Tina Rempel

Tina Rempel, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, at 96 ½ years of age, died peacefully in her sleep early Saturday morning July 25, 2015, with her son David at her side. She was born in Heuboden, on February 16, 1919 to Jacob and Katharina (Penner) Kehler. She grew up on her parental farm home, near Plum Coulee where she attended the Grimsby School.  She was baptized upon the confession of her faith and became a member of the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in Rudnerweide . Later Mom and Dad attended the Altona Mennonite Church for many years. 

On May 20, 1943 she married John (Johann) Rempel of Blumenort (Gretna), Manitoba. 

Our parents lived in Blumenort for just over a year. In 1944 they moved to Halbstadt, where they farmed until Dad’s retirement. They enjoyed their farm and were happy and fortunate to be able to remain on the farm even after their retirement with the help of their sons, Henry and Jake. 

About two years after Dad passed away in 1994, Mom moved to Altona. In January of 2011 Mom moved to Eastview Place also in Altona. 

Mom supported Dad in his many community involvements.  Many times she accompanied him ... other times she kept the home fires burning.  Mom was a strong, resourceful, intelligent and wise woman.     Her green thumb was evident with her house plants, flower and vegetable gardens which resulted in a lot of canning. If she would have put her mind to it, she could have made a baseball bat bloom! 

Her sewing, embroidery, latch hooking, knitting and crocheting revealed her creativity. To confirm this we need only look at the needlework and quilts that were shared abundantly amongst family, friends and community. 

She enjoyed her times of fellowship and creativity with the local Sewing Circle.  We, as a family, remember with fondness the date slice she used to make when it was her turn to be hostess.

Mom enjoyed history.  This is shown in the legacy she left us with the research and publishing of the Rempel and Kehler family genealogy binders.  We also see it with her collection of historical articles. 

Mom loved her family, and cooked to please them.  Her personal cookbook was happily edited, reproduced and distributed by her granddaughter, Becky. Now we can all enjoy Mom's recipes. 

In-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren were welcomed with open arms and heart.  Mom was always willing to help in any way she could.  Her love and interest in her family was demonstrated by her regular communications and by her daily prayers. 

Mom’s love extended beyond the family and friends, her heart went out to animals. On a hot day a puppy followed her to the garden and grew tired. Mom took off her apron and draped it over a stake, so that the puppy could lie in the shade while she worked. Then she carried the tired puppy back to the house. 

She was predeceased by her husband John, her parents, as well as all of her siblings and all their spouses.  

Left to mourn her passing is her family of seven children:  son Jake of Halbstadt; daughter Tina and Frank Siemens of Altona area, with granddaughter Becky and Shaun Warkentin and greatgranddaughter Katie, of Winnipeg; daughter Liz and Devin Wieler of Altona area, with granddaughter Vanessa of Steinbach; son John and Damaris of Gretna, with grandson Clayton of Leask, Saskatchewan; grandson Vincent of Gretna; and grandson Ethan and Beth of Steinbach; son David and Debby of Winnipeg, and granddaughter Holly and Scott Houston with great grandsons Sethren and Tristan, of Winnipeg; son Henry and Margaret on the homestead at Halbstadt; daughter Marge and Leroy Friesen of Gretna. 

Mom will also be missed by Dad's surviving Rempel siblings:  Jake and Gertrude Rempel, Bill and Tina Rempel, Helen Funk, Justina Thiessen, Bill and Margaret Friesen. 

Also left to mourn are her many nieces and nephews, as well as the Peters family. 

We would also like to acknowledge Edna Zacharias, Mom’s Church granddaughter whom she greatly loved.  We, the family, thank you for sharing in our sorrow.  Your presence in helping us celebrate the life of our beloved Mom, grandmother, and great grandmother is greatly appreciated.  Special thanks to Dr. Bueddefeld, all the nurses, health care aides and support staff at Eastview Place; pastors Dan Kehler, Dave Regehr, and Peter Bartel; Terry Wiebe and staff of Wiebe's Funeral Home; as well as to all the friends and family who supported us during this sad and difficult time.  Thank you also to those of you who helped us with today's service. 

                                                       The Rempel Family