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JOHANNES AUGUST ITZKE  Obituary pic

JOHANNES AUGUST ITZKE

Date of Passing: Dec 23, 2013

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JOHANNES AUGUST ITZKE 1930 - 2013 With heavy hearts we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Johannes Itzke on December 23, 2013. Johannes will be dearly missed by his wife of 57 years Hedwig Itzke, sister Frieda and extended family in Germany, son Johnny (Marlene) Itzke, Uwe (Lisa) Itzke, and Astrid (Gerry) Meilleur; grandchildren Heidi, Kai (Desiree), Nikolaus, Drew, Kyra, Mats (Dana), Lars, Jens, Meike and forever by his side, his German Shepherd Bear. Johannes was born and raised in Schleswig Holstein, Germany. In 1953 he immigrated to Canada to pursue his passion for gardening. His drive and hard work made his dreams a reality, as he began with nothing and became and will be forever remembered as a pioneer in Manitoba's Vegetable industry as he leaves behind Itzke River Farm Ltd. His love for his fields and growing made farming his hobby as opposed to his occupation. Despite what he told others, he never retired. In the winter months Johannes spent much of his time travelling the world with his wife and watching his grandchildren play hockey. He was very proud of whatever success they achieved. Johannes was very competitive and loved all sports especially being an avid supporter of the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Winnipeg Jets. Johannes' door was always open for a cup of coffee and conversation as he had many friends near and far. Anyone could tell you that one cup was never enough. Thank you to the staff at Portage General Hospital for their kindness and care. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 871 Cavalier Drive, Winnipeg. A private family interment will be held at a later date. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2013

Condolences & Memories (38 entries)

  • My condolences to all of you, especially to Drew and his parents in the loss of their grandfather/father/father-in-law. Drew should have great memories of farm life with his grandfather. - Posted by: Cathie Morgan Matula (Drew's grade one teacher) on: Jan 04, 2014

  • I was so sorry to read of Mr. Itzke's passing. My fondest memory was when I mentioned how my late father always received chickens and vegetables from his Hutterite patients. The next day a big black Mercedes pulled up in front of my Dental office and out walked Mr. Itzke with two large bags full of fresh vegetables. I remember laughing to myself as everything was washed and packaged as if he had just stopped at Safeway. When I looked at the packaging I then saw Itzke Farms on the label. This was always a source of great humor whenever he would come and visit. He was a kind generous man. I always looked forward and enjoyed his visits at my office. I was very saddened by his sudden passing. My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. - Posted by: Dr. Jory Stillwater (Dentist) on: Jan 04, 2014

  • On behalf of the " Adams and Bonik " family, we are asking God to fill your lonely hearts with his love, and to fill your minds with thoughts of a joyous reunion in heaven - where family celebrations will continue throughout eternity. Our sincere condolences. - Posted by: K. Adams (Neighbour) on: Jan 03, 2014

  • The Gross family (coffee time friends) at Iberville Colony wish to offer their sincerest condolences. Johannes was a special friend to us and we will miss him dearly. We wish the Itzke family all the best. - Posted by: Irene Gross (friend) on: Jan 03, 2014

  • My condolences to Mrs. Itzke, Uve and your families. I always enjoyed when Mr. Itzke dropped by Shelmerdines for a visit. He always charmed everyone with his big smile and warm personality. His knowledge of the industry was vast and I always learned something from him in our conversations. A light has been dimmed in this world, but it will shine brightly elsewhere now. Susan - Posted by: Susan Rebbeck (Business, former Retail Greenhouse Mgr Shelmerdine Nurseries) on: Jan 03, 2014

  • Johannes was a great neighbour, always glad to greet you with a warm smile ... and so is the entire Itzke family. God sent Angels among us to help when it was needed. Wishing you peace and comfort at this time of loss. - Posted by: Karin Adams (Neighbour) on: Jan 02, 2014

  • Our sincere condolences to the Itzke family. We are saddened to hear of his sudden passing. We will always remember him as a kind, positive and cheerful person. - Posted by: Andre and Sylvia Allard () on: Jan 02, 2014

  • To Astrid & Gerry and the Itzke Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. - Posted by: Diane Bilodeau & Réjean LaRoche and family () on: Jan 02, 2014

