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ROSINA HOLME
It is with joy and sadness that we announce the passing of Rosina Holme, Oct. 11, at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Man. Mom was born Aug. 27, 1920 at Friedensfeld, Man. to Carl and Rosina Fuchs. She was baptized Sept. 19, 1920 and confirmed March 13, 1934.
Mom married Wilhem Holme June 16, 1940 and together they farmed in the Grunthal, Man. area. She would help Dad by driving the tractor in the harvest season, until her sons were old enough to take over this task, and still managed to be a good housekeeper and caring mother for her young children. Together they raised three sons and one daughter. After they left the farm in 1970, Mom helped Judy and Ken in their restaurant as a cook and also cleaned different MTS buildings in the area until she turned 65.
She then became a fishing lady and with her patience, managed to outfish everybody on the lake. Mom and "Her Man" would spend the summer weeks at the lake, only to come home for a couple of days to catch up on the garden and yard work and then back to the lake. Her love for her family was shown when they would visit at the lake by, the generous portions of food that she prepared for them. The grandchildren looked forward to coming to Grandma's house, where they were treated to her scrumptious noodle soup, wonderful homemade buns, and on New Year's, the traditional saurkraut and dozens of portzelky.
Mom went through many different surgeries and pain throughout her life, but her constant faith in God and her love for Dad helped her overcome nearly all obstacles. Her wish of late was to go to sleep and enjoy eternal peace with her life-long soul mate.
Mom will be missed by her children, Wilfred and Grace Holme, Ken and Judy Holme, Shirley and Fred Driedger; and 10 grandchildren. She is survived by daughter-in-law Liz Holme, 18 great-grandchildren and brother Henry Fuchs. She was predeceased by her husband Wilhem, daughter Arlene, son Lorin, grandson Kevin, four sisters, three brothers and her parents.
The family wishes to thank Aunt Romelda Fuchs for her many visitations and words of comfort and companionship over the years. Our heartfelt thanks to the home care workers and many others who were a comfort in Mom's life.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2 p.m., at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor Al Maier and Pastor Claire Speary officiating. Interment followed at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Hwy. 12 South, Steinbach, Man.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach.
BENJAMIN F. GIESBRECHT
1912 - 2002
Benjamin Giesbrecht, formerly of Steinbach, Man., passed away at Menno Home for the Aged, Grunthal, Man., Oct. 10, 2002, at the age of 90 years.
Our dad was born Aug. 3, 1912 near Steinbach. Upon realizing his need of a Saviour and walking in forgiveness he was baptized in May of 1937. He married Maria Harder in May 1938. This union brought forth five children. Our mother predeceased him in 1964. He married again in October 1979 to Katherine Harder. This union brought alongside four stepchildren and numerous step-grandchildren. She predeceased him in August 1991.
As we reflect on the life of our dad as a young boy, we hear stories of him being rather mischievous. He always waited for an opportune time to have a little jovial fun. Pictures tell us that he enjoyed his siblings and had a good relationship with them! His stories of incidences he shared even within the last week brought a chuckle to his face. His oldest niece shared how she had played with her "Young Uncle Ben." His love of animals was also very evident as his horses responded to his beck and call.
Our dad's hands are proof of a very hard working man. His "mission" was never focused on getting rich, but rather to provide for his family. Whatever it took to complete this goal was never too great. Any menial task that provided monetary value was never too much. He completed this by doing dray work, road construction in summer and logging in winter.
In later years he worked for Borger Brothers and Diamond Ready Mix, where he was fondly referred to as "Big Ben." We know that at any job he tackled, he left a legacy of being extremely loyal and dedicated.
With retirement and more available free time, he loved touring the back roads of the forest. An extra thrill on any given day was spotting wildlife, especially black bears. He also enjoyed an exciting game of pool, much to the surprise of his children and grandsons. Guess who won?
In stature our dad was a Big Man; someone that drew respect, but if for a moment he would allow you a glimpse of his heart you knew that he truly was Gentle Ben.
