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KLASS (PENNER) PLETT
Klass (Penner) Plett, aged 86, of Steinbach, Man., formerly of Landmark, Man., passed away peacefully around 2 p.m., May 6, 2004, after a short stay at Bethesda Hospital. He is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Mary; his eight children, Lorna (Harvey) Harder, Denver (Mary), Sarah (Larry) Richardson, Adeline (Bob) Storey, Virginia (Wilhelm) Schoenbeck, Rod (Ivy), Gary (Joanne), Kenton (Kelly); 23 grandchildren, of which eight are married; and 12 great-grandchildren; as well as two brothers and five sisters. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, his parents, five brothers and four sisters.
Klass Plett with his twin brother Cornie were born Jan. 10, 1918 on a family farm near Giroux, Man.
He was married to Mary Plett, July 7, 1940. They began their young wedded life on a small pioneering farm two miles north of Linden, Man., where they lived for 45 years. Making ends meet was especially tough as pioneers; therefore he held a full time job. One of the long time places of employment was 23 years for Landmark Plumbing and Heating as a backhoe operator.
At the age of 20 he gave his life to Christ and was later baptized and joined the EMC church of Landmark, where he continued attending till his passing. Because of his great love for the Lord he would make every effort necessary for his family to attend Christian functions and camps.
He will be remembered for his honesty, unselfishness, and willingness to help people in need. He had a great love for music, and therefore tried his hand at many instruments, his favourite being the harmonica. He spent many hours playing his children and grandchildren to sleep.
Mom and Dad had a great love for travel. They visited their children in many places, such as Colombia, Thailand, Germany, B.C. and Calgary. After retirement they moved to Landmark, where they spent 15 years creating crafts and selling them at craft sales.
Shortly after their 60th anniversary they moved to Steinbach, Man. Ten months later he had his first stroke and spent three months in the hospital. His recovery was good, but he never did regain his full strength nor his optimistic spirit.
Beginning of this year he was diagnosed with cancer, and due to complications he was admitted to the hospital on April 16, 2004. During his stay he had numerous paralyzing strokes, from which he did not recover. We would like to thank all those who supported him and our family through all their visits and prayers during his time of illness. His love will remain in our hearts forever.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Thiessen, Anne Plett and the nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach for the loving care provided for our husband and father.
The Family
Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 2 p.m., at Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church, Landmark, Man., with interment at the church cemetery. Viewing was held Monday, May 10, 2004, from 7 to 8 p.m., with a devotional at 8 p.m., at Loewen Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
Donations may be made to the New Tribes Mission and Steinbach Palliative Care Program.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
AGANETHA LEPPKY
May 15, 2004, Aganetha (Neta) Friesen Leppky (nee Reimer), formerly of Niverville, Man., passed away peacefully at Bethesda Place in Steinbach, Man. She was predeceased by her first husband, Henry L. Friesen, and her second husband, Abram G. Leppky; two sons, Ed. P. Friesen and Henry P. Friesen; and great-granddaughter Chantal.
She is survived by sister Margaret Hoeppner of Salem Home, Winkler, Man., and by family members, Helen Friesen, Len (Denise) Friesen, Marion (Bert) Kliewer, Anne (George) Krahn, Jona (Elma) Leppky, Darlene (Frank) Kasdorf, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Neta was born Oct. 31, 1910 in Neubergthal, Man. She was an inspiration and encouragement to a host of friends and family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Bethesda Place for their kind and dedicated care given to our mother.
The funeral was held Wednesday, May 19 at Niverville Mennonite Church. Interment at Niverville Cemetery.
If friends so desire donations may be made to the Bethesda Place Chaplaincy Fund, Box 939, Steinbach, MB, R5G 1A3.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
JOHN "RALPH" BALLANTINE
March 11, 1910 - May 4, 2004
With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Ralph, at the age of 94, Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Rock Lake Hospital in Crystal City, Man.
Ralph was born on the family farm in Marringhurst, Man. district and attended school at Marringhurst and Zephyr. Ralph married Jean Simpson on Oct. 22, 1947. They farmed north of Marringhurst, and had four children, Murray Ralph, Vicki Jean, Grant Robert and Ross George.
In addition to mixed farming, Ralph drove the school bus to Glenora School. The family was very involved in community activities. Ralph was 4-H garden club leader and served on the local committees of Manitoba Pool Elevators and Louise Credit Union. He especially took great pride in establishing, keeping and improving the grounds at Marringhurst Pioneer Park.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter. A keen gardener, many hours were spent looking after the large garden and the flowers. In the last few years he still had onions and tomatoes growing in the flowerbeds he tended with care.
