Harold Stoesz

Harold Stoesz went to meet with his Lord & Saviour on the morning of Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Boundary Trails Health Center after a battle with esophageal cancer, at the age of 54 years, 5 months & 17 days.

He was born on December 3, 1968 in Altona, the 3rd of 4 children to John & Helen Stoesz. Harold was baptized on the confession of his faith on May 22nd of 1988, in the Altona Sommerfeld Church. This example of faith came from his loving parents who encouraged him on this journey of faith throughout his life.

Growing up, there were day trips he enjoyed with his parents and siblings going to the Pembina Hills, driving through the many villages in Manitoba and going to museums, to name a few. An interest in family history and Mennonite history is something that he shared with his dad. Doing house chores with his mom was made more interesting when the two of them would sing together, sharing their sense of humor and taking the time to talk. These strong relationships with his parents continued into his adulthood and throughout his life.

After graduating from high school, he had several jobs including working at the Morden research station which he really enjoyed. His willingness to work with others, quick wit and dry sense of humor drew people to him. His work life led to a career at Friesens Corporation for the past 34 ½ years, during which he made many more friends. Throughout his years at Friesens, there were different positions and job roles with electronic pre-flighting in the yearbook division becoming his career path.

Harold’s love of cars and especially classic cars was something that he shared with his friends in the Legends Car Club and other classic car enthusiasts. Saturday coffee group was a tradition for many years during which Harold’s circle of friends grew larger. Harold enjoyed traveling with family, whether it was road trips to Alberta, Ontario, Michigan, South Dakota, many camping weekends in summer or winter holidays to his favorite destination country of Cuba.

In spite of health issues including ulcerative colitis, he was always able to look to the future and keep a positive attitude. After the diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in July of 2022, Harold continued to look to the future and keep his faith in God. As Harold said “I’m in His hands”.

Harold was predeceased by his father, John Stoesz. He is survived by his mother Helen, sisters Gloria (Robert) Froese; Lorena (Henry) Peters and Rosella Stoesz. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 24 at the Rudnerweide Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with burial at the Rudnerweide Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Harold may be made to South Central Cancer Resource.