WOLDEMAR GOERZ

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WOLDEMAR GOERZ On Monday, July 28, 2003, after a valiant five years and seven months struggle with cancer, Woldemar Goerz died at home, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elfriede and three daughters, Linda and Brian Dyck, Sandra and Robert Dyck and Irene Goerz and Don Ledwos; grandchildren, Natalie and Trent Giesbrecht, Ashley and Ryan Wozniak, Ellie Dyck, David Dyck, Rachel Dyck, Jessica Pikel, Justin Pikel, Hope Goerz-Ledwos and Nicole Ledwos. He is also survived by his brother Peter and Susa Goerz; sister Irene and Jacob Gunther, numerous half brothers and sisters; aunts, Sara Driedger, Hella Peters and Lise Shamei; in-laws, Art and Irene Dyck, Harry and Mary Ann Loewen, Viktor and Betty Loewen, Korny and Irene Loewen and extended families. Woldemar was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Maria (nee Goossen) Goerz; by his father and mother-in-law, David and Maria Loewen; brother Walter Goerz; uncle Carl Driedger, and a half-brother in Russia. Woldemar was born on August 20, 1932 in Schoensee, Russia. Due to the ravages of war, his early years were extremely difficult, but when he immigrated to Canada from Russia through Germany in 1949 at the age of 17, his life totally changed. Arriving all alone in Canada, he was welcomed into his aunt and uncles home, where he was encouraged to pursue the trade of welding that he would practice and love throughout his working career. This gave him an opportunity to travel throughout Canada, his adopted homeland. He eventually chose to stay with Manitoba Hydro where he worked and shared his knowledge for 33 years at the Selkirk Generating Station from where he retired in 1993. Woldemar was baptized in the Mennonite faith, and joined the North Kildonan Mennonite Church at the age of 20. He later met the love of his life, Elfriede Loewen, whom he married in 1957 and they shared 46 years and eight days of love and friendship. They had three daughters who brought them much happiness throughout the years and he was blessed with an opportunity to have a childhood alongside with his children. He was totally dedicated to his family, as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Woldemar and Elfriede travelled on numerous vacations, camping trips and weekend trips, all with family and friends. He enjoyed individual sports like swimming, cross-country skiing, cycling, but running marathons was his passion. He successfully completed a number of marathons held here in Winnipeg, but the highlight was the completion of the Boston Marathon. After suffering a serious industrial accident in 1985, and spending three months on the Burn Ward at Health Sciences Centre and one and one half years of physiotherapy, Woldemar still completed a full marathon in 1989, and a half marathon in 1990. His survival skills, endurance and perseverance were severely tested these last five years and seven months as he underwent aggressive treatments in his battle to survive cancer. His grace and dignity throughout his entire battle have been an inspiration to all who came in contact with him and cared for him as he fought to remain with his loved ones. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Foerster, Tang and Carrie at the St. Boniface Oncology, family physician, Dr. Doermer, and numerous palliative care workers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, ON 109-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 303-83 Garry St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J9. Funeral services will be held at North Kildonan Mennonite Church, 1131 Roch St., Winnipeg on Friday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. Honey, Dad, Opa, Auf Wiedersehn (Im Himmel ist Ruh.) KLASSEN Funeral Chapel 1897 Henderson - N. of McIvor - 338-0331

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 31, 2003