With heavy hearts and a lot of love, we announce the passing of Cheryl Jill Patricia Whittaker (McCullough) on March 21st, 2025, at the age of 69, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. She left us too soon but not before filling our lives with laughter, joy, and an endless amount of unforgettable antics.

Cheryl / Mudd / Aunt B / CJ / BFF / Cej / Shed / OBMBLS was the light of any room, the life of every party, and always the first to suggest or comment with something a little offbeat (often followed by a cheeky wink, though we all knew better).

Cheryl leaves behind her only daughter, Kaylin (Rob), her siblings Jeff (Shirley), Mike (Missy), and Michelle (Scott), along with her nieces and nephews – Joshua (Leanne), Jenna (Jordan), Josh, Alex, Rhea, and Kenzie, as well as her great-nieces and nephews. All of whom will miss her in their own special ways as she was so special to each of them.

Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Grace, and reunited with her life-partner, Jim, with whom she shared many years of love, cribbage, and motorcycle adventures. And of course, who could forget her trusty sidekick and furry companion, Finn.  

Cheryl was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and later moved to Rennie, Oakbank, Teulon, and eventually Stonewall, where she spent most of her teen years building great friendships and playing ball. In her 20s, Cheryl made the bold move to pack up and head west to Alberta to start her new adventure in the big city. It was there she began her career in oil and gas and raised her daughter with laughter and baseball. Cheryl spent most of her adult life in Calgary, making countless friendships, many of which were coworkers. She created her lifelong bond with her BFF and partner in crime, Cindy, often sharing all of life’s ups and downs over a tall vanilla latte.

When she retired after 40 years in her career in 2018, Cheryl’s only desire was to move ‘home’ to Manitoba to be closer to her family and reconnect with old friends. It was a decision that brought her so much joy as she rekindled cherished connections and embraced her life in a new peaceful rhythm, with Finn always by her side. Their bond was so special, and were it not for that chocolate sausage, she may never have found her new circle of great friends at the 11 o’clock Stonewall Dog Park Crew. She was the founding member of this pack, and the two-legged as well as four-legged were all so special to her. One of her biggest joys in life was her yard and flower garden, which quickly became the exclusive hot spot for most of Stonewall’s squirrel and bluejay population, where they splashed in the year-round bird bath and ate like kings.

Her sense of humor, her heart of gold, and her ability to make everyone around her feel welcome are only a few of the many things we will miss about her. While her absence leaves a big hole, we find comfort in knowing she’s no longer in pain and reunited with those she loved, cracking jokes, taking endless naps, and keeping everyone entertained with her signature “Cheryl” wit, all the while cheering on her Winnipeg Jets and Bombers from heaven.

A celebration of Cheryl’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the MS Society or an animal rescue foundation of your choice in honour of Cheryl’s beloved Finn.

March 13, 1979 – March 13, 2025

We Sadly announce the passing of Curtis Duane Kowalski on March 13, 2025 at the age of 46 years from Winnipeg, MB.

He is survived by parents Stan Kowalski, Shelly (Gordon) Normand; brothers; Dennis (Lil), Bryce; as well as many aunts, uncles, & cousins.

He was predeceased by grandparents, Stan(Sr) & Frances Kowalski, Orville & Anita Jones; Cousins; Crystal Jones & Chris James; Aunt; Chris Jones; Uncles; Bill James, & Wally Kowalski.

Curtis was born March 13, 1979 in Stonewall, MB., the oldest of 3 children. He was quiet, independent, and honest, with a unique sense of humor. He lived life on his terms. He loved music, statistics, numbers, and working with strategies in the many games he enjoyed playing. Curtis had had a keen interest in maps/geography. He spent his childhood in Stonewall where he graduated with honors. Over the years, he belonged to Beavers and then Scouts, earning many badges; He also enjoyed playing soccer.  After graduation, he continued his education at the University of Manitoba, obtaining a degree in Bachelor of Arts, specializing in statistics. After University, he struggled with a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum.

He worked over the years, in marketing, earning awards in performance.  His favorite pastime was playing Scrabble, and he belonged to the Winnipeg Scrabble Club, even becoming 3^rd top player in Manitoba in 2009.

He was shy, but also very determined, even one time going as far as entering a karaoke contest, shocking all who knew him. He liked to surprise us with his famous lasagna.

Gone far too soon; we will love and miss you forever and always, Curtis.

Your life was a blessing.