His whole life he took great enjoyment visiting with family and friends, near and far.
Ralph was predeceased by his wife Jean (1971); siblings, Belle, Margaret, Robert, Jessie, Olive, Ruth, Walter, Lena, and their spouses and brother-in-law George Simpson.
July 7, 1973, Ralph married Alice Robinson (Ferris). They lived on the farm until moving to the Mound Estates four plex in Pilot Mound, Man., in 1992. Ralph and Alice spent 20 wonderful winters in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying warmer weather, golfing, dancing, shuffleboard and developing friendships across Canada and USA.
Upon retirement, Ralph discovered the joy and frustration of golf. For many years, Ralph and his golf buddy, Mert Nelson, were the first on the course almost every day of the summer. Ralph continued to golf until into his 90's and up to last fall loved going to the clubhouse for breakfast.
During recent years, his highlights were card games at the Fellowship Centre and Lodge, Thursday dinner with complex neighbors, and especially the Friday dinners at Glenora.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Alice; son Murray (Clara), grandsons Ian and Jamie of Ottawa, Ont.; daughter Vicki of Guelph, Ont., son Grant of La Broquerie, Man.; and son Ross (Cathy) of Vita, Man., and their family of David, Lindsay and Abby Fehr of Winnipeg, Man., and Chris and Angie Fehr of Winnipeg; and stepson Bill (Maureen) Robinson and granddaughter Tracey of Mission, BC.
The funeral service was held Saturday, May 8, 2004 at Pilot Mound United Church, with interment at Greenwood Cemetery at Pilot Mound, with Rev. Irene Onuch officiating. The organist was Doreen Stapleton, the soloist Donalee Jones sang Amazing Grace, and Ralph's son Ross Ballantine gave the eulogy. Ushers were Debbie Kynoch and Cindy Charette. Pallbearers were Jim Murray, Elwin Ballantine, Daryl Kynoch, Gordon Jones, Derrick Van Damme and Michael Van Damme.
Following the service, a turkey dinner was served at Glenora Hall.
Graham's Funeral Service (825-2848) was in charge of the arrangements.
Donations may be made in Ralph's memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare or Marringhurst Pioneer Park.
"My Hero"
You can shed tears that he is gone, or
you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back or
you can open your eyes and see all he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him, or
you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or
you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he's gone, or
you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or
you can do what he'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
MARGARET (PEGGY) KLEINPETER (nee Sawatzky)
Sept. 8, 1912 - May 11, 2004
Margaret (Peggy) was born at Altona, Man., Sept. 8, 1912, the daughter of Frank and Aganetha Sawatzky. She grew up in the Altona area and was part of a large family. At an early age, she left home to do domestic work, and among other jobs worked as a nanny in Winnipeg.
June 1, 1935 she married Ben P. Toews. They lived in Steinbach, Man. After her husband passed away in March, 1951, she raised their four children as a single parent. Their daughter Valrae died Dec. 4, 1963 during corrective heart surgery at the St Boniface Hospital.
She married Alwin Kleinpeter of Waldhof, Ont. in August of 1964. They were both active in their community, making many close friends through contact with tourists, church affiliation and in the wider community. Peggy was a friend to all, especially those in distress: a woman who loved family, friends and strangers with her kind ways, encouraging words and cheerful disposition. She loved to keep up with world affairs, enjoyed the arts, and would have liked to be a medical doctor. In May of 1994, Mother suffered a stroke, which left her unable to walk, communicate, or care for herself. She entered the Dryden District Hospital to be cared for and was later transferred to the Princess Courts Care Home. There she was excellently cared for by medical and care staff, as well as by her devoted husband Alwin, who travelled to Dryden daily to do much of her personal care and to encourage her.
After 10 years in care, Peggy went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ, whom she loved and trusted throughout her life among us. She was predeceased by her first husband Ben; her daughter Valrae; and a great-granddaughter, Leah. She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband Alwin; daughter Bernardine (husband Cornelius Plett); sons, Clint (wife Pearl), Chris (wife LaVerne); sister Agatha; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
The family thanks all who visited, encouraged, prayed and celebrated her during her care experience. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 15, 1 p.m., at the Dryden Community Funeral Home.
MICHAEL MARDYNALKA
Peacefully, Wednesday, May 12, 2004, 1:30 p.m., at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, Man., our beloved brother, Michael Mardynalka, passed away at the age of 81 years.
