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EDMUND MARETZKI  Obituary pic

EDMUND MARETZKI

Born: Apr 07, 1922

Date of Passing: Nov 09, 2013

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EDMUND MARETZKI Edmund E. Maretzki passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on November 9, 2013 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. He was born on April 7, 1922 in Halmbruch by Thorn, West Prussia and was the eldest of 10 siblings. He was predeceased by two brothers Bruno and Leo in early childhood, his mother Alma in 1980, his father Jakob in 1981, his loving and beloved wife Maria in 2012, three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. He is survived by his sister Hildegard Hammermeister, his brother Willi, his sister Meta (Werner) Sudfeld, his brother Paul, his brother Heinz (Gundi), his brother Albert, his sister Alma (Edmund) Jabs, his sister, Waltraud (Horst) Laser, and his brother Walter (Gisela), many nieces and nephews and cousins in the US and Germany. Edmund grew up in West Prussia. During the Second World War, at age 18, he was drafted and in 1942 - 1943 he fought in the 6th Army under Major General Paulus in the battle against the defending Soviet troops holding Stalingrad over three months. Lacking ammunition, food, and suffering deteriorating physical conditions, in the increasingly brutal urban warfare he was wounded twice. Edmund still mentioned the battle in the winter in Stalingrad. Edmund had been a POW in Stalingrad, Alabama, Italy and last in France. He was released from POW camp in France on June 21, 1947. He found employment in farming and remained in France for almost ten years. Edmund reunited with his parents in 1956 in Kappeln-Schlei in Schleswig-Holstein. He immigrated with his parents and his sister Waltraud to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1965. Here he met his wife Maria. They were married on December 2, 1972. Edmund worked at Health Sciences Centre, in Housekeeping until his retirement. He loved gardening, travelling with his wife, hosting German Soldiers from Shilo. He was a dedicated member and long-time usher at Mission Baptist church. After the death of his wife Maria he made his home at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. Edmund was a kind hearted man. He loved being generous. He was a committed and loving husband. He could be counted on. He did not talk ill about people nor did he boast. He did not seem to get easily hurt. At least he did not talk about his hurts. He had disappointments but did not get disillusioned with life. He did not talk about his faith in God, he lived it. People who knew him knew his gentle and forgiving spirit. He was very much a social person and was hospitable. Edmund was known to brighten people's day by bringing music into their lives his way. At Donwood Manor he had his Harmonica tucked into his wheelchair, ready anytime it was fitting to play a song or two. He had gone through difficult times in his life but did not blame or complain. He was a humble man. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Baptist Church, 771 Sargent Ave. Viewing will be prior to the service. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.B.I.F. (Mission Baptist International Foundation), formerly known as India Mission. A sincere thank you to Darlene Ivan and her staff of the First Floor Nursing Station for their loving care of our brother. In his words: "They are good to me." FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2013

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

  • Eddie, my friend, we haven't kept in touch, but I remember all the good times we had, while attending Mission Church. It was an honor to stand up for you at your wedding many years ago. I remember you taking a lot of pictures, now you can take pictures in Heaven. Being home with Jesus is a great blessing and testimony God bless you my friend. See you in eternity - Posted by: Dietmar Treder (Freind) on: Nov 20, 2013

  • My heartfelt sympathies to the whole family! Edmund and Maria are both treasures in my memory of the many years spent at Mission Church. His life influenced and touched many in a powerful way. I totally agree with the statement, "He did not talk about his faith in God, he lived it!" A kind, gentle, godly man! Be comforted! - Posted by: Karin Laser Ristau (friend) on: Nov 18, 2013

  • Edmund was a true hero, awe inspiring... Been through alot, what a great man. Survived the war, fought for his country, God bless kind soul. Need a wing for these heroes next year, many perished need their side of the story... - Posted by: Gunther Grouch (Friend) on: Nov 17, 2013

  • I will miss Uncle Edmund at our family gatherings - - he always attended and added his charm to the events. A very friendly man who made Glenn and I feel wanted and special. I know he will be so happy to be re-united with his Maria. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Susanne Bell (niece ) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • I can remember the arrival of the Maretzki family in Winnipeg as a young 16 year old. Many fond memories of visits in my parents home. Edmund had a very infectious laugh and as a young person I enjoyed his company. God bless you as a family and may God's arms of love surround and enfold you at this time. As German folk, we never say goodbye it's "Auf wiedersehn" we will see him again in Glory. - Posted by: Fred and Renate Mielke () on: Nov 15, 2013

  • The Maretzki's were dear friends as was Edmund. Our condolences to all of you. His gentle and patient way will be missed. God Bless! - Posted by: Rev. Rudy & Gina Fidel [nee Wollenberg] (friend) on: Nov 15, 2013

  • Truly a gentle man with a magnetic personality. So friendly and endearing. We are grateful our paths crossed. - Posted by: Lois and Garry Harland (Friends) on: Nov 15, 2013

  • We got to know Edmund during visits to Winnipeg. We recently visited Halmbruch (Maretzki family and Horst's Birthplace, now Skrzypkowo, Poland). This brought back childhood memories and thanksgiving to God for honoring our parents' faith in God and bringing our families to a new home and freedom in Canada. We pray for the peace of God to bless the family as they grieve the loss of Edmund, knowing that there is hope of a glorious resurrection. - Posted by: Horst & Ruth Mielke (family friends) on: Nov 15, 2013

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