Peacefully on Saturday, June 2, 2012 Gwen passed away at Vita Hospital at the age of 83.

Gwen will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 64 years, Edwin Eckert; Daughters Connie McDonald (Bob), Christine Beckner (Carl); Grandchildren Kevin Bosch (Amy), Keri Fraser (Paul), Martin Beckner and Eric Beckner; Siblings Eileen Benfield (Joe), Gail Willson and Bruce McDermid.

Memorial  Services will be held on Saturday, June 9 at 2:00 pm at the Sprague Community Hall.

If friends so desire donations in Gwen’s memory may be made to the East Borderland Community Housing in Sprague MB, RM of Piney MB.

Vita Funeral Home • (204) 425-3114

Rosaline Grace Heckert, 75, of Steinbach, MB passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at her residence.

She is survived by two daughters, one son, two sisters and one brother. She was predeceased by her husband Edward, her daughter Phyllis and one grandson.

The funeral service will be Monday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 465 Henry St, Steinbach with interment to follow at the church cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach.

Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0K6.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Jacob Peters, 80, of Mitchell, Manitoba passed away at Bethesda Hospital on Thursday, June 7, 2012

He is survived by his wife Nettie, three daughters and their families as well as by two sisters, one sister-in-law and their families.  He was predeceased by two brothers Nick and Peter and one sister Helen Toews.

Viewing will be held at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Mitchell on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held Monday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover St in Steinbach with interment at the Peters family cemetery in Mitchell.

If friends so desire donations may be made to South Eastman Health Palliative Care Program, Box 470, La Broquerie, MB   R0A 0W0.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

OLGA STONE

Peacefully, Olga Stone (Nee Yurkowski) passed away at the Brantford General Hospital in her 90^th year, surrounded by her family on Friday June 8, 2012.   Beloved wife of the late Ralph Stone (1979).  Loving mother of Dr. James Stone and cherished grandmother of Chelsea and Jennifer Stone.

Also survived by two sisters Annie Chopyk and Mary Monastyrski, both of Winnipeg. 

Relatives and friends are invited to share memories of Olga with the family during the visitation from 7-9 P.M. Tuesday evening June 12, 2012 at the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road North, Brantford. 

Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday June 13^th at 11:00 A.M. Private family interment Grove Cemetery, Dundas, Ontario  

Mccleister Funeral Home • 519-758-1553

On Friday, June 8, 2012, at the age of 72, Dolores passed away peacefully with family at her side, at the Steinbach Bethesda Hospital after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Dolores will be sadly missed by her husband of 53 years Matt, her two children Elaine (Blair) and Bob (April), her grandchildren Brittany, Danielle, Carmen, Gavin and future grandchildren Patrick and Zachery Wensloff, her best friend Madeleine and extended family members Denise and Wally and Eddie and Minetta.

She is also survived by her two sisters Simone and Yvette.  Dolores was predeceased by her parents Olivine and Achille Plamondon, sisters Claire, Blanche, Jeanne, Vivianne and Lucette and brothers Emile, Leo, Louis and Sylvio.

In keeping with Dolores’ wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial mass celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Christ our Saviour Catholic Parish, 365 Loewen Boulevard, Steinbach, MB. Please join the family after the mass for a light luncheon and share some Dolores stories with us.

The family would like to especially thank Dolores’ CancerCare Home Care Workers, the Hospital Palliative Teams and also Steinbach Bethesda Staff for their compassion and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

Robert, 22, of Richer, Manitoba was tragically taken from his family on the morning of June 8, 2012 while travelling to work.  He succumbed to injuries arising as a result of a motor vehicle accident caused by a suspected impaired driver. 

He was born in Winnipeg on August 1, 1989,theson of Daniel and Christine (Ironstand) Joubert; and older brother of Richard and Réjeanne.He attended Richer School and Ste. AnneCollegiate, and at the time of his passing, he was employed with Mulder Constructionwhere he enjoyed working as a mill operator.

Robert is also survived by his maternal grandmother Myriam(Wenden) Ironstand; and paternal grandparents, Léon and Gertrude (Tétrault) Joubert.  He also leaves his uncles and aunts Gilles (Elaine) Joubert, Claudette Joubert, Marc Joubert and Guy (Denise) Joubert; godfather Stephen Joubert; godmother Sandra Johnson; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at St. Joachim Roman Catholic Church, 107, rue Principale, La Broquerie, Manitoba with Prayers at 6:30 PM and Funeral Mass at 7:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Birchwood Funeral Chapel of Steinbach, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MADD Canada in memory of Robert Joubert.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Jacinthe Mireault (née Normandeau) on June 12, 2012 at Ste. Anne Hospital.
 
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Robert Mireault and their children Ginette (Réal) Tétrault, Luc (Corinne) Mireault and Joanne (Pierre-Olivier) Roy and their grandchildren Jasmine, Zoé, Maxim, Alexie and Danica. She also leaves to mourn her brothers & sisters, Anna, Napoléon, Philippe, Cécile, Gisèle (Eddy), Céline (Edouard), Léon (Pierrette), Jean (Claudette), Hélène (Philip), Rosaire (Jeanine). She was predeceased by her parents Solange & Hector Normandeau and her 2 brothers, Joseph (Bernadette) and Olivier (Denise), her sister-in-law Francine and brother-in-law Conrad. She also leaves to mourn her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, many nieces & nephews and numerous friends.
 
