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RICHARD JOHN JOSEPH GOULET
Richard John Joseph Goulet, age 36, passed away suddenly in Winnipeg, Monday, May 6, 2002. He is lovingly remembered by his three children, Joshua (14), Jessica (12), Krystal (8).
"He was the best Dad in the universe. Love, Krystal."
"My Dad was always there for me and I'll never forget him. He was the #1 Dad. Daddy's little girl, Jessica G."
"Dad was the kind of guy who loved to help people and that makes him the best Dad ever. Love, Josh."
We will miss you.
ANNA KLIEWER REIMER
Anna Kliewer Reimer, wife of the late Bernhard H.W. Reimer, died peacefully in her sleep June 25, 2002 at the Resthaven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. She is survived by her son Edmar of Steinbach, his children, Peter (Kathy) Reimer of Westcliffe, Colorado, Jacqueline (David) Adkins of Henderson, Nevada, great-grandchildren Andrew, Jonathan, Corey and C.J.; her daughter Iris (Michael) Nowakowski of Winnipeg, Man., her children Andrea (Douglas Thidrickson) Nowakowski of St. Paul, Minn., Alyssa (Michael) Henault of Winnipeg, great-grandchildren Amber and Nicholas.
Mom's funeral service was held on what would have been her 95th birthday, June 28, 2002, 10 a.m. at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, Main Street, Steinbach, with viewing at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, Thursday, 7-8 p.m. Devotional followed, and was also held at the church prior to the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel.
DIEDRICH (DICK) REIMER
Sunday, June 30, 2002, Dick Reimer passed away to be with his Lord and Savior, at the age of 65 years.
He left behind seven children with their spouses and families: Wally (Rose) Reimer and children, Nick, Samantha, Hollie and Leah; Hedy (Ron) Loeppky and children, Ange, Nathan and Darci; Alice Peters and children, Maxine, Zachary, Avery and Alexandra; Erv Reimer and daughter Falynn; Reinhold Reimer; Edith (Grant) Wiens and children, Josh, Aryn, Kaitlyn and Lauryn; Bruno (Micky) Reimer and children, Taylor and Cole; and his children's mother, Susan Krahn. He also left two sisters, Helena Reimer and Susan Zacharias; and one brother, Jacob Reimer.
Dick was predeceased by a son, Richard Reimer; his parents, Peter and Susan Reimer; two brothers, Johann Reimer and Jake Reimer; and one sister, Susie Reimer.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m., at Niverville Elim Church, with Pastor Peter Braun officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
JACOB A. GIESBRECHT
The Lord Jesus Christ called our father, Jacob A. Giesbrecht, into his presence this past Sunday morning, June 23, 2002. What a glorious coronation ceremony there will have been in heaven!
Dad was born Feb. 3, 1916 in Lichtenau, part of the Ukraine in South Russia. He was the third of five sons born to Abram and Maria Giesbrecht. The first years of his life were years of turmoil in the country - first World War 1, then the period of anarchy that followed. It was a time of serious hardship for the family. Times were so difficult in Russia that the young Abram Giesbrechts decided to immigrate to Canada.
They arrived in Hawksville, Ont. June 12, 1924, when Dad was eight years old, remaining there a mere eight months before moving to Hochfeld, Man., where the family resided for 10 years. Although times were difficult financially, there were also times of pleasure. Not long after moving to Hochfeld, a new family moved into the neighborhood . . . the A.P. Bergmann family. Now THIS was a family of some interest! They had many children including some very pretty girls who studiously avoided the young Giesbrecht boys. However, because of the serious poverty, the Giesbrechts and the Bergmanns had to share a Teichschuessel, the big bowl in which bread was mixed. So all was not lost, because the Teichschuessel had to be borrowed and returned several times a week, which kept the communications lines at least somewhat open until the Bergmann family left the area approximately half a year later.
