ARTHUR REMPEL

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ARTHUR REMPEL On February 16, 2006, Arthur Rempel, 81, went to be with his heavenly Father. He is survived by his wife Helen (nee Wiens); five daughters, Evelyn and Brian Rempel Petkau of Carman, Melita and Byron Rempel-Burkholder of Winnipeg, Roberta and Ron Renz of Lawrence, KS, Janet and Bruce Anderson of St. Albert, AB, and Theresa Rempel of Beijing, China; and by seven grandchildren, Johanna, Tamara and Justin Petkau, Elisha and Ryan Anderson, Hannah and Joel Burkholder. He is also survived by one brother Herman Rempel of Morden; and four sisters, Elma Kruger of Morden, Olga Hildebrand and Tina Draward of Abbotsford, BC, and Gladys Kroeker of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his sister Hilda McAuley; his brother George Rempel; and his parents. Arthur, the sixth of eight children, was born in 1925 to Peter W. and Maria Rempel near Gretna, MB, where he spent his first 18 years. In 1943 Arthur moved from the family farm to Winnipeg where he served in alternative service as a conscientious objector at the St. Boniface Hospital. During this time, in 1945, Arthur was baptized and joined Bethel Mennonite Church. He was an active member, serving on various boards and as congregational chairperson. Arthur and Helen were married in 1952. Family has always been central to their lives, and they provided many rich experiences for their daughters. In recent years, Arthur particularly enjoyed bi-annual gatherings with the daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. The most recent was last summer's weekend at the mineral springs of Watrous, SK. Arthur studied industrial accounting at the University of Manitoba. For 32 years, he worked for the Manitoba Telephone System in internal audit and tax accounting. In 1983, Arthur took an early retirement and together with Helen served with the Mennonite Mission Board in Taiwan for three years. They operated the guesthouse and Arthur was an administrator for the mission.These years were filled with many rich experiences and lasting friendships. Throughout his adult life, Arthur served faithfully on the boards and committees of many church and community organizations. He gave freely of his time, volunteering with Ten Thousand Villages and Mennonite Central Committee. For many years he also helped seniors and low-income persons file their income tax. Travelling was a passion of Arthur and Helen. In their retirement, they visited 31 countries in Southeast Asia, North and South America, Europe, Mexico and Ukraine, often to visit family members and friends, or to do volunteer work. Arthur witnessed to a faith that always guided him and shaped his life. His family will treasure many wonderful memories and a profound legacy of faith. A special thanks to all the staff of the ICU and IICU at the Health Sciences Centre for their excellent care and compassion. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Mennonite Church on February 21 at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will be at Bethel Mennonite Church (Stafford Street and Carter Avenue) on February 20 at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2006