Viewing and prayers were held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 15. Funeral service was held at Église St. Joachim in La Broquerie on Saturday, June 16.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, online at www.heartandstroke.com.
Special thanks to the staff at the Ste. Anne Caisse, Ste. Anne Hospital, doctors, nurses, and paramedics.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Anna Loewen, 88, of Grunthal, MB passed away at the Menno Home for the Aged on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.
 
She is survived by three daughters, three sons and their families as well as by three sisters and one brother.
 
She was predeceased by her first husband Bernard Unrau, second husband Peter Loewen, one son in infancy and one stepson.
 
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Sunday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service. 

The funeral service will be held Monday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in New Bothwell with interment at the church cemetery.
 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Tragically, on June 13th, 2012 Cassidy Bosc (née Brown) passed away as a result of a car accident at the tender age of 21.  She leaves to mourn her loving husband Julien, her parents Selma and James Brown, her brother Seaver, and her grandparents Wilhelm and Helen Unrau and Arthur and Nettie Brown.  She also leaves to mourn her parents-in-law Julienne and Paul Bosc, and sisters-in-law Jacinte (Matt) and Chanelle (Pat).  Cassidy will also be mourned by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her many friends.  Cassidy was loved by everyone she touched and enjoyed life to the fullest.  She was caring and loving.  Forgiving came easily to her.  She will be missed dearly.
 
Funeral service was held Monday, June 18th at 1:30 p.m. at Word of Life Church in Niverville.  Donations in memory of Cassidy may be made to D’Arcy’s A.R.C., 730B Century Street, Winnipeg, MB   R3H 0M1 

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Evelyn Giesbrecht, 83, of Steinbach, formerly of Landmark, passed away Wednesday June 13, 2012 at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, MB.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel Giesbrecht, two children, son James (Tannis) of Landmark, son Rod (Christa) of Winnipeg, daughter-in-law Sylvia of Landmark; as well as 9 grandchildren, Josh (Nicole), Dan (Jacqui), Kristy (Donavon), David, Paul (Samantha), Mark, Adam, Chloe, Jade; and 5 great-grandchildren, Nathanael, Tucker, Masyn, Alexander, Jude.

She was predeceased by her son Brian in 1999 and her grand-daughter Erin in 2010.

Funeral service for Evelyn Giesbrecht will be held Tuesday, June 19at 2:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church, Landmark, MB, with interment at the church cemetery.  Viewing will be at the church prior to the service, and on Monday, June 18, at 7:00 pm with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach. 

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Martha Jane Penner, at the age of 68, on June 14, 2012, at her residence.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Russel Penner, their four sons, Darren and Gloria, Curt and Crystal, Terry and Bev, Dwayne and Jenn and their grandchildren Nicole, Daniel, Shannon, Melissa, Mackenzie and Jillian. She also leaves to mourn her mother Olga Penner, Winnipeg, MB, brothers Calvin (Ruth), Winkler, MB, Henry (Sally) Isle of Wight, UK, sisters Leona Penner, Edmonton, AB, and Viola (Clay) Bilous, Winnipeg, MB, sister-in-law Ann Penner, Winnipeg, MB, and a special aunt, Louise Klassen. She also leaves to mourn Russel's family, many nieces, nephews and friends.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ridgewood EMC Church, with interment at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Southeast Helping Hands.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Erin was a real special woman. She had old–fashioned values; family was number one in her life. She had a husband (Buddy) that loved her dearly, and two beautiful daughters, Rhianna and Rachel, that loved her with both their little hearts. Having a husband and kids meant the world to Erin. The girls and I will forever miss her, and that hole missing in our lives will never be filled.  Erin always talked about her immediate family; her mother Shaunalee, her Dad Kelley and his wife Karen, her brothers Jason and Triston. She had a wonderful relationship with her sister-in-law Alissa (they were like sisters) and to Aunt April who referred to Erin as being the daughter she never had. She had a special place in her heart for my Mom (Marlene) and my brother (Sonny, Tisk-Tisk) and for all the extended Gerbrandt family.  She especially loved to razz Uncle George and Dane and was close to Uncle John and Aunt Sandra.

The funeral service was held Wednesday, June 20 at Southland Community Church in Steinbach. A memorial service for Erin will follow in Colorado.

Donations in memory of Erin may be made to the Gerbrandt Family Trust Fund at the Steinbach Credit Union or to the Jake Epp Library.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Jacob H Neufeld, 88, of Steinbach, passed away at Bethesda Hospital on Friday, June 15. 2012. He is survived by five daughters and one son. He was predeceased by his wife Margaretha and one granddaughter. A viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Wednesday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. His funeral will be Thursday, June 21 at 2:00 p.m. also at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Silberfeld Chortitizer Mennonite Church Building Fund or to Soup's On Soup Kitchen.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Maria Peters, age 92, of Steinbach, formerly of New Bothwell, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach.
 
