IVAN FRED KLEPATZ

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IVAN FRED KLEPATZ On December 13, 2002, at the Grace Hospital, with his family by his side, Ivan Klepatzs courageous battle with cancer came to an end. Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife and best friend Dorene (Beck) his devoted mother Helen; his children Marianne (Pete), Michael (Debbie), Andrea (Jim), and Joe (Tara) his grandchildren Dawn (Derek), Nicole, and Pamela; his sister Marian (Frank) his step-sons, Jeff (Lori), Chris (Brenda), Jason (Chantal), and their families; and his mother-in-law Anne Kowal; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all. Mary, his first wife and his father Fred, predeceased him. Ivan was born on November 14, 1934 and lived in Winnipeg all of his life. He joined the Winnipeg Police Department in 1956, retiring in 1993 after 36 years. Starting out as a beat Constable, he worked the downtown streets of Fort Rouge and the North End for 11 years before being promoted to Detective, Detective Sergeant and then Sergeant of Detectives in the Crime Division. He went on to the Crime Division, Homicide and Robbery, where he was assigned to a special squad responsible for investigating many of the murders and armed robberies in the city. After going for training at the Quantico West Virginia FBI College, Ivan was instrumental in developing the Winnipeg Emergency Response Unit, which he ran for several years. After training with the New York City Police Hostage Negotiation Team, he went on to develop and train Winnipegs first hostage negotiation team. He spent the final four years of his career working in the Youth Division. Ivan had a warm reassuring smile that always made those around him feel special. He was a loving father who took great pride in his children and grandchildren and there was nothing he wouldnt do for them. His generosity wasnt limited to his family; he was a hard-working selfless person who was always willing to help others in need. Ivan was also an extremely organized person and took great pleasure in working with his hands, whether that involved renovating his home, fixing cars, or woodworking. He also enjoyed taking long road trips to Texas and the West Coast and spending time with his family at his cottage in Nutimuk. In recent years, Ivan was Secretary-Treasurer of the Westview Ballroom Dance Club, where he took great pleasure in spending time with his very close friends, whose devotion and support meant a lot to him in his final days. The family would like to thank Dr. J.R.A. Smart, Dr. Pat Harris, Dr. L. Homik, Dr. John Tanner and the excellent nurses at Grace Cancer Care and Emergency for their wonderful care and support. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 18 at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., with Rev. Father Barry Schoonbaert officiating. Reception in church hall to follow. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, P.O. Box 2248, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 9Z9 or to a charity of your choice. "You never asked for favors Yet you did them every day. You never asked for any help Yet you gave so much away. You never asked for gratitude And yet, our whole life through Well be forever grateful For your precious love and you." Arrangements entrusted to CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETARY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2002