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CLAUDE (COCO) BÉRARD
Claude Bérard passed away peacefully in his sleep, Thursday, Feb. 19 at Le Repos-Jolys, St-Pierre-Jolys, Man. His friends and family knew Claude as Coco.
He was predeceased by parents, Antoine and Léona (Hébert) Bérard; and is survived by his sister Aline, (Johnny deceased) Lahaie; brothers, Samuel (Irène), Jean (Céline), Fernand (Bernadette), Henri (Marguerite deceased), Luc, Réal (Eva), Raymond, Alfred (Suzanne); numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Coco was born Oct. 18, 1928 in St- Pierre-Jolys. Claude started his schooling at l'Ecole St Pierre Sud and then Le Juniorat in St. Boniface. He proceeded to join the Cadets Corps and he so loved to relate his experiences as a Cadet. His love of farming brought him back to the family farm, where he farmed with his parents and brothers. Coco prided himself on producing the best crops in the area. To tease him, all one had to mention was that a neighbor had a beautiful wheat field. Coco would react with: "You haven't seen mine" and would take you around his fields to prove it.
He was an avid hunter and at times was a poacher. As a great hunter he bragged about his nighttime sharp shooting. Coco had a sense of humor. He loved to tease, and numerous times his friends were the victims of his practical pranks.
Mass of the Christian Burial was held Monday, Feb. 23, 2:30 p.m., in the St. Pierre Roman Catholic Church, with Father Benjamin Kanzadi Shabani as celebrant.
The family would like to thank the personnel of Le Repos-Jolys, who treated our brother with love and tenderness.
Friends who so wish, donations may be made in Coco's memory to DeSalaberry District Health Centre Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
MARY WIEBE
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2004, at the Menno Home in Grunthal, Man., Mary Wiebe, aged 92 years, formerly of Roseisle and Steinbach, Man., passed away.
Left to cherish her memory are two sons, Gordon (Helen) of Altona, Man., and Gilbert (Elizabeth) of Steinbach; three daughters, Leona (Lee) Baker of Steinbach, Lorna (Jim) Funk of Steinbach and Marlene (Albert) Funk of Landmark, Man.; as well as two sisters, Aggie (Pete) Friesen and Betty Elias of Steinbach.
She was predeceased by her parents, Abram and Anna Elias; her husband, George G., in 1995; one son, Harvey, in 1964; and one son-in-law, Ed Rempel, in 1981.
The funeral service was held Feb. 25, 2004 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Abe Funk officiating. Interment followed at the Grunthal Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were grandsons, Brian Wiebe, Corey Wiebe, Stan Rempel, Jeff Rempel, Jason Funk and Kris Funk.
Donations in her memory may be made to Menno Home Foundation, Box 280, Grunthal, MB, R0A 0R0.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
PEARL KATHLEEN KOTOWICZ
With sadness, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., Pearl Kotowicz passed away with her family by her side, at the age of 85 years.
She was born Nov. 23, 1918 in St. James, Man. She resided in Ste. Genevieve, Man. for the past 55 years. Besides working on the farm, she also worked for Homecare, and raised 13 children.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Jim Green (Adele), Carol Hardie (Ron), Joan Zastre, Alex (Cecile), Ruth Almey (Marcel), Kathleen Toews (Peter), John (Elaine), Judy Dillon (Frank), Jacquelyn Koch (Garry), Matt (Elaine, Lisa, Lee), Faith McNeil (Rio), Cheryl Main, and Charlene Kotowicz; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews; also a surrogate sister, Margaret McCulluch.
She was predeceased by her husband Matfel in 1994; one granddaughter, Cecilia; and one sister, Minnie Green.
Funeral service was held Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, 10:30 a.m., in Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Hwy. 1E at Navin Rd. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to two special Home Care givers, Lucille Perin and Lisa St. Vincent, also to Dr. Gordon Dyck and nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pearl's memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6, or a charity of your choice.
Green Acres Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium in care of arrangements.
STEVE SMOOK
July 4, 1920 - Feb. 20, 2004
After a fulfilling life, Steve passed away peacefully, with dignity and courage, with family by his side, at the age of 83 years at the Vita and District Health Centre.
He will be remembered and sadly missed by Mildred, his loving wife of 53 years; children: Larry (Elsie), Dennis (Gwen), Brian, Wayne (Paulette) and Wendy (Michael); nine grandchildren: Jeff, Tammy, Christopher, Justin, Tyson, Brandyn, Scott, Troy and Blair. Steve also leaves to mourn, his brother Jarvis (Eileen); and sisters, Dora and Kay; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents, Sameon and Akcena; daughter-in-law Janet; brothers: Bill, Mike, John, Nick, Peter; sisters: Lena, Mary and Anne.