Your memory is a treasure.

You are loved beyond words.

And missed beyond measure.

Cremation has taken place. A private service will take place at a later date. Thank you for the kindness and support we have received during these difficult times. Thank you to Ken Loehmer funeral Services, for your very professional & compassionate service.

Richard Franke of Inwood, Manitoba passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the age of 80 years old.

Richard is survived by his four sons Louis (Dale), granddaughters Talia and Elizabeth and eight great grandchildren; Brian; Jason; Duane (Kristy) and grandson Oliver; siblings Martin, Rita (Harry), Randy and Sydney (Judy), several nieces and nephews, and extended family. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Giselda and his parents Richard and Katherine.

Service of Remembrance was held on Saturday, March 22nd at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church, Teulon at 11:00 a.m.

Born:  May 1^st, 1948 – Passed:  February 24^th, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle, Martin Thomas Dodd (a.k.a. PA) at the age of 76, just prior to his 77^th birthday.

Martin was born on May 1^st, 1948 in Stonewall, to the late John and Margaret Dodd.  He was educated at Balmoral Elementary and Stonewall Collegiate.  After high school, Martin worked at various jobs.  Eventually he was hired by  Canada Post, initially as a letter carrier and then advanced to supervisor.  In 2003, he retired from Canada Post after 32 years of service.

Martin met the love of his life, Lillian Panchuk, on August 4^th, 1968.  They were married on August 1^st, 1970.  They enjoyed a very loving marriage of 54 1/2 years which welcomed 3 beautiful daughters.

Martin enjoyed many activities including coaching and umping baseball, curling, golfing, camping, travelling and hunting.  He was also known locally for being a great music man!  He owned and operated Variety Sound for 25 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Dodd, brother Robert Dodd and his granddaughter Bailey Nicole, his in laws, Michael and Tina Panchuk, Brothers in law, William Panchuk, George Smith, Michael Panchuk, Sisters in law, Mary Smith and Carol Panchuk, nephew Terry Panchuk and nieces, Irene Panchuk and Christine Fillion.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, his 3 daughters, Cheryl (Mel), Debbie (Paul), Michelle (Jim), 6 grandchildren, Jessica (Dakota), Brooke (Tanner), Logan, Carter, Rylan, Kati and 1 very special great granddaughter, Madison.  He is also survived by his siblings, Edwin (Linda), Wayne (Gwen), Sharon (Nick), Sisters-in-law, Jean Dodd and Shirley Panchuk as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends and neighbors.

Martin’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 7^th, 2025 at Balmoral Community Hall, Balmoral, Manitoba at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

May 6, 1939- Feb. 21, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of James Appleyard on February 21, 2025 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg at the age of 85. 

James was born on May 6, 1939 at the family farm in the RM of Rockwood. He attended both elementary and high school at the Grosse Isle School. In 1959 James relocated to Winnipeg and began a 45-year career with the Manitoba Government working in the finance department. After retiring, James took on various odd jobs including bartending at the Granite Curling Club and working as condo security. However, the role he valued most was driving seniors to their appointments and errands—a job he found deeply fulfilling and took great joy in.

James was a man of many talents but his natural gift for music stood out above all. He had an incredible ear for the piano—able to play nearly any song requested, often adding his own unique twist. He entertained his many nieces and nephews for hours with his lively playing, filling the room with music and laughter. James also played the drums for years, often performing alongside his cousin Harold Jones from Warren. Beyond music, he was known for showing up to visits with a freshly baked pie—especially during saskatoon berry season and was still picking fresh saskatoons in 2024. He was an enthusiastic collector with a special fondness for Brown Betty teapots.

James is survived by is brother Douglas (Beverly), sister in-law Janice, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Predeceasing James were his parents, Robert and Amy (Lindley), his siblings Ruth Sampson (Mel), Kenneth (Viola), Bob (Doreen), Isabel Nichol (George), and Ron.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honour of James at Grassmere Cemetery on Sunday, August 24 at 1:00 PM. Following the service, family warmly invites everyone to join them for lunch and shared memories at the Ag Society Red Barn just south of Stonewall.

James lived a life full of laughter, music, and meaningful moments. His generous spirit, sense of humour, and unwavering love for family and friends will be remembered always—a life well lived and deeply cherished.

