It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of Andy Goertzen, on September 20, 2021, after a brief but valiant fight with cancer with his wife Debbi at his side.

Andy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Debbi (Trick); his children Karl and Kiersten (Brad) Olson; and three grandchildren Jessie, Hailey and his little buddy Colt. He also left behind his father Ben, siblings Henry, Laurie (Marjorie), Wes (Karen), Evie (Ron) and Lynn; 25 nieces and nephews and their families and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Margaret in 2020.

Andy was born in Saskatoon on August 29, 1953. At the age of 3 he moved to St. Laurent where his family became engaged in cattle ranching. Early on, Andy was involved in music, learning guitar and steel guitar and playing in the Goertzen Family Gospel Band. During his youth he had opportunity to play his guitar in numerous churches, often catching the eye of some girl with his quick smile and gentle manner. In September 1974, during one such occasion at Stonewall Baptist Church, he met Debbi and they were married in that same church on June 7, 1975. Karl arrived in 1987 and Kiersten in 1992 and their family was complete. Andy adored his children and developed ever-lasting relationships with them both. He was always teaching them something, whether it be guitar, horse-back riding, caring for livestock, installing flooring or being a kind, honest, caring human being.

Andy had a steadfast faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ, and lived that faith quietly but was always willing to share His love and sacrifice. He shared his faith with both of his children and at tender ages they followed his example, and we are assured of meeting him again. In 2016, he became grandfather to two precious girls, followed by a grandson in 2020. One would think he had won the lottery! He cherished those little girls and they loved him. Colt and he bonded fast and hard and when he knew he was sick his biggest sorrow was knowing he would not be there to teach Colt to ride the lawnmower, hunt and fish and become a young man. Rest assured; Colt and his sisters will be ever reminded of their grandpa.

Andy’s work ethic was to be greatly admired. He worked in the ranching life for the early years of his marriage, which probably prompted his extensive collection of saddles and all things Western. In 1976, he worked with his uncle George installing carpet and quickly decided to become his own boss and established Goertzen Flooring, which he operated until his first cancer diagnosis in 2020. During this time, he also began a career in Trim and Finish at Air Canada, and then Aveos until 2012. Andy worked hard, but also enjoyed his work, as his fellow workers, employees and even his customers can attest to. He did such quality work and had fun doing it. He passed on his work ethic to both children as they learned along side of him.

Next to his family, Andy’s greatest love had to be music. His musical proficiency carried over into adulthood and he was sought out by other bands, gospel and country/western. He soon became the go-to for out-of-town bands needing a steel guitar player for gigs or for studio work. He played with many Manitoba bands, covering a host of musical styles from country, gospel, jazz, pop, rock and even polkas. He became a favorite at the many country dances around the Interlake and thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with those attending, sharing with them his ready smile and generous hugs.

Viewing will take place at New Life Church in Stonewall on Friday, October 1 at 8:00 pm . Private family internment will take place on Saturday, followed by the Celebration of Life at New Life Church at 3:00 pm. Please be aware that Covid Restrictions will be in place. In recognition of Andy’s love of music and his incredible talent, the service will be followed by a BYO-supper and jam session in the church parking lot.

Thank you to Drs. P. Ketawala and K. Graham; staff at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg and Selkirk; and the wonderful nursing staff at the Stonewall Hospital for their care and compassion during our journey.

It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great- grandfather on September 19, 2021 at the age of 91 years.

Alex leaves behind his son David (Heather); daughters Debbie (John) and Susan (Harry), grandsons; Adam (Tiffany), Scott (Courtney), Kristopher (Andrea), Granddaughter Tara, great grandchildren; Carson, Jake, Brynlee, Noah and Peyton.

Alex was predeceased by his wife Mary and daughter Kim.

Dad’s family came first, he was kind, gentle and supportive to us all. We were truly blessed to have him as a father and grandfather. Be kind to one another and let the important people in your life know how much you love them. As per Dad’s wishes there will be a private interment at a later date.

October 23, 1965 to September 16, 2021   After a brief illness, our beloved Jon passed away in the arms of the love of his life, Gail. His smile could light up any room and he made a lasting impression on everyone he met throughout his life. His greatest joy was found in time spent with his family, fishing, renovating and relaxing at his piece of paradise in Great Falls, Mb.

