WILLI GNITZINGER

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WILLI GNITZINGER On July 31, 2005, a beautiful sunny summer morning Willi Gnitzinger passed away with his family by his side. Predeceased by his son Heinz, parents, Karl and Emma and mother-in-law Elizabeth. Left to cherish his memories are his family, wife Ursula of 53 years, sons, Dieter (Noreen), Frank (Susan); his precious grandchildren, McGill, Lonny, Jared, Kassi (Dave) and Kylee; brother-in-law Egon Pavlicek (Annemarie) in Germany; sister-in-law Jutta Hoins (Gerd); niece Mona (Lutz); nephew Oliver; great-nephews, Denis and Mortimer; great-niece Sara and many close friends. Willi was born on February 12, 1921 in Magdeburg, Germany where he spent his youth and became a master cabinet maker. He moved to Bremen, Germany where he met and married Ursula in 1951. Willi immigrated to Canada, two years after Dieter's birth, in 1954. Ursula and Dieter joined Willi in Canada in 1955 in Old England, MB where they settled and continued to expand their family with the births of Heinz and Frank. Willi worked for Hooker's Lumber in Selkirk for 16 years before starting his own cabinet making business under the name of Willi's Woodwork. For a short time in the seventies Dieter joined him in the business. He then moved his business to a shop on Pittsburg Avenue and then to a shop behind his home. Willi built many beautiful cabinets for homes in and around Selkirk. Willi was a long standing member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He helped to build the original church and many of the chancel furnishings in both the old and the new church. Willi had been a member of the Schutzneverein of Little Britain since 1965. He attended Schutzenfest recently with his grandson Jared and was able to participate in the shooting of the bird which gave him much enjoyment. Even in retirement Willi continued to make cabinets and wooden crafts which he shared with all. Willi was very proud of his children and grandchildren and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, opa, uncle and good friend to many. Thank you to Dr. Antonenko and the nursing staff at the Selkirk Hospital for their dedication and excellent care of Willi during this past month. Following a private family interment there will be a celebration of life on Wednesday, August 3 at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 6088 Highway #9 (just south of the rolling mill). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Willi's name to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2005