GERHARD J. (GEORGE) SAWATZKY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GERHARD J. (GEORGE) SAWATZKY It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Gerhard J. (George) Sawatzky, of Winnipeg, on February 17, 2007 at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, at the age of 99 years. Gerhard is survived by his loving wife Katharina, of 71 years of marriage; daughters, Catherine (John) Neufeld, Helene Nass, Nellie (John) Nickel; sons, John (Irene), Bernhard, Herbert (Shona Rae); 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Gerhard was born on December 14, 1907 in South Russia. He married Katharina Klassen on September 15, 1935. After the Second World War he immigrated to Canada in December 1949 and joined his family who had come to Watrous, SK one year earlier. In 1950 Gerhard and his family moved to Winnipeg. Gerhard became painter by trade and worked on various projects over the years. His children that are homeowners benefited many times from his expertise. In 1971 Gerhard retired and volunteered at the M.C.C. Thrift Store on Watt Street for many years. In the Fall of 1993 Gerhard and his wife moved to Bethania Haus apartments and enjoyed a more carefree time. On December 28, 2006 after his 99th birthday, Gerhard moved to Bethania Personal Care Home. Gerhard was well known for his stories about Russia and the Second World War. His memory for dates and detail was phenomenal to the end. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and the whole family as well as relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Sargent Avenue Mennonite Church, 926 Garfield Street with Pastor Edwin Epp officiating. Viewing will be at the church prior to the service with interment at Sargent Church Cemetery at Springstein. Donations in his memory may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 or Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home, 1045 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 3S7. Many thanks to the nurses and all the staff that cared for Gerhard so lovingly at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2007