GEORGE FREIDRICH (FRED) STRAUB -

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GEORGE FREIDRICH (FRED) STRAUB 1940 - 2010 It is with great sadness that the family of Fred Straub announces his sudden passing, at the age of 70, on July 7, 2010. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Carole, his daughter Kim (Warren) Cook, stepdaughter Lisa Bogi (Rowswell), stepson Garth (Dena) Rowswell, and his grandchildren Brennan and Kennedy Cook; Kyle McLean and Vanessa Bogi; and Blake, Scott and Kelli Rowswell. Also left to mourn his passing are his brother Bill (Joyce) Straub, and his sisters Anne (Syd) Cohan, and Eleanor (Wayne) Baldwin, and several extended family members. Fred was predeceased by his parents Gustave and Lina Straub, his brother Walter Straub, and his first wife Melvyne Straub. Fred was born in Winnipeg, MB on February 23, 1940, the third of five children. He grew up on the family farm near Marquette, MB and received his early education at Poplar Heights School. In 1959, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and began his training in St. Jean, QC. He met his future wife Melvyne while stationed in Portage la Prairie. They were married in February 1972 and then moved to Ottawa, ON where Fred continued his military career. Their daughter Kim was born in December 1973. The family was transferred to Winnipeg and settled there until 1984 when Fred was posted to Lahr, West Germany as an electronics technician. Upon completing his posting in Germany, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant, the family returned to Winnipeg where they remained until his retirement from the military in 1990 (31 years of service). The family enjoyed a wonderful life together until Melvyne passed away in 1995. Fred was fortunate to find love a second time in life when he met Carole in 1999, and they were later married in August 2004. Together they enjoyed many blended family activities and the special events of their children and grandchildren. Fred took pleasure in being in the stands or on the sidelines of his grandchildren's sporting events. Fred and Carole shared some wonderful holidays - a Caribbean cruise, trips to Cancun, Mexico; Mesa, Arizona; Honolulu, Hawaii, and a road trip to visit Fred's military postings in Ontario. Fred enjoyed being active - he loved hiking and walking throughout many of Manitoba's parks and hiking trails. He was an avid gardener and took pride in maintaining a lovely yard and home for Carole and himself. Fred's family and friends have been touched by his kind and generous heart. Whenever he was needed, he was there. Fred paid attention to the details of our lives and we will miss him deeply. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Interment to follow at Meadow Lea Cemetery, 25 minutes northwest of Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2010