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WILHELMINA KLIMPKE (HARTENBERG) (MINNIE) (WILLA) Obituary pic

WILHELMINA KLIMPKE (HARTENBERG) (MINNIE) (WILLA)

Born: Feb 11, 1912

Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2021

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WILHELMINA KLIMPKE
(nee HARTENBERG)
February 11, 1912 - April 5, 2021

"Minnie" or "Willa", as she was known, was born in Lydiatt, MB, to parents, Gertrude and William, immigrants from Holland to Canada. She grew up on the family dairy farm with sisters, Annie, Augustina and Mae. Having no brothers, the girls grew up with a strong work ethic and worked the dairy farm. Her dad taught her to be independent and to stand up for herself and that is what Mom did her entire life.
When the Second World War broke out Mom joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 as a parachute rigger, eventually becoming a Corporal in charge of the parachute section in Brandon, MB. Mom was honoured to have had her Air Force uniform used for the creation of the tri-monument statue on Memorial Boulevard. Mom was also featured in a book written by Shirley Grosser called "Resilience - a profile on Woman's Stories of the WW II". After the war, being a creative person, Mom pursued her dream of attending university taking courses in interior design. For a time she worked at Elmwood Furniture and Electric where she met her husband Carl.
Now in their 40s, they settled into the Weston area having two children, Joy and Bruce. Mom had a strong sense of community and enjoyed attending Sparling United Church. She loved growing beautiful flowers inside and out taking great pride in her yard. She grew and canned all types of vegetables grown on the family farm in Rosser, giving away jars of "Wills Dills" and produce. All vegetables were grown organically, and she recycled everything.
She had a small cottage industry making curtains and draperies for customers and could sew and fix anything.
She was a terrific parent and grandparent and always welcomed family and friends who often stayed for a meal. Mom was a great cook and hosted family dinners into her 90s.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Carl in 2010, sisters and spouses. Mom leaves to mourn her daughter Joy (Don) Moore, son Bruce (Shelley), five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charleswood Care Centre has been her home for 11 years, surviving Covid in December. Our family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff for their love, kindness and compassion. She said, "They spoil me here!"
Due to Covid restrictions, a small family gathering will take place April 15, 2021.


Bardal Funeral Home
204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 10, 2021

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • Joy and Bruce. Your parents were two of the most magnificent human beings I have ever known. Your father, a giant of a man in every way and your mom a relatively diminutive "Grand Dame" with the will as big as Mt. Everest. They welcomed us with open arms and made us into surrogate family. For their generosity of spirit, their charity towards us, the magnificent kindness and their Christian spirit, we will be forever grateful. I would like to think that some of them reside in us Asgaralis who were the recipients of their warm embrace. May the good Lord keep them in His warm embrace and bless them with eternity in the paradise they believed in. With affection and sorrow, from all of us to all of you. Ashmede and our deceased sister and your friend, Yasmin - Posted by: Ashmede Asgarali (friend) on: Apr 21, 2021

  • When I received the call last week from Joy I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my Auntie Minnie. My family and I send sincere condolences to my cousins Joy, Bruce, and their families. Joy, Bruce and I got to do some reminiscing and shared a few humorous recollections. When I was growing up and my parents were away working, I had the pleasure and good fortune of enjoying many lunches at my Auntie Minnie and Uncle Carl's home in Weston. Their home was the midway point between my school, Cecil Rhodes and my house on Logan Avenue and my Aunt would care for me over the lunch hour. I have a vivid picture in my mind of being seated at their kitchen table eating all the wonderful homemade breads, soups, casseroles and desserts. She was a great cook and something was always "going on" in the pressure cooker. Also great are my memories of being at Grandma and Grandpa Hartenberg's farm while the four sisters worked away in the kitchen preparing a holiday "feast" with Grandma. I still cook many recipes that originated with Auntie Minnie. Auntie Minnie's Award Winning Cheesecake. YUM!!! The Best!! When Grandma Hartenberg became unable to live on her own, Auntie Minnie and Uncle Carl selflessly took over her care in their own home where she lived with them for many years. They had big hearts and were always willing to share. They opened their home to the rest of the family so that we all felt welcome to come for a visit with Grandma. Thank you Auntie Minnie for all the wonderful memories. RIP. Love Carol, Carl, Jared and Jennifer. - Posted by: Carol Procuik (Niece) on: Apr 12, 2021

  • Joy, Don, Bruce and families Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. Friend from school days in Weston Wendy (Carlson) Mestrovic - Posted by: Steve and Wendy Mestrovic (Friends) on: Apr 12, 2021

  • Joy, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was so special to you and Don and the rest of your family. What inspiring tributes to a life well lived in today's notice and the story covered in the Free Press a few weeks back! Again, my condolences. Take care. Bob Marshall - Posted by: Bob Marshall (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2021

  • My wife Deborah Estwick had the pleasure of assisting with Willy's needs these last years at Charleswood Care Centre. Rest in peace after a life of service towards others. - Posted by: gordon paul (worker) on: Apr 10, 2021

  • So sorry to hear of Willa's passing. She was a great lady & gave love & generosity to all who knew her. My Mom & Dad, Jock & Helen Lothian, enjoyed their friendship for many years & attended the same church. RIP Carl & Willa. Rod & Carol Bond - Posted by: Rod & Carolyn Bond (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2021

  • RIP Mrs. Klimpke. Our prayers and condolences go out Joy and Bruce and their families. We had know her for many years. She was always hard working in her beautiful garden and looking after her flowers around the yard. A very friendly lady always willing to talk to you when we would walk by and see her out. From the Douglas Family on Pacific. God Bless you all - Posted by: gail douglas (neighbor and friend) on: Apr 10, 2021

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