Peacefully Thomas (Gerry) Palmer, with family by his side, passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at Dr. Evelyn Memorial Hospital in Stonewall Manitoba.

Gerry is predeceased by his parents, William (Bill) and Winnifred (Winnie) Palmer, and brother Bryan.  Surviving family members include his wife Dorothy; children Sherrie Lynn (Irvine), Kendall (Rosemary), Leanne (Lee), Grant (Carolyn) and son-in-law Blair (Laurie); grandchildren Quinn, Nick, Jamie, Derek, Hollie, Kyle, Sara, Ethan, Mark, and Jack; and great grandson Blake.  Gerry is also survived by his brothers-in-law Bill and George and sisters-in-law Bernice and Sheila, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and good friends.

Gerry attended Grosse Isle School while helping on his father’s dairy, pig and mixed grain farm.  After meeting the love of his life, Dorothy Jean Ritchie, they married on April 16th, 1960 and lived a short time in Winnipeg before moving to a house in Grosse Isle.  With the help of his father’s sister, Margaret Madill, Gerry and Dorothy were able to purchase land and build a new home in 1961 on E. 1/2 4-13-1 E.  Gerry worked for Agro Equipment until the purchase of the farm.  While working on the farm, he returned to work at Agro and International Harvester from 1967 to 1973.  In 1989, he again returned to International Harvester working for Leo’s Sales and Service and the Grandmont family until 2001.

For many farms like theirs, there were struggles and lean years. The farm was built by Dad’s labour and Mom’s care of the farm books, the house, garden and kids. The daily routine of feeding and caring for pigs lasted for decades. The barn was the engine and anchor of the farm. The land grew grain for sale and enough barley to feed the pigs and straw for bedding. Seeding and harvest were very active times with work and equipment shared with Gerry’s dad and brother Bryan at the home place south of Grosse Isle. Growing up on the farm leaves memories of dinners in the field, barn cats, riding horses, the best dogs, ski doos and snow drifts, picking rocks and grandparents over for Sunday supper. 

When time permitted, Gerry and Dorothy were involved in the Grosse Isle United Church and Recreation Club.  They particularly enjoyed spending time and travelling with the Stonewall Oldtimers Hockey Team and cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose.  Gerry also developed an impressive collection of International Harvester toys and many weekends were spent going to toy shows to exhibit his large assortment of tractors, combines, attachments, etc. 

In 1997, Gerry and Dorothy left the farm, moving to a house in Stonewall.  In 2015, they moved to Lions Manor.  More friendships developed and they quickly became part of the Lions community.

Retirement brought the opportunity to relax.  They enjoyed fishing trips to Lake of the Prairies, travelling to places such as Arizona, Missouri, California, the Canadian East Coast, and Alaska via cruise ship.  No matter where he went, Gerry could easily start a conversation and in Stonewall, it was rare that he didn’t meet someone he knew in the coffee shop.  He enjoyed family gatherings and keeping up on what each of his children and grandchildren were doing. 

In later years Gerry’s life was deeply affected by Dorothy’s transition to Rosewood.  He tried to visit her almost every day whether with one of his children or by using his scooter, weather permitting.  He will certainly be missed by all.

On behalf of Dorothy, and Gerry’s children and grandchildren, we want to express our gratitude. 

• To the staff of the Stonewall Hospital, Dr. Wachukwu, the Home Care team and all of the people who looked after Gerry so well.  Your steady presence, help, and kind words offered so much comfort when it was most needed. We truly appreciate you.
• To the Rosewood team who welcomed Gerry each time he rolled through the doors, thank you for making him feel so appreciated and confident in your care.
• To Gerry’s many friends, past to present, thank you for being there for him, particularly in the the tough times.  He enjoyed his daily visits to the “Learning Circle” and “Chat Group”, the lunch time conversation, and when you popped in to say ‘hi’.  We are so thankful that he had the Lions community supporting him!

