(nee Lavender) December 31st 1937-December 20th 2021    Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, Marion Strick passed away on December 20th 2021.

Left to mourn her passing are her sister Dianne Florence, her children Gord (Judy), Les (Barb), Howie (Rose-Ann), and Barbie (Clint) Eskilson, grandchildren Mike, Steve, Niki (Vince), Troy, Kirk, Nadine (Justin), Robert (Brittany), Brooklyn (Blake), great Grandchildren Ryan, Olivia, and Timothy, along with countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and her aunt Audrey.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Albert, parents Andrew, Evelyn, and step-father Allan, brother Jimmie, sisters-in-law Gladys Olson and Irene Zablotny, and brothers-in-law Elwood Olson and Brian Florence.  Mom was born on December 31st 1937 in Teulon, Manitoba. She grew up and lived her entire life in Inwood. She became a teacher at age 17, after completing one year at Provincial Normal School, where she made many lifelong friends. Mom continued taking correspondence and distance-ed courses and earned a Bachelor of Education degree in 1987. We were all very proud of her accomplishment.

She married Albert Strick in 1957 and raised their four children in Inwood. In 1966 they settled into their farm on the east end of town. Mom was always active on the farm, looking after the books and milking cows with the rest of the family. The dairy cows were sold in 1997 and mom retired, but still looked after the farm finances and accounting.

Mom loved gardening, flower beds, pickling and canning each year, and taking pictures. She spent many days preparing entries for the Teulon Agricultural Fair (usually around 100!) and Teulon Pumpkinfest. After the fair, all her entries along with the ribbons won, were on display around her house. There were always unexpected wins on a few entries that she thought were “not so great”.

Her kitchen was always a welcome place for family and friends, especially on Thursday mornings for “coffee club”. In her later years she travelled to Ottawa, Florida, British Columbia, and Hawaii, but her favourite place to be was home.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Stonewall Hospital who went above and beyond caring for mom. Marion will be honored at a private family service, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to a young local family who recently lost their father. Cheques can be sent to: Adrian Rink, Box 85, Inwood MB, R0C 1P0.

September 12, 1932 – December 20, 2021     We are greatly saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved Jim, in his 90th year, on the evening of December 20, 2021, in the Stonewall Hospital.

Deeply grieving are his wife of 68 years, Helen, daughters Leslie Patterson (Rick), Kathy Keon (Greg), and son Cal (MaryEllen). He was predeceased by son Gordie (Daphne) on December 19, 2011. His children were a source of great pride, joy, and comfort throughout his life.

Jim was also predeceased by his brother Ted (Agnes), sister Wilda (Vernon) Jones, niece Darlene Jones Berubé and nephew Scottie Harris. Siblings surviving him are sister Donna Baldwin (Kev deceased), Carol Nichol (Dan) and brother George (Barb).

Forever missing Grandpa are nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and dozens of children throughout his life (many now grown with children of their own) who called him Grandpa Jim. He had a magical way of connecting with every child he met.

Jim was born September 12, 1932, his birth certificate location reading NE ¼ section 36-12-1W Rosser, Manitoba. His parents, Charlie & Emma (Moore) were both descendants of early Manitoba pioneer farming families and it was through the common struggle and joys of farm life that he absorbed the values of hard work, love of animals and love of the land. One of his sayings to his children as they were growing up was “Someday you’re going to have to do something you don’t want to do”, perhaps learned so well as a youth on the farm.

Having been born into the community of Grosse Isle nine days apart, no one can be sure when he first met his wife Helen Borthistle, but it surely must have been in the early thirties at some social function in the local gathering place – the upper floor of the old Red Brick School. Attending that dear old school, mutual attraction grew, and they were married in August 1953.

After leaving school Jim took up the trade of plastering and stuccoing, later becoming the trade instructor at the then Manitoba Technical Institute. When plastering gave way to drywall he was hired as salesman/trouble shooter for Westroc Industries. He later worked for Provincial Drywall. On a cold wet pre-dawn morning in the fall, he would leave a cozy, comfortable bed, get appropriately dressed and go out into the middle of a field somewhere and dig a muddy hole (called a hide) for a customer to whom he had promised a good goose-shoot that morning.

A family home was built on a small acreage in Grosse Isle in 1956. His talent for creating decorative coved ceilings and archways is preserved well there. Inevitably a barn soon appeared on the property and the children grew up enriched by the experience of life on a farm with a variety of farm birds and animals.

He partnered with his brother George in running the family farm, purchasing farmland, fondly referred to as “The Ponderosa”. On this land is located a large slough which has been converted to a protected wetland.