He saw things and life situations as black and white. As his children, he accepted us even though some things we did he could not approve of. He allowed us the freedom to make our own choices, but also pointed us in the direction that we were responsible for our choices. He never took on the role of judge or speaking condemnation. His love and concern for us always stood out above all else.
Big Ben did not carry titles like Mathematician, Historian, Genealogist, or Dry Humour Comedian, but this track record proved that he was all these. Being meticulous and a stickler for detail were second nature to him. His coat hangers all had to face one way and shirts all had to hang in the same direction, and after every visit the chair had to be put just so into the corner.
Even as trial and tribulations confronted him, he took it in stride to live above his circumstances. He did not mince words, he just said it as it was and yet in his last days his many friends at the Menno Home referred to him as a confidante, a friend, a comforter, a true jewel, Heaven's best. As his children we are blessed to have enjoyed our Dad for so many years.
We know that his challenge to us today would be to "Live on the sunny side of life" and his prayer for us would be to meet him just inside the Eastern Gate.
Today he is basking in the presence of Jesus, enjoying his first wife Maria, his second wife Katherine, his infant son William and his grandson Russell Sawatzky.
He waits for his sons, Jake (Tina), John (Betty), his daughters, Helen Klusendorf, and Martha (Cornie) Sawatzky; his grandchildren: Bruce and Barb Ginter Boyce, Dianna and Will Masson, Cindy Sawatzky, Brian and Jan Giesbrecht, Murray and Kathy Giesbrecht, Tracey and Earl Shilling, Shawna and Brian Senka, Ronda and Blaine Alexiuk, Melanie Sawatzky and special friend John Perry, Nathan and Rose Sawatzky, Lee Giesbrecht, Josh Giesbrecht.; great-grandchildren: Madeline, Carolyn, Devin, Kyle, Sarah, Mackenzie, Briell, Esarah, Blade, Jean Luc, Gaby, Jared, Kyle, Jesse, Auryanna, Benjamin, Jonathan, Mykala, Danica, Desiree, Erin, Arielle, and Lauren.
The funeral service for Benjamin Giesbrecht was held Monday, Oct. 14, 2002, at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with interment at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach.
"And the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that day." II Timothy 4:6b-8
If friends so desire donations in memory of Benjamin may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
VERA LOEPPKY
Vera Loeppky, aged 74 years, beloved wife of Elden of Beausejour, Man., passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002 at the Beausejour Hospital.
She will be sadly missed by her husband Elden; her son Ronald P. Loeppky of Winnipeg, Man.; her daughter Susan Loeppky of Sweden; and her grandson Jonathon of Altona, Man.
She was predeceased by her parents, Diedrich (D.H.) Reimer in 1961 and Sarah in 1994; and her son Richard on March 7, 2001.
Cremation has taken place. A private service and burial will take place at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Zeiler and the numerous health care nurses and workers who looked after her in the Beausejour Hospital. They were special.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E OV9.
Sobering Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Beausejour, in care of arrangements.
FREDERICK RETTALER
Fred Rettaler, aged 84 years, formerly of Woodmore and Dominion City, Man., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002 at the St. Adolphe Nursing Home.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Christine (Schoffer); sisters, Ruth Holt, Margaret Sanders, and Chris Dupuis; brother Roy; and a brother in infancy.
Fred leaves to mourn his passing his brothers and sisters, John (Rose) of Emerson, Man., Rose Jahnke of Dominion City, Man., Henry (Sylvia) of Selkirk, Man., Ann (Stanley) Fernstrom of Victoria, B.C., Irene Walchuk of Vancouver, B.C., Jack (Linda) of Woodmore, Man., Ben (Bernice) of Dugald, Man., and Ruby (Leo) Zimmerman of Minneapolis, Minn.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church in Friedensthal, with interment in the Friedensthal Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the St. Adolphe Nursing Home, Box 40, St. Adolphe, MB R5A 1A1.
Morris Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
FLORENCE CHRISTIANSEN
Peacefully Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 at Concordia Hospital, Winnipeg, Man., Florence passed away at the age of 90 years. She was born in Winnipeg in 1912, the fifth child of what was to be a family of eight. At the age of two, her family moved to Rossburn, Man., where she attended school until she graduated. After graduation Florence attended Winnipeg Normal School.