Jon was born and raised in Winnipeg, mainly in the St. James area and had many lifelong friends who will miss him dearly. He spent 25 years with Russelmetals before retiring in 2019.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Gail, sons Darrell (Rebekah) and Duane (Nichole), grandson Braidon (Juliette) and great grandson Leo, his father Jack, siblings Susan (Darrell), Joe (Tannis) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his beloved Riggs, his mother Glenna, siblings Dawn and Cam and Nana & Buppa Ward.

Thank you to Dr. Bruneau & staff at Pinawa Cancer Care. A Celebration of Life will be held at Club 3D on Saturday, Sep 25th from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. COVID protocols in place.

September 13, 2016 – September2, 2021     It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Brynlee, peacefully in her sleep.

She is survived by her parents, Myles and Stephanie, and little sister Taryn. Grandparents, Grant and Shelley Cheadle, and Donna Jones Turner. Great grandparents, Keith and Barb Olson, Ron and Pat Roche, and Beulah Jones (Clayton). As well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Bryan Jones.

Brynlee was born in Winnipeg, and was later blessed with little sister Taryn, who was so eager to be a big helper. Brynlee’s zest for life was endless. She loved days on the farm, which included days spent in the tractor, feeding the cows, ranger rides, jumping on the trampoline, and the wind blowing in her hair. Aside from the farm, Brynlee enjoyed camping and fishing at various locations around the province, and trips to McDonalds for french fries.

Brynlee will be deeply missed, along with her beautiful smile. We have comfort in knowing she’s in the arms of Jesus, and now able to see all those that gave her so much love in her short time with us.

We would like to thank the paramedics and emergency personnel.

Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brynlee’s honour to Vision Loss Rehabilitation Manitoba/ CNIB Foundation (Manitoba).

A celebration of life will be held at the Woodlands Hall on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Reverend Mary Best will officiate.

Our family was blessed to share in the life of Margaret Charison. She touched our hearts and our lives with her unwavering love and goodness. It is with heavy hearts that we announce her passing on August 30, 2021. She will be always loved, never forgotten, deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Margaret was born on November 21, 1924 in Madison, Saskatchewan. She was the oldest daughter of Donald and Barbara Fines of Gunton, Manitoba. She always remained close with her ten sisters and brothers and their extended families and those family bonds remain strong to this day. She is survived by her three sisters Zetta, Ramona and Flora and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so  dearly.

Margaret was happy to spend her entire life in the Gunton-Teulon area. She was devoted to her husband, Stan and their children – Sandy Skinner (John), Sherry Green (Terry), Linda Stock (Fred) and Curtis Charison (June). Being a mom was the most important thing in the world to her, and her children always knew how very fortunate they were to have had her love and tender care throughout their lives. Then came her pride and joy, her 10 grandchildren – Jennifer (Jason), Rod (Kim), Scott (Angele), Sherry (Mike), Richard (Vilay), Kelly (Maria), Kimberly, Tim, Cameron (Whytnie) and Jodie (Nicole) who were the light of her life and brought her endless fun times and happiness. They presented her with the gift of 16 great-grandchildren – McKay, Matheson, Lachlan, Lilly, Olivia, Abigail, Brianne, Austin, Liam, Avery, Kiana, Mattea, Chloe, Ryan, Brady and Hadley whom she adored.

Margaret was very well loved and respected in the community, especially by her close friends, many of whom she treasured from her early childhood days. She was an avid gardener, active in curling and golf, she enjoyed playing cribbage and she never failed to support and contribute to any local event happening at the time. Her kindness to all and her generous spirit touched many people along the way.

One of her favorite expressions was “When you do something for someone else, you make two people happy”. The example she set inspired a lot of people to do their best to help others in a selfless and caring manner.

Special thanks to her physician Dr. K. Graham and the medical staff at Betel Home in Gimli. Margaret requested that there be no funeral service but a private family gathering to be held when the time is appropriate. Anyone wishing to send an on-line tribute or to make a donation to any charity of your choice in her honor is welcome to do so.

