It is with broken hearts we have to announce that we lost our only daughter and sunshine Sonja Himmelstoss through a tragic accident. She leaves behind her grieving parents Max and Sylvia Himmelstoss, her grandparents and many relatives in Germany and many friends too many to list here in Canada. Sonja was born February 7, 1990 in Regensburg and passed on June 25, 2019 at Gunton. She loved her job as Healthcare Aid and was a big help at the Tack-Shop with her knowledge. Horseback riding and her horses were her passion. She also enjoyed off roading with the Red River Jeep club. A say good bye from close family members has already taken place and there will be no funeral. The family would like to give many thanks for the flowers, cards, condolences and food that have been received. Also many thanks to the EMS and Teulon- Rockwood Fire Department at the scene. We also appreciate Ken Loehmer Funeral Services for helping us so much in this difficult time.

With great sadness we announce the passing of Auntie Josie on June 23, 2019 at the age of 94. She is survived by her eight nieces and nephews: Nelix Zeller of Edmonton, AB; Diane (Steve) Taylor of Oakville, ON; Rick (Karri) Zeller of Penhold, AB; Carl (Kathy) Zeller of Teulon, MB; Brenda Pankiw of Selkirk, MB; Donna (Myles) McMahon of Winnipeg, MB; Doug (Melody) Zeller of Teulon, MB and Dean (Teresa) Zeller of Haskett, MB. She also leaves 12 great-nieces and nephews and 13 great-great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her long-time friend Hulli, parents Joseph and Hilda; brothers Arthur (Yvette), Edwin (Marie), Paul and Robert (Bette) and great nephew Joshua. Auntie was born in the RM of St Laurent on August 21, 1924. She attended school in Ideal where she finished her grade 11. She then got a permit to teach for one year before attending Normal School in Winnipeg and graduated from grade 12. While teaching, she attended University of Winnipeg and received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1977. She taught many places throughout the province and finished her career teaching in Gimli for 16 years. She retired in 1986 after teaching for 43 years. She then moved back to the family farm in Ideal where she resided until December 2015. She lived in Gateway Manor in Teulon until her passing. Her true passion was teaching and often requested school report cards from her nieces and nephews and most recently the next generations. Her hobbies were reading and caring for her puppies -Twyla and Buttons, who kept her great company. Cremation has taken place and a funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Inwood Hall, Inwood, MB. Honorary pallbearers are Joanne & John Vaillancourt, Prestyn Pankiw, Alivia Pankiw , Reese Pankiw and Lexy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society in her memory.

Peacefully on June 21, 2019 Edna Fisher passed away at Rosewood Lodge, Stonewall. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Darlene and son-in-law Lloyd Stewart, her grandchildren Michelle (Lyle), Lisa (Dennis), Murray (Kristin). “Big Grandma” as she was fondly called, will also be missed by her great-grandchildren, Kyle (Kezia), Grace and Aiden who each held a special place in her heart. She will also be remembered by close family friends, John and Ginny Tost and numerous nieces and nephews. Edna was predeceased by her husband Bill, sisters Eileen and Nora. Edna had a strong work ethic and was previously employed as a teacher’s aide, working with children with learning disabilities. Edna developed lasting friendships with several RCMP officers who boarded with her while stationed at the Stonewall Detachment. Edna loved to visit with family and friends. Her happiest times were when she was surrounded by her family. She recently celebrated her 98th birthday and was thrilled to attend her great-grandson’s wedding in January. Grandma enjoyed being a caregiver and “loved everyone”. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to laugh and tease and she enjoyed crafts, baking and playing card games. Edna aged gracefully and always ensured her makeup and hair were always perfect. The family would like to thank, Dr Pinniger, Dr Graham, staff at Stonewall Hospital, Stonewall Homecare, and Rosewood Lodge for all their support and care, as well as family and friends who visited her during her stay at Rosewood Lodge. Grandma was an important part of all of our lives. She was always there to celebrate with us on holidays and special occasions. She will be sadly missed. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Parochial Hall, 435 – 1st Ave. N., Stonewall, MB. at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

