sisters, and one half brother.
The funeral service for Martin Penner was held Dec. 24, 2007, at 10 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Interment took place at Heritage Cemetery.
Yet, we mourn not without hope but, are waiting for the reunion with him in eternal glory. May we be reminded that our days are numbered, and that they too, will pass by quickly. The Psalmist says: "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
The Family
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
WESLEY PLETT
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2007, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Wes Plett, 55, of Blumenort, passed away at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB surrounded by family.
He is survived by his wife Pat, sons Corey (Daphne) grandchildren Lucas and Seth; Russel (Amy) grandchildren Jude and Kenya; Kevin (Laurel) grandchild Aaron; Jerald (Brittany). He is also survived by his mother Elda and siblings Dianne (Ron) Reimer, Earl (Audrey), James (Maryann) and Darlene (Kelly) Penner, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Benny P. Plett in 1982.
Wes was involved with Southeast Farm Equipment since 1977 and became a partner in the business in 1979.
A special thank you to Dr. Reimer and the nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital for their compassionate care.
The funeral service was held Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007 at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, Blumenort, MB, with interment at the Blumenort EMC Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Wes's memory to Eagle Lake Bible Camp, available at the Church.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
BEN HOEPPNER
Rev. Ben Hoeppner of Winnipeg, formerly of Steinbach, passed away at the Riverview Health Centre Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 at the age of 86 years.
Ben was well known in southern Manitoba as a teacher for many years at Steinbach Bible College as well as in Paraguay. He lived in Winnipeg for the last 17 years, serving in numerous Christian ministries.
He is survived by his wife Mary (nee Loewen), one sister, two brothers and their families as well as by five sisters-in-law. He was predeceased by two brothers.
The funeral service will be held at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 at 1 p.m. with viewing prior to the service. Interment at Mennonite Memorial Gardens.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire donations may be made to Family Life Network, 225 Riverton Ave., Wpg, MB R2L 0N1
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
JACOB GIESBRECHT
Jacob Giesbrecht of Grunthal passed away at the St Pierre Hospital on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007 at the age of 71 years.
He is survived by his children: Esther (Harry) Falk, Tina (Jacob) Bergen both of Paraguay; Neta (Johnny) Rempel and Hannah (Jack) Froese both of Bolivia; Betty (Willie) Bergen of Tourond and Mary (Isaac) Penner of New Bothwell and 14 grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Helena in 1998 and three grandchildren.
The funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in New Bothwell, MB with interment at the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
LEVI WIEBE BARKMAN
Jan. 11, 1922 — Dec. 31, 2007
On Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 with family by his side, Levi Wiebe Barkman passed away peacefully reaching the age of 85 years.
Levi was born Jan. 11, 1922 in Steinbach to Jacob R. and Helena Barkman. He was the third eldest of 10 children. Levi's childhood days were spent working on the family farm and attending school. He enjoyed playing sports and was a member of local baseball and hockey teams.
At the age of 15, Levi accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. His faith in God was a constant guiding factor in his life. Levi and Laura attended the Church of God in Christ Mennonite in Steinbach.
In the winter of 1940 Levi got a farm leave and joined Penner Transfer Ltd. hauling pulpwood in Ontario and then Saskatchewan. This was the alternative to joining the armed forces. Levi worked at home during the summer months and in 1945 landed a job grading and blading local roads, which eventually led to summer employment with Brandt Construction, a road building company. It was during these years that Levi met Laura Toews who he married on May 10, 1952. Four years later he became a long distance truck driver for Penner Transfer from which he retired in 1990.
Levi continued to farm the land that his father had farmed. Harvest time was a family event with picnics in the field and late nights of combining which included the children and grandchildren. In 1995 Levi and Laura moved to Steinbach.
