HENRY GOERTZEN

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HENRY GOERTZEN Henry passed away peacefully with his family at his side on May 19, 2000. Henry was born on February 21, 1914 in the Ukraine, the fourth child in a family of eight. At the age of 12 he immigrated to Canada where his family lived and worked in various parts of Southern Manitoba. As a young adult, he suffered an almost fatal head injury whilst moving a house with his father. It was while hospitalized in the Health Sciences Centre that he met Ellen Janzen, the woman he was to spend the next 50 years with. They were married on August 17, 1950. In 1960, Henry and Ellen settled nine miles southwest of Hamiota (Pope) where they ran a mixed farm and Ellen worked at the Hamiota District Health Centre as a lab technician for 20 years. After renting his land to Lanny Westwood in 1974, Henry worked for Lanny, still eager to do the work he loved. In 1984 Henry and Ellen sold the farm and retired to town where Henry spent many enjoyable hours curling, lawn bowling and making rugs. He also sang in the choir at church, participating in another great love of his life - music. Above all, Henry was a family man, always eager to visit with his children and grandchildren, and to hear about the latest hockey or baseball game. The kids took great delight in Grandpas infectious laugh and he will be sadly missed by them all. Henry is survived by his loving wife Ellen; son Ed (Susan) of Winnipeg, son Rudy (Penny) of Hamiota, and son Bill (Iris) of Winnipeg; ten grandchildren, Nathan and Jennifer Goertzen, Winnipeg; Haeli Goertzen, Ottawa; Travis, Ryan, Jesse, Sarah and Jordan Goertzen of Hamiota; Kyle and Cody Goertzen, Winnipeg. Henry is also survived by brothers, Jack, Bill and Frank Goertzen, all of Winnipeg; sisters, Nettie Shellenberg of Winnipeg, Helen Friesen of Holland and Betty Martin of Bethelholm; as well as numerous nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Agatha; a sister Kay and two sisters and a brother in infancy. The lovely funeral service was conducted by Rev. Larry Todd with the United Church Choir leading the hymn singing accompanied by Marilyn Anderson. The very befitting eulogy was read by Ed Goertzen and beautiful singing performances were given for Grandpa by Ryan and Jennifer singing "Tears in Heaven" and all the grandchildren singing "Amazing Grace." Carrying Henry to his final resting place as pallbearers were his grandsons, Travis, Ryan, Jesse, Jordan, Kyle and Nathan Goertzen. Campbell Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Henrys name to a charity of their choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 10, 2000