November 26, 1927 – June 19, 2019 It is with the heaviest hearts the family announces the passing of our dear Dad and Gege after a hard fought battle with cancer at the age of 91. Dad was born in Polson MB, the eldest of eight children to John and Helen Medwid and grew up in Polson and Balmoral area eventually moving to Argyle in 1950 to the farm where he resided until his hospitalization in April. Dad spent his childhood working on the family farm. He met the love of his life, Lorraine Panaschuk in 1951, marrying the following year in 1952. Dad & mom raised five children, evolving into a large family with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad was a determined, hard worker who could invent or repair anything and took pride in reaping the benefits of his labor. He was always willing to lend a hand in any way to help out. Dad was a gentle giant and especially enjoyed spending time with family, watching his family grow. Although dad was a private man, he enjoyed socializing, reminiscing, and while still having an exceptional memory, told stories without missing a detail. Dad was extremely proud of his Ukrainian heritage, and enjoyed listening to the Polka Hour every Saturday. Dad and mom spent many years travelling to Mexico and Cuba with close friends Florence and Garry Cain, Hawaii, as well as visiting his sister Lucy in Arizona. They also enjoyed many road trips as well as daily tours. Until recently, dad and mom made their daily jaunt to The Rock for meals and socializing, until both their health forced them no longer to do so. Dad was predeceased by his parents, John and Helen, brothers Willy, Peter and Jim, sisters Marian Makowski, Jenny Sawatsky, Lucy Cartwright. Left to mourn is his wife of nearly 67 years, Lorraine, sons Richard (Lucy), John (Debbie), George, daughters Steph (Mel) Olson, Joanne (Trevor) Sinclair, grandchildren Laura (Will), Jeff (Chantelle) & Lincoln; Jessica (Corey), Sawyer & Kaylee, Jackie (Ray); Lindsay, Ashley; Myki (Jon), Mason & McKinley, Melissa, Mahlani, Megan (Gerald) Logan & Lynley; Jenelle (Matt) Landon & Brody; T.J. (Karlie) Kaiden, Brooklynn, Raelynn & Raena; sister Margaret (Russell) Beirnes, sisters-in-law Jean Medwid & Margaret Medwid, Lorraine’s sister Kay Harman & brother Harry (Heather) Panaschuk and families, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. As per dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to doctors Graham, Venter and Zahari, nursing staff and health care aides at Stonewall Hospital; and Michelle Loehmer and Ken Loehmer. Donations may be made to Cancer Care in dad’s memory. Rest in Peace Dad and Gege. Love and miss you forever.

Joan Shirley Porcher (nee Assels) passed away peacefully at her home in Stonewall with family by her side on June 18, 2019. Joan was born July 3, 1954 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She married Randy, the love of her life, on August 3, 1973. She was a committed loving wife and mother. Together she and Randy raised four daughters and enjoyed 5 grandchildren. Joan was dedicated in her faith and always sought to put others first. She touched many lives in her involvement in church ministries throughout the years. Joan not only taught about God’s great love, but also displayed it in every way. She was very strong and determined and whatever she put her mind to she would accomplish. It was always important for Joan and Randy to have an open home and they welcomed many people into their family over the years. In the last 12 years Joan has been heavily involved with the Kenyan orphanage Bethel Rays of Hope. Joan had the opportunity to visit Kenya over the years and saw firsthand the need and was instrumental in the orphanage moving forward. She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ which gave her strength throughout her life. Her secure hope in Jesus brought her much peace at the end. She is survived by her loving husband Randy Porcher, her four daughters and their husbands, Nicole (Chris), Robyn (Andrew), Danielle (Nick), Brittany (Brad), five grandchildren, her mother, Evelyn York, her four siblings and spouses, Jim, Arlene, Keith, and Sue. Joan was preceded by her father Victor Assels. Funeral services will be held Saturday June 22 at 2:00 at New Life Church in Stonewall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Rays of Hope.

Sept. 24, 1935 – June 13, 2019 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Peter Dziedzic. He is survived by brothers Frank (Diane), Victor (Charlene); sisters Theresa (Cliff) Capuska, Carol (Tom) Gallipo. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Helen, Jeanie, Hazel, Pearl, Marie and Steffie Dziedzic. There are many nieces and nephews. Peter was proud to come from a family of 23 siblings. He left home at a young age and successfully owned A P Transmissions in Edmonton. Peter’s family was important to him, he never missed a Dziedzic gathering and he was usually wearing his suit and dress shoes. He was a hardworking man of great faith. Peter was a devoted member of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM. at Komarno Community Hall. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Polson, MB. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery, c/o Theresa Capuska, Komarno, MB., R0C 1R0.

(NEE DEWAR) Peacefully on June 9, 2019, surrounded by a large contingent of loving family, mom left this world on the wings of a dove to be reunited with many family and friends who left before her. A mother’s work is never done and Heaven must have needed more. To know mom was to know the kindest person this world has ever seen. Nothing else mattered to her more than family and friends. She only asked that you pay your kindness forward; and for this, the world was a better place. Mom/Joyce is survived by her daughter Tracy; sons Rob (Diane) and Doug (Tracy); her grandchildren Travis, Brittany (Matthew), Tyler, Wesley and Kobie (Taylor). She is also survived by her fur baby Luna and the twinkle in her eye, great grandson Paxdyn and great granddaughter Kyra. She also leaves behind special “daughters” Marj and Carole, her best friend Dorothy and many nieces and nephews and brothers-in-law John Searcy and Frank Barker. She was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2015; by her parents Alexander and Mae, her siblings Don (Audrey), Ted (Sylvia), sister Doreen and sister-in-law Jean Barker. Mom was the smell of certain foods we remember She was the cool hand on our brows when we were sick, She was our Christmas morning, She was our first love, our first friend and nothing on earth will ever take that away. A private family service and interment will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to a charity of Spinal Cord Research, eg. The Rick Hansen Foundation, 300 – 3820 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC, V7B 0A2.