LILY ELVIRA KUNZELMAN

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LILY ELVIRA KUNZELMAN In her 101 years, Lily witnessed and lived through breathtaking changes to the world. Lily's story began on May 10, 1912: a few weeks after the Titanic left the port of Southampton. And from the time she was born until the day she passed away - on September 2, 2013 - Lily lived through a history book's worth of significant events that included the great influenza epidemic; two World Wars; and the Depression. But the events were not all sad; she also lived through a number of wonderful "firsts". The family eventually got electricity in their home. She loved the connectivity that a telephone provided. The information that a television provided. And with cars becoming increasingly commonplace, Lily and her family were able to enjoy a much easier and faster way to travel the world. Though, as it turns out, Lily's favourite place to be was the area where she was born, and where she spent many happy years. While time spent living in different pockets of Canada brought her many close friendships and wonderful memories, it was the Interlake that truly was home for Lily. Lily was born in the Skogan School District, North East of Inwood, Manitoba to Pete and Julia Olson (nee Skogan). Lily attended Skogan School with many of her cousins, and other children from nearby farms. It was during her school years that Lily made friendships that lasted for decades. And it was during this time that she met Bill Kunzelman: the farmer with a twinkle in his eye who was the love of Lily's life. Lily and Bill married in 1936, and moved to a farm in Inwood. Farming was hard work. But Lily was a woman who was never afraid of rolling up her sleeves and doing what needed to be done, and farming was a challenge that she and Bill truly enjoyed. Lily especially loved her garden. Her green thumb helped to ensure that there was never a shortage of vegetables on the table, or flowers in a vase. Lily and Bill left the farm in the early 1960s, and moved to Winnipeg to care for Lily's mom and dad. After her mom moved into Tache Personal Care Home, Lily got a job there as an assistant cook. Her mom and the rest of residents benefitted from Lily's cooking skills and special Norwegian recipes. She remained there until her mother passed away. After Bill died in 1985, Lily moved to the Okanogan to live near her only child, Shirley. After the unexpected passing of Shirley in 1993, Lily moved back to Winnipeg. And though she enjoyed the company of many close friends in the city, Lily missed the Interlake. Lily moved back to Inwood when an opening came available at Inwood Manor. And when there was an opening at Gateway Manor in Teulon, she jumped at the opportunity to be even closer to her friends and family. Good Health allowed her to volunteer with many organizations at Inwood, including the WI, and the Gethsemane Lutheran Church which she was a lifelong member and also with the Ladies Aide organization which was especially close to her heart. It also allowed her to do needlework and to cook and bake - lutefisk and lefse were special Norwegian treats reserved for special occasions. Turning 100 was just such an occasion. Lily enjoyed a party with her nearest and dearest, and loved receiving letters from various dignitaries who wanted to offer their congratulations. But Lily's favourite way to mark this milestone was to cook up and enjoy a big batch of lutefisk. Lily was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill; her daughter Shirley; grandsons Bob and Jimmy; brothers Eric and Alex; and sisters Annie and Lily. She is survived by her grandson Ken; great-granddaughter Emily; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins, Alma DuVal and Evelyn Thain. Missing her deeply will be her cousin Alma DuVal and her close friend Margy Fox. In keeping with Lily's wishes, there will be a private interment at the Inwood Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to Bill. Memorial donations can be made in Lily's memory to the Inwood Community Cemetery, Box 1073, Teulon, MB, R0C 3B0 or to the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Box 85, Inwood, MB, R0C 1P0 or a charity of your choice. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net
Publish Date: Sep 5, 2013

LILY ELVIRA KUNZELMAN In her 101 years, Lily witnessed and lived through breathtaking changes to the world. Lily's story began on May 10, 1912: a few weeks after the Titanic left the port of Southampton. And from the time she was born until the day she passed away on September 2, 2013 Lily lived through a history book's worth of significant events that included the great influenza epidemic; two World Wars; and the Depression. But the events were not all sad; she also lived through a number of wonderful "firsts". The family eventually got electricity in their home. She loved the connectivity that a telephone provided. The information that a television provided. And with cars becoming increasingly commonplace, Lily and her family were able to enjoy a much easier and faster way to travel the world. Though, as it turns out, Lily's favourite place to be was the area where she was born, and where she spent many happy years. While time spent living in different pockets of Canada brought her many close friendships and wonderful memories, it was the Interlake that truly was home for Lily. Lily was born in the Skogan School District, North East of Inwood, Manitoba to Pete and Julia Olson (nee Skogan). Lily attended Skogan School with many of her cousins, and other children from nearby farms. It was during her school years that Lily made friendships that lasted for decades. And it was during this time that she met Bill Kunzelman: the farmer with a twinkle in his eye who was the love of Lily's life. Lily and Bill married in 1936, and moved to a farm in Inwood. Farming was hard work. But Lily was a woman who was never afraid of rolling up her sleeves and doing what needed to be done, and farming was a challenge that she and Bill truly enjoyed. Lily especially loved her garden. Her green thumb helped to ensure that there was never a shortage of vegetables on the table, or flowers in a vase. Lily and Bill left the farm in the early 1960s, and moved to Winnipeg to care for Lily's mom and dad. After her mom moved into Tache Personal Care Home, Lily got a job there as an assistant cook. Her mom and the rest of residents benefitted from Lily's cooking skills and special Norwegian recipes. She remained there until her mother passed away. After Bill died in 1985, Lily moved to the Okanogan to live near her only child, Shirley. After the unexpected passing of Shirley in 1993, Lily moved back to Winnipeg. And though she enjoyed the company of many close friends in the city, Lily missed the Interlake. Lily moved back to Inwood when an opening came available at Inwood Manor. And when there was an opening at Gateway Manor in Teulon, she jumped at the opportunity to be even closer to her friends and family. Good Health allowed her to volunteer with many organizations at Inwood, including the WI, and the Gethsemane Lutheran Church which she was a lifelong member and also with the Ladies Aide organization which was especially close to her heart. It also allowed her to do needlework and to cook and bake lutefisk and lefse were special Norwegian treats reserved for special occasions. Turning 100 was just such an occasion. Lily enjoyed a party with her nearest and dearest, and loved receiving letters from various dignitaries who wanted to offer their congratulations. But Lily's favourite way to mark this milestone was to cook up and enjoy a big batch of lutefisk. Lily was predeceased by her beloved husband Bill; her daughter Shirley; grandsons Bob and Jimmy; brothers Eric and Alex; and sisters Annie and Lily. She is survived by her grandson Ken; great-granddaughter Emily; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins, Alma DuVal and Evelyn Thain. Missing her deeply will be her cousin Alma DuVal and her close friend Margy Fox. In keeping with Lily's wishes, there will be a private interment at the Inwood Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to Bill. Memorial donations can be made in Lily's memory to the Inwood Community Cemetery, Box 1073, Teulon, MB, R0C 3B0 or to the Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Box 85, Inwood, MB, R0C 1P0 or a charity of your choice. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net
Publish Date: Sep 4, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2013