She is survived by three daughters, one son and their families.  She was predeceased by her husband, George D. Peters, one brother and one grandson.
 
There will be a viewing at the Silberfeld Chortitzer Mennonite Church on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.
 
The funeral service for Maria Peters will take place on Wednesday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Chortitzer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover Street, Steinbach, MB. Burial will take place at the Silberfeld Chortitzer Mennonite Church Cemetery.
 
Donations may be made to the Silberfeld Chortitzer Mennonite Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers.
 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Frances Warkentin (nee Penner) of Steinbach, Manitoba, formerly of Hyas, Saskatchewan passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Maplewood Manor

She is survived by three daughters, three sons, seven sisters, three brothers and their families.  She was predeceased by her husband Ed, her parents, one brother and three sisters.

Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Thursday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held at the North Star Mennonite Church, Norquay, SK with interment at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Frances may be made to Maplewood Manor, 284 Loewen Blvd, Steinbach, MB   R5G 1K3

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Jacob J. Wallman, 86, of Steinbach, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Bethesda Place.

He is survived by his wife Frieda, one daughter, one son, one sister, one brother and their families. He was predeceased by one daughter in infancy, one sister and one brother.

The funeral will be held Monday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., with interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery. Viewing will be at the church prior to the service.

If friends so desire, donations in Jacob’s memory may be made to MCC, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Eva Hiebert, 82, of Steinbach, MB formerly of Paraguay, passed away Friday, June 22, 2012 at Bethesda Hospital.

She is survived by her husband Henry, three sons, two sisters, four brothers and their families.  She was predeceased by two sons.

Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Tuesday, June 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery.

If friends so desire donations may be made to The Bethesda Foundation, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Abram (Abe) Unger, 84, of Greenland passed away Sunday, June 24, 2012 at his residence.

He is survived by his wife Frances, two daughters, four sons, four sisters, two brothers and their families.

Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Wednesday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held at Kleefeld Evangelical Mennonite Church on Thursday, June 28 at 2Z:00 p.m. with interment at the church cemetery

If friends so desire donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch), Unit 1 - 452 Dovercourt Dr, Wpg   R3Y 1G4 or to South Eastman Health Palliative Care Program, Box 470, La Broquerie, MB   R0A 0W0.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030. 

Peter K. Reimer, 79, of Steinbach, MB, passed away Monday, June 25, 2012 at the Bethesda Hospital.

He is survived by his wife Elda, one daughter, six sons and their families as well as by one sister and her family.

Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Thursday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

The funeral service will be held Friday, June 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Ridgewood Church, Hwy 311 E. with interment at the church cemetery.

If friends so desire donations may be made to South Eastman Health Palliative Care Program, Box 470, La Broquerie, MB   R0A 0W0 or to Canadian Sunday School Mission, 200-189 Henderson Hwy.; Wpg., MB   R2L 1L7

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.  

Peacefully on Monday, June 25, 2012 Peter Andrusiak, 87, of Sundown, Manitoba passed away in his sleep at his home.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Sophie, of 63 years.  Also his six children Christine (Larry) Block, Emil (Beverly) Andrusiak, Shirley (Dan) Brown, Emily (Rick) Driedger, Wesley (Theresa) Andrusiak, Edward (Donna) Andrusiak; sixteen grandchildren, nine great- grandchildren, one sister Olga Elyk and two sisters-in-law Rosie Andrusiak and Grace Andrusiak.

Prayers will take place on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. also at Birchwood Funeral Chapel.  Interment to follow at the St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery at Sundown, MB.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel • 346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.  

Alex Jaman, 88 years of age, passed away on June 25, 2012 at the Atikokan General Hospital.

Alexander is survived by his loving wife Lorena, step-family:  Lanny (Kim) Cross, Eileen Cross, Kevin (Sharon) Cross, Tanis (Doug) Hampshire:  grandchildren Lyle and Jamie Cross, Lana Johnson, Paul Cross, Marcia Gosselin and Diane Bowes, Jason Martin, Charmaine and Carla Cross, Robert Potts and Ryan Hampshire and extended families:  brothers Peter, Nicholas (Stella) and John (Marjorie), as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held at St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Sirko, MB on Monday, July 2, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Vita Funeral Home • (204) 425-3114

Norman Nielsen passed away at home on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the age of 82. He was predeceased by his sisters Ruth and Ethel.

Left to mourn his passing is his niece Barbara as well as many close friends and neighbours.

Norman was a lifelong member of the Ostenfeld Lutheran Church.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Ostenfeld Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 2, Group 7, R.R.#1, Anola, MB, R0E 0A0.

The memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 3 at 10 a.m. at Ostenfeld Lutheran Church, 54057 Provincial Road 302.

Sobering Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Beausejour, 268-3510 or Manitoba toll free 1-877-776-2220, www.soberingfuneralchapel.com.