With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Brian after a brief illness with his family by his side at the Gimli Community Health Centre on Monday April 7, 2025 at the age of 82 years.

Brian is survived by his daughters, Cindy Finney, Jackie Shorrock, Jodie Dear ( Howie), his sister Lisa Rach (Kevin), sister in law Mary Zaharia and Uncle Norman Kamins (Rose).
Also survived by 7 grandchildren; Nicole Goulsbra (Jason), Bryon Shorrock (Jennifer), Brandy Shorrock,  Robyn Knapp (David), Ashly Shorrock,  Rachel McDonald (Justin), Michael Delorme; 12 great grandchildren,  1 great-great grandchild, nephews, nieces, cousins and numerous friends.

Brian was predeceased by his loving wife Linda Zaharia in October of 2023, his parents Bill and Elsie Zaharia, brother Wayne Zaharia, sister Linda Rushnik and one nephew.

Dad was born August 2, 1942 in Winnipeg,  Manitoba. Dad loved spending time “shooting the shit” with his family. He would often tell many stories and laugh with such a bellar.  He loved the outdoors, camping and fishing with family, loved to tinker with things which usually ended up a mess and mom upset.

Dad and Mom excelled in their restaurant business of Linda’s Place and Linda’s Catering, meeting many people along the way. Mom retired in the early 90’s. They then moved to Gunton, Mb. where they lived for almost 30 years, and Dad retired in 2009.

After mom passed, Dad resided at the Gimli Betel, where he made many new friends and would often scoot around in his chair teasing and joking around with the staff, (he had his favorites) or listening and singing to Elvis on that ” hey Google thing”.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Gimli Community Health Center for making Dad comfortable during his last days, to the staff at the Gimli Betel that looked after him through his transition of his new home. And especially to Dr. Graham and staff at the Stonewall & District Health Center, Teulon Homecare, for the many past years of care given to both Mom and Dad.

If friends and family so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gimli Betel Home Foundation in Dad’s name, would be greatly appreciated.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Gunton Community Hall.

July 5, 1955 – March 31, 2025

With heavy hearts, peacefully at the age of 69 we said farewell to our loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.

Dad will be deeply missed by his wife Sarah of 43 years, children Rodney and Melissa, grandchildren Aiden and Alysse, brother Ben (Judy), sisters Ruth, Dora (Zach), Clara (Mike) and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Dad loved sharing stories, causing mischief, a wrench in his hand, the sun on his face and anything to do with the outdoors. He loved life and anything it had to offer. He lived with a smile on his face, a strong handshake and love for all his family and friends.

A big heartfelt thank you to Cancer Care and Stonewall Palliative Care who treated Dad and us like family.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 11^th, 2025 at Schoenfelder Mennonite Church, Hwy 26.

‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith’ 2 Timothy 4, verse 7

May 3, 1950 – March 27, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our precious beautiful Wife, Mom, Nanny, and friend, Lorraine Dyck (Emms) on March 27^th, 2025, age 74, at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital.  Mom leaves behind her loving husband of 55 years Allan, daughter Barbara (Frank), son Carl (Angela), her precious grandchildren Brennan (Anastassiya), Taylor (Jess), Brieanna (Kenneth), Christian (Avery), Quinn and Yannic. Good Family/Friends Ruth & Jack Skogan, Jean and Joanne Vaillancourt, Margaret and Bob Kessler, and Bill and Joyce McKnight.

Mom’s pride was her family. She was known for her amazing cooking, baking and quick wit. Mom was extremely proud of her grandchildren and was excited to always listen to what they were doing good, bad or otherwise.  Mom’s traditions were passed down to her children and grandchildren and this will remain with them forever. Coffee was always on for her and Dad’s friends and family, and the door always open.

The family wishes to thank Mom’s caregivers, Brieanna, Bev, Margaret, Simone and Justine.  A special thank you to Jean and Joanne for Always being there to help Mom and Dad. Thank you to the Staff at both the Stonewall Hospital and Teulon Hospital for providing exceptional care and kindness to Mom.

At Mom’s request, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date.