Steve was born and raised in the Vita, Man. area. He graduated from the Pembina, North Dakota Collegiate where he was remembered by alumni as a football star. Steve returned to Vita, where he later married and raised children. There, he embraced the thrill of business as a merchant, a member of the construction industry and as an independent operator of Shell Canada and General Motors dealerships. Of all his careers, his true passion was farming. Steve had a strong sense of community and church, serving on many boards and committees. He treasured dinners with his family and attending any events and activities his grandchildren participated in, often driving them to hockey, swimming, or baseball. Steve enjoyed weekend getaways to the States, playing cards, football, traveling abroad, as well as to visit family. He always made time to engage in political debates.
Steve's final days were spent at the Vita and District Health Centre. The family would like to thank Dr. Karen Humphreys and the nurses and the health care aides for their care and compassion.
Special thanks is extended to Dr. M. Duerksen, Dr. K. Kaita, Dr. D. Duerkesen and Dr. J. Forerster for seven years of exceptional medical interventions.
Prayers were said Monday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, followed by funeral services Tuesday, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m., at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Vita, with Rev. Deacon Twerdun officiating. Interment followed at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Stuartburn, Man. Pallbearers for the service were Jeff, Tammy, Christopher, Justin, Tyson, Brandyn, Scott, Troy and Blair Smook.
In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to the Vita and District Health Centre or Cancer Care Manitoba.
Rest in Peace
"We love and forever will miss you."
Veechnaya Pam'iat
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
PAUL WEISS
March 9, 1909 - Feb. 22, 2004
Peacefully, Sunday Feb. 22, 2004, Paul Weiss of Steinbach, Man. passed away at the Rest Haven Nursing Home at the age of 94 years, with his family at his side.
He is survived by Elsa Kwasnoski, his son Norman (Katherine) Weiss, his daughter Marjorie (Albert) Auch, his daughter Doris (Peter) Driedger, his son Brian Weiss, one daughter-in-law Phyllis, and their families, 21 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his sister Manya Mae, his brother Emil Weiss.
Paul was predeceased by his wife Alvina in 1970, son Clifford, four brothers, four sisters and his parents.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb 26, 2004, 2 p.m., at Loewen Funeral Chapel, 5 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, Man. Viewing will take place one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Krahn and the staff at Rest Haven Nursing Home for their kindness and support.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
MAURICE JOSEPH CHARLES GAUTHIER
March 16, 1957 - Feb. 19, 2004
It is with regret we announce the sudden passing of Maurice Joseph Charles Gauthier at the age of 47 years on Feb. 19, 2004.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 24 years, Marie; and his only son, Marc, of LaBroquerie, Man.; his mother, Flore Gauthier of Winnipeg, Man.; brothers and sisters: Marcel (Fernande), Germaine (Edmond) Sabat, Evelyne (Lionel) Leclerc, Yvette (Rene) Bourrier, Leon (Cecile) Gauthier; nephews and nieces: Patsy, Suzane, Paul, Gisele, Elaine, Normand, Joel and Cory; mother-in-law, Marie-Louise Mireault; brother-in-law, Marcel Mireault; nephews: Mathieu and Christopher; all of LaBroquerie.
He was predeceased by his father, Germain Gauthier, in 1990; father-in-law, Martin Mireault, in 1981; and one brother-in-law, Emile, in 2000.
The funeral service was held at the Roman Catholic Church in LaBroquerie, Thursday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m., with Mgr. Albert Frechette officiating. Interment of the ashes will be at the St. Joachim Cemetery immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Eastman Health Inc.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel Steinbach, Man.
DORA FAST (nee Warkentine)
1928 - 2004
Dora Fast of Blumenort, Man. passed away peacefully, surrounded by all her family, Feb. 24, 2004 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Man., at the age of 75 years, after a brief illness.
She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Cornelius J. Fast; and by her children, Carol and Phil Doerksen (Jodi, Carey, Pamela) of Winnipeg, Man., Donald and Emily Fast (Adrian, Michael, Darrick) of Blumenort, Man., Sharon and Allan Reimer (Aaron, Austin) of Balmoral, Man., Bonita and Ike Friesen (Jeff, Kristen, Tyler) of Emo, Ont., Grace Fast (Stuart and Charis, Andrew, Tasha) of Mitchell, Man., Dylan and Val Fast (O'Danis, Isaiah) of Winnipeg, Angie and Jody Baty (Evan) of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by her siblings, Pete and Annie Warkentine of Giroux, Man., Willie and Mary Plett of Steinbach, Edwin and Grace Warkentine of Winnipeg, Nettie Warkentine of Winnipeg and Martin Dueck of Steinbach, numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors.