  • To Astrid, Gerry, Uwe, Johnny and Mrs. Itzke. Even though it has been a few years since I have seen you all - my heart goes out to you - I have many fond memories of your place and family at the old farm (Red River Drive). You had a wonderful father and cherish the memories he has given you. Sincerely Michele Steenssens and Greg Pitt - Posted by: Michele Steenssens (Longtime old family fried) on: Jan 02, 2014

  • We were saddened to hear of Hannes Itzke’s passing. He was a good neighbour and friend to us. He was an inspiration and of great help when we arrived in Canada. We miss his straight forward attitude, honesty and common sense. We will remember him for his positive attitude and his humour. He was a good role model to all our children who had worked during the summers on his vegetable farm. We would like to send our condolences to his family. Liebe Hedwig, wir bedauren diesen Verlust zutiefst und sprechen dir unser aufrichtiges Mitgefühl aus. Familie Leitgeb - Posted by: Leitgeb Family (Friends) on: Jan 02, 2014

  • Our condolences to the Itzke Family from Norbert, Christel, Claudia and from my Father Heinrich Theismann, we are all very sorry to hear of the passing of Johannes, he was a true Pioneer who came with nothing and worked his way up with hard work, I`m sure he will be missed by so many - Posted by: Theismann Family () on: Dec 31, 2013

  • I remember talking to Johannes going across a celery field in his pickup and I said Johannes why do you let us bring people up when you are working on your farm and Johannes said Acht Rudy, by the time you get started in North Dakota we will be finished. It was a real smile from him to me. Great Guy Started small and worked up Nicely. I do not think he thought I was background German also. Rudy Radke He helped us a lot in ND. I brought a lot of people in to see the crops. They were all AMAZED - Posted by: Rudy Radke (NDSU Extension Service Retired) on: Dec 31, 2013

  • Johannes was always a good neighbour. His and his family's help through the years has been greatly appreciated. He will be missed. - Posted by: Sandra Hrychuk (neighbour) on: Dec 31, 2013

  • Our most heartfelt sympathy to the Itzke and Meilleur families. What wonderful memories we hold in our hearts. RIP Johannes. - Posted by: Fleurette Zastre-Tetreault &Earl Tetreault (Friends) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • Our deepest condolences to the Meilleur family on the passing of your dear father and grandfather. We met your dad/Opa at the rink when Jens & Garrett played for Central Plains. We only spoke with him on a few occasions, but I remember him being so friendly and very kind. When we discovered that he knew my dad back in the 50's, there was an instant connection. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. - Posted by: Ingrid, Terry, Kellen & Garrett Desmond () on: Dec 30, 2013

  • Our sincere condolences to the family. I will never forget the times spent at the rinks with Uwe and Astrid while we were all growing up. - Posted by: Lynne Zastre-Johnston and Dallas Johnston (friend) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • Our condolences to all of his family. We had the opportunity to attend many hockey games together. It was always a pleasure to be a spectator along side Mr Itzke. We have to say...he did know more than any of the refs. Our thoughts and prayers to all his family. - Posted by: The Puddifants (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2013

  • Our condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers with all of you. - Posted by: Candelaria's () on: Dec 30, 2013

  • Our condolences & sympathy to the Itzke family. He was always so kind and welcoming. He will be missed. - Posted by: Larry & Ann Lacroix and family () on: Dec 30, 2013

  • We remember seeing Mats' grampa at hockey games in St Eustache when he would come to cheer on the team. He was always very pleasant to talk to. Our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Lori and Dain Lanouette and Family () on: Dec 30, 2013

  • My condolences to my Itzke family. So sorry to hear of Johannes' passing. It just all seems so sudden. I am so fortunate to have known Johannes for the years I did. Johannes was always so kind to me and we had many wonderful talks in the sunroom and your hospitality will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Peter Hoeppner (Business Friend) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • Die Nachricht von Onkel Hannes Tod macht uns sehr traurig. Wir sind mit den Gedanken bei Euch und wünschen Euch viel Kraft. Hans Martin und Martina Itzke - Posted by: Hans Martin Itzke (Neffe ) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • Such a prince of a man, soft spoken and generous, not afraid to share of his bounty. Always had time for everybody. He will be greatly missed by all the surrounding communities. - Posted by: Gerry & Dianne Senecal () on: Dec 29, 2013