Florence taught school over a span of 40 years throughout southern Manitoba, her last years being in the Schools Districts of Devon, Dover and West Kupchenko. She retired from teaching at General Wolfe School in Winnipeg in 1970.
Florence is survived by one daughter, Wilma Jean (Leonard) Sault; two sons, John (Barbara) and Murray: grandchildren: Richard (Tracey) Sault, John (Jill) Christiansen, Heather (Dave) Christiansen; great-grandchildren: Justin, Symonne, Skylar and Taylor Christiansen, Kirsten Sault and Bryn Christiansen-Lee; one sister, Georgina Crowe; and one brother, Marshall Crowe.
She was predeceased by her parents, William and Georgina Crowe; brothers, Elliot, John and Harry; sisters, Gertrude Cochrane and Ruth Crowe.
A memorial service for Florence will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, 2 p.m. at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, Man. Donations to Cystic Fibrosis in Florence's memory would be appreciated.
Mum, Grandma, Great-Grandma - you will always be remembered for your strength, love and support.
Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach in care of arrangements.
MARGARET UNGER
Margaret Unger was called to her eternal home, peacefully Oct. 17, 2002, at Bethesda Place. She was born Sept. 4, 1913 in Ekron, Man. to Peter and Margaret Klassen. She was the fifth of 14 children.
Margaret came to know the Lord in 1932 and was baptized and joined the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church.
She married our dad, Jacob R. Unger, Jan. 10, 1932. They were married for over 56 years. They made their first home in Rosenfeld, Man. Then they moved to Greenland, Man. for a short period of time. From there they moved to Blumenort, Man. and began farming.
In 1940 they welcomed Levina into their home as a member of their family. They were joined by Reuben in 1943 and Rebecca in 1945. This completed their family. They moved to Gladstone, Man. in 1945 and lived there until 1947. From there they moved to Kleefeld, Man., where they remained until 1960. From 1960 to 1976 they lived in different locations in B.C. They moved back to Steinbach, Man. in 1976. In 1981 they moved into Fernwood Place, which they really enjoyed and remained there until her health did not allow her to return to her home. Many lasting friendships were forged there that supported her through her deteriorating health.
During most of their married life, Mom and Dad also opened their hearts and home to numerous foster children. They had a deep love for less fortunate children and felt clearly that this was their purpose.
Mom and Dad did lots of traveling in their years together. They were avid "rock hounds", collecting all sorts and sizes of interesting and beautiful rocks, which they in turn transformed into all sorts of art, including tables, jewellery, lamps, and so on. Those who know Mom and Dad well will likely carry a souvenir in their homes of these happier days. Mom enjoyed gardening, flowers and cooking - creating many a great feast for her family. She also enjoyed her volunteer time at the Mennonite Village Museum, especially the waffle booth, which she considered her specialty.
Mom enjoyed reading her Bible and had many favourite scripture passages. Psalm 119 was very special to her.
In October 1988 Mom was very saddened by the loss of her beloved husband and our father, Jacob Unger.
In 1991 our mother was fortunate to meet a companion by the name of William Unger from MacGregor, Man. They were married on June 8, 1991 and shared four years together. During this time, Mom suffered her first stroke on July 25, 1991. William Unger passed away in August of 1995.
Margaret is survived by her three children, Levina (Waldie) Klassen, Reuben, and Rebecca (Orest) Smuk; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Peter, Abe (Kay) and Ben; and sisters, Mary Loewen and Lena (Dave) Unger.
The funeral service for Margaret Unger was held Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, Steinbach. Interment at Memorial Cemetery.
If friends so desire donations may be made to the Gideons, PO Box 3619, Stn Main; Guelph, ON N1H 9Z9
Special thanks go to the staff at Bethesda Hospital and Bethesda Place, Chaplain Larry Hirst, and doctors Mark Duerksen and Wilf Kaethler for their kind and compassionate care during Mother's stay.
Although we will miss our dear mother, we know she is in a place where there is no pain or suffering.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.