She was predeceased by her son, Reg Fast, in 1998; her parents, Henry and Katherine Warkentine; her brother Albert; and her sister Karoline.
It is difficult to describe the many ways we will miss her. We will remember her gentle but strong character. She was always cheerful and positive. Her humble lifestyle demonstrated her strong faith in God. She trained her children with quiet wisdom and earned respect through her unselfish and gentle disposition.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, 2 p.m., at the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church. Viewing will take place Friday, 7 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. Interment at the Blumenort Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Birchwood Funeral Chapel 150 Penfeld Dr., Steinbach, Man.
ARON JANZ
1918 - 2004
Surrounded by his family, Aron Janz (formerly of Grunthal) peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Jan. 22, 2004 at the age of 85 years.
He is survived by two daughters and two sons: Erna (Henry) Toews, Elsie (Henry) Wolfe, Ernie (Norma), Edwin (Anne); five grandchildren: Arlene (Bruce) Derksen, Belva (Terry) Alty, Jason (Erica) Toews, Leighton Janz, Natasha Janz; 10 great-grandchildren: Krista, Vanessa, Jessica, Rebecca Derksen; Christian Rode; Patrick, James, Sara Alty; Colten, Kaylee Toews; one brother Nick (Sarah); sister-in-law Mary Janz; in-laws: William (Mary) Wiens, Jake (Rita) Wiens, and Peter (Anne) Wiens; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by Agatha (nee Wiens) in 1993. They were married in 1945, enjoying 48 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by seven brothers and one sister.
Dad was a great believer in God. Many Sunday mornings were spent with Mom making devotional house visitations for the shut-ins. Dad was a very hard worker and took a lot of pride in his work. Dad never missed a day of work in his 33 years of dairy farming. Dad had a great sense of humour and was always kind and generous with his time for family, friends and neighbours. Dad and Mom spent 15 great years together in retirement before she passed away. Dad taught the value of strong family ties forming traditions that have not changed in decades.
Services were held Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004 at 3 p.m. at Grunthal Bergthaler Church. Viewing was held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004 at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach from 7 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service.
A special thank-you to all the medical staff at Bethesda Hospital and to the caring support of many family, friends and neighbours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Man.
ANNE SLOTIUK (nee Biegun)
Feb. 14, 1916, Sarto, Man.
Dec. 31, 2003, Hamilton, Ont.
With sadness the family announces the passing of Anne Slotiuk at Hamilton General Hospital, with loving family at her side.
She was the beloved wife of the late Steve Slotiuk; and loving mother of Livia Kaszuba (Henry), Luba Romanow (Bill); dear sister of Peter (Dorothy), Margaret Dwyer and the late Mini Masyk; cherished grandmother of Teresa (Jason), Peter, Tania, Michael (Lesley), Myles (Delaney), and Anthony; loved great-grandmother of Emma Anne. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Anne was a founding member of Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church, member of the UCWL#2, the Golden Age Club and the RHLI. Anne was well known for her beautiful and unusual flower gardens and her very kind and generous nature.
Panahydas were said Jan.1 and 2; funeral mass celebrated Jan. 3, 2004. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
ABRAHAM KNELSEN
Long time resident of Kenora, Ont., Abe Knelsen passed away quietly, Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, with his loving wife at his side. Born Sept. 17, 1939, a southern Manitoba native, Abe and family relocated to Kenora in 1980 as a district manager for Electrolux Canada. Abe then started the successful automobile dealership Eastside Automart (formerly A.S.K. Automart). Abe was a retired member of the Kenora business community and active church leader in the Kenora Bible Church.
Abe suffered for many years with chronic lung disease and underwent lung reduction surgery in 1997, which did offer an improvement in the quality of his life for a time. However, Abe's last years were a struggle and his family is glad for an end to his pain and suffering, and that he is now with his heavenly father.
Abe is survived by wife Sarah; and children, Dan and his wife Marlene, Rodney, Rhonda and her husband Wilson, Daryl and his wife Lynn, Mel and his wife Margaret, Leon and his wife Camille, Silvia, Heidi and her husband Colin; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Abe was predeceased by his mother and father, two brothers, two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the family and friends who provided care and support for Dad.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, 2004, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Kenora Community Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 30, 2004, 1:30 p.m., at the Lakeside Baptist Church. Interment will be at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
In tears we saw you sinking,
We watched you fade away,
You suffered much in silence,
You fought so hard to stay.
You faced your task with courage,
Your spirit did not bend,
But still you kept on fighting
Until the very end.
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be,
So when we saw you sleeping
So peaceful, free from pain,
We could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
We love you always,
Until we meet again.
