FRANK CARL GERGATZ

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FRANK CARL GERGATZ July 25, 1924 - September 2, 2014 It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Frank Gergatz on Tuesday morning September 2 at 7:56 am at the Arborg Regional Hospital. Frank is survived by his wife of 65 years, Veronica, brother Ernie (Ellen), sons Steven (Marie), Otto (Ronnie), daughter-in-law Cheryl, Rick (Geraldine), and Robert (Colleen). Grandchildren Kurt, Kevin, Keith, Michael, Bridget, Megan, Amy, Dana, Cole, Christy and Amber, great-grandchildren, Aiden, Jace, Kinley, and Hayden. Frank is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Helen Gergatz, and son Leslie Gergatz. Frank was born July 25, 1924 in Vicza, Hungary and immigrated to Canada with his parents Ernest and Helen in 1925 when he was 10 months old. Eventually Ernest bought a quarter section of heavy bush land in the Hnausa district. School was 2.5 miles away and there were many chores helping his dad clear the land, cutting cordwood and raising hogs and dairy cows which produced cream for extra cash money. By this time the depression had arrived and Frank pitched in to clear the land, first by hand, then by horse and finally by machine. They purchased more land and cleared and farmed that as well. On June 20, 1949 Frank married Veronica Gulash of Swan River. They raised five sons, Steven, Otto, Leslie, Rick and Robert. With the growing family came a need to provide, so a seed cleaning plant was added along with a farm service center which sold seed, fertilizer and farm herbicides. Dad was a farmer at heart, and loved to farm the land. He was also quite progressive and would always look for new ways to improve production. He was no stranger to hard work, and was not one to take many holidays or travel, after all there was always something to be done on the farm. He was a farm mechanic, welder, carpenter and all around jack of all trades typical of his era. In 2006 Frank and Vera moved into the new Arborg Assisted Living Building in Arborg. There they found a new family among the staff and residence and very much enjoyed their new surroundings. Dad continued to help on the farm and was even in the bush cutting pulp with his sons into his 70s. Frank's health had deteriorated over the last few years and had survived a number of strokes and heart attacks which weakened his heart but not his mind or humor. His will to live and determination are an inspiration to us all. His smile, laugh and wit will always be remembered. The family wishes to thank the Arborg Regional Hospital, all the doctors, nurses and support staff for the caring that they expressed to Frank during his final days. As well the family would like to thank all the Arborg Assisted Living staff for all their help during this difficult time. Prayers will be held at the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, 336 2nd Avenue in Arborg on Sunday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Phillip Neri R.C. Church, located on the corner of Gislason and St. Phillip Drive in Arborg. A private interment will take place at another time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Joseph R.C. Church, Box 193 Riverton, Manitoba, R0C 2R0. I spent my life in furrows and fields Working and tilling the land Observing the beauties created By God's almighty hand I have touched the richness of soil Felt the Lords wind and sun on my face And I would choose this life and loved ones Over any other place A life filled with crimson-dawned mornings When I was up to greet the sky Days spent with family and creation All throughout the life I've known And so my life must be no different Just like the crops that I have grown For I am also God's child and seed That at harvest must come home MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2014