JOHN LOTZ

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JOHN LOTZ December 27, 1930 - February 22, 2014 After a brief illness, John passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Riverview Health Centre. John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruby, and daughters Janine Harasymchuk (Martin), Marlene Curll (Gerald), stepdaughter Ardine Patrick (Eugene), grandchildren Caitlin Doucette (Tim), Jay Harasymchuk, Megan Harasymchuk, and Dennis Pottinger; brothers Henry Lotz (Herma), Jack Lotz (Elbera), sisters Kate Smith, Elizabeth Grebb (Gordon) and numerous other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Heinrich and Anne Lotz, sister Anne Fritz, and brother Paul Lotz. John was born in Brschljanica, Yugoslavia. When the Nazis invaded in 1941, his family was displaced by war and he spent five years moving from one refugee camp to another in war torn Europe. The family settled in Austria after the war and John immigrated to Canada on February 12, 1951. He came to Winnipeg with his family and worked in the plastering industry and then at Winnipeg Central Heating. After obtaining his 4th class power engineer's ticket, he was employed for 25 years at St. Benedict's Monastery. John married the love of his life, Ruby, on September 3, 1958 and raised three girls, first in Elmwood, then on Lorne Hill Road, and finally on Helmsdale Avenue. He was a devoted husband and supportive and proud father. He was a very special Grampa and spent countless hours teaching his grandchildren to fish and do other various practical things both at home and at the cottage at Balaton Beach. He was a gifted storyteller and loved to socialize and give fishing advice to all those on the Hnausa dock who would listen. John had a long and happy life with Ruby, retiring from St. Benedict's in 1991. They travelled throughout their life, first by visiting family in Canada and the U.S., and later by taking many trips to Hawaii and Mexico, and one special trip to Norway. When Ruby's health began to decline and she entered Luther Home in 2009, John devoted his days to visiting her and ensuring all her needs were met. During his many illnesses in the past four years, his first concern was always to how she was doing and that she was being taken care of. Rest easy Dad, your girls will take care of Mom now. We would like to thank the amazing staff of the Palliative Care 3E unit at Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care of Dad during the last five days of his life and the support they gave to his us during this difficult time. Special thanks to Carol, Dana, Chewi and Dr. Crowe. Dad commented more than once how nice everyone was to him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberley Street. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer, Society 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9 in memory of John. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca
Publish Date: Feb 26, 2014

JOHN LOTZ On February 22, 2014 at the Riverview Health Centre, John Lotz, beloved husband of Ruby Lotz, passed away at the age of 83 years. Longer obituary will follow. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Feb 24, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2014