MINNIE (WILHELMINE) DILK (MAUTHE)

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MINNIE (WILHELMINE) DILK (nee MAUTHE) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Minnie Dilk on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Concordia Hospital at the age of 95. She passed away after a very short illness. She is survived by her children Ron (Doreen), Ray (Jan), and Marlene Byrka (George). Minnie had nine grandchildren: Lianne Dilk, Larein (Reg), Joleen (Brad), Neal Dilk (Yoshie), Janis Foley (Sean), Wendy Memka (Jeff), Ian, Lindsay and Devin Byrka (Kristen) and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Single, sisters-in-law Frieda Dilk, Margaret Mauthe, and Irene Mauthe and numerous nieces and nephews. Minnie was predeceased by her husband Fred, parents Henry and Sophia Mauthe, brothers Bill, Philip, George, and John and sister Emma Hacker. Minnie and Fred were married in the Christ Lutheran Church in Waldersee, MB on June 24, 1939. They farmed in the Waldersee and Glenella areas until 1966. During her youth, Minnie was involved in the activities of the church such as singing in the choir and taking part in the Luther League. The chores to operate a farm were very difficult and never ending. She, however, found time to be a 4-H leader for the sewing club at Glenella for many years. She was successful in passing on her skills as a seamstress to many young girls. Minnie was well known for her sewing skills which started at the young age of 10. Her children never had "store bought" clothes until they were teenagers. She also knitted many lovely sweaters for her children and grand-children. In 1966 life took a new direction as Minnie and Fred decided to change careers. They sold the farm and moved to Brandon. She was absolutely thrilled to have a brand new house with "running water" (not from the river) and an indoor toilet. Here, Minnie first worked in a sewing factory and then found employment at Perths as a person who repaired garments that clients needed mended. She worked there until she retired in 1984. Fred and Minnie's retire-ment years were enjoyable as they had a small garden, grew some roses, and socialized with the neighbours. They enjoyed visiting their children in Winnipeg, Kenora and Kelowna as well as relatives in Florida and Arizona. Minnie was devoted to her husband, Fred and her family. She was very proud that all of her children had become teachers and eight of her grandchildren were following in their parents footsteps as well. She continued to be interested in sewing and knitting beautiful sweaters until her eyesight started to fail and she could no longer see the stitches. She turned to simpler items and produced hundreds of dish cloths which are probably still found in many of her family and friends' kitchens today. She was a lifelong faithful member of the Lutheran Church in Waldersee, Brandon and Peace Lutheran in Winnipeg. The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at 2 North, Donwood Manor for the wonderful way in which they cared for our mom. They truly made her feel that this was her home and everyone was her friend. She said "I couldn't be in a better place". The family would also like to thank Pastor Brad Schollenberg for his kindness, support and dedication to Mom and for his many visits which were appreciated by her and the family. Thank you, also, to the staff of Concordia Village where she lived for three years as well as the staff of Concordia Hospital. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 350 Gilmore Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to Donwood Manor. We will all remember Minnie's gentle, generous nature and her devotion to her family and friends. We will all miss you very much. We love you mom.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2013