During this time, the educational system in the hamlets of southern Manitoba was also undergoing change - the German school rights were terminated and English school began in September 1925. Dad was able to attend school up to and including grade 9. This was only because he had developed a severe leg ailment, which forced him to use crutches for a very long period of time, thus rendering him useless as a farmhand. School was always a source of great pleasure for Dad; it was during these school years that his love of nature was actively encouraged with bird watching and vegetation and flower-exploring trips, and even a much envied trip to a museum in Winnipeg. This was Dad's first-ever trip to Winnipeg.
In 1935, when Dad was 19 years old, the Abram Giesbrechts bought a 720-acre farm in Fortier, Man.; that is to say, they rented the farm because they were unable to come up with the $14,000 asking price. They worshipped at the Newton Siding church, where Dad accepted Christ as his Savior Nov. 6, 1937. He was baptized on the confession of his faith the following spring. Thus began a lifelong journey with the Lord!
Four years later, the Bible verse about 'it not being good for man to be alone' became an important verse for Dad. After much prayer, he wrote a stilted but very sincere letter of proposal to Sarah Bergmann, whom he hadn't seen in more than 10 years, and who couldn't even remember what he looked like. A family visit ensued, and a 57-year romance began!
Dad and Mom were married June 8, 1941. The newlyweds established their first home, so to speak, on 160 acres of rented land in the Fortier area. The house consisted of two ancient, drafty, ramshackle, almost windowless granaries, which were very imperfectly attached to each other. Each rain resulted in nearly as much water in the house as there was outside. Farming was as precarious then as it is now. Their first crop was a dismal failure. The cow and the few pigs Dad and Mom had received as wedding gifts could not sustain their household, and they relocated to a farm in the Ste Anne, Man. area, close to where Mom's family was living. Two months later Dad was conscripted into two years of Conscientious Objector service, first at Clear Lake, Man., then in the reforestation program on Vancouver Island. Dad lived in the camp on Hill 60, while Mom lived in a single room in Duncan with her friend. These were happy times. Weekends were a time of joy and reunion, although the living arrangements were somewhat awkward. At the end of Dad's Conscientious Objector service, Dad and Mom returned to their Ste Anne farm, where their first child, Ruth, was born, followed a year and half later by their second daughter, Edith.
The family of four moved again, this time to a larger home in the Clearspring area, where they stooked the grain, hoed the beets and nurtured the potatoes, and worked diligently from early morning until nightfall. Because of ongoing crop failures, Dad supplemented the family income by working on the Hwy 12 road building project between Steinbach and Ste Anne.
Not long thereafter, Dad and Mom abandoned farming and moved the family to Steinbach, where Dad began a 12-year career as a mechanic at Loewen Garage, followed by an 18-year career as a bookkeeper for Bergmann Meat Products, interspersed by a short stint at CT Loewen and Sons.
A son Jake was added to the family, followed five years later by another bundle of joy, daughter Hildie. Although Dad was busy working six days a week to provide for his family, he and Mom always made time to be involved in the work of the Lord, which included ministry in the Sunday School program and service as a deacon couple. This was an office that they held for several decades. They took this office very seriously, dedicating two evenings each week to deacon activities - mostly visitation of those in need in the church family.
As we children were getting older, we were also gaining an appreciation of the very special bond that existed between our parents. Dad and Mom were soulmates, with Dad being the quiet stabilizing force to balance Mom's more impulsive and outgoing nature. Our Dad was a man of unwavering principles, who sought the will of God in all things, and always put God and service to others above all else in his life.
By the late 80's our mother's health was deteriorating, and Dad could no longer provide care for her. In 1992 Mom was moved to the Resthaven Nursing Home. For the five years that she lived there, Dad visited her at least twice daily, spending hours at each visit. He was an incredible example to us and to the nursing home staff of the power of love.
Four years ago, not long after Mom's death, Dad's care requirements necessitated his own placement in the Resthaven Nursing Home, where he was compassionately looked after. The first years at Resthaven were happy times for Dad - he continued to exhibit his kind, polite, caring nature with staff and residents alike. About eight months ago, Dad's health went into a sharp decline, culminating in his death June 23, 2002.