February 5, 1948 – August 27, 2021    It is with deep sorrow that the family of Heather Unger announces her unexpected passing at home, on the morning of Friday, August 27, 2021.

Mourning Heather’s loss are her loving husband of 53 years, Ronald; her 19 children and grandchildren including, Randy (Gina), Jake, Juliana, Izabella and Dana (Dean), Logan, Avery and Darcy (Jennifer), Colton, Camryn, Austin, Kaelyn and Kelly (Kris), Ryan and Myles; mother, Jessie McLean, and brothers Danny and Lockie (Diana); in-laws Roy (Gail), Elvin (Wendy) and Margaret; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends.

Heather was predeceased by her father Alexander, brother Ian and her parents-in-law, Avery and Frances.

Heather was the eldest of four children, born in Winnipeg in 1948. Her family moved to Stonewall when she was young and that is where she finished her schooling. At age 20, Heather married Ron Unger, commencing their life on the farm together and raising a family. Heather and Ron shared the typical breakdown of duties, with him tending the fields and her as the ‘domestic engineer’ maintaining the household and keeping everyone cleaned, clothed and fed, especially during the busy seeding and harvest seasons. She ran a tight catering operation out to the fields, delivering bountiful meals like clockwork, along with a quick hello. There was never a shortage of fresh baking as part of every mealtime, but it was definitely more abundant during these busy times of year and then taken up a notch again for any and all holidays!

After 48 years on the farm Mum and Dad moved from the family home into Stonewall, to begin a more ‘downsized’ lifestyle. At first Mum protested that she would not be able to transition to a smaller yard with neighbours so close, but with time, the transition grew on her. Their new house became the central hub for ‘family’; their new house was nurtured into a home. Mum was just in the process of grand renovations to update the interior of their home, but regrettably, will not be able to see them through.

Besides her love of baking (a hobby for some, but way of life for her) Heather loved gardening and maintaining a pristine yard full of vibrant plants and flowers. In this vein, Heather found joy in cutting the grass on the farm along with the grass in the nearby yards of her girls. She spent countless hours, cutting acre after acre, wearing out several lawn tractors over the years. She never entered a lawn tractor race, but Mum would have done the family proud if she had. Go Grandma! Over the years, travel became more a part of Mum and Dad’s lives and they settled into pulling their fifth wheel trailer down to Yuma for three months after Christmas. She loved the weather, relished the activities and retirement lifestyle and made new friends to spend time with. The time and effort she put in down south, shopping to bring back for her kids and grandkids, and keeping all her purchases organized, has to be unrivalled.

For Grandma, though, family was her everything with her grandchildren her ultimate joy. She added to her resume, practically running a full-time day care for several years and helping to raise, teach and grow them into who they are today. Grandma became a chauffeur, a concert goer, a sports fan and a professional cheerleader, keeping up with and supporting all their activities. Her door was always open with different grandchildren coming and going; always a kiss and hug goodbye. She learned to use a cell phone and ‘text’ to keep in touch and once Grandma found out she could take pictures of her grandkids on it and then share those pictures with others, look out! She was always encouraging, especially for the grandkids to ‘get grandpa’. They always put a smile on her face. She loved being part of her grandchildren’s lives and was immensely proud of each and everyone one of them.

Heather was our wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She was strong and full of life to the end, but for some reason, left us too soon. There should have been more time; at least time for one more kiss and hug goodbye. We cannot express how much we will miss her.

The family appreciates all the kind words, gifts and well wishes since Heather’s untimely death and would like to advise that a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Thank you.

1937 – 2021    It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father who passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 25th.

Left to mourn are his wife Betty and two sons Bryden (Nikki) and Dawson. He is also survived by his two brothers Keith and Ricky (Dwyla) as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Irene; sisters Jean (Terry) and Shirley (Jack).

Jack was born and raised on a farm just east of Teulon where he attended school at Stackpool and later Teulon where he graduated grade 12. Jack farmed for a few years with his brother Keith before he went to work with Northern Affairs as a co-ordinator. Jack received many commendations for his 17 years of dedicated service. Jack was very active in the community volunteering his time with the Kinsmen and the museum. He was also very active in helping coach his son’s sports activities.