Levi was a quiet man with a good sense of humour. He was confident in the way he lived his life. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who took a special interest in all of his grandchildren taking the time to play and visit with them. Family was very important to Levi and he was always ready to help with his children's projects—building their houses, working on their farms, babysitting the grandchildren and taking everyone out for supper for a break. Other characteristics that describe Levi are faithful, patient, loyal, kind, charitable, content, and loving. Through his example, these very special qualities have been passed on to his children and grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Laura; his three children—Ron (Cathy), Bonny (Lawrence) Penner, and Richard (Tristan); 10 grandchildren—Paul (Elisa), James, David (Sacha), Jodi (Martin) Williamson, Melissa, Rachelle, Jordanna, Alexis, Adorae, and Nicholas and three great-grandchildren—Levi, Keira and Kayla. He is also survived by two brothers Gordon (Norma) and John (Ruth), three sisters Rose (Jac) Peters, Shirley (Alan) Lysak and Betty Anne Funk and two sisters-in-law Hilda Barkman and Doris Barkman. He was predeceased by his parents: Jacob R. and Helena Barkman, three brothers and one sister.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their wonderful care. We also want to thank Dr. C. Krahn, Dr. K. Toews, and the Bethesda Hospital staff who looked after Levi in such a caring way.
Viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 2 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach. The funeral service will be Thursday, Jan. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Steinbach, MB.
Donations may be made in Levi's memory to Christian Service International—a church affiliated humanitarian organization.
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.
GERTRUDE FRIESEN
Gertrude Friesen was born Oct. 18, 1905, in Kleefeld, MB and passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, in Steinbach, MB. She was the youngest child of Jacob S. and Katharina Friesen. Her father had set up a small printing press in the farm home and began publishing The Volks Bote, a German Mennonite newspaper to serve the Mennonite Community in Manitoba. In 1910, the Friesen family moved to Giroux and enlarged the printing business. To go with the flow of developments in the area, the family moved to Steinbach in 1915. Here the name of the paper was changed to Die Steinbach Post and it became one of the most read newspapers by Mennonites in Canada and later also in Mexico and South America. Gertrude became quite proficient as a typesetter and writer in both German and English.
In 1927, Gertrude married Abram D. Friesen, the son of Klaas R. Friesen, who operated Friesen Machine Shop in Steinbach. Abe was an auto mechanic working at J.R. Friesen Ford in Steinbach. Like many other young couples in those depression times, they soon had to leave the home community to find employment, and Gertrude and Abe moved to Winnipeg to find work. In 1932, Abe was advised of a job opportunity with Ford in Beausejour. He got the job of parts-man and for the next 31 years they lived in Beausejour.
In 1932, Gertrude and Abe adopted a son Robert and two years later their daughter Elizabeth came into their home.
Gertrude and Abe had joined the EMB Church in Steinbach in 1929. This remained their home church during the years away from Steinbach and they always kept this membership alive and vibrant. In Beausejour the fellowshipped at the Baptist Church and were also very involved with the church life in the community.
In 1963, Gertrude's husband passed away and she moved back to Steinbach. For the next eight years, she worked at Stylerite Store in the dry goods department.
Gertrude lived together with her sister-in-law, Margaret, the widow of Rev. Peter D. Friesen, in Meadowlawn Apartments. After the death of Margaret in 1983, Gertrude lived alone in her suite until 2006 when failing strength made a move to the Rest Haven Nursing Home necessary. She resided in Rest Haven for 11 months and greatly appreciated the love and care she received there.
Gertrude is survived by her daughter Betty Zielke, of Prince George, BC, and daughter-in-law Mary Friesen of Calgary, AB. Also surviving her are 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Gertrude was predeceased by her husband Abe, her son Robert and her son-in-law Ed Zilke, her parents Jacob and Katharina Friesen, and all her siblings: Peter T. Friesen (Agatha), Katharina Isaac (Jacob W.) Agnes Loewen (Johann), Anna Barkman (Cornelius), Margaretha Hiebert (Heinrich), Elizabeth Hiebert (Cornelius) and Maria Friesen (Klaas D.).
The family wishes to thank the many individuals that have loved and cared for our mother. We are also very grateful to God for the many years of life that He gave to Gertrude during her 102 years.
A funeral service for Gertrude was held Monday, Oct. 22, 2007 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with interment at Memorial Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Gideons, PO Box 3619 Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9 or Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, MB.
"Great is Thy Faithfulness O Lord our Father"
Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 1-888-454-1030 or 346-1030.
