TINA SPINGLER

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TINA SPINGLER (nee FUNK) November 24, 1925 - August 26, 2016 At age 90, Tina Spingler passed away peacefully with her children by her side. Tina was born Tina Funk in Chortitz, MB (now called Randolph), November 24, 1925 to Johann E. and Helena Funk. She was the last surviving of nine siblings: Peter, John, Helena (Helen), Heinrich (Henry), Elizabeth (Betty), Jacob (Jake), Abraham (Abe), and Bernt (Ben). As a young woman, she married Jacob Loewen - predeceased, with whom they had three children: Victor (Dianne - predeceased) Loewen, Leslie Loewen - predeceased (Verna), and Merry Pearce (Bruce). Later in life, she married Richard Spingler who was a beekeeper and cattle farmer. Tina lived her life in the Steinbach, Lac du Bonnet, and Winnipeg areas. She was often heard saying that her greatest loves were her grandchildren: Andrea, Vanessa, James, Callie, and Zoe. Tina also had five great-grandchildren: Kashi, Paxton, Sarah, Lizzy, and Oliver. Although her dementia prevented her from knowing them, she would absolutely light up when they visited and very much enjoyed the hugs they, and her grand-dog Chloe, gave her. Tina spent a great deal of time with her family, usually outside in her farm in Lac du Bonnet, exploring the forests of Thompson, MB, in the farmer's markets of Kitchener, ON, and in the ranch area of Mayerthorpe, AB. She loved travelling, which she did a great deal of later in life with her companion Jacob Dyck, who currently resides in Steinbach. Also close to her heart were her many animals: her beloved dogs, cats, as well as her beef cattle, white geese, and chickens! Tina was a florist by trade, having graced the special occasions of Steinbach and Lac du Bonnet for decades with her beautiful floral works of art. She even had the honour of making a flower basket, which was given to Queen Elizabeth on the occasion of her visit to Steinbach, MB in 1970. Creative at heart, Tina made many beautiful artisanal works that her family members hold dear. She also loved to cook and bake for her family: her lemon meringue and Boston cream pies were the favourites. Her family and friends love Tina dearly, and she is leaving a legacy of her gentle, caring, and thoughtful nature, along with her feisty spirit, with them. In addition, her love of animals, nature, and creativity is carrying on in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family of Tina Spingler offers sincere gratitude to the staff of Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home on Concordia Ave. for their years of respectful and genuine care. This has meant a great deal to all those who love her. There will be an interment with service and lunch to follow Thursday, September 1. The interment is at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home at 4000 Portage Ave. at 11:30 a.m. Shortly afterwards at 1:30 p.m., a service and lunch will occur at Bethania Mennonite Personal Care Home at 1045 Concordia Ave. Although Tina loved flowers, in lieu of those, donations to the Bethania Mennonite Memorial Foundation are gratefully received. This foundation provides needed funds for spiritual care and the pet therapy program, which were causes near to Tina's heart. http://bethania.ca/bethania-mennonite- memorial-foundation/

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2016