MARCH 6, 1934 – MARCH 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mom Caroline. She was a loving mother, grandmother, nanny, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Mom is survived by her children, Donna (Doug), Brenda (Glen), Kim (Murray), Dwight (Kristy), Grandchildren Leah, Scott (Casey), Kristen, Jarett, Jason (Cassie), Kyle, Tara (Les), Carly (Lane). Her great grandchildren Landon, Ethan, Peyton, Brady, Gem, Bella, Mickayla (Bryan), Blake, Wade, Dylan, Brody, Maddie, Parker, Mason, Tanner. Also left to mourn are siblings Audrey McFee, Bruce (Audrey) MacMillan, Angus (Ilene) MacMillan, Edith McFee, Gwen (Eldon) Sargeant. Sisters-in Laws Eva MacMillan, Irene (Dan) MacMillan and numerous nieces and nephews and special friend Irene Robinson.

Mom was born March 6, 1934 to William and Elsie MacMillan. The 4^th child of 10 kids. She grew up in the Meadow Lea area. On November 6, 1954 she married our dad Donald King. They had 4 children. Mom and Dad worked hard running the farm. They enjoyed going to dances, sporting events and spending time together. When Dad passed, mom’s life changed. She had to adjust to a new way of living and she did. Mom’s family was everything to her. She enjoyed going to the lake, playing bingo, cards, family get togethers, grandkids and great grandkids dropping in to say hi and getting a chocolate bar.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Donald (1990), by her parents William and Elsie, granddaughter Amber, sisters Julia King, Evelyn Hiebert. Brothers Harvey MacMillan, Gordon MacMillan, Brothers-in-Laws Bill King, John Hiebert, Art McFee, Ronald McFee. Sister-in-Law Joan MacMillan.

Cremation has taken place.  At Mom’s request, there will be a private family service.

The song has ended, but they will dance forever!

Eileen Myrtle Loehmer (nee Miller) aged 84 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on March 24, 2025.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Elmore, along with children Laurie (Don), Ken (Darci), Lyle (Michelle), and Darryl (Carol) Grandchildren Craig (Gina), Jaymie (Randy), Chad (Daria), Kyle (Kezia), John, Tyler, Ella and Alexa. Great grandchildren Callum, Madelynn, Kaden, Owen, Norah, Luka, Slava and Kennedy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Eileen is predeceased by her parents, Albert and Myrtle Miller, brother Ken and sister-in-law Cathy Miller, sister Denise McGaughey and her great granddaughter Emily Loehmer as well as special aunt, Norma Hogg.

Mom was born in Stonewall on May 1,1940. She was raised in Argyle, where she attended school. During these years, Mom enjoyed curling, playing baseball, school sports, participating in 4-H, spending time with her brother Ken, and childhood friends. Following school, she moved to Winnipeg and shared an apartment with her brother Ken and worked at the Royal Bank.

In 1957 Eileen met Elmore and they were married on May 7, 1960. They raised their family and side by side operated the family farm near Balmoral. The farm was more than just a home, it was a place where family gathered. Whether it was relatives staying for days or friends dropping in to visit, Mom welcomed everyone. Memories on the farm are of family meals in the field, rides on the ATC to check the cattle, playing a competitive family game of spoons or snowmobiling with the neighbors.

Mom was an avid sports enthusiast and played fastball with the Elmwood Pats. Mom enjoyed curling, and even raced snowmobiles. She loved watching her family participating in their various interests and sports and was proud of each of their accomplishments. While we were growing up Mom enjoyed volunteering in the community of Balmoral. She was a member of the Teulon Hunter auxiliary and taught Sunday School.

Mom will be remembered for her kindness and her constant care for others. She showed her love through the meals she prepared, always making sure there was more than enough for everyone.

She took a special interest in making her grandchildren their favorite treats. Family favourites included mom’s homemade bread, buns and cinnamon buns. Mom always had a large garden and in the fall the shelves would be stocked with all of her canning.

Family was everything to Mom, her greatest joy came from being surrounded by loved ones. In recent years, Mom got great joy out of visits from her great grandchildren.

In 2022, Mom was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and required placement in a personal care home until her passing.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Tyndall Building, Selkirk for their compassionate care.

A graveside family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba – Research.

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.