Jim was an enthusiastic competitor in any sport he played or coached. In his early twenties, with family to support, he gave up hockey for curling. The pinnacle was reached in 1985 when as a member of the Senior Men’s Manitoba championship team he was able to experience the excitement and pride of playing for Manitoba in the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship in Yorkton.

He never shirked hard or dirty work, one time coming home from the hall looking particularly disheveled and soiled from top to bottom. He revealed he had been in the crawl space under the hall looking for a plumbing malfunction. He was asked if he thought he would be given a medal for doing such a thing. Amazingly, Queen Elizabeth gave him a Diamond Jubilee medal for volunteerism.

Always a salesman he could even sell an idea, the greatest one being the saving of the iconic Ridgeway House and moving it to what would become the Heritage Site in Grosse Isle as an attraction for the passengers disembarking from the Prairie Dog Central each summer weekend. With the overwhelming support and energetic volunteers, it was refurbished and dedicated on the site in 2011. Several more heritage buildings have been added. In the process many strong friendships have been formed between members of our community and the wonderful people of the Vintage Locomotive Society and the dedicated volunteers who run the Prairie Dog Central.

Jim was fondly dubbed “the mayor”, “the chief” and had become the chief skunk eradicator of the town and surrounding area.

He was a mischievous “provocateur extraordinaire”, an agitator to get important things done (preferably on “Jimmy time”) and a fighter in every way. During his greatest fight with cancer, he became a source of hope, support, and comfort for the many others he knew with cancer.

A Celebration of Life will be held when feasible. Jim’s final resting place will be at the St. Michael’s Anglican Church cemetery near Grosse Isle, a few yards from where he was born.

The family is forever grateful for the kindness of the paramedics, hospital staff and Dr. Pinniger on the day of his passing and to Dr. Wong and all at Cancer Care Manitoba where Jim made many friends.

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Grosse Isle Heritage Site Inc, Box 34, Grosse Isle, MB, R0C 1G0 or a charity of one’s choice.

December 6, 1948-December 20, 2021      After a courageous battle with cancer, James (Jimmy) Sheldon passed away December 20th at Stonewall Hospital.

Jimmy is survived by his brother Ralph and sister-in-law Sarah of Australia, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and too many friends to mention. He was predeceased by his brother David and sister-in-law Audrey.

Jim was born in Stonewall to Thomas and Margaret Sheldon on December 6, 1948. He was educated in Stonewall and raised on the family farm west of town. Farming was in his blood, and he spent many years farming with his brothers. He was trained as a steam fitters and spent a long career in the trade working for CP Rail, where he formed many friendships. Upon retirement from the railway, he returned to farming, working for his good friend Jack Grandmont. He was the happiest working the land, and spent endless afternoons out “crop checking”.

Since illness slowed him in 2016, his pastime became having coffee with his many friends at Tim Hortons. One of Jim’s passions was quading and snowmobiling. He spent many hours volunteering and riding with the local snowmobile club. He always had time for a ride, and recently really enjoyed riding with his nieces and nephews.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held at a later date when gathering is permitted. A private family internment will be held when Ralph and Sarah can travel.

The family would like to thank Jim’s cousin Dan Croy who has driven him to all his appointments over the last five years, and has walked the road with Jim every step of the way. Also to the many doctors and nurses at Cancer Care Winnipeg, Selkirk Hospital and Stonewall Hospital, whom he formed special bonds. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Mb, R3E 0V9.

August 19, 1932 – December 18, 2021     It is with sadness the family announces the sudden but peaceful passing of Muriel Lillies (Mollard) on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the age of 89 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Clifford (Marilynn), Kimo (Wendy), Russell (Kimberley), and Susan ((Terry). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Cindy (Murray), Gordon (Amy), Curtis (Kesneil), Brenlee (Fabio), Tanis (Jeff), Kyle, and Tessa (Landon) as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Muriel was predeceased by her husband Harvey in 2006, her parents Queenie and Happy Mollard, and six brothers: Snookie, Reggie, Mutch, Bobby, Fred, Roy, and Kenny, along with sister Allie.

She is survived by sister Joan, sister-in-laws Ruth and Lillian, and numerous nieces and nephews. Over the years Muriel was employed as a dental assistant, a receptionist at the hospital, a cashier at the Allied Hardware store, a janitor at the RCMP station, a cashier at Kern Korner gas station, and a flyer inserter at the Stonewall Argus Office. These jobs allowed Muriel to deal with the public and with people – which suited her personality. She was a people person! Muriel volunteered her time as a Girl Guide Leader, belonged to the Figure Skating Club, was a supporter of the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary, helped in the Annual Campaign Fundraiser for Cancer for over twenty years, and assisted with the local Terry Fox Run.