May 25, 1943 – February 18, 2025

 With great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Robert Lloyd Millar, our beloved dad, brother, gramps and great grandpa on February 18, 2025, at the age of 81. Bob was predeceased by his cherished wife Marlene, much-loved son Russ, his parents, Jim and Agnes Millar, and siblings: Ollie, Arla, Arnold, Angus, Ray and Alice.

 Bob was raised in Harperville, Manitoba and married the love of his life Marlene Mason on September 23, 1961. Dad will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – son: Mitch & Julie, Marri & Leif, Jenna & Braden (Arlo, Mickey), Lannea & Devan; son: Bobe & Joanne, Richard, Dennis & Katie (Macie), Derek & Jenna, Chad & Alex; daughter: Theresa & Stuart, Jackie & Rocky (Malory, Leonidas, Carly, Vanessa, Maximus), Shawn (Leighton, Brittin, Everly), Curtis & Sharmanda (Annaleigh), Jason & Erinn, Austin & Mackenzie, Tyson, Avery; son: Tim & Sandra, Heidi. Also mourning his loss are his sisters Grace and Bernice (Louis), brother-in-law Ken (Sylvia), numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many long-time friends.

 Mum and Dad had a wonderful marriage, and their strong bond of love was felt by each family member. They were always together, often surrounded by family and friends around the kitchen table. They had mutual interests which included their passion for horses and travelled often to the World Horse Show in Oklahoma. Their strong work ethic was evident on the farm and while running the Oak Point Chalet. In recent years, dad enjoyed weekend car shows throughout the province and tinkering in his garage with a particular interest in his 1930 Ford Model A. He occasionally strummed on his guitar; it was a real treat when he did this with his brother Ray. Dad appreciated the time spent with his family over a meal or a joyful celebration. He was a respected Oak Point community member, attending various community events and supporting folks who needed his help. He loved his grandchildren, and they enjoyed discussing and laughing about his many ‘grampa-isms’ with each other.

 Dad lost a little bit of himself when mum died. As part of his will, on a piece of paper, in his beautiful penmanship, he made a very special request. Dad stated that it was important to have his ashes and mum’s ashes placed in the same urn so that they would be together forever.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 5th at 2:00 p.m. at the Oak Point Hall in Oak Point, Manitoba. If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

It is with broken hearts and everlasting love that we said goodbye to our mom Joan on February 14, 2025 at the Stonewall Hospital. Our family is for ever grateful for the time we were able to spend with her.

Mom was born on July 29, 1935. Mom and Dad celebrated their 69^th wedding anniversary this past year and she was heartbroken and missed him dearly when he passed in September 2024.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Bob, infant child, dearly beloved daughter Jo-Ann, her parents Marj and Harry, sister Elaine, in-laws Ebba and Charlie, Russ and Sue, Margaret and Bob and many others.

She leaves behind her cherished daughters Tracy (Tom) and Margaret (Gary), much loved grandchildren Sarah, Alicia, Jason, Michelle, Brad, Dale, Heather, Eric and Trevor, also her great grandsons who brought Papa and GG so much joy, Jaxon, Charlie and Theo. Her sister Sandy, nephews Derrick, Darryl and Guy, niece Tammy and their families.

Our family would like to express our deepest thanks to the Doctor’s, nurses and health care professionals who provided our mom with excellent care during her stay in hospital. Our family and especially mom, greatly appreciated your compassion, care and understanding during such difficult times for her. You are all angels.

We would also like to thank her family physician Dr. Olyiame, Dr. Zahiri, the EMT’s and her Home Care Case Coordinator Michelle and the many aides who assisted Mom and Dad through the years allowing them to remain in their home which they were truly grateful for.

At Mom’s request, there will be a family service at a later date.

OCTOBER 1, 1953- FEBRUARY 14, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Raymond David Tataryn at the age of 71.  Dad peacefully took his final breaths on the morning of Valentine’s Day, after a long journey battling several health issues, including a cancer diagnosis in 2016. 

Ray is predeceased by his mom and dad, Michael and Catherine, brother Stewart, sister-in-law Donna, beloved niece Lisa, cousin Tom and wife Inez, and best friend Allan.

Raymond was born on October 1, 1953, in Selkirk, MB.  After graduating high school, he went to Red River College to study business administration, but quickly redirected to the trades, working as a lineman for MB Hydro, then moved to Vancouver working as a sheet metal mechanic for Pacific Western Airlines.  Ray moved back to his hometown in 1982 and bought a house on Manitoba Avenue, going to work at the rolling mill in Selkirk, joining his cousin Tom and following in his dad Mike, and Uncle Walter’s footsteps.

