HELGA KREIS

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HELGA KREIS

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our stepmother and Oma, Helga Kreis (nee Grotherr), at 94 years of age in Winnipeg on May 5, 2025. Helga was born on September 16, 1930, in Gelsankirchen, Germany.

Helga immigrated to Canada in 1959. She was predeceased by her husband Willi Kreis Sr., her parents, two brothers, and stepson Willi Jr. She leaves to mourn her death her stepdaughter Erika; four grandsons, Norman, Darren, T.J. and Matthew; six great grandsons, Ricky, Daniel, Kaleb, Dallas, Aidenn, Alexander; and a sister-in-law in Germany.

Helga met our dad/Opa, Willi Kreis Sr, a widower, when they both joined the German Choir at the German Club. They were married in 1973.

Dad/Opa built a home for them on Molson Street in East St. Paul where they lived most of their married life. They were active members of the German Club and the German Choir. They both always felt lucky to have found each other and shared a happy marriage which lasted 47 years.

They did not have children together but they did have a beloved pet, a dog named Sparky. He had a seat at the kitchen table for every meal.

Helga/Oma was an excellent baker. Every birthday and holiday family members requested cakes of their choice and she baked them for everyone's enjoyment. She was also a remarkable seamstress. She worked for Weston Hotel for many years.

Helga/Oma and dad/Opa lived at Grassie Villa. I thank the residents, especially Bonnie and Henrietta, who befriended her after dad died. I'd like to also thank Edward Andrusiak: (WRHA), the staff at Concordia and Victoria hospitals (especially Dr. Penner and "Nurse Matt") for their excellent care. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to ALL the staff at Luther Home. They are too numerous to mention but all of them went out of their way to be kind and attentive to Helga.

Bardal Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. Cremation has taken place. The family will have a private memorial service at Brookside Cemetery where her ashes will be interred. Helga/Oma and dad/Opa will be reunited.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2025