Dad will be missed, mourned, and lovingly remembered by his children, Ruth and Wes Penner of Landmark, Man., Edie Giesbrecht of Winnipeg, Man., Jake and Janice Giesbrecht of Blumenort, Man., Hildie and Stan Wiebe of Kelowna, B.C.; his 10 grandchildren with their spouses; his 12 great-grandchildren; his in-laws and a host of extended family and friends.
Dad was predeceased by our mother Sarah, and his great-granddaughter Holly Braun.
We will remember our father as a man of God, who had the joy of the Lord in his heart, and who devoted himself to manifesting that joy in all aspects of his life.
-The family
JOHN A. JANZ
John A. Janz was born to Abram and Elizabeth Janz in Pawlodar, Siberia, April 24, 1910. He was their seventh child. In October of 1929, John immigrated with his parents to Canada, arriving in Winnipeg, Man. February 1930. John found employment with a farmer in Glenlea, Man., where he worked for eight years.
November 5, 1938 John married Mary Friesen, daughter of Mrs Katherine Friesen of Manitou, Man. John and Mary lived for the first year of their married life in the summer kitchen of John's parents' farm. Then they rented a farm less than a mile southwest of Grunthal, Man. Later they were able to buy the farm, and they farmed there until John's retirement. In June of 1946, John and Mary Janz opened their home to their niece and nephew, Bonnie and Eric Friesen, whom they raised as their own. In 1960 John started to serve as Dairy Herd Improvement Association supervisor for Grunthal and district. The farmers' children always looked forward to the day when "Mr Janz" would come, for they knew he had chewing gum or candy for them. John loved children and was very generous toward them. Upon his retirement in 1975, John and Mary moved to the house they had built in town and lived there until September of 1994, when they moved into an apartment in the Grunthal Home.
John and Mary began attending the Spencer Bergthaler Church, which held its organizational meeting on Oct. 29, 1939. John was active in the church, helping to build their first building. In 1947 they transferred their membership to the Elim Mennonite Church. When the Elim church burned down in 1961 and needed to be rebuilt, John served as chairman of the building committee. He also served as the church's business administrator for many years. John was also active on the Co-op Board and was a charter member of the Grunthal Credit Union.
June 7, 2002 John was admitted to Bethesda Hospital to await a pacemaker implant. The pacemaker was implanted on June 11, and on June 13 John suffered a heart attack. Several times medical staff and family thought he was dying, but John struggled back. Early Sunday morning, June 23, 2002, John quietly gave up his struggle.
His parents, five brothers and a sister in Russia, and a younger brother, George, predeceased him.
He leaves to mourn: his wife, Mary, his daughter, Bonnie; his son, Eric; his granddaughters, Lorill Friesen and Cari (Friesen) Stadnyk with husband Mike; great-grandsons, Matthew and Tristan Stadnyk; two brothers, Nick (Sarah) Janz and Aaron Janz; two brothers-in-law, Peter (Helen) Friesen and Henry (Margaret) Friesen; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great-grandfather and friend, you will be missed. However, we know that you are now walking and breathing freely in the presence of your Master and Maker.
Funeral services were held June 25, 2002, 2 p.m. at the Elim Mennonite Church in Grunthal, with Rev. Frank Klassen officiating. Interment followed in the Grunthal cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach.
JOHN WIEBE
August 19, 1922 - April 24, 2002
John's death came softly in the morning, Cranbrook Hospital, B.C. He was surrounded and supported by the love of his daughters, their partners and children, his brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors.
He leaves to mourn his wife Anne and his daughters, Marilyn Schick (Wayne), Georgette Paré (Pierre), Marjorie (Hamish McIntosh). He was predeceased in January 2002 by his daughter Ferna (Ted Hector). John had a special bond with his grandchildren, who also grieve: John and Brendan Schick; Yanik Sourisseau (Melanie); Mathieu, Sarah Stark (Keith); Genevieve Paré; Claire and Ian McIntosh. Also grieving are his brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
John was born near Steinbach, Man. He and his father, mother, brothers and sisters moved to Castle Point, Man. in 1945 to farm. He married Anne Reimer in 1946. They had four daughters.
