HERMAN EDWARD WILMS

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HERMAN EDWARD WILMS Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Dad went to his eternal rest. His Lord and Saviour called him home on September 12, 2009 at the age of 83 years. In 1929 the family left Russia for Germany. In 1930 they started a new life in Winnipeg. Dad was predeceased by his parents Edward and Elizabeth Wilms; stepfather Martin Hamm; brother-in-law Jake Bergmann; parents-in-law Peter and Susan Kroeker; brother-in-law John Froese; and sister-in-law Diane Kroeker. Surviving is his beloved wife Mary; daughter Edith and husband Darcy Normand; son Gerry and wife Janice Wilms; grandchildren Tara Normand, Lisa and Leonard Penner, Jon Wiebe and friend Cheryl, Steve Wilms, Robert and Charlotte Wilms, Laura Wilms; great-granddaughters Kayla, Amara, Teagen and Elizabeth. Also sister Betty Bergmann and Vic Martens, sister Helen and Albert Litz, brother Bill and Eve Wilms, sister-in-law Helen Froese and brother-in-law Irv Kroeker. Mom and Dad shared much joy in the many happy times and they encouraged and strengthened each other in the more difficult and sorrowful days. Many summers were spent at the family cottage in Ponemah. Dad contended that cottage life made up some of the best years of his life. Here he could bond in a very special way with children and grandchildren in God's great outdoors. The beauty of nature always drew Dad closer to his Creator and Lord. At an early age, Dad found Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour and at the age of sixteen was baptized into the fellowship of the Northend Mennonite Brethren Church. Dad had the privilege to serve on various church and church-related boards and committees including Camp Arnes and Donwood Manor. Dad grew up and received his high school education in Winnipeg's northend. Post high school education included an accounting course (La Salle Extension University, Chicago), certificate in Public Administration (University of Manitoba Adult Extension and the Canadian Securities Course Certificate (Investment Dealers' Association). Dad retired from Civic Government as Director of Financial Services, having spent 25 years in the Public Sector with Metro Regional Government and the City of Winnipeg. During his career he enjoyed his membership in the Institute of Public Administration Canada, the Government Finance Office Association and the Risk Management Society. Dad would often thank his Lord for a good and fulfilling life both with its ups and downs. His prayers were so often directed at his family, particularly his grandchildren. It was his concern that each member of his family would love their Lord to the fullest and walk faithfully with Him in their daily lives. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street. Interment service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, followed by a Memorial service at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Avenue on Friday, September 18 at 2:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 16, 2009