Wally Rempel

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WALDEMAR (Wally) REMPEL
December 3rd, 1936 - May 7th, 2015

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Wally passed away on Thursday, May 7th, 2015 at Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB.

Wally is survived by his wife Irene of 55 years; son Farrel (Nicola), grandchildren Erin (Todd Arseny), Nicholas (Vanessa), great-grandchildren, Mya and Hailey; Jessica (Brahm Van der Breggen); son, Kerwin (Salvatrice), grandchildren Kyle (Kari), great-grandchild, Elizabeth; Sabrina (Deven Unger); son Martin (Helen), grandchildren, Brittni (Sean Marek) and Chad; daughter, Marita (Rick Gigolyk), grandchildren Becky, Sandra and Benjamin. He is also survived by one sister, Susan McLaughlin, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Wally was predeceased by his parents, Henry B. and Katharina (Sawatzky) Rempel, his siblings, Bernard and Helena as young children; brothers: Henry, John, Jake, Gerry and Ben; sisters Helen Von Kampen and Hertha Stow, nephew Werner Von Kampen, niece Alison McLaughlin Wright, brother-in-law Wilfred McLaughlin and sister-in-law Esther.

Wally was born in Altona, MB. He received his elementary education in Blumenort/Gretna and attended and graduated from the Mennonite Collegiate Institute. At the age of 17, he was a Permit Teacher in Edington, MB. Wally graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts and Education Degrees. Following his graduation from The Manitoba Provincial Normal School in 1957, he taught in Sommerfeld, Elkhorn and Altona. In 1966, he began his teaching/administration in Steinbach and retired in 1992.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. (Elkhorn Blue Sox) On June 6th, 2015, he will be inducted again to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Morden. (The Steinbach Millers 1964-69). Wally always had a passion for sports. He loved to ump, coach and play ball; Fastball, Hardball and Slo Pitch. He played, umped, and coached the first 55 Plus Slo Pitch Ball Team in Steinbach. While his boys were growing up, he was involved in Junior Ball coaching. He also enjoyed Men's and Mixed Curling. He would have loved to curl in the new Curling Rink.

Wally loved life. Mom and Dad played a lot of cards. He loved the family phone calls and visits and he treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and his three great-granddaughters. Saturday morning A & W Bacon Egger Breakfast with his grandchildren was always a highlight. Dad took great honour in planning and attending our annual Rempel Reunions. Mom and Dad travelled North, South, East and West in a Motor Home. He loved to make and share his Homemade Port. Life was good.

Thank you to friends and Grace Mennonite Church for the support and prayers, cards, flowers and food. Wally loved Grace Church. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Curtis Krahn, the nursing staff at Bethesda Hospital and a special thank you to nurse Robert.

Cremation has taken place and a private family ash interment service will take place at the Blumenort/Gretna Cemetery at a later date.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB.

The memorial service for Wally Rempel will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Mennonite Church, 430 3rd St, Steinbach, MB.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Mennonite Church towards the "Soups On" Kitchen Upgrade at the church.

Information regarding Guest Book and Condolence Submissions available at birchwoodfuneralchapel.com

-The Family

As published in The Carillon on May 13, 2015