JOHN WITZKE

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JOHN WITZKE On January 10, 2008 John quietly went on to his reward from Bethania Personal Care Home at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his devoted wife Mary (Peters); son Ed (friend Linda), his children Andrea Witzke (friend Reto; children Taylor Witzke, Jordan Witzke), Jennifer Witzke and their mother Carolyn Reidiger; daughter Helga Witzke; siblings Samuel (Grete), Ella, Waldemar (Herta), Hedwig (Hans), Paul (Rosalina); sisters-in-law Julianne Witzke, Helene Witzke, Else Witzke; Hilla Funk, Henry (Helen) Hajer, Ruth (Frank) Warkentin; Annie (Rudolph) Schmidt, Tina (Jake) Froese; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by parents Heinrich and Albertine (Gleske) Witzke; first wife Thilde (Hajer); son Harold; siblings Wilhelm, Gustaf, Heinrich, Edward, Otto, Michael, Adolph, Daniel, Edmund, Helene (Lange). John was born in Poland and came to Canada in 1953 by way of Germany, Uruguay and Brazil. He was baptized on confession of his faith into the Mennonite Brethren Church in Brazil. He continued membership in that faith through his life. Church life was important to John. He participated where he could. Scripture that we can apply is found in II Timothy 4: 7-8. To provide for family he entered the baking trade in Brazil and continued in that trade for 20 years in Canada. Later he spent 20 years as staff in Westgrove Elementary School. He enjoyed his work and was respected by staff and students. He was instrumental in implementing some innovative practices. Recognition of his long hours of work, his dedication and his humour throughout was given through several trophies, of which he was rightly proud. During his retirement years he volunteered as supervisor in a program to help challenged people. The family wants to recognize the dedicated, loving, professional care that the staff of Bethania Personal Care Home provided in the three years of his residency. Prayers at Friends Funeral Service on Monday, January 14, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Ave. on Tuesday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. with viewing prior to the service. Donations may be made to Bethania Memorial Fund, Pastoral Program, available at the church or at 1045 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg R2K 3S7. Friends Funeral Service 2146 Main Street 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2008