BERNHARD (BEN) SCHELLENBERG

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BERNHARD (BEN) SCHELLENBERG August 26, 1928 - October 31, 2012 Peacefully, on the morning of October 31, 2012, at Salem Home in Winkler, MB, Ben Schellenberg aged 84 years formerly of Gnadenthal, MB, entered into his eternal rest. He was born in Gnadenthal, MB, to Johann and Justina Schellenberg, the seventh of ten children. It was here he learned and enjoyed the farming life. He was baptized upon his confession of faith at age 26 and became a member of the Blumenorter Mennonite Church, now in Rosetown, MB. On November 4, 1956, he married Eva Hildebrandt and also took over his parents' farm. They continued to live and work in Gnadenthal until they retired to Winkler in 1992. Ben loved his church, his community and his family. He was treasurer of his church and served on council; he also served as a school trustee, municipal councillor and on the Winkler hospital board. He was always available for his kids, playing with them at home or, later, driving them to practices, school trips and sports tournaments. He was also a loving and patient husband to his wife of almost 56 years. He was known by many as a very personable and engaging person, always ready to share a laugh or figure out how they might be related. He never tired of his routine of having coffee each morning, often at McDonalds, visiting with whoever showed up that day. Ben was predeceased by one sister, Lena Ewert and four brothers, Hans, Henry, John and Dave. He is mourned by his wife Eva, children Ron and Karen Schellenberg and their children Doug, Janis and husband Josh Banman, and Emily; Joy Schellenberg and Hazen Sise and daughter Priya; Ruth Schellenberg and David Sawatsky and their sons Jordan and Caleb; Rob Schellenberg and Michelle Michalak. He also leaves three sisters, Justina Baerg, Tina Friesen, Henrietta Sawatzky, one brother, Abe, and many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Wiebe Funeral Home, 121 8th St. in Winkler and at the church prior to the service. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7 , 2012, at the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, 262 6th St., Interment to follow at the Gnadenthal Cemetery after the reception. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Ben's memory to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, available at the church. Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler In care of arrangements, 204-325-4201 wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 03, 2012