THEODORUS WILHELMUS VAN NIEKERK

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THEODORUS WILHELMUS

VAN NIEKERK

(TED VAN)

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandfather on December 20, 2025, at 85 years old after a short battle with cancer.

Dad was born January 8, 1940, in Wassenaar, Holland to Wilhelmus and Gerda and was one of nine children: Nellie, Gerda, Cathy, Wilma, Gerry, Jacqueline, Jackie, and William. The family immigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Manitoba. Dad married Elfrieda Lautsch in 1960 and bought a home in St. James. They had three children - Terri, Tony (Bonnie) and Nancy. Teddy was a successful car salesman at Stadium Ford and retired at Landau Lincoln.

Dad was ambitious and built a lake front cabin for his family at Spruce Sands, Arnes. Then his brother Gerry (his best bud) built beside him. Dad was a lifetime member at Northernaire Golf Course, loved to fish, hunt, bonfires, music, playing cards, especially poker, billiards, darts, cigars and whiskeys. Dad welcomed everyone and had a fantastic sense of humor with well-known catch phases; 'Mickey Mouse', 'what tipped you off', 'doesn't matter', 'super' and 'quack-quack' our memories are endless! He was blessed with grandchildren, Lindsay (Devon), Landon, Lorne (Natasha) Kyle and Jordan, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Later in life, Dad welcomed his buddy Scooter (Evie) and resided in Gimli.

Dad had a zest for life, and he will forever be in our hearts...rest in peace Dad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2026