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Stonewall Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, 166 Main Street, Stonewall, Manitoba.  (Accessible building access is available on the lower level.)

In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be directed to the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF), 233A Main St., Selkirk, MB R1A 1S1 (indicate ‘In memory of Gerry Palmer’ on memo line) or online at www.iehf (see ‘In memory of Gerry Palmer’ on fund drop-down menu).

December 10, 1943 – May 18, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Don Kowalchuk, on May 18, 2026 at age 82. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Pam Woods (Jon) and Erin (Kenton) Byle and his grandchildren, Cale and Jace Woods, and Sydney, Reid, and Wade Byle. Survived by his brothers Mike and Harry and sisters Mary and Adeline. Predeceased by his wife Heather of 54 years; parents Nicholas and Anna; brothers Joe, John and Bill; and his sisters Ann, Pauline, Jean, Rose and Pearl.

Dad was born in 1943 into a large family. He grew up in Komarno, MB and met mom at high school in Teulon. They married in 1968 and began building a life together in Winnipeg. In 1979, dad and mom bought land near Balmoral, built a house and barn, planted countless trees, and worked hard to fulfill their dream of raising their family in the country. Growing up, we were always excited to tag along with dad, whether it was going to the auction mart, picking mushrooms, or riding on the hay rack while dad baled. Dad taught the gradkids about farm life, took them for numerous tractor rides, and later taught them all to drive on the back roads. Many great memories were made on the farm and we all treasured our time there. While dad worked most of his life at Livingston’s distribution warehouse in Winnipeg, farming was always his true passion. He was happiest when he was with his cows, working away on his tractor, and puttering in his shop. Dad and mom retired to Stonewall in 2018, and in 2024, dad moved to Lion’s Manor where he was grateful for the new friendships he made there.

Dad was always content with his life and never placed much importance on material things. He was generous and always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He never judged others and accepted people as they were. He had a happy disposition and a way of making people feel special. He loved when friends and family stopped by for a visit, and enjoyed shop parties with the guys, playing cards, and a good prank. Although dad preferred to stay close to home, he did look forward to hot holidays with the family. Later in life, his happy place was his comfy recliner, where he watched sports and his favourite shows, and never grew tired of playing crib. Although Dad faced his share of health challenges, he kept chugging along, no matter what life put in his path.

Thank you Dad for making us feel so loved. We miss you. 

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Dad’s life on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Red Barn, located at the South Interlake Rockwood Agricultural Society grounds, just south of Stonewall on Highway 236.

It is with profound sadness that we announce Alex Krawec passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness.

 Alex is survived by his wife of 69 years, Shirley, children Alan (Mary Ellen) and Allyson, grandson Kieran Wallace, and brother Sam, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Michael and Michalina, brothers John, Harry, Marvin, Martin, Steve, Nick, Peter, Terry, Stanley; and sisters Sylvia, Helen, Mary, Anne, Olga, Jean, Vicky.

 Alex was born the 12th of 18 children on May 10, 1934, on the family homestead in Weiden, Manitoba. He spent hours tending to the farm and livestock, fondly saying that some of his happiest times were spent milking the cows.

 Music was essential in Alex’s life, starting with playing fiddle and guitar in the community hall in Weiden. He often entertained friends and family with his trusted guitar for hours on end, whether we wanted it or not. That love of music lives on through his children and grandson.

 Alex was one of the first of his family to receive a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to teach in several different communities in southern Manitoba, finally settling in Stonewall in November 1965. Alex advanced through the education sector: the Executive Director of Teacher’s Certification, Principal of the Correspondence Branch, and Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Education.

 Service to church and community was of utmost importance in Alex’s life. Along with Allyson, he led singing the mass in Church for many years, was an ecumenical minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

 In the community, Alex was a member of the Kinsmen Club. He also served as a town councillor in Stonewall for four years, followed by another four years as mayor. During his time in office, Alex was responsible for the beautification of the streets in Stonewall and the development of the Interpretive Centre in Quarry Park. In fact, as you enter the park, that street is named in his honour.

