MINNA BAUSCHKE

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MINNA (MINNIE) BAUSCHKE 1917 - 2016 Minnie Bauschke died on December 6, 2016 at the age of 99. She is survived by her six daughters, Lorraine Lutz (Ernie), Myrna Strijbosch (Hank), Erna Michalow, Iona Plato (Norman), Eileen Froehlich (Alvin) and Marilyn Lackman (Harold Gross). She leaves to mourn her passing, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great great-granddaughter, as well as her sister Rose Heselton, and sisters-in-law Joan Beyer and Patricia Beyer. Minnie was predeceased by her husband Erich, sons-in-law Eugene Michalow and Dennis Lackman, grandson Leland Brennan, siblings, Helen Rothenberger, Albert Beyer Jr., Ferdinand (Fred) Beyer, Evelyn Unrau, Ervin (Larry) Beyer, Lillian Porter and three siblings in infancy. Minnie was born on August 7, 1917 in Friedensfeld, MB to Albert Beyer Sr. and Regina (nee Fiebelkorn). She was the eldest of seven. As the eldest, she was responsible for her younger siblings, especially her brother Albert Jr. She was a close friend to her sister Helen and often recalled happy childhood memories she and Helen spent with their maternal grandparents and all their Fiebelkorn cousins. In 1929, at the age of twelve, she went to work as a maid at the hotel in St. Pierre, MB to help support her family. Two years later she went to Winnipeg to work as a domestic where the wages were better. The seven dollars per month she earned was greatly needed at home. In May, 1937 she married Erich Bauschke and became a hard working partner on their family farm in Dencross, MB. She was proud of her huge productive garden and, as most farm women of her time, she made her own feather pillows, duvets and woolen quilts. She was also an expert at canning, baking and preserving. Minnie had an amazing ability as a seamstress. She sewed dresses, coats, blouses and suits by replicating garments her girls chose from the Eaton's catalogue, calculating the exact yardage required and designing them, often repurposing used garments. She was also an avid crafter: knitting slippers, scarves and mittens, sewing doll clothes, embroidering and creating teddy bears from old fur coats. In 1976 Erich and Minnie sold their farm and retired to Beausejour, MB living in their custom built home. In 1997, as a widow, Minnie relocated to Winnipeg, first living with Lorraine and Ernie, later moving to Luther Home Assisted Living. While at Luther Home she made many friends and actively participated in extracurricular activities. She especially enjoyed the game of Rummikub and was playing this game until a few weeks before her death. After suffering a stroke in 2008, Minnie was relocated to Bethania PCH where she remained an active resident, often expressing gratitude for the care she received. Minnie consistently played an active, supportive role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, offering support and encouragement whenever needed. Throughout her life Minnie maintained a steadfast Christian belief. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Wesley Brennan, Kirk Brennan, Cory Froehlich, Kevin Froehlich, Christopher Plato and Matthew Lackman. Donations in Minnie's memory may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Box 968, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 403 First Street N., Beausejour, MB. Rev. Bart Coleman will preside assisted by Minnie's granddaughter, Rev. Lenise Michalow Francis. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery following the service. Minnie's family is deeply grateful for having enjoyed her loving company for such a long, long time. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour (204) 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2016