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ARSENE GERARD BALLEGEER  Obituary pic ARSENE GERARD BALLEGEER  Obituary pic

ARSENE GERARD BALLEGEER

Born: May 02, 1932

Date of Passing: May 14, 2012

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ARSENE GERARD BALLEGEER Peacefully, after a full and wonderful life, Arsene Gerard Ballegeer passed away on May 14, 2012. Arsene will be sadly but warmly missed by his loving wife Dorothy, of 56 years and their five children: Gerald, Karen (Grant) Granger, Shelley (Ken) Gottfred, Brenda (Vern) Hido and Janice (Ron) Herda; 11 grandchildren: Chris (Rhea), Jason (Chantel), Carl (Sherry), Carla (Ken), Brad (Amy), Samantha, Jonathan, Joel, Dale, Brittany and Brady; great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Bella; brother Leon (Leslie), and countless friends. He was predeceased by his mother Irma (Van Deynze); father Omer; sisters Annette and Lorette; brothers Remi and Lorne; in-laws George and Mary Schreyer, and brothers-in-law Ed and Robert Schreyer. Arsene was born in Swan Lake, MB on May 2, 1932. From a young age, Arsene had a love for family, spending time with his brothers and sisters and life on the farm. In 1946, the family relocated to Dugald, MB where the family continued farming. As a young man, he developed a love of music that he carried with him the rest of his life. He loved playing his guitar and singing which led to playing in a band for weddings and socials. It was at just such an event that he met the love of his life, Dorothy. Arsene and Dorothy married October 6, 1955 where they became officially attached at the hip , it was a love story for the ages, one that lasted 56 beautiful years. Together Arsene and Dorothy built a Dairy Farm in the Dugald area, which they farmed for over 30 years. Arsene had a true passion for farming and enjoyed his chosen profession, working with Dorothy by his side, surrounded by his children and family. After retiring from the dairy in 1989, Arsene and Dorothy decided to start traveling. Later, in 2003 after retiring from grain farming they moved to Oakbank, MB. Their travels started in Europe and never ended, lasting more than 20 years. They wintered in Arizona and Osoyoos, BC, always on the go; their kids could never keep track of them. Among his many attributes he was such a kind, gentle man with high regard for moral and social values. It's a real tribute to Arsene's character resulting in such a close knit family and a great deal of close friendships that spanned the country (countries). Arsene and Dorothy spent many evenings with friends dancing and playing cards. Arsene loved to play music and one of his fondest memories was playing guitar with Andy Desjarlis. Arsene had a true passion for life, finding joy in the smallest moments. Arsene's children knew how fortunate they were to have had such a great father. We walked through life safe in the knowledge that our dad would always be there for us no matter what. He encouraged us, praised us, bragged about us and above all, loved us. The five of us will miss him terribly, but will be forever grateful to have had his love and guidance all these years. Arsene was beloved by all who knew him. His soft smile and warm embrace will be forever missed. In celebration of Arsene's life as he often said to his children Have Fun! Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Cooks Creek, Manitoba. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. A Special Thank you to the Beausejour Hospital and Dr. Van Rensburg for their care of Arsene during his last few weeks. Your compassion will not soon be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. Seasons Funeral Chapel, Oakbank, MB

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2012

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Dorothy, we will miss seeing Arsene and you walking hand in hand, and also at the bowling alley where we had lots of laughs. You are in our thoughts and prays at this very sad time. - Posted by: Gerald and Mildred Stanick (Friends) on: May 19, 2012

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May God be with you and guide you through. - Posted by: Henry and Audrey Ballegeer, Cassidy, BC (Henry (cousin)) on: May 18, 2012

  • My thoughts are with the family and with Brenda who was a childhood friend. I have many fond memories of helping milk the cows and other shenanigans Brenda and I would get into!! - Posted by: Sherry Helm (Friend of daughter) on: May 18, 2012

  • Alex and I would love to be with you, Aunty Dorothy and all the family, but circumstances make that impossible. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I have my memories that will always stay with me, for those we love can never be more than a thought away as long as there are memories to support us forever. Love Anna-Marie & Alex - Posted by: Alex & Anna-Marie Schreyer Brunel (GOD-DAUGHTER) on: May 17, 2012

  • Marris & Joan Bos visited last Sunday and they told us Arsene was ill but it was a shock to see the obituary so soon after that. Our sincere condolences to you and the family Dorothy. We share in your sorrow and loss! Rey & Celine Lebeau - Posted by: Rey & Celine Lebeau (Dance friends in BC) on: May 17, 2012

  • We've just learned of Arsene's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. We recall many good times with Arsene and Dorothy in Osoyoos and at various dances around southern Manitoba. - Posted by: Les & Alice Schultz (friends) on: May 17, 2012

  • Arsene will now be playing his guitar and singing for the angels! I send my loving thoughts and prayers to all of you. - Posted by: Peggy Jensen (former sister-in-law) on: May 17, 2012

  • We're so sorry to hear of the passing of such a good man. We had the opportunity to spend some time at the farm with Arsene while visiting with Brenda a few times. It is such a honor to have known him and we will never forget the kindness and welcome we received. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. RIP Arsene you will be missed. - Posted by: Diane and Jim Teetzel (friends from Ontario) on: May 17, 2012

  • I feel Blessed to have known Arsene. Bernadette and I had many days enjoying his and Dorothy's company. Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Larry Cottes (friend) on: May 17, 2012

  • I have fond memories spending time at my uncle Arsene and Aunty Dorothy's farm as a child. Never forgotten, always remembered. - Posted by: Wayne Schreyer () on: May 16, 2012

  • We were very sorry to hear of Arsene's passing- we have fond memories of him. Our thoughts are with you all during this time - Posted by: Liz and Garry Cullingham (Friends and neighbors from Edgewood Road) on: May 16, 2012

  • My thoughts and prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Phyllis Marshall (Friend) on: May 16, 2012

  • To all the family we express our deepest sympathies for the passing of such a wonderful man! He will forever remain in our hearts and memories. May your faith in God and the love of all those who knew and love him, help you get thru this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Rene and Betsy Chaput, Summerland, BC (Friend) on: May 16, 2012

  • To Brenda, Vernn and family. God will definitely show you the way to Smiling again. I know this experience will change you forever. Just remember all the good times you shared with your father and all the love he gave you throughout the years. He is not gone. He will live in your heart forever. Love your friends Wayne, Charlene, Sunny and Chip - Posted by: WAYNE AND CHARLENE HAW (FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY) on: May 16, 2012

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