PETER P. GIESBRECHT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PETER P. GIESBRECHT 1927 - 2007 It is with deep sadness we announce the death of our dear husband, dad, grampa, and great-grampa, Peter Giesbrecht. He died with his family by his side at the Boundary Trails Health Centre on Friday, August 17, 2007 at the age of 79 years. Dad suffered a stroke and was hospitalized on Monday, August 13. His condition deteriorated over the next few days and ultimately he succumbed to the stroke in the early morning of August 17. Peter will be dearly missed by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn (nee Kehler); six daughters, two sons and their families: Irene (Clive Derham) of Winnipeg; Linda of Winnipeg; Ken (Mary) of Plum Coulee; Jean of Winnipeg; Wendy of Winnipeg; Sandra (Ted Penner) of Bucerias Mexico; Marv (Holly) of Altona; Pam (Maury Peters) of Schanzenfeld. He is survived by 15 grandchildren: Donaven (Mary), Mike, Kris (Danielle Klassen) and Keith Giesbrecht, Stacy Schroeder (Rick), Lisa and Harold Rezansoff; Jessica and Max Penner; Scott Yingling, Emily, Gracie, and Shelby Giesbrecht; Taylor and Zoe Peters and 2 great-grandchildren, Kyle Giesbrecht and Ethan Schroeder. He is also survived by three sisters, Helen Guenther (Peter), Mary Rempel, Tina Persad (Indraj); one brother, Bill (Mary); two brothers-in-law, Dave Zacharias (Shirley) and Henry Unger (Katy) as well as many nieces and nephews and other extended family members. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Peter D. and Helena (nee Penner); an infant brother Bernhard; two sisters, Trudy Zacharias and Margaret Unger; one brother-in-law, Dan Rempel and one nephew, Calvin Zacharias. Dad was born and lived his whole life in the Plum Coulee area. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in 1947. He married Evelyn in 1949 and they farmed south of Plum Coulee until they retired and moved to town in 1989. Even after retiring from full time farming there were very few days when he did not drive to the farm at least once just to look around. It was a good thing that the farm was still in the family! Dad was also an insurance agent for Manitoba Mennonite Mutual for many years and developed a wide network of friends and acquaintances. While Dad spent his entire 79 years staying very close to Plum Coulee he also enjoyed traveling and over the years went on a number of trips including trips to Portugal and Spain, Mexico and many parts of Canada and the United States. He also spent many happy hours at the family cottage on Pelican Lake. Dad loved collecting all kinds of items, in particular antique farming equipment. Auction sales were his passion and over the years he acquired many treasures. He was a skilled woodworker and there were few things that he could not design and build. Dad was always a hard worker and he taught us all the value of a job well done. He was only 12 when his own father died and he keenly felt from an early age that it was his responsibility to look after his mother and younger siblings. He was the cornerstone of the family. He continued in this role when he married at age 21 and started his own family. Peter was a man who was appreciated by his family and his many friends. He was a man of great humour and he couldn't wait to share a good joke with his friends at the local coffee shop. Dad always loved children and all the kids in the neighborhood could count on him having candy or gum for them in his pocket. He particularly enjoyed his grandchildren and couldn't wait to share photos of them with anyone who expressed an interest. Dad will be very deeply missed but leaves his family and friends with a lifetime of warm, happy and rich memories. Viewing will be at the church prior to the service. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church 189 2nd Street, Winkler, MB. Interment to follow at Rudnerweide Cemetery. The family has been very touched by the many prayers and the outpouring of affection and support offered by everyone during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the nurses and health care assistants at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, in particular those in the palliative care program for the kindness and compassion shown to Dad and to us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to either the Heart Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Suite 200 Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or the Boundary Trails Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, Box 2000, Winkler, MB R6W 1H8. Father, I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17: 4 Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler In care of arrangements, 325-4201 www.wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2007