Several moves took them to Carberry, Man., where John started a television/radio and service business; to Island Lake, Man., and Winnipeg, Man. and to Calgary, Alta., where he worked as a carpenter. In the early 80's John and Anne moved to Ta Ta Creek to establish Anne's business. They loved their B.C. home dearly.
John was the oldest brother of a large and caring family, who will remember him with great affection. He was indeed held in high regard by all, who knew him as a gentle, spiritual man with a life-long passion for learning. His craftsmanship and eye for excellence touched many people near and far.
Funeral services were held in Wasa, B.C. Condolences and special memories can be sent to John Wiebe Memorial Album, Box 26, Isabella, MB. R0M 0Y0.
AGATHA (AGGIE) ENNS
1923 - 2002
Early morning of June 24, 2002 our loving mother and grandmother, Agatha (Aggie) S. Enns slipped away peacefully to be with our Lord at her home, with her loving sister Kay and daughter Carrie by her side.
She was born March 28, 1923. She was predeceased by her husband James (Jim) Enns in 1988; parents Henry K. and Katharina Harder; and sister Mary. She lived a rich and full life, donating her time generously to the community and her church, living in Paris, Arkansas from 1984 to April 2002, when she moved back to Grunthal, Man., Canada to live with her loving sister Kay and to be closer to her loving brothers, sisters and daughters. She will be missed by so many in Paris, Arkansas, Manitoba and British Columbia.
She is survived by her son Wayne Enns (wife Margrit, who unselfishly looked out for her and helped her in Arkansas); daughters, Carrie (Brian) Kelly and Shelley (Ken) Stewart; and grandchildren, Jennifer (Tony) Newton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Julie of Paris, Arkansas, and David and Michael of Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was blessed with a close-knit group of attentive siblings, Catherine (Kay) Harder, Sue (Wally) Heinrichs, Ann (Charlie) Gawley, Harry (Anne) Harder, Lee (Art) Bartel, Peter (Anne) Harder, Ed (Lena) Harder, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The family's heartfelt thanks go out to her sister Kay, who unselfishly cared for her, the loving staff of Bethesda Hospital, the gentle loving care providers of the Palliative and Home Care Programs and Dr. Gordon Dyck.
"Our Loss is Heaven's Gain"
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roseau River Bible Camp, Box 40, Roseau River, MB R0A 1P0.
The funeral service for Agatha Enns was held Thursday, June 27, 2002 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man. Interment at Grunthal Cemetery, Grunthal, Man. A memorial service will be held Friday, July 5 in Paris, Arkansas.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
EUGENE HOULE
It is with great sorrow that the family of Eugene Houle announces his passing, Monday June 24, 2002. His memory will forever be cherished by us all: Lucette and Vince Wesley, Gérald and Colette, Denis and Kelly, Carole and Aimé Sabourin, Paul and Melanie; grandchildren: Nicholas (Nicole), Robert, and Gabrielle, Marc, Richard, Diana, and Dawna, Danica and Rossel; and Dad's special friend Annette Lavallee.
Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Antoinette (Comeault) Houle; and by his beloved wife, our mother, Carmelle (Granger) in 1997. He will remain in the hearts of his sisters, Yvette Fillion, Lucille Rajotte, and Aline (Ben) Casper; and brother Arthur (Georgette) Houle.
It was extremely important to Eugene that family, friends, and community members be thanked for all the support provided throughout the year to him and his family. He appreciated the visits, gifts, and prayers. The staff and doctors at the Altona Health Centre provided him not only with exceptional care, but with spiritual and loving attention - he and his family were truly blessed and are grateful.