  • We are so very sorry for your loss of your Husband, Father & Grandfather. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Rollie & Claudette Boucher (Uncle & Aunt to the meilleur's) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • To the entire Itzke family, we send our deepest condolences at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of John, I remember coming to the farm with my grandpa and mom to pick tomatoes when I was a little girl. We spent the whole afternoon out in the fields with John showing me the ripe ones to pick. It was a great day. Also always remember coming to pick up veggies and bring the nicest B.C. cherries for the family to enjoy, John always coming to say hi and ask how things are. John does and always will hold a very special place with me as well as in my very fond memories. Always remember we are surrounded by angels, I'm sure John is up there with my dad and grandpa and all his other friends since passed watching over us all! - Posted by: Chris and Helen J&H Garden Centre (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • From the Friesen family next door, we express our condolences to you and your families, for the sudden loss of Mr. Itzke. Remembering my dad and Mr. Itzke helping each other out over the years. Stopping in for a cup of coffee at my parents farm and when my parents moved to the city, he always took the time for a visit. He would pick my dad and me up to go watch Uwe play hockey, and usually stop in at McDonald's for a snack. He will be missed! - Posted by: Gary Friesen (Neighbor) on: Dec 29, 2013

  • My condolences to all of the family.. It was always a pleasure to talk to the Boss Man whenever I had the opportunity while loading at the farm.. Johannes would always have time to have a little chat.. He will be greatly missed.. Bruce Roche Bruce Roche Transport Inc. - Posted by: Bruce Roche (Business associate) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • I am saddened to hear of Johannes passing. I had the privilege and honour of dealing with him for many years, first as a buyer and later as Director of Produce with Safeway. Johannes was ahead of his time, with a vision and many innovations in whatever crop he wanted to grow. My condolences to Hedwig, Johnny, Uwe, and Astrid and their families. - Posted by: Hector Paquin (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Our heartfelt condolences to the Itzke and Meilleur families. - Posted by: Gordon, Marleen, Heather and Brian Coulter (Neighbours,Friends) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Hockey parents do not get enough credit for the time that they give to their children. My coaching Uwe showed me what fine parents he has been blessed with. My prayers go out to all members of the Itzke family. God Bless you all. - Posted by: Gary Whyte (former hockey coach of Uwe) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Mrs. Itzke, my heart is so sad for you and your family right now. I think back to visiting you and the tours of the buildings... of my Dad and Mr. Itzke joking and laughing so hard at times... it makes me smile. Wonderful memories! - Posted by: Sharon Lutzer (Andy Ainley) and girls (family friends) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Our condolences & sympathy to the Itzke family. We are thinking of you through this hard time. He will be remembered by all for his accomplishments in what he enjoyed doing. - Posted by: Patsy & Grant Fossay & family (Friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • I met John in the late 70's and had a business relationship with him ever since. John was always a pleasure to deal with & you always knew where you stood with any business transaction. Whenever I stopped in his yard he was such a hospitable host and you could never leave without several boxes of vegetables. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Bert Gregoire (Deere equipment supplier) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • There are some individuals in life that when one meets them they become an instant friend, which it seems, you have known for a lifetime. Johannes was one of these individuals. Quick with a smile and a "wie geht's". He tested our German vocabulary and our German speaking conversational skills, which are marginal at best. We always had a good laugh trying to keep up. What an absolute pleasure to have known Johannes. He will remain in our memory and our hearts forever. - Posted by: Mike and Ruth Bauer (Family Friends) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • My dear friend Astrid, I am saddened to learn of your father's passing and extend our family's condolences to your family. One of the most memorable moments for me is when I played hockey in St. Norbert with Uwe and every time I touched the puck your dad said, "Pass the puck to Uwe", which would usually result in a goal. Wishing you all well for the difficult days ahead. - Posted by: Roderick Phillips (friend of family) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • So Sorry for your loss. He was an awesome man and a joy to work for. - Posted by: Joanne Pagee (former employee) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • On behalf of the entire Manweiller (Wayne and Anne) family, I offer my condolences to the Itzke Family. I will never forget the countless days we, as kids, spent picking tomatoes at Itzke River Farm! Then taking these boxes of delicious tomatoes home so that mom could can them! We will always have fond memories of Mr. Itzke! - Posted by: Gwynne Manweiller (friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • My condolences to your family - Posted by: Denis Verrier (Old friend) on: Dec 28, 2013

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

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