JOHANNES (JOHN) PAUL GERHARD HOMMEL

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JOHANNES (JOHN) PAUL GERHARD HOMMEL With a heavy heart we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Johannes, at Victoria General Hospital on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the age of 87. He will be sadly missed by his daughter, Christine (David) Bell; his son, Harald (Cynthia) Hommel; grandchildren, Andreas and Alanna. He was predeceased by his wife, Erika, his sister, as well as his parents. Johannes was born in Planitz, Germany and baptized into the Lutheran faith at St. Johanneskirche in Zwickau-Planitz. In his youth he apprenticed in a specialty food store and he especially prided himself in the knowledge of the sorting and roasting of coffee as well as making ice cream. Johannes also spent several years in the German Marines during the war. He, with Erika, and daughter immigrated to Canada in 1951 through the sponsorship of Lutheran World Relief. They landed at Quebec City, continued by train to Winnipeg, which became their home. One of Papa's first jobs was working for Canadian Lutheran World Relief, bringing immigrants by CPR to various cities in Canada. Papa also worked for many years at Pilkington Glass and for the last 20 years with the Manitoba Highways Dept. in the Mechanical Division. In his free time, Johannes loved to garden, growing many of his favourite tomatoes and herbs from seed. He also built elaborate purple martin and tree swallow houses, so he could watch the birds flitting about catching insects and then feeding these to their young. Papa also contributed time to his church, serving as elder for many years and reading the Scriptures in German for the German Advent celebrations at the church. Papa enjoyed conversations about politics and current events and fostered this in his children and grandchildren. Our sincere thanks to all the staff, including Dr. J. B. Sharkey, at Victoria Hospital who provided Papa such gentle and observant care over his short stay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Lutheran World Relief or the Canadian Cancer Society. A Memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2528 King Edward St., on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 1:30 p.m., Pastor R. Beinert officiating. Please note: King Edward St. is closed at Inkster Blvd.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2011