The funeral mass was celebrated by Father Maurice Comeault at the Letellier Roman Catholic Church, Wednesday June 26, at 7:30 p.m.
Dad, pepère, it's with great sorrow we say farewell, but also with joy because we know you had found peace and were ready to bid us good-bye. You said it very well last week: "It's difficult for a father and grandfather to be really close to his family when there's a mom in the home, because it's natural for the bond to be stronger with the mom. But when the mom is gone it's different". You felt privileged to have become so much closer to all your loved ones. We were also very privileged to have had this special time with you as the central figure tying our family together. You have always been the role model for us all, and we learned so much from you right till your last days. Be at peace, we'll love you always in our memories and in our hearts.
The funeral arrangements were in the care of Morris Funeral Home.
PETER K. GERBRANDT
January 13, 1930 - June 30, 2002
Peter K. Gerbrandt of Steinbach, Man. went to be with the Lord at the age of 72, June 30, 2002 at his home.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Esther Gerbrandt; and children: Frieda Gerbrandt, Edna Gerbrandt, Mathilda Gerbrandt, Irvin Gerbrandt, Barb and Clarence Falk, Elma and Ron Wiens, Lotte and Jacob Deurloo, Olga and Derek Neufeld, Irene and Jason Plett; six grandchildren; one half-brother; one half-sister; two step-sisters; three step-brothers; nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was predeceased by his father in 1942, his mother in 1931 and four children.
Dad loved woodworking, barbecuing and working at the MCC Thrift Store. He was always absorbed in a specific project with at least three more to follow. However, when visiting or socializing with family and friends, he always had time. He will be lovingly remembered for his caring, compassionate, quiet ways.
The funeral service for Peter Gerbrandt was held Thursday, July 4, 2002, 10:30 a.m., at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church, with interment at the Silberfeld CMC Cemetery.
"We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope." I Thessalonians 4:13
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
MARGARET ELIZABETH (BETTE) SMITH-EGAN
Peacefully, at home, with family nearby, "Bette" passed away June 25, 2002.
She will be sadly missed by her two sons and their families, Robert Prescott (Bob), married to Maggie, their children Jennifer, Julia and Rob; and David Thomas (Dave) and his children, Lance and Terra. Also left to mourn her passing is her sister Linda Unick of Edmonton, Alta. Bette is also survived by sister-in-law Mary Opal Smith and brother-in-law Michael Ewanchuk.
Bette was predeceased by her parents, Bert William Martin and Eleanor Mae Clark; and two husbands, Thomas Goldwyn Smith ("T.G.") who died in 1982 and Terrence Patrick Egan (Terry) who passed away in 1999.
Born in Winnipeg, Man., Bette joined the Royal Bank after completing Business School in 1945. A year later she married her first husband "her boss" T.G. and the newlyweds took up residence in Steinbach, Man., where T.G. was the manager of the bank for 22 years. Both his sons were born in Steinbach, Bob in 1948 and Dave in 1951. A stay-at-home Mom, Bette is much remembered as a fixture at most local sporting events, following her three men from one sporting event to another. When T.G. retired in 1968, the couple moved to Winnipeg. Winters were spent "south", mostly in Arizona.
Four years after T.G.'s death in 1982, Bette met Terry and the two married in 1990. In Terry, Bette found a wonderful companion. Traveling extensively and both relishing Jazz, the two spent 12 very happy years together. Terry's family and friends became Bette's friends.
Bette will be remembered for her love of family and friends and her passion for traveling and Jazz.
A celebration of her life took place Sunday, June 30, 1 p.m., at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Krahn and the staff at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Larry Hirst chaplain, Anne Plett and Debbie Harms, Southeast Regional Health Authority, and to Carolyn, Christine and their excellent staff of WRHA Palliative Care Program. Special thanks to the many friends of Bette and her family for your prayers and thoughtfulness.
Donations may be made in Bette's memory to the Bethesda Foundation for the Chemotherapy Ward or Palliative Care, P.O. Box 939 Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0.
The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