In her spare time Muriel loved to golf, curl, and swim. When her body no longer enabled her to participate, she was an avid cheerleader! She was a faithful fan of the Stonewall Blue Jays baseball team. Through the years Muriel enjoyed travelling with family and friends. Her travels took her to familiar places and allowed her to discover new ones. Mom was born and lived her entire life in the community of Stonewall. She was very proud of this achievement as is evident by this letter she composed at the age of 62 to be shared and passed down to her great-grandchildren:

To my great-grandchildren, As I sit here trying to think of something to write about to the children of the future, I consider myself a real “Stonewallite”. As a true “Stonewallite” I would like my great grandchildren to know what Stonewall had to offer during the years I was growing up. Stonewall was and always will be known for it’s limestone quarries. Sixty percent of the people worked in the quarries from 1930 to 1940. My Dad worked in the quarries, which then was owned and operated by the Winnipeg Supply and Fuel, for forty-seven years. We lived right down in the quarries as Dad always looked after the horses. Of course as the years passed on the horses were replaced with trucks.

We were fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood as every pothole produced an ice pond in winter. With seven brothers hockey was a great thing in our household. Also, in the summer time, we had enough in our family for a full baseball team – no need to look for friends ….. we had our friends at home! Also we had nice steep hills to ski down – no money for bought skis – we made our own out of old pot bellied barrels with a piece of harness leather nailed on. We iced them every night – best skis in town and lots of fun. You children will never have to make such toys but really we had so much fun!

As the years have rolled by, the town has grown. We have used all the rock that could be used so the quarries were sold and have moved out of town. Now, most of our residents work in Winnipeg and commute back and forth every day. It’s no longer the small town and no longer only Stonewall people as the homeowner’s come from far and wide to reside in our town. As I write this note to you I am sixty-two years old and I have lived in Stonewall for all my years. I hope if you have a chance to write to your great-grandchildren that you can say you have spent all your years in this wonderful town.

Thank you Stonewall for being such a great town and for being so kind to me. Sincerely, Muriel Lillies (Mollard)

The family would like to thank the home care workers and Muriels’ friends who looked after Mom which allowed her to stay in her home at Lion’s Manor for as long as possible. Thank you also to the staff at Rosewood Lodge and the Grace Hospital for your care and compassion. Due to current health restrictions a service for family will be held later in the year.

(July 16, 1970 – December 13, 2021)       Wade died unexpectedly on December 13, 2021. He will be loved and missed forever by family and friends. Rest In Peace dear one.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 2 to 4pm at Sturgeon Heights Community Club, 210 Rita Street, Winnipeg. Friends and family welcomed.

January 3, 1933 – December 6, 2021

On December 6, 2021, Catherine passed away peacefully joining her loving husband Deacon Julius Reznik in Heaven. Predeceased by son Michael. Survived by her sons Tony, George and daughters Catherine, Julianna, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who will miss her dearly. And her special daughter Angele.

Catherine and Julius served the people of St. Joseph’s Parish in Stony Mountain and people of the Interlake for 28 years, until 2007 when they retired to Winnipeg. In the 1990s, Catherine and Julius became Oblates of St. Benedict’s Monastery where they continued together practicing their ministries. Just days before her passing Mom was making sandwich’s for the poor.

Mom/Baba was born and raised in Stony Mountain and briefly moved to Winnipeg to live with the Sisters of Service Convent to become a nun. There she met the love of her life Julius, together they moved back to Stony Mountain, built a new home and raised five children. As well as a working Mom (the post office lady) which she loved dearly, she often said she could watch the community grow. Mom was very active in St. Joseph’s Parish, CWL and ran the Catechism program. Mom dearly loved all her friends she made in many groups she was involved with or member of including Touch Therapy Group, Shared Faith Group and Bible Study Group, to name a few.

Mom and Dad travelled in the RV to Banff for 25 straight years, they loved the mountains. Everywhere they went she touched everyone’s soul, and made many lifelong friends and contacts. Mom is a true angel who will be missed dearly. She was a generous person and a firm believer in God. She always saw the good in everyone and dropped what she was doing on a moment’s notice for anybody in need.

Mom was a kind, generous, loving person with a gentle and caring way about her. She is now reunited with her true love Julius.

Rest in peace to a wonderful Mom, Baba, and Beauty who always gave so much to her family and friends.