Ray moved his growing family from Selkirk to the farm outside of Teulon in 1992, where he and Frances raised the kids.  They had a small hobby farm, farming rabbits, then pigs and chickens.  He was a hard worker, striving to provide for his family often working many extra shifts.  While raising the kids with mom, he continued to work full time at the mill, until retiring after 30+ years.

After Ray retired, he dabbled in a few hobbies, like gardening, canning, and cooking, although some of his recipes were only eaten by the dog and cat.  He loved taking the boat for an afternoon fish on the creek with a friend or his grandkids, and hunting with friends or his son and son in law, although he was almost always there for the snacks and the company.  After a few years of starting projects, Ray went to work at the fish farm with the McDonald boys, where he started several great friendships.  He treasured the time he spent at the fish farm, often saying he’d do whatever job just to go for coffee with everyone.  He worked there until his health no longer allowed him to and he retired again in 2022.

Raymond was a social butterfly, always running into someone he knew, and always making the time to make a phone call to stay connected to relatives and old friends, or to tell his grandsons if there was a Jets or Blue Jays game on tonight.  He was proud to carry on traditions, have special family dinners and share stories about his loved ones, living and passed. Ray loved to watch his grandchildren in cadets, or playing hockey and baseball, and always wanted to know what they were doing.  He was always a listening ear to anyone who wanted to chat and could often be heard laughing in a crowd of people.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Darryl, Tyler (Heather), Megan (Dave), Elissa (Joe); grandchildren Tyrell, Dominic, Piper, Parker, Finlee, Jonas and Toren; sisters Marie (Brian) Day and Nancy (Bob) Baron, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, special great nephews and great niece, and many close friends.

A memorial service will be held at Stonewall Legion on Thursday, February 27 at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Inwood Sports Club, where the kids can always play.

Sara Tempel, soon to be Sara Torch, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of February 12, 2025 in La Broquerie, Manitoba. To her family, she is now a shining star in the sky, watched over by the moon, embodying the love and light that she brought into their lives.

Sara was a spectacular woman – wild, carefree, and adventurous – who saw the good in everyone. She was a fierce defender of anyone who needed someone in their corner. She was passionate and talented, excelling at anything she tried, from art, design, sewing, and leatherworking to the outdoors, camping, hiking, and sailing. As much as she loved to be out in the world, she also loved to be at home, cooking, baking, gardening, building Lego sets, playing computer games, and being with Tyler and their dogs.

One of her greatest joys in life was children. She wanted nothing more than to start a family of her own. She cherished her niece, Sophie, and they could never be parted from the other’s side whenever they were together.

Sara loved the Lord above anything else, and though called later in life, she honoured Him daily with her kindness and shining optimism, spreading joy to all around.

Sara was born February 15, 2000 in Winnipeg, Manitoba under the sign Aquarius: independent, creative, and humanitarian, traits that Sara valued throughout her life. She was the youngest of three siblings. She attended MC College and graduated in 2019 with a diploma in fashion design. Her amazing talent flourished when she found a place to call home with her future husband, Tyler. There, he introduced her to leatherwork, which she took to immediately. With Tyler at her side and a place for her beauty and talent to thrive, Sara began her dream business – a small country rodeo boutique. Unbeknownst to her, her work and personality touched people across the country.

Sara is loved and mourned by Tyler, her soon to be husband and chosen person; parents, Bert and Sherri (Sean); siblings, Brittany (Derek) and Mathew (Nadisha); nieces, Sophie and Ivy; nephew, Rowan; and beloved dogs, Ruby, Sako, and Tikka. She will be dearly missed by countless friends and family. Sara is predeceased by her grandpa Leroy, who was waiting with open arms to bring her home to the stars.

A service to honour Sara’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1^st, 2025, at 2:00pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church (47 – Hwy 7 N) in Teulon, Manitoba. A luncheon will follow in the church basement. All who knew and loved Sara are welcome to attend.

Sara lived her life in vivid colour, her favourites being her signature turquoise and orange combo. Flowers are welcomed and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toba Centre for Children & Youth in Sara’s memory.

Toba Centre for Children & Youth

71 Assiniboine Park Dr., Winnipeg, Manitoba. R3P 2N9

(204) 944-1405

Home

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

Psalms 147:3-4

February 1, 2025

“Jimmy O”

It is with profound grief, sadness and heaviest of heart I must announce the passing of

My Dear Sweet Jimmy! Jim is our beloved Husband, Dad and Papa and will be forever

loved and missed beyond what any words can adequately express.

