WALTER KOBERSTEIN

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WALTER KOBERSTEIN

Peacefully on June 11, 2023, Walter Koberstein was called to his eternal home at the age of 94 years.

Walter was predeceased by his loving wife Taisa on September 25, 2021, his parents, Rudolph and Leokadia; sisters, Leonida, Elfriede and Holdine. He is survived by his sons, Kurt (Margaret) and Dieter (Wendy); along with granddaughters, Deona, Diella (Jeff), Janaya and Tiffany; great-granddaughter Hazel; as well as brother Arthur (Irmgard) and sister Erica (Ewald).

Walter was born on February 25, 1929, in Puchawa, Poland to parents, Rudolf and Leokadia Koberstein.

As with many German families who lived in Soviet occupied territory, the Koberstein family was resettled to Poland by the German authorities, and later became refugees as the war advanced. Walter shared many harrowing tales of their refugee journey; some stories were shared freely but others were suppressed. These many incidents shaped the life of Walter who as a spirited youngster always wanted to become involved in activities or pranks but developed into a strong and respected leader of his family beginning in his teen years and continuing throughout his life.

At war’s end the Koberstein family settled in Thuringen, in a region that later became part of East Germany.

In 1949, the Koberstein family was accepted as Canadian immigrants and arrived in Winnipeg in August 1949. It was here that he met Taisa and they were married on September 2, 1950.

Walter had a heart for others, and even at a young age Dad took opportunities to support his family in various situations. Dad's generosity was a lifelong pursuit in that when he saw the needs of others, by regularly responding with giving gifts of money or providing various material support.

Throughout life, Walter ensured that his family was well cared for.

Financially supporting overseas missions was a passion for Walter who generously gave to various Christian Ministries throughout his lifetime.

Walter began his work career in Winnipeg in a blacksmith shop making springs for trucks. This was a dangerous and difficult job, so Dad moved on to work for Bird Construction as a labourer.

Walter wanted to improve himself so he applied as a tinsmith at a sheet metal company making and installing eavestroughs. There he also then learned sheet metal fabrication and the job of installing furnaces. The company closed after one year, so Walter started his own company (Bell Sheet Metal) with a partner in 1953, installing furnaces and eavestrough.

Walter wanted to grow the business but his partner did not, so they parted ways and Walter started Etna Heating in 1955. The business flourished during the period of furnace conversions from coal and oil fired units to natural gas. Over the years, business opportunities were expanded, and Walter grew the organization to include Etna Commercial, K&K Plastics, and ultimately Storm Tite Inc.

Walter had a keen business sense that allowed him to initiate and effectively manage his business pursuits.

A celebration of his life is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Mission Baptist Church, 771 Sargent Ave. in Winnipeg. The City of Winnipeg parking ban will be lifted for the day of the funeral on streets directly adjacent to the church located at 771 Sargent Ave.

Please refer to the Friends Funeral Service website noted below for information related to online viewing of the funeral service.

Donations in his memory may be made to Mission Baptist International Foundation India Mission (Cheques payable to MBIF , 771 Sargent Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0B5) or go online to www.canadahelps.org. and enter “Mission Baptist International Foundation”.

WALTER KOBERSTEIN

The family of Walter Koberstein announces his passing on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at age 94 years.

A celebration of his life is planned for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at Mission Baptist Church, 771 Sargent Ave. in Winnipeg.

A longer obituary will follow on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2023, Jun 17, 2023