DOMINIQUE MÉDERIC JOSEPH DESROCHERS
Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002, Dominique Desrochers passed away at the Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 82 years.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Laurence; son-in-law Paul Leclair; his parents, Albert and Agnes Desrochers; one brother Gilbert; and one sister Isabelle Richot.
Dominique is survived by his children: André (Diane), Normand (Irène), Della (Paul Leclair, deceased), Georges (Annette), Florent (Isabelle), Angelle (Tim Rosner), Paulette (Marcel Marion), Pierre (Kimberly), Jeannette (Claude Marcotte), Michel (Wendy) and Rhéal; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; a brother Martial (Yvette); a sister Bella Sabourin (Theodore); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dominique was born in St. Alphonse, Man., March 27, 1920. His family later moved near St. Léon, Man. In 1943 he married Lawrence Labossière. Their marriage was blessed with 11 children.
Dominique was a quiet, hard working and robust fellow, who spent many long hours working for the building movers, Marcel and Albert Pantel.
In 1967, Dominique and his family moved to St. Boniface, Man. He was employed by the Taché Nursing Center. After 22 years of dedicated service as a qualified orderly, he retired and later moved to Ste. Anne-des-Chênes, Man., at the Villa Youville.
Dominique loved his family dearly. It was the most precious gift the good Lord bestowed upon him.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the St. Leon Roman Catholic Church, in St. Leon, Man., Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002, at 2 p.m., preceded by Recitation of the Rosary at 1:30 p.m., with Father Célestin officiating. Interment to follow in the Parish Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the Villa Youville Center, also the doctors and nurses at the Ste. Anne and Seven Oaks Hospitals.
In lieu of flowers, masses may be said for the repose of his soul or donations given to a charity of choice.
Adam's Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Man. in care of arrangements.
DENNIS GARY THOMSON
After a very long, courageous battle with cancer, Dennis Thomson went peacefully to the great golf course in the sky, Oct. 22, 2002.
He was predeceased by his mother Helen in 1998.
He is survived by his daughter Noreen (Greg) Fehr; son Trent (Jen); and his three grandsons, Joshua, Noah, and Sawyer; as well as his father Clayton; brother Brian (Valarie), niece Sandi and nephew Greg; sister Brenda (Mike) Nilsson and niece Melissa. As well as his girlfriend Darlene, he will be fondly missed by numerous friends and a large extended family. He is also survived by his ex-wives Darlene Hockin and Shianne Uschold.
Born Oct. 8, 1952 in Plumas, Man., he began working with mentally challenged clients in 1973 at Touchwood Park in Neepawa, Man., before accepting a position as workshop manager in Arborg, Man. at Riverdale Place Workshop. He moved to Steinbach, Man. in 1977, where he began as workshop manager at Kindale Occupational Centre and then became the executive director for the Association for Community Living (ACL). He subsequently moved on to work for the Province of Manitoba as a Community Services Worker with Community Living and Children Special Services. His 25 years in the Steinbach area, and the friends, co-workers, and fellow sport enthusiasts that he had, meant the world to him.
An avid sportsman, Dennis was involved in baseball since early childhood, and played with the Giroux A's, as well as coached his son with the La Broquerie A's minor baseball team and the Carillon Sultans Junior baseball team.
In addition to baseball, golf was a great passion of his. Dennis recently completed 93 rounds in a single season and even this year, while battling cancer, he was able to compete in 50 rounds.
Curling was also a great love of his, and Dennis won his first bonspiel while receiving chemotherapy last winter, then turned it into a "three-peat". Winning the Plumas men's bonspiel with his brother Brian was a crowning achievement.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Ilchyna, Anne Plett of the Palliative Care Program, Debbie Harms of the Home Care Program, Carol, Maggie, Wilma and all of the other home care "girls" for the exceptionally kind and compassionate care that Dennis received, in the comfort of his home, during his last few weeks.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, 11 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 465 Henry Street (at Kroeker), Steinbach, with Pastor Larry Hirst officiating. A private interment will be held in Plumas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steinbach branch of the Association for Community Living (ACL), Box 730, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0. "To live on in the hearts of those we leave behindis to never die."