A private funeral service will be held at the Dundas Cemetery.

A very special thanks go out to Dr. Loudon, nurses and staff who took such great effort to make sure his last days were comfortable. If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Hope the fishing’s good, may you rest in peace Dad.

Nov. 19, 1929 – Aug. 19, 2021      Peacefully, surrounded by family Mary Romaniuk of Riverton passed away at Gimli Hospital.

She will be sadly missed by her son David (Svetlana), grandchildren Tim, Mikhail and Darya, nephews David (Maryann) Sumka, Edward (Donella) Sumka, Harvey Sumka, niece Josie (Jack) Monkman and brother in law Lawrence Romaniuk and family.

She was predeceased by husband James, infant daughter Lorraine, parents Mike and Ann Sumka, brothers Sam and John, niece Joanne, brother in law Harry Romaniuk, sisters in law Georgie and Lillian Romaniuk.

Mary was born on the family farm in Skylake, Manitoba, and was the third and youngest child. She attended Adam school in Skylake. She was a great help on the farm and then found employment in Riverton at the Sandy Bar Hotel where she met James. They were married on March 1st, 1952. While both working at the hotel they also started farming north of Riverton where they worked side by side. Mary always had a huge garden and loved to entertain family and friends. If you walked through her door you needed to be fed.

Following Mary’s wishes cremation has taken place. Because of covid restrictions all family and invited guests only can attend the graveside service on September 4th at 11 a.m. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, nephews, and niece.

If friends and relatives would like to make a donation they may to a charity of ones choice. Thank you to the ambulance attendants, the Gimli Hospital, and Doctor S.V.Patel for his many years of care.

January 22, 1947 – August 18, 2021        It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Barbara Rennie at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home at the age of 74.

Diane was predeceased by her husband Bruce Rennie in 2011, parents Leo and Mary Grandmont and granddaughter Felisha Rennie.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Tracy, son-in-law Blair and grandson Jonathon and her dear companion Craig Ross; sisters Janet (Bill) Kennedy, Catherine (Michael) Macdonald, brothers George (Gayle) Grandmont, Gerald (Lori) Grandmont, Philip (Lori) Grandmont and nieces and nephews; Bruce’s brothers Leslie (Patti) Rennie and Ken (Loretta) Rennie.

Diane was born in Stonewall and grew up in Argyle (and spent most of her life in Argyle). Living in Argyle she was close to Granny Grandmont, Grandpa Siska and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Diane was the eldest of six children. As soon as she finished high school, she moved to Winnipeg and started work at Great West Life. Diane met Bruce when they lived in the same apartment block. They married in 1966, started a family and moved back to Argyle. Diane worked at Comstock until she started working at the family business, Leo’s Sales and Service, along with her dad and brothers and later her niece and nephews, until she retired in 2010.

In 2013 Diane bought her mother’s condo and moved to Stonewall to be closer to family. Diane met Craig Ross at the condos and started a new chapter in her life. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short due to her illness. For Diane, family was important. She especially enjoyed family get togethers and spending time with her “little man” Jonathon. She was Jonathon’s #1 fan at his hockey and soccer games. Diane was a lifetime member of the Argyle Curling Club. She enjoyed curling until she was unable to play the last couple of years.

Diane loved music and played the organ at Christ the King Catholic Church for many years. Diane also joined the Quarry Choristers with her two sisters-in-law Gayle and Lori. She really enjoyed the choir and the trips they took. Diane enjoyed gardening, picking berries, canning, baking, ceramics, knitting, stamp collecting, bird watching, shopping, as well as volunteering in her community. She enjoyed her trips to Grand Forks and vacations with family and friends. Diane also enjoyed her time spent with the “Argyle Walking Girls”.

The family would like to thank all the home care workers that helped Diane, both at home and at Rosewood, neighbours, nurses, Dr. Graham and all the angels that came into her life.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 315 2nd St. E., Stonewall, MB. (masks are required). Limited seating, friends and family will also be able to listen to the service outside. Interment will follow at Brant Argyle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to Brant Argyle Cemetery Board, Box 204, Argyle, MB. R0C 0B0.