 He was a founding member of the Interlake Community Foundation and the Stonewall Senior’s Centre.

 His retirement years were spent doing consulting work, enjoying time with family and friends, and tending to the house he and Shirley built so many years ago. And although that big lottery win never happened, he did receive some tickets for his 92nd birthday. He never got a chance to check them, so we did. He won $102. Nice to go out on a winning note.

 Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 1 pm at Christ the King Catholic Church, 315 2nd Street East in Stonewall.

 In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, please make a donation to Christ the King Catholic Church or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

 The family cannot express sufficient gratitude to the staff of Rosewood Lodge over the last few months, and the aides, nurses and doctors at The Stonewall and District Health Centre for their care and compassion.

 When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do

 You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, be happy we had so many years

 I have you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me happiness

 I thank you for the love you each have shown but now it’s time I travel alone

 So grieve a while for me if you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust

 It’s only for a while that we must part so bless the memories within your heart

 I won’t be far away for life goes on, so if you need me call and I will come

 Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near, and if you with your heart, you’ll hear

 All of my love around you soft and clear, and then, when you must come this way alone I’ll greet you with a smile and say “Welcome Home”

 Or as Alex would say, “See all you again, God willing and the creek don’t rise.”

Ken passed away peacefully in his home on May 12, 2026.  Ken was born in Winnipeg on December 10, 1964. He is predeceased by his parents, Tony and Florence Penner.  Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Andrew (Elaine), Allen (Darlene) and his sisters Caroline (Stuart), Judy (Chris), his nephews and nieces Johann(Megan), Cody (Corissa),Jarret, AJ (Jessica),Sara (Kyle).

Over the years Ken was employed by Just Light, Auto Trader and Winnipeg School Division. Ken enjoyed working with people wherever he was. His positive approach and smile made his working environment enjoyable.

Ken had a strong relationship with Jehovah.  As his health deteriorated and he was unable to attend meetings he joined by zoom. Ken believed in the beautiful promise of Paradise.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Brian, on April 24, and our beloved mother, Myrna, on May 4. They left us just ten days apart, after both facing sudden illnesses with courage and strength.

 Left to miss them every single day are their children, Sherry (Dale), Tammy (Mike), Kristen (Betsy), Michelle (Trevor), and Tyler (Mandy); their grandchildren, Mark (Kaleigh), Cody, Easton (Renee), Jessica (Mark), Keauna (John), Dawson (Will), Lucas (Olivia), Camryn, Julia, and Elliet; and their great-grandchildren, Nataleigh, Carver, and Indy; Mom’s sister Sharon(Ray), Dad’s sister Colleen and their many treasured nieces and nephews.

 Mom and Dad were the pillars of our family. They held us together, loved us fiercely, and built a life rooted in commitment, hard work, and family. They worked tirelessly to provide for their five children, and their greatest joy was always found in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was not just important to them; it was their passion, their purpose, and the centre of everything they did. They were truly the best parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.  From family vacations in Hawaii and Great Britain, to camping across the country, weekend getaways, and summers at the cottage, there was always something they were planning.  We were quite the convoy when we loaded up to head out on one of the many adventures, they took us on.  Gpa and Gma spent years making memories with their ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They were always there for their grandchildren, sleepovers, special outings, and attending sporting events and cheering loudly from the stands with pride, joy, and unmistakable love.  They truly created a legacy of love, laughter, togetherness, and belonging.

Although they were both born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg, if you asked them where home was, they would have said Marquette, Manitoba, and Twin Lakes Beach, Manitoba. They spent years building a beautiful life, making friendships and raising their family in Marquette, and the last 30 years at their beloved cottage at Twin Lakes Beach, where their love of the lake and their love of family and friends came together so beautifully.

