EVELYN GIESBRECHT

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EVELYN GIESBRECHT Evelyn Giesbrecht, born September 17, 1928, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB. She is survived by her husband Daniel Giesbrecht, two sons, James (Tannis) of Landmark, Rod (Christa) of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Sylvia of Landmark; as well as nine grandchildren, Josh (Nicole), Dan (Jacqui), Kristy (Donavon), David, Paul (Samantha), Mark, Adam, Chloe, Jade; and five great-grandchildren, Nathanael, Tucker, Masyn, Alexander, and Jude. She was predeceased by her son Brian in 1999 and her granddaughter Erin in 2010. Mom was born in Landmark to David F. and Helena Penner. She was the second oldest child of 11, six brothers and four sisters. Mom's early years already showed some of her determination to do the task at hand. At about 13 years of age she was asked to drive the car home from National Mills. She bravely rose to the occasion and drove all the way home. About a 10 hour drive. Mom spent many hours helping her father in the puffed wheat factory and on the farm. Mom and Dad were part of the local youth in Landmark. Dad drove a milk truck to and from Winnipeg and Mom had a job in the city at Eaton's. Dad's truck often had passengers to Winnipeg but more and more it was only Mom that was seen as he drove his milk truck. That was the start of a long and lasting relationship as they got married on July 29, 1950 My earliest recollections of Mom were as a cook in Dad's bush camps at Loon Straits. Being a young mother and also helping Dad with his business venture again showed the strength of her character. Later years saw her and her sister Elnora, both wives of long distance truck drivers at the time, come up with a summer rule. If the temp hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit the world would stop and we all were on our way to Lake Riveria. The early 1960s saw Mom get her teaching permit and begin a new career as a teacher. This plus Dad's success with his trucking business gave us all a new home and a new brother Rod. Giving birth to Rod was an adventure as her and Dad had to follow a Landmark Feeds truck into Winnipeg during the nasty snow storm of April 13, 1964. Her generous nature again came out when she shared her 25th wedding celebrations with my wife and I with a no chast' or after wedding party. The business community in Landmark decided they needed a credit union in town. Mom and Dad were both involved and Mom accepted the position of first credit union manager for the town. I'm sure many of you will remember applying for your first mortgage or first car with her. One young man was told that if he did get approved for his car loan he would have to give Mom a ride. She got to ride in that Corvette. Vacations with children and grandchildren were always part of her life; Florida and Disney World, the cabin at Hnausa, trip to Jasper, camping, and fulfilling a quest to Armit Lake with Rod and Christa. Mom and Dad were always supportive of our activities attending many events from missions, hockey, football and tractor pulling. She was even supportive of Brian when he asked her to take in an owl for the winter. She set aside a bedroom in the basement which is still called the owl room. Mom was always there and often with some advice. She would say you don't have to take my advice but you have to at least listen . As the years have ticked on, her advice would ring more true. Many life lessons were learned from Mom. A trip to the theatre with Tannis showed Mom's true character when five minutes into the movie she declared that the movie was too adult, they got up and went to see ET instead and had a great time going home . Mom was also the driver ed teacher at the Landmark Collegiate for many years. I'm sure many of our current drivers had her as an instructor. Mom also had a keen interest in politics. She and Dad have long been part of the local PC party. She also had an interest in local town politics. She was the first female town councillor. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling seeing Australia, Europe and Africa. Mom came out especially to cook pluma mouse for me in Zaire. In later years Mom and Dad enjoyed camping in a home built truck box camper in Zhoda. Mom definitely had a favourite son. I'm her favourite oldest son, Brian was her favourite middle son and Rod was her favourite youngest son. We will all miss you, but we rejoice that you are now in a perfect world with others you love. Funeral service for Evelyn Giesbrecht will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church, Landmark, MB, with viewing prior to the service. Interment at the church cemetery. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030
Publish Date: Jun 19, 2012

EVELYN GIESBRECHT Evelyn Giesbrecht, 83, of Steinbach, formerly of Landmark, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Giesbrecht, two children, son James (Tannis) of Landmark, son Rod (Christa) of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Sylvia of Landmark; as well as nine grandchildren, Josh (Nicole), Dan (Jacqui), Kristy (Donavon), David, Paul (Samantha), Mark, Adam, Chloe, Jade; and five great-grandchildren, Nathanael, Tucker, Masyn, Alexander, Jude. She was predeceased by her son Brian in 1999, and her granddaughter Erin in 2010. Funeral service for Evelyn Giesbrecht will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church, Landmark, MB, with interment at the church cemetery. Viewing will be at the church prior to the service, and on Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach. Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030
Publish Date: Jun 19, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 19, 2012