Rodney Wolfe
October 11, 1967 - October 31, 2025


It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Rodney Lyndon Wolfe age 58 of Winkler, Manitoba passed away peacefully at Boundary Trails Hospital on October 30th 2025 with his wife Trish, his Mom Jane, and his Dad Jake by his side.


Rod loved to go fishing, watching movies, going swimming, riding motorcycle, driving around, playing guitar, and spending time with family. He had a great sense of humor till the end. He was very smart and talented. He was good at everything he would do. If there was something he did not know how to do, he would figure it out very quickly. He also really enjoyed setting up different hot wheels tracks with his grandson Asher because it helped him to be able to feel younger again. He really loved teaching. Playing guitar was with him till the end.


Rod was born October 11 1967 to Jake and Jane Wolfe. Rod grew up in Winkler. He graduated from Garden Valley Collegiate. He started playing guitar at the age of 11 years old. At the age of 19 he started teaching guitar lessons. Rod went to the “Lenny Breau School of Music” and to the “Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA)”. Rod started his own business to teach lessons for over 25 years, “Winkler Music Academy”. Rod continued to teach until he was no longer able to. He was a talented teacher and musician. He was loved by his students. Rod also had a music store for a few years above the Academy. Rod had a great passion for teaching, music and playing guitar. He will be greatly missed!


Rod leaves behind his loving wife Trish; Trish’s 3 children Chandler(Candice), Brianna, Jeremiah, and grandchildren Lucas, Mason, Sophie, and Asher. Rod is also survived by his Mom Jane, Dad Jake, his sister Kristel (Richard), and his brother Micheal. Rod was predeceased by his brother Kelly.


A celebration of life will be planned for November 7th 2025 in Winkler, Manitoba at the Pembina Valley Baptist Church. The family would like to thank everyone for your messages, thoughts, and prayers over the years and during this difficult time. I would also like to thank our neighbours Randy and Cindy for all the help they given us as well as their Church. I would also like to thank the staff and parents of the Winkler Daycare Center for their help, donations, prayers, thoughts, and messages. Also a special thanks to all the palliative care teams (nurses, doctors, social workers), the hospital staff at Boundary Trails hospital, Pastor Sullivant (wife Brenda), and Wiebe Funeral Home. They have all helped us so much and has been greatly appreciated.

Eunice A. Bjornstad
June 13, 1939 — October 29, 2025
Walhalla
Eunice A. Bjornstad, age 86 of Walhalla, ND died on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m. at Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Burial in the Hillside Cemetery, Walhalla. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Walhalla Ambulance Service.
Eunice Arlene Loraas was born on June 13, 1939, in Langdon, ND to Myrtle and Arthur Loraas. Eunice grew up on a farm outside of Fairdale, surrounded by her seven siblings. She graduated from Fairdale High School, fell in love with and married Donald Bjornstad of Walhalla on July 18, 1959. Eunice graduated from Mayville State with a teaching degree and taught first in a one room schoolhouse and then at Walhalla Elementary.
Eunice was a poet, storyteller, and wordsmith. She loved to travel, to make you laugh and was always up for a game of cards. Eunice was active in her church and the community, serving on the board at Pembilier Nursing Home. Eunice read more books than anyone thought possible.
She is survived by her children, Rodney Bjornstad, Hillsboro, ND, Paul Bjornstad and Tom (Teresa) Bjornstad, all of Walhalla, ND, Jodi (Nate) Houge, St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Alex, Andrew, Anna (Levi), Martin, Jack, Marley, Elias, Katelyn, and Elsa; siblings, Carolyn Holmlund, Rosalie (Bill) Hiers, Ronnie (Bonnie) Loraas, Edward (Sharon) Loraas, Gordan Loraas and sister in law, Evelyn Loraas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie, her parents, brothers Ole and Harold, brother in law Jim.