 Dad had a passion for cars, racing and fixing things. There was very little he could not build or repair. He built our childhood home in Marquette and our cottage at Twin Lakes Beach, creating the backdrop for so many of our favourite memories.  Mom was a lover of reading and puzzles. In her spare time, she could often be found snuggled up with a book and a blanket, or sitting at the table working on some kind of puzzle. Mom was the magic behind every holiday, creating traditions we will continue to cherish. Together, Mom and Dad were adventurers, and when retirement came, they welcomed the opportunity to head south to warmer weather, as long as we came to visit them.

 Their love story spanned many, many decades. While our hearts are deeply broken to lose them so close together, it brings us comfort to believe they are together again. They loved each other deeply in life, and that love remains part of the legacy they leave behind. 

A private family celebration of Brian and Myrna’s lives will be held later this summer.

 In their memory, and in honour of our love for our parents and the battles they faced, we ask those who are able to consider making a blood or platelet donation with Canadian Blood Services. Donations may also be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

July 6th,1946 – May 3rd, 2026

A Beloved Life Remembered

May loving memories bring comfort and peace.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Darlene Wittenberg nee Suderman.

Darlene was born in Steinbach, Manitoba on July 6th,1946 to Irma and Jacob Suderman. Darlene married Ted Wittenberg on May 5th,1967, and together they raised three children. Darlene will be greatly missed by Ted, loving partner of what would have been the celebration of their 59th wedding Anniversary.

Family was the heart of Darlene’s life. Darlene was a devoted mother and mother- in- law to Lisa Riley (Wittenberg) husband Kevin, Janis Raeburn (Wittenberg) husband Drew, Tanis Suthern (Wittenberg) and four grandchildren; Brooke-Lyn Steeves (Riley), husband Griffin, heavenly granddaughter McKenna Riley, Kaase Raeburn and Nolan Suthern.

Darlene blessed everyone around her with her giving spirit, generosity and deep unwavering faith and love as a wife, mother, aunt, sister and grandmother. Darlene adored her grandchildren unconditionally. Darlene was a familiar face in countless hockey arenas watching her grandchildren play. Darlene could always be found at all other sporting events; basketball, soccer, track meets, football, dance and Christmas recitals, graduations and birthdays. Darlene unselfishly helped care for, pampered and cherished them.

Darlene made her house a home with her love of decorating, gardening and hosting gatherings especially, Sunday dinners, holidays, birthdays and celebratory events. Darlene opened and welcomed many people and friends into her home with her special gift of making them feel like they were a part of the family.

Darlene was a devoted member of Gloria Dei Lutheran church and found thoughtful joy and peace with what could be considered her second home. Darlene built many loving, caring relationships and found her calling in helping others. Darlene also had a passion for all her pets and furry friends, especially her dog Benji, who was faithfully by her side while she fished. Darlene will be remembered for warmth, generosity, and deep love by everyone who had the pleasure to be part of her life and her yours.

The family takes comfort in knowing Grandma Dar and angel grandchild McKenna will be eternally embraced. Darlene is also reunited with loved ones who passed before.

Survived by children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday May 20th, 2026 at 11:00 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran church, 637 Buckingham Rd, Winnipeg, Manitoba. There will be a luncheon to follow immediately after service. A private burial will follow at a later date with family.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Winnipeg Humane Society or an act of kindness in Darlene’s memory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Boniface hospital for their compassionate care. The family also thanks Ken Loehmer Funeral Services in the planning. Online condolences will be shared on memorial page at klfuneralservices.ca. We also want to graciously thank Rev. Tyler Gingrich and members of Gloria Dei for support, assistance and service planning and Amber Skrabek who has graciously agreed to play and sing some special music.

Until we meet again.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard Oscar Johnson on April 21^st, 2026 — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather. Len passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and quiet strength that will be cherished forever.