You’re a thousand beam’s of sunshine. Cremation has taken place. A family internment will follow the Mass in Stonewall Cemetery.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will take place on June 8, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the St. Charles Catholic Church at 320 St. Charles Street in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, buy yourself a treat.

1943-2021     After a lengthy illness, it is with sorrowful hearts and deep sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, gedo, brother and Uncle, Thomas Joseph Stocki on Monday, December 6, 2021 at his home with family by his side.

Tom is predeceased by his parents Mike and Rosie Stocki (nee Obszarski), his brother-in-law Don Williamson, and his nephew David Ambrose McCrae. Tom is lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn(nee Ambrose) of 54 years, his three sons Thomas (Adeline), Darryl (Sabina) and Kurt (Cheryl), his precious grandchildren Cole (Alexis), Jessica (Kurtis), Dylan (Hannah), Brady and Monika, brother Mikey (Roberta), in-laws Shirley Williamson, Mya Ambrose, Ed Ambrose (Marge), Richard Beauvais (Sonja) his nieces, Shauna(Chris) Botting, Ria(Mark)Benard, Rhea(James)Kettles, Kristin(Kai)Jenkins Beauvais, Taryn Beauvais (Michael Habetin),Eileen Ambrose(Marsh Burnett-Joseph), his nephews, Owen(Gayle)Smith, Craig(Lindsay)Stocki, Devin Stocki(Connie Labossiere),Lyle Stocki (Jaclynne Masiak), Duncan Ambrose McCrae along with numerous other relatives and many special friends including Kristen & Keri who referred to him as “Papa Bear”.

Tom grew up in the community of Fisher Branch and lived there for the majority of his life. As one of two boys to a father who owned a small garage business, his interests quickly became working with his hands at a young age. As a teenager, he would frequently be seen with his brother and close friends swapping car parts from various vehicles to get another one running. He went on to take up the trade of welding, where he moved away to Hamilton for a short period then eventually returned home to be part of the garage business (Case Dealership) with his dad and brother. He had an interest in cattle and farmed throughout the Interlake, including Rembrandt where he met the love of his life, Evelyn. His love of nature would eventually turn to raising wild turkeys, pheasants, and even trying his hand at fish farming.

In the late 1970’s, he decided to enter the construction industry and in 1981 he stepped away from the garage business and formed his own company Stocki Trucking, which continues to operate today by his three sons. His interests in heavy construction and aggregate production allowed him to do exactly what he loved most in life and also allowed him to spend much of his time with his sons and grandsons teaching and providing opportunities for them, which is something he was very proud of. Although all of his children and grandchildren spent various times working for (and away from) the company, it was his oldest son Thomas who spent most of his time with and was closely connected to, which is something that Tom was ever so grateful for. Tom’s interest and love for mechanical work is something he was well known for in the community. Many local people would look to him first to see if he had that part or tool to fix their equipment, and he usually had a solution, there was rarely a time he couldn’t fix something himself.

Tom was an avid curler, a member of the Fisher Branch Fire Department for many years and the Chamber of Commerce.

Tom loved travelling and taking long road trips with his wife Evelyn by his side throughout Canada and the United States, but there was no place like home to him. The community that he knew and loved meant everything to him, he loved his grandchildren beyond measure and enjoyed their visits always asking when they were coming back. His dedication to his family, company, friends and community stayed with him until he took his last breath. His legacy and memories will never be forgotten and he will be missed dearly.

Sincere thanks to the emergency services personnel who took our call for assistance. Heartful thanks to Dr. S. Bruin, and the hospital staff that took care of him and went way beyond their call of duty to assist us making sure he could have a quality of life at home. Special thanks to Darcy Truthwaite for your continued support to make sure he was comfortable. Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation he felt for those who helped him. A cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, Cancer Research or Heart & Stroke Foundation.

April 13, 1926 – December 4, 2021     Peacefully, Sophia Elizabeth Klimpke, in her 96th year, passed away at the Stonewall Hospital on Saturday, December 4th, 2021. She was born in the RM of Rockwood in the Stonewall District on April 13, 1926. Mom is by our Father’s side now and that is exactly where she wanted to be.

She is survived by her children Kenneth (Audrey), Barbara (George) and Leonard (Karen). She is also survived by her six grandchildren; Kimberly, Andrea, Kent, Timothy, Lauren and Myles. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by her husband of 74 years, John and her parents Colin and Nancy McDonald. Predeceased also by her grandson Douglas Williams. Mom was also predeceased by her three brothers and five sisters.

