FRANZ REMPEL

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FRANZ REMPEL Born on April 17, 1930 in the Einlage, Zaporizhia, Southern Ukraine, Franz was the second of four children. He died on May 8, 2016 at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home. He was predeceased by his parents Heinrich and Elizabeth Rempel (nee Pauls), and brothers Henry and Peter. He is survived by his wife Helene (nee Sara Loepp), sister Elizabeth Thiessen (nee Rempel), and children Frank (Heather, Laura), Karen (Tom, Tim, Sara, PJ and Mary-Elizabeth) Carey, Julie (Keith) Kartzewski, and Dianna (Josef, Noah, and Nicolas) Auer. As a child Franz attended school and enjoyed cross country skiing and skating. Franz's father died in 1942 and October 1943 at age 13 his family fled westward across Europe towards Germany, joining the exodus of Mennonites seeking sanctuary from the war. The family eventually landed at a camp in Germany near Munich, where they remained for a few years. Offered an opportunity to travel to South America, the family boarded the Vollendam ship in January 1947 in Rotterdam, Holland. They set off for life in the Vollendam Colony in the jungles of Paraguay. Unbeknownst to him, he was on the same ship as his future wife. Franz built his family's first house in 1948, and for income Franz harvested and delivered wood for the steamships. Franz soon met Helene, and on October 11, 1952 they were married. Nine months later on July 15, 1953 their son Frank was born. Franz was known in the village as the snake slayer and an excellent hunter. He loved to ride horses. The family had two pet dogs, Peeve and Tigre, and a parrot named Jacob. Bartering was a way of life in Vollendam, and in this way, Franz also became the proud owner of a mandolin, which he loved to play. In 1958, when young Frank was five years old, the family immigrated to Winnipeg, joining family in a two bedroom apartment in the North End above Obie's Steam Bath on McGregor. Franz began work two days later as a taper, his life-long career. In 1958 Dad bought a white and green '57 Chevy, and eventually they landed on Home Street, where they first shared a house with the Kroeger family, then purchased their home five doors down. In 1960 daughter Karen was born, followed by Julie Anne in 1965, and Dianna in 1967. Franz always felt he had four daughters, and loved Ellie Klassen (nee Kroeger) as his own. He was heartbroken when Ellie passed away, and the mention of her name brought tears to his eyes, right till the end. Franz and Helene enjoyed socializing, he loved music and was a great dancer. Franz provided very well for his family. He purchased a tent trailer and this began many years of camping and fond memories spent with family and friends in the Whiteshell. Franz bought a boat in 1975, and Franz and Helene purchased the one-room cottage on Steep Rock Road (Pancho's Rancho) in the late 1970s. They made many improvements, building a garage, and adding on a two bedroom addition with the help of his brothers. They enjoyed life at the cottage to the fullest, summer and winter. Summers leaving at dawn, trolling down the river or traversing over Sturgeon Falls for another master angler, then back to take Julie and Dianna skiing. Winter brought cross country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Life was good. Franz worked for Qualico until 1982, then joined Loewen Construction, until he retired in 1993. Franz loved his grandchildren spending hours playing Barbies or Legos, and watching cartoons. Franz and Helene enjoyed holidays travelling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Franz was a natural self-taught artist and musician. He did leatherwork, charcoal sketching, painting, woodworking and even sculpting. He mastered both the harmonica and mandolin. He could whistle any song, and loved listening to polka music and brass bands. He spoke Russian, Ukrainian, German, Low German, Spanish and English. It was heartbreaking when due to health issues, Franz felt they had to sell the cottage. In 2002, Franz and Helene sold the house relocating to an apartment. Franz and Helene lived there several years until Franz's health deteriorated. He was cared for at Riverview and Misericordia before spending his final days at Donwood Manor. Helene was devoted to him, spending most of her time at Donwood, bringing home cooked soups and baking to enjoy with their morning Mate. Franz's last years were very tough, as he suffered with Congestive heart failure, Diabetes, and Dementia. Franz looked forward to and enjoyed visits from his family and friends. The family are grateful for Franz's dedicated visitors, especially Frank Klassen, for his faithful visits and ministering to and praying with Franz. We thank all the staff at Donwood Manor. The staff provided exceptional care and compassion, with respect and professionalism. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations to Donwood Manor Personal Care Home are gratefully accepted. Friends Funeral Service, 204-339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2016