JOHN GIESBRECHT

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JOHN GIESBRECHT On February 5, 2007, at the St. Boniface Hospital, at approximately 4:45 p.m., John P. Giesbrecht, formerly of 36 Durham Bay, St. Boniface, passed on peacefully to his eternal home at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 23 days. He is survived by three sisters, Tina (Katherine) Wiebe of Swift Current, Susan (Susanna Goertzen) Engbrecht of Boissevain, and Helen Falk of Altona; two sisters-in-law, Annie (Wiebe) of Morden, and Anne (Hildebrand) of Winkler; one granddaughter Courtney Carriere and her mother Cathy, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife Betty (1982); daughter Patricia (1980); son Lawrence (1996); eight brothers, Henry, Peter, Frank, Jacob, Cornelius, Isaac, Bernhard and Abram, and three sisters, Agnes (Enns), Elizabeth (Penner), and Sara (Giesbrecht). John P. Giesbrecht was born on February 13, 1922 in the New Hope District. He was married on August 26, 1956 to his beloved wife, Betty, and together they adopted and faithfully and lovingly raised Lawrence and Patricia. Uncle John often shared about his deep love, admiration, and pride in and for his family and they spent many happy times together. Though he had many hard struggles during his lifetime, his strong faith in God always carried him through and was a constant comfort to him, especially in his last lonely years. He was a longstanding member in the Morrow Gospel Church in Winnipeg. He was baptized upon confession of his faith in Bergfeld by Eltista William Falk on June 1, 1941. After growing up on the farm doing chores, he spent a stint in a lumber camp doing alternative service during the war years (1942). After this he spent some time in the construction industry and with Manitoba Pool Elevators. Most of his life, though, was spent in the saw sharpening business where he was employed by Saw Service Shop on Stadacona Street for 23 years, beginning in 1955. Here he received numerous awards for longstanding and efficient work. He also enjoyed driving the school bus for many years. Uncle John also had a passion for music and spent many hours repairing, playing and tuning various musical instruments, especially the pump organ. Up until his last year he was a proud participant in music ministry in his church and the community. He loved making music with his violin, especially together with his nieces and nephews, and was not afraid to correct a wrong note or chord when it happened. Uncle John also had a fond interest in writing and keeping records, and was particularly concerned about keeping the past alive. His sense of humour never left him. He always seemed to have a trick question or riddle for the younger generation to figure out. We even got a smile out of him in his last few days at home. In his last few months, trips to the hospital increased, and he had times when he found it difficult to breathe. One setback led to another until an aneurism was too much for him. He was very weak in his last days and his desire was to meet Jesus, sooner rather than later. We will miss him greatly. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Morrow Gospel Church, 755 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg, MB. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at the St. Vital Cemetery Thank-you to the funeral directors and all who participated in the service and all who showed love and concern. Arrangements by: Birchwood Funeral Chapel Steinbach Winnipeg, MB 1-888-454-1030 or 1-204-346-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2007