Mom met Dad at school when she was in grade 5 and dad was in grade 7. Their relationship was sealed as they married about 10 years later. They lived at the family farm located in Rosser for about 50 years before retiring and moving to Stonewall. Mom was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was an avid sports fan and followed her children all over the province attending hockey games, baseball games and football games. Mom was renowned for her unbiased analysis of all types of sports not just limited to hockey or baseball. She was also a very active member of the Stonewall Legion Branch #52.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 10 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2528 King Edward Street, Winnipeg. Pastor Mark Just officiating. Interment to follow at Lilyfield cemetery. Double vaccination along with masking will be mandatory to attend.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2528 King Edward Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2R 2Y8 or to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch Number #52 located in Stonewall, Manitoba.

A special thank you to the Stonewall Hospital for their excellent care given to our mother and grandmother. Thank You to Ken Loehmer for guiding us through this process with such care and compassion.

October 24, 1939 – December 1, 2021     It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Cecile peacefully with her family by her side December 1st, 2021.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Rosalia 1987 and Michael 1960; brothers John 1937 and Anthony 1954; sisters Mary 2015 and Cathy also in December 2021.

Mom leaves to cherish in her memory her loving husband of 63 years Daniel, daughters Tracy (Fred) special grandson Nicholas; Roxanne (Glen); sister-in-law Jayne (Blayne) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mom started her life on a family farm in Stony Mountain where she met her best friend and husband Danny. Together they raised their daughters with many wonderful memories spent at ball diamonds, curling and hockey rinks. Mom and Dad also loved their home by the lake watching the peaceful wildlife and talking about the good old days. Memories… too many to mention, but you were all there.

Mom started her working career with Richardson Securities on the stock exchange and ended her working career with Lakeview Resort where she was loved and adored by all. Mom cherished all her friendships through out the years.

Mom will be remembered by her beautiful smile, her sense of humour and her strength, she loved us all with all her heart. We love you and miss you mom. We will never forget how blessed we were to have you in our lives.

A private and lovely graveside service has taken place on July 22, 2022 at Stonewall Cemetery, officiated by Sister Cathy Laviolette.

We would like to thank all the Health Care Workers who were there for Mom and our family.

MOTHER

You can only have one mother loving, kind and true. No other friend in all the world will be so true to you. For all her loving kindness, she asked for nothing in return. If all the world deserted us to our mother we could turn. For those of us who have a mother, treasure her with care, For you will never know her value, till you see that she’s not there. To hear her voice, to see her smile, to sit and talk with her awhile, to be together in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today.

October 20, 1923 – November 21, 2021      With sadness, as well as with gratitude for a long life of 98 years well lived, we announce the passing of Ev Olsen, after a brief illness.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters Karen Nedotiafko, and Darlene (Rod) Waldbauer, grandsons Jamie (Jennifer) and Cameron (Brooke), and great grandchildren Keira, Brooklyn, Grace Evelyn, and Jackson Waldbauer.

Ev’s husband, Harry Olsen, predeceased her in 1966. She was also predeceased by her son, Ron, son-in-law Darryl, brothers Victor and Harvey, and sister Mary Camsell.

Ev was born in Stonewall to Russell and Maggie Lillies, and was educated in Stonewall and Balmoral. After her father died in 1941, and her mother in 1943, she worked in Winnipeg. She met Harry after he returned from the war, and they were married in John Black United Church in East Kildonan on July 5th,1947. In Dec. they bought their farm in Teulon where their three children were born and raised.

After dad’s death Mum worked hard to provide for her family at Teulon Telephone Office, the Hosiery Mill, Promo Wear, and Teulon Golf and Country Club. She was a proud Life Member of the Teulon Junior Hospital Auxiliary, and Teulon Seniors’ Club. Mum strongly believed in supporting her community. Throughout the years she enjoyed bowling, golf, bingo, travel, and watching sports on TV, especially curling, golf, the Blue Jays, Bombers, and Jets.

Being an avid reader, she made good use of the library, and read the daily newspaper. Mum always welcomed company, whether family, friends, or her children’s friends. Bonspiel season was a favorite time when visitors often stopped by. Many enjoyable hours were spent attending Jamie and Cameron’s sports and activities. She was proud of them and their families. Until her last day she loved to see pictures and be updated on what her family was doing. Mum lived in Farview Apartments for many years and enjoyed friendships and activities.

We are thankful for the care she received the last 15 months at Icelandic River Lodge, Teulon Hospital, and Gimli Betel Home. She may have been small in stature, but was strong and independent in character, always striving to make sure things were done properly. Life was often tough on Mum, but she persevered and made a good life for herself and her family. Your life was a gift to us. Love you Mum.

Respecting her wishes a private celebration of life will be held.