WALDEMAR PLETZ

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WALDEMAR PLETZ Peacefully, on December 29, following his second major stroke, Waldemar Pletz, passed away, at St. Boniface Hospital. Wally leaves to mourn his loving wife of 47 years, Helen (nee Schalla). He also leaves his daughter Donna Passey; son David (Julie) Pletz; grandchildren, Benjamin Passey and Amy and Jennifer Pletz. He is survived by his brother Rudolf (Ruth) Pletz, and many family members in Germany; his brother Bruno (Mary) Pletz; and sister Ingrid Zaste (Tommy) and family members, in Canada; as well as, many in-laws in Manitoba. Wally was predeceased by his parents, Wilhelm and Wanda Pletz; brothers, Otto and Leo Pletz; and son-in-law Darrell Passey. Wally was born in Dembinki, Poland on February 28, 1924. He grew up on the family farm with his brothers and mother, while his father worked in Canada to support his family from afar. Later, his father returned to Poland and Wally watched with pride as his father became Mayor of their village. His mother opened a supply and grocery store that supported the growing family as his father and brothers were taken into Second World War. In 1942 Wally was conscripted into the war, and later wounded at the Russian Front, at the age of 19. In 1948, Wally, his parents and two of his remaining siblings, escaped Russian-occupied Germany and sailed to Canada, where he worked on a Saskatchewan farm to pay for their passage. Wally enjoyed farming and had many fond memories of working the land and being with family. He was a passionate musician, playing a variety of instruments and singing in various bands at dances on the weekends. Wally moved to Winnipeg in 1957, where he began a 32 year long career as a pre-cast stressor at a north-end cement plant. He enjoyed the friendship of other immigrant workers at the plant, and took pride in being part of the major building projects the company erected, including countless buildings and bridges, in and around Winnipeg. The plant changed ownership many times over his employment, but was known as Precon, Conforce, B.A.C.M., Genstar, and Inland. Wally had a deep faith in God. He and his parents were among the first members of Faith Lutheran Church, in what was then the City of St. Vital. He met Helen while singing in the church choir together and quickly realized their common love and respect. They were married in 1961 and began the family that Wally longed to have. He was a devoted father who often worked long hours, but always had time to play with Donna and David. Wally and the family spent much time at church as the congregation grew, helping to maintain and improve the building grounds, socializing during family-fun activities, or working on Church Council and Administration. After his retirement in 1989, Wally took extra care in tending his garden during the summer months, and helping his children with handy-man projects in all of their homes. Wally had little interest in traveling after settling down, but he forever loved to watch the prairie landscape change when he and Helen drove to visit his brother Bruno and family in Regina. While Wally would rarely reach out to others, he would worry about any of his family if they didn't call him or Helen regularly to check-in . We are sure that he is still watching over us with loving care. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of St. Boniface Hospital, especially, those on 5B. We are grateful, as well, for the compassion and guidance of Pastor Kris Taylor and Pastor David Saude of Faith Lutheran. Special thanks to Wally's god-daughter, Leanne Pekrul and her family for their support during Dad's last week. A memorial service will take place, in Wally's honour, at Faith Lutheran Church at 3:00 p.m. on January 1, 2009. Donations in Wally's honour can be made to the Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1311 Dakota Street, R2N 1V8. NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2008