GARRY STEINHILBER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GARRY STEINHILBER March 18, 1944 - January 2, 2018 Garry was born to Max and Emma Steinhilber on March 18, 1944 in Striesen, Poland during the Second World War. When Garry was only ten months old, they fled Poland on an open boxcar heading to Germany. There was no shelter, and many children died on route because of the harsh winter conditions. Having no way to change a baby's diaper on the boxcar in the middle of winter, Garry developed an acute diaper rash which almost did him in. Garry, his mom, sister and two older brothers, made their way to Varel, Germany where they lived for many years. In 1952, his oldest brother Vern moved to Winnipeg, paving the way for the rest of the family who followed in 1954. Garry was close to his mom, who taught him culinary skills and self-reliance. When he was 13, his mom passed away suddenly. Soon after, his dad remarried and moved to a farm in Anola where Garry attended school, and through the years, his four half-brothers, Herbert, Harry, Norbert and Helmut were born. In 1962, Garry moved to Winnipeg and lived with his older brother Vern and sister-in-law Rose. Garry has three children, Sherry Pearl and John Frank from his first marriage (Linda) and Destiny Rose Emma from his second marriage (Rhonda). He was always proud of his children and spoke about them often. Garry was in the plastics business for most of his working life. In this line of work, he met Silvia Johanna Constance (nee Noell) and they were married on March 21, 2004. Together, Garry and Silvia built a house, doing a lot of the work themselves. He was never afraid of hard work and continued it until near the end. When he was not working, he enjoyed a variety of activities such as golfing, snowmobiling and fishing. He loved to be outdoors and also to travel to new exciting places. Garry was diagnosed with carcinoid neuroendocrine cancer in 1986, but he continued to live life to its fullest. Garry and Silvia joined the support group CNETS CANADA, where Silvia is still an active Board member. Together they wanted to raise awareness and funds for NET cancer research. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CNETS CANADA. In the last six months, Garry's condition deteriorated as the cancer became aggressive. His last days were spent in Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach where he passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care given to Garry in his final days by the staff at the hospital. Garry will be sorely missed by his wife Silvia; his children Sherry (Brent); Frank (Joanne); Destiny (Alix) and his three grandchildren, Samantha, Zach and Haily. His brothers, Werner, Arnold, Siegfried (Angie), Herbert (Christina), Harry (Herta), Norbert and Helmut (Irmgard); along with numerous nieces and nephews and many who know and love him. Garry is predeceased by his parents, Max and Emma; his stepmother Ella and his sisters, Erika and Ingrid. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C OX4 783-7211 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2018