Kenneth John Rempel

Kenneth John Rempel was born January 1, 1964 in Altona to Dave and Tena (Falk) Rempel. He provided for his family since the day he came into this world. He was a New Years baby and the first born in Altona. Because of this his family was awarded with many perks including groceries, free oil changes, diapers, etc. When he discovered school was not for him, he continued to provide for himself as he started working at a young age. When he started his own family he made sure they were always provided for as well.

Ken was a hardworking man. Whether it was swinging a hammer and being the “monkey” at the top of the roof putting on the first rafter or pulling levers in heavy machinery. He always put his all into any job he was doing. If his name was going to be on it, he wanted it there with pride. He always said, “It takes forever to get a good name at work, but it never takes long to get a bad one.”

Ken worked in many places throughout the years. From building nursing stations in Ontario to Gjoa Haven, Nunavut and all over Manitoba he has met many people along the way. Never one to shy away from striking up a conversation with someone he didn’t know. Whether it was someone new walking into Ridgeville Club or chatting up with his neighbor during a transfusion he was always friendly and tried to make that person’s day a little bit brighter. He had a strong exterior, but if you knew him you know what a kind heart he had.  

Ken was best known for his trademark facial hair. Everyone knew him as the guy with the beard. Only losing it during his battle with cancer and then again by his choice for a fundraiser that was just a part of him. His friends even coined the nickname, Beard. Beard was a staple of The Club in Ridgeville and had many friends in the area that were very dear to his heart.

He was survived by his brothers, Ron (Marilyn) and Harold (Carol) and his sister Irene (Jake) His children Rebecca (Jake), Rose (Herman), and Sharon and his wife Kathy and his 7 grandchildren Elijah, Destiny, Nathaniel, Sebastian, Isaiah, Jasmyne, and Isabelle. He was predeceased by his father and mother.

Ken has been fighting since 2010. His bull headedness bought him another 12 years with family and friends beating the odds a couple times over. Finally, he just couldn’t keep fighting. He put his faith in God and said, “This time I am ready whenever You are.” He reaffirmed that faith by getting baptized on Jan 24, 2023. You no longer have to fight Dad; you can rest now. You will be missed by many. Until we meet again.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Greenridge United Church with interment at Greenridge Cemetery.  Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Friday, February 10 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m. and at the church prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Ken may be made to Boundary Trails Health Centre Palliative Care or CancerCare.

To view the funeral service click on the video link below.