Emma Reimer

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EMMA REIMER

On October 14, 2015, Emma Reimer peacefully passed away, at Bethesda Hospital to be reunited in heaven with loved ones who preceded her.

Emma was born in Latvia on June 19, 1924 to Albert and Mathilda Schoenrock, the third of ten children. At the age of 15, her family moved to Poland. In January 1945 the Russians invaded her village and her family had to flee for their lives. As the eldest at home, Emma took her mother and six younger siblings on a dangerous two-month journey by horse and wagon to safety in Germany. The horrors of that trip remained with her all her life. In 1946 she married David Reimer, a war refugee from Russia. They immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in the Steinbach area. Emma's parents and three siblings soon joined them in their new country. Emma raised six children while working hard on the family farm milking cows, growing fruit and vegetables for her family and doing whatever else needed doing.

Emma experienced various health challenges throughout her life but when she was feeling good, she enjoyed camping and trips to visit family in Canada, USA, and Germany. She loved children and was a wonderful Oma to her grandchildren and many others who adopted her as their Oma.

Emma and her husband were founding members of the German Church of God in Steinbach. Both had a passion for helping new immigrants adjust to life in Manitoba.

When Emma became widowed she managed to live on her own with the help of community healthcare workers. In September 2014, she was admitted to the hospital which became her home until her passing. The staff often commented on her sparkling blue eyes and her beautiful smile. The family is grateful for the extensive care she received from both the Homecare and Bethesda Hospital staff.

Emma is survived by: her daughters Margaret Beckman (Norman Sydney), Siegrid Angelatos (Dimitrios), and Edie Swanson; her sons Klaus (Connie), Heinz (Elsie), Rudy (Leslie); and step-son David (Frieda). She is also survived by twenty-three grandchildren and their families; her brother Adolf Schoenrock and numerous nephews and nieces.

Emma was predeceased by: her devoted husband of 67 years, David K. Reimer; three grandsons; three great-grandsons; a son-in-law (Don Swanson); a granddaughter-in-law; her parents; two sisters and six brothers.

The funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB, with a viewing prior to the service. The burial took place at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB, following the service.

Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Oct 20, 2015