GEORGE FELBEL

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GEORGE FELBEL

Dad suffered a fall at home and while recovering at the Health Sciences Centre he unexpectedly passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020.
Born in Winnipeg on August 20, 1935 to Rudolf and Wilhelmina. He was raised on the family farm in the New Home area (Moosehorn, MB). He had seven brothers and one sister. Dad was the youngest. He often talked about the farm and how his siblings played a big part in raising and guiding him. He was very thankful for this.
At the age of 16 Dad moved to Winnipeg and got his first job at a meat packing plant. While not exactly telling the truth about his age (17) he got a job with the railway as a fireman. He was the guy who shovelled coal to fuel the fire to run the train. At the time you needed to be at least 18 to hold that fireman's job.
He met Mom on a double date and began a courtship which didn't last too long. They were married on Dad's 20th Birthday, August 20, 1955. David was born (1956), shortly after they relocated to Fort William, Ontario. Dad applied to the Fort William Police Department and began his "Career as a COP". Brian was born (1957) in Fort William. With encouragement from his brother Ted he applied to the Winnipeg Police Department, was accepted and family moved back to Winnipeg. Nancy was born (1958). He enjoyed a long career and after serving over 36 years until his retirement in April 1993, he still said to this day, "he wished he was still working actively in the Winnipeg Police Service helping to keep the Law in Order." Dad enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, golf, and summer holidays in the car with the family. Dad, Mom and Brian have all had their share of "Master Anglers". Dad even had a few bird hunting experiences. One occasion saw Dad and David bringing a live mallard duck home. After swimming around in a wash tub for awhile it made its way to a roasting pan. In the years to escape the Winnipeg winters he, Mom and Brian spent time in British Columbia and U.S. destinations. They enjoyed their slot machines and spent time in Las Vegas. They even took some bus tours in Manitoba and the U.S.A. to have some fun playing and they were always looking for another "good place" to eat. He loved a good golf game. He golfed with David and Nancy and many of their friends. Dad had a few good buddies that met on a regular basis playing at local golf courses. Often they went to Kildonan or Windsor Park and would drink coffee after saying how they could've scored better. Dad was a bit of a traditionalist keeping up to current affairs by reading the newspaper and listening to the radio. He liked to listen to the Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets even though the games were televised; he still preferred the radio play by play.
George was predeceased by his wife Elsie (2016) and is survived by his three children, David, Brian and Nancy (Ruth Carol); his brother Emil (Sophie); and three sisters-in-law, Florence, Margaret and Rose. Dad leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Family gatherings and parties won't be the same without "Uncle George".
Dad and Brian attended church services at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, especially when Pastor Don Engel was leading the service. Pastor Engel officiated Mom's funeral at the church in April 2016. One of Dad's recent, proudest moments was when Brian was confirmed into the Lutheran Faith in March 2018.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff on D3 at Health Sciences Centre for the care given to our dad. Due to COVID-19 we relied on our telephone reports from the nurses as we were unable to visit.
In keeping with the COVID-19 restrictions, a small private family service will take place on Monday, May 11, 2020, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Don Engel officiating.
If friends wish, a donation may be made in memory of our father to the Lutheran Urban Ministry: 560 Arlington St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 1Z5 or to a charity of your choice.

For those who wish to sign the online
Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020