ERVIN JOHN LENIUS

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ERVIN JOHN LENIUS Surrounded by his loving family, Ervin John Lenius, passed away, in his 90th year, on July 12, 2009 in Winnipeg. He is survived by son Brian and Maralyn (nee Wellauer) Lenius; son Allan Lenius (Karen Klimchuk); daughter Anne Lenius; grandson John and Kasia (nee Szul) Lenius, great-grandchildren Sarah and Tyler; and granddaughter Heather Lenius (Ryan MacFadyen). He is also survived by brother Wilf and Florence Lenius, Moose Jaw; sister Marge Fredericks, Edmonton; sister-in-law Nona Krudzo, Dauphin; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his wife Jean (nee Stocks) Lenius in 1991, his parents John and Mary (nee Stadtherr) Lenius; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Ted and Irene Lenius, Frank and Edna Lenius, Norbert and Allace Lenius, and Dennis Lenius. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law Dennis Fredericks. He was very fond of Dianne Lenius (mother of his grandchildren) and his good friend Doug Fernandes. John also had many friends too numerous to mention but who all helped him particularly in his later years. Born December 27, 1919, he was raised on the family homestead at Lacordaire, Saskatchewan (south of Rockglen). He helped with the farmwork and coal mining and at a young age his mother made him her kitchen helper. He learned to cook very well and after leaving home he worked for a short time as a farmhand and then as a cook with several restaurants, most notably the Yorkton Hotel and the Garwood Grill in Winnipeg. Over 50 years later, he visited both places and an interesting time was had reminiscing with current staff. On the highest day of the flood, May 19, 1950 he married Jean in Winnipeg and began over 40 years of life with her. A resident of Transcona for the past 55 years, he worked for CN Rail (Stores Dept.) and retired in 1984. He found sobriety 33 years ago and was an inspiration at the many A.A. meetings he attended over all the years. He spent his retirement enjoying life with Jean and his family. In recent years, his great-grandchildren were his greatest thrill. His sense of humour was never-ending even to the last hour of his life. Prayers and viewing will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by the funeral mass officiated by Fr. Roland Lanoie at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 505 Brewster St., Transcona. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery. Pallbearers are Andre Boisvert, Dennis A. Lenius, Norbert Lenius, Dennis J. Lenius, Roger Bonot, and Derek Hill. Honourary pallbearers are Norbert Wittman, Edmund Wittman, Julian Wittman, Helmut Urban, Leonard Sellner and Rick Koller. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Concordia Adult Day Club, 116-1100 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, R2K 4B8. Special thanks to the Emergency and 3rd floor staff of Concordia Hospital for their exceptional care during his final days. Easy Does It Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2009