Mike leaves to cherish his memory, his sisters: Mary Kulczycki of Winnipeg, Man., Pauline Nickolievich of Hadashville, Man., Lily Weslak (Joe) of Medika, Man., Sophie Dudych of Dugald, Man., and Lena Senkow of East Braintree, Man., as well as his brothers: Andrew (Jean), Edward, Frank (Elaine), all of Hadashville, William of Steinbach, Man., Walter of Winnipeg, and Dan of Dugald; also numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many, many friends.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Anne; sister Katherine; and brother John.
He was born Wednesday, May 31, 1922 in Medika. Mike spent most of his life operating heavy equipment on road construction throughout Manitoba. He lived in Whitemouth, Man. until he retired and moved to Steinbach. Mike enjoyed gardening, curling in the winter months, and photography. He also enjoyed family gatherings, and had an extensive collection of family photos, dating back to the mid 40's.
Prayers were sung Sunday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., in the Reynolds Community Hall, Prawda. Funeral service was sung Monday, May 17, 11 a.m., at the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hadashville, with Rev. Deacon Walter Knysh officiating. Interment took place in the churchyard cemetery.
Active pallbearers were messrs: Tommy, Dwayne, Wayne, and Ken Mardynalka, Julian Dudych and Gary Senkow.
Special thanks to Dr. Curtis Krahn, and the staff at the Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, for the cheerful, and loving care provided to our dear brother Mike.
"Chrystos Voskres"
Knysh Funeral Chapel, Winnipeg.
DOMKA SCHERBAK
May 8, 2004, Domka Scherbak passed away at the Vita Personal Care Home. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, sister Sophie and brother Nick.
She is survived by sisters, Lena Glowatsky and Kathy Kowstynyk; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Domka was born Dec. 17, 1910 in Arbakka, Man., not far from where she lived all her life. She married her husband John, and they both farmed until his passing in 1980. They were not blessed with any children, but were close to many members of the family. She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Arbakka all her life. While she was able to, she would go to the cemetery and take care of her family’s and other graves. Domka Scherbak was a kind and loving person. She took care of her mother until her death.
The family and friends would like to thank those neighbors who took her to town, the Personal Care Home of Vita and Dr. Prollip.
The funeral was held at Loewen Funeral Chapel, May 13, 2004 at 10:30 am. Viewing was one half hour prior to the service. Interment at the Arbakka St. Peter and Paul Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
BETTY BARTEL
Betty Bartel, after a courageous battle, was called to be with her Lord on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004. She was born to Henry T. and Johanna Reimer on March 9, 1928 in Giroux, Man. At age 15 she answered the call to salvation and was baptized Dec. 12, 1943. She remained faithful to these vows until her passing.
Oct. 1, 1950 she married Ervey Bartel, sharing life's joys and sorrows until Dad's passing in 1998. This union was blessed with four children.
Betty leaves to cherish her memory, LeRoy and Linda, Lethbridge, Alta.; Vivian and Stewart, Acton Vale, Que.; Gordon and Shannon, John and Karen, Steinbach, Man.; her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the Homecare givers, Dr. Ilchyna, Dr. Toews, the Maplewood Manor staff, and for all the church ladies' gifts of food for Mom and the family.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 15, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Steinbach. Interment followed at Heritage Cemetery. Viewing was held Wednesday, April 14, 2004, from 7 to 8 p.m., with a devotional at 8 p.m., at Loewen Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
NELLIE FAST
1911 - 2002
Peacefully, after a short illness, Monday, Dec. 23, Nellie Fast passed away at Bethesda Place, Steinbach, Man., at the age of 91.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Cecil (Esther), Tom (Marianne), and Gladys Jenkinson (Bob). She also leaves to cherish her beautiful memory grandchildren: David, Mark, Earl (Josie), Charlene (Wes), Tristan and Jamie; and great-grandchildren: Taylor, Michaela, Riley, and Jordan; one sister Julia Barkman. One brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law also survive her. She was predeceased by her husband Peter in 1983; by three sisters Elsie, Tillie, Lenore; and two brothers, Dan and Leonard.
Nellie was born in Aberdeen, Sask., May 1, 1911. She moved to the Kleefeld, Man. area with her family as a child. She married Peter S. Fast in 1933 and they remained in Kleefeld, where they raised their family. They had a small farm and a beekeeping business.
Her family was the most important thing in her life. She welcomed everyone into her home. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed feeding her family, especially her grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to laugh, especially with her four sisters.
The funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 27, 2002 at the Evangelical Mennonite Church, Kleefeld, Man., with interment in the churchyard cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Bethesda Place for their special care and kindness.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
