ROSE GRIPP

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• Although Rose was not directly involved when we established the chaplain service(s) on the Red River College in Winnipeg, she was a strong supporter of Mark's,(her husband) vital support and timely advice in our establishing and operating that mission. Few passionate and successful men in our society can follow their dreams successfully without the unwavering support of their spouse. That support by Rose was so evident during Mark's service to our mission. We appreciated Mark's wise and timely input, but many times I know that there was quiet support for him on the home front that gave him strength. We know that the almost 20 years that we were able to serve on RRC campuses were a blessing, support and assistance to many in the campus community. May our Lord continue to allow Rose to enjoy the blessings after her faithful service. - Posted by: Jake Froese (Rose's husband was vitally helpful in our chaplain ministry on Red River College campuses.) on: Jan 26, 2016

• I have known Rose as the mother of Stan and Roger, wife of Mark, missionary, singer, home maker, and an extraordinarily kind soul in all of it. She gave of herself sacrificially as a servant of God, and always in a calm and discreet manner. I spent many hours of my childhood playing in her back yard. Stan, Roger, my brother and I would play all sorts of games, often creating contraptions that could be used in our cops and robber routines. Other neighbourhood kids would sometimes join in. Rose was always quick to sooth and bandage the injuries when our play got a little rough. And she was happy to serve peanut butter and cheese-slice sandwiches to this hungry battalion of kids. Berry picking was a big thing for Rose – Strawberries and Saskatoon berries. We did it together as families, and no doubt Roger and I ate more than what we contributed to her baskets. My parents and Mark and Rose worked together for Gospel Missionary Union in Saskatoon for a number of years. Relocations took place, parting ways, but eventually they all ended up in Winnipeg where they continued their friendship and enjoying dinner engagements together. My Mom, Adina Goertzen, visited Rose on her birthdays, and at one point gave Rose a pink package of gum that supports cancer. This put a smile on Rose’s face, so it became the tradition every year on her birthday. Also Rose and Adina would go for walks, typically heading over to Zellers to take a look around or perhaps pick up an item or two. This routine seemed to help Rose particularly after the death of her husband, Mark. I recall after Mark passed away, Rose was understandably sad. I periodically stopped in to visit and try bring comfort. She was an avid reader but was discouraged because even that seemed too hard to do. But her faith in God gave the necessary resiliency to cope, and she lived in her apartment right up to the end. Now, although missed by those who love her here on earth, she is in the bliss and glory of heaven. Rose is alive and well with her savior Jesus, and with all those who went before her including Mark. We will miss you Rose, but are so happy for where you are now. - Posted by: Gerry Goertzen (Friend of her sons, Roger and Stan) on: Jan 19, 2016

• Rose was a new relationship to me, having just met her in the past year. The Gripp sons, Roger and Stan, graciously invited my new husband (and Roger's life-long friend), Will, and I to their weekly Sunday brunch tradition on several occasions. I was struck by the enormous showing of love Stan and Roger showed their mother during these family-meal times. Stan would tenderly have his arm around his mother during much of the time. And both sons tending to her needs with great devotion. A strong, unconditionally-loving mother is what builds men such as these. She was strikingly beautiful, elegant, and refined, and her quiet strength through a time of life that can be quite challenging for many people, garnered immediate respect from me. She is a special daughter of Jesus Christ our Lord and is now enjoying a buffet of a feast with Him and her loved ones that passed before her. - Posted by: Karen van Lith Goetz (Friend of son Roger and daughter-in-law, Karen) on: Jan 18, 2016

• I attended their 50th anniversary which was a blessing personally. It was good to see them have this experience, which at the time was only in the future for us......we celebrated ours this past spring. My primary connection was with Mark, whom I met by way of introduction by Jake Froese. It was in the early 1990's when we were in the process of forming the chaplaincy ministry at Red River College. In our first mtg with him, we discussed various approaches to our ministry proposal, and it was quickly evident that Mark had an extensive knowledge of process and methodology. We remained in contact and received immeasurable help from his perspective and wisdom. In the time frame of 2000 to 2002, he decided to join us in an active role chairing one of the chaplaincy committees. He withdrew after his stroke, but continued to actively pray for the ministry, which was greatly appreciated. Our last communication from Rose and Mark was on April 14, 2003, which ended on a note of prayer. It is a blessing to see their faithfulness to the Lord over the years of their life. - Posted by: Al Heinrichs (Chaplaincy ministry at Red River College) on: Jan 16, 2016