Jim passed away February 1, 2025, at the age of 68, suddenly and very unexpectedly,

while doing what he loved best, driving his big-rig.

Jim leaves to mourn and cherish his precious memories, his wife, the love of his life,

Brenda-Lee Olson (nee Neufeld), his children, Wes Olson (son), Holly Marie Olson

(daughter & Steve Demkey), Sally O’Callaghan (daughter, & Navi Horsfield), Mac James Robinson

(grandson, Holly’s son), Kelvyn Robinson (honorary son, Mac’s Dad) as well as our

fur babies, Katie and Mishka. Jim is also survived by many family members from both

sides of our family to numerous to mention as well as his/our countless friends (you

know who you are).

As you all know, Jim tragically passed away February 1, 2025. Jim was on his way from

Georgia to Edmonton, AB when he suffered a catastrophic heart incident caused by an

enlarged heart just east of Regina, SK. We were, very sadly, unaware of this condition

he had as he showed no signs of anything wrong. That night, the weather was bad, the

roads were bad as a snowstorm was causing all kinds of havoc. Jim was planning on

getting into Regina and “park it” for the night. With an extremely heavy heart, I have to

say, he did not make it there. The medical examiner assured me nothing could have

been done. Even lf a heart surgeon had been there, my precious Jimmy could not have

been saved. She told me, “Your husband is a HERO! Jim should not have had any

control over his body at this point and he should, by rights, have crashed”. HE DID

NOT! He did pull the truck over to the shoulder as best he could, put the truck in neutral,

turned on his hazard lights, and with his foot on the brake, sat back in his seat and

promptly went to “sleep”. I have been assured, Jim did not suffer. I was told, his heart

just stopped. Liked flipping a switch. One minute you’re breathing, the next minute,

you’re not. It was that fast.

Jim started his working career at a very young age. If I recall correctly, he started

working at a local neighbourhood gas/garage station at around 12 years old as well as

attending school. It wasn’t long after, when his attentions turned to flashing lights first

with tow trucks and then added the sirens of the ambulance in 1973 with Les Baker as

his mentor. After awhile, Jim’s head was also turned by the lure of the elusive highway

and “Big Trucks`. This man, as I came to understand, always threw his whole self into

everything he did. Good, bad or indifferent (and everything in between) it didn’t matter.

Jim always did it with passion and his absolute best!

Over the years, Jim forged many friendships pretty much with everyone that ever met

him. He has been a great mentor, confidante and a personal “atlas” to so many. Even

the dispatchers have often had other drivers call Jim to get proper directions to just

about anywhere and any customer he had ever delivered to.. even if it was just once

that he had been there himself, he had it in his “bible”.. or just simply in his head

Highway numbers, exit numbers where the best place was to stop. He had it all.

Jim was known on the road as “Stampede”, “Jimmy 0” and my personal favourite,

Brenda’s Husband/Dance Partner! Many of you out there have referred to him as “The

Legend of Jimmy 0″ and I have to agree. Jim was loved and adored everywhere he

went. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Many times, he

helped someone, a family down on their luck, a bus full of young 20 year olds just trying

to get back home with a broke down bus. He would fill their gas tanks and fill their

bellies to help them get on their way. He truly was a modern day Hero in so many ways.

Rest easy now Sweetheart. You served your last call well. As always, you kept the

“Shiny Side Up!” right to the end! Let’s all raise a glass to my dearly beloved. And as

always:

My Dear Sweet Jimmy, I’ll see you in my dreams: I love you and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

G’nite Sweetie! I love you EVERY BREATH! Thank you for the Best 25+ years of my

life! You will always be my “Knight in Shining Armour”. “And remember Jimmy, I get the

first and the last dance of night. Keep your dance card open for me Babe”!

You are encouraged to arrive in your highway tractors if possible. I have been informed

you can park on Main St as it is a Sunday.

Funeral Services for Jim will be held February 23, 2025 at 13:00 hours (1pm) at the Stonewall

Legion 459 Main St, Stonewall, MB

Internment to follow at the Balmoral Victoria Cemetery after the service. Then return to

the Legion where we will celebrate “Jimmy O”

Ken Loehmer Funeral Services in charge of arrangements