Gary L. Dietrich
September 24, 1947 — October 29, 2025
Cavalier
Gary Lynn Dietrich, 78, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and service. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Cavalier. Visitation will be held from noon on Thursday until the time of services.
Born on September 24, 1947, to Louis and Irene (Flint), Gary grew up in Crystal, North Dakota, where he graduated high school in 1965. He attended North Dakota State University before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1971.
Gary's work ethic was evident throughout his diverse and accomplished career. After his military service, he worked as an apprentice electrician and later owned and operated his own bulk fuel business in Crystal. He spent 14 years as a truck driver and paver operator for Mayo Construction, followed by 12 years on the assembly line at Motor Coach Industries. Gary concluded his working years with 7 years as a Customs and Border Protection Officer before retiring in 2010.
A man who appreciated life's simple pleasures, Gary enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and watching wildlife. He had a special fondness for music from the 1960s, which often filled his home.
He was a proud member of the Cavalier American Legion for 51 years. Those who knew Gary well will remember that he never minced words and always told it like it was, whether you wanted to hear it or not.
Gary married Carol Stamm in 1969, a union that lasted until 1979. On June 26, 1993, he found lasting happiness when he married Peggy (Thomson) Hannesson, and together they made their home in Akra, North Dakota.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; daughter Penny (Mark) of Fargo, ND; stepchildren Monica (Bill) Bohn of Cavalier, ND, Marci (Adam) Eckroth of Fargo, ND, and Mark (Holly) Hannesson of Parshall, ND; grandchildren Tatianna and Hailey Smith, Jessica (Tyler) Reimer, Deric Bohn, Kaitlyn (Michelle) Alvarez, Darion (Megan) Hannesson, Ashlynn Hannesson, and Sarah and AJ Eckroth; great-grandchildren Saylor Alvarez and Elleanor Hannesson; sisters-in-law, Carol Dietrich and Debbie Shoefner; and stepsisters, Linda Ranisate, Nancy Gurneau, and Jolyn Boyce; and an abundance of nieces and nephews he adored, and his beloved pets Ginger, Blackie, and Pinkie.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louis (Evie) Dietrich and Irene (Bill) Thorwaldson; brothers Dennis, James, and Tracy; sister Carol Hoekstra; nephew Justin; and his faithful companions, Cinder & Mocha.
He will be remembered by all who knew him.

Florence R. French, age 102 of Oakwood, ND, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.
Florence Osowski was born June 28, 1923 in Minto, ND, the daughter of the late Frank and Helen Osowski. She attended school in Minto and later attended Acton School. Following her education she worked at the Deaconess Hospital as a nurse aide. She was united in marriage to Charles French on September 24, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Minto. The couple made their home near Oakwood where they farmed and raised their children. Charles passed away on November 24, 2000, and she continued to make her home on the farm until the time of her passing.
She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Oakwood where she also was part of the choir, altar society, cleaning committee and taught religious education. She took pride in her large abundant garden and was a skilled seamstress and excellent baker.
Florence is survived by her children: Mary Eng, Blaine, MN, Gregory French, Grafton, ND, Charlotte Foley, Hazel Green, AL, and Peter French, Oakwood, ND; grandchildren: Melanie Eng, Melissa Chimento, Heather Corkery, Justin French, Karissa Brossart and Frank Foley Jr.; great grandchildren: William, Katie, Joseph, Lilli, Logan, Alanna, Bohdi, Adley, Bronx, Miles and Weston; great-great granddaughter Laikyn; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles; son Michael; son-in-laws John Eng and Frank Foley; and siblings: Ambrose, Hiladore, Hilary, Leo, Martha, Dorothy, Mary Ann and Lillian.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. John’s Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Oakwood, ND.

Obituary of Mary Fehr
September 22, 1942 - October 27, 2025
Mary Fehr beloved mother, sister, and aunt went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ at 5 AM on Monday October 27, 2025 while in her home at Salem. Mary Fehr was born on September 22, 1942 at Bethel Hospital in Winkler to Jacob I and Helena (nee Neufeld) Fehr. Mary was the oldest of 9 children, 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She grew up on the farm near Gnadenthal and got her elementary education at the school in Gnadenthal. She helped at home with baking, gardening, and various other household duties.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Jacob I Fehr (2008), Helena Fehr nee Neufeld (1994), brother Peter (1956), brother-in-law Jack Wiebe (1969), nephew Grant Fehr (2008), sister-in-law Barb Fehr (2025).
Mary is survived by daughter Mary-Ann Klassen, sister Helen (Bert Klassen), brother Jake (Edna), brother Cornie (Hilda), brother Dave, sister Margaret (Willie Dyck), brother John (Gertrude), sister Tina (Gerald Thiessen), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary recognized her need of a Saviour and accepted Jesus into her heart. She was baptized early on in life and attended the Sommerfelder Church faithfully as long as she was able to. She always found a way to get there. Mary loved listening to hymns and singing them when she was able to. She was often overcome by emotions especially when it came to singing hymns, spiritual matters and family.
Mary struggled with mental health starting in her teen years. Because of that, she was supported through various organizations which provided Mary with various opportunities which included the cannery in Morden, and the sewing factory in Winkler. She embraced these opportunities. During those years Mary did some upgrading in her education. She also enjoyed doing voluntary work at MCC in Winkler.
After some time, Mary was given the opportunity to work at the Occupational Training Centre now known as Blue Sky in Altona. She thrived in that setting and was given opportunity to cook, making many pots of soup, and helping with craft projects. She loved the role given to her.
During those years at Blue Sky, Mary was welcomed into several wonderful homes in Altona as well as in Winkler. These families welcomed her into their families as one of their own, for which we are very grateful. Some of these relationships remained right until the end.
Mary’s health started to deteriorate while in her 70’s. With supports in place, Mary was able to stay in one of these homes until she was able to go to Salem in February of 2016. Mary thoroughly enjoyed the activities, the church services, and the community living at Salem.
Mary’s health continued to deteriorate to the extent that she was put on palliative care October 23, 2025. She passed on peacefully in her sleep October 27 at 5 AM.
We as a family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to each one involved in the service and to the ladies group for serving the meal.
Thank you to Wiebe’s Funeral Home for your care and assistance.
Thank you to the staff at Salem Home for your tremendous love, care and support.
Thank you to Pastors Jake Heide, Art Wiebe, and Aron Friesen for your faithful pastoral care of Mary.

Obituary of Mary Fehr
September 22, 1942 - October 27, 2025
Mary Fehr beloved mother, sister, and aunt went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ at 5 AM on Monday October 27, 2025 while in her home at Salem. Mary Fehr was born on September 22, 1942 at Bethel Hospital in Winkler to Jacob I and Helena (nee Neufeld) Fehr. Mary was the oldest of 9 children, 5 brothers and 3 sisters. She grew up on the farm near Gnadenthal and got her elementary education at the school in Gnadenthal. She helped at home with baking, gardening, and various other household duties.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Jacob I Fehr (2008), Helena Fehr nee Neufeld (1994), brother Peter (1956), brother-in-law Jack Wiebe (1969), nephew Grant Fehr (2008), sister-in-law Barb Fehr (2025).
Mary is survived by daughter Mary-Ann Klassen, sister Helen (Bert Klassen), brother Jake (Edna), brother Cornie (Hilda), brother Dave, sister Margaret (Willie Dyck), brother John (Gertrude), sister Tina (Gerald Thiessen), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary recognized her need of a Saviour and accepted Jesus into her heart. She was baptized early on in life and attended the Sommerfelder Church faithfully as long as she was able to. She always found a way to get there. Mary loved listening to hymns and singing them when she was able to. She was often overcome by emotions especially when it came to singing hymns, spiritual matters and family.
Mary struggled with mental health starting in her teen years. Because of that, she was supported through various organizations which provided Mary with various opportunities which included the cannery in Morden, and the sewing factory in Winkler. She embraced these opportunities. During those years Mary did some upgrading in her education. She also enjoyed doing voluntary work at MCC in Winkler.
After some time, Mary was given