Born in 1936 in Winnipeg and raised in Lundar, Manitoba, Len grew up with prairie values that shaped the man he became: steady, humble, and always willing to lend a hand. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Joyce. Together they raised a family and shared 59 beautiful years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

In the years following Joyce’s passing, Len was fortunate to find companionship and joy again with his partner of eight years, Elaine. Their time together brought comfort, warmth, and renewed happiness to his life.

A skilled auto mechanic and natural entrepreneur, Len built his life through determination and craftsmanship. He owned and operated his own Gulf gas station before later opening an auto parts store, becoming a trusted figure in his community and a friendly face to anyone who walked through his doors.

Outside of work, Len embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid golfer, a passionate stick curler, and a sharp and strategic card player. Whether competing, socializing, or simply enjoying the moment, Len brought warmth and good humor wherever he went.

Len’s greatest pride was always his family. His gentle presence, steady guidance, and quiet wisdom shaped generations who will carry his memory forward with love.

He is survived by his loving partner, Elaine; his children Donna (Bill), Wendy (Roman), and Doug (Tammy); his grandchildren Sara, Bryan (Rebecca), Ben (Dianna), Michelle (Bryceson), Jordan (Shannon), Jennifer (Ben), Jayden, and Corbin; and his great‑grandchildren Freya, Elliot, Clover, Amara, Amelia, Ava, Maeve, Vivian, Matthew, Taylor, and Indie. He is also survived by his siblings Leroy, Margaret, and Elaine (Denis).

Len was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce, as well as his brothers Norman and Allen.

A funeral service will be held on May 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Teulon, MB (Hwy #7), with Reverend Rick Condo officiating. A private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, in honour of Len’s life and legacy.

Len will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

After a courageous battle with illness, Bob passed peacefully, with his family at his side, on April 19, 2026.

Bob was predeceased by his sister Leslie, father Alex, and mother June. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Cindy, daughters Kristjana (Chris), and Jessie (Luke), his cherished grandchildren, Wesley, Lulu, Simon, and Siobhan, his brothers Craig and James, and many close friends.

Bob was born in Pine Falls, Manitoba and grew up in East Kildonan. As a young man, he worked in the Northwest Territories (Makenzie River/Tuktoyaktuk) before returning to university where he met the love of his life, Cindy. They married in 1975 and shortly thereafter moved to Balmoral, where they have resided until his passing.

After graduation, Bob worked as a wildlife biologist, Regional Wildlife Manager, and later Operations Superintendent for Manitoba Conservation. Some of Bob’s favourite projects were the restoration of Oak Hammock Marsh and the reintroduction of wood bison to Chitek Lake with Waterhen (Skownan) First Nation.  He retired in 2010, after 37 years of service.

A lifelong, avid outdoorsman, Bob lived for hunting, fishing and spending time in nature. He treasured his time at the hunting cabin at Camper, spending endless hours in the bush watching and listening for elk. He spent many an early morning at Lake Waterhen and other large lakes in Manitoba with his beloved dog Chloe at his side, ready to retrieve his ducks.

Bob’s favourite place on earth was the cottage at Pointe du Bois. “The Lake” has been part of the family since 1962 and Bob helped build the cottage with his father. The Lake was loved year-round: a jumping-off point for portages to George Lake, and a summer and winter haven for fishing and watersports.

Bob was a man of the woods, the water, and the winds. Upon retirement he sought to have a simple life and return to his favourite wild places, where his ashes may soon blow in the wind. Bob always knew the wind direction and speed, probably because he spent so much of his life hunting and fishing. You could always rely on Bob to identify an animal track, or a species of plant or bird. He treasured his visits with his grandchildren in BC, and family gatherings at the Lake. His grandchildren have inherited his appreciation for nature and outdoor adventure, particularly his grandsons Wesley and Simon.

Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 am at Oak Hammock Marsh Conference Centre. 

The family gives thanks to Dr. Graham who served as his family doctor for decades, as well as Christine and all the home care nurses who cared for Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations if desired can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong, and may you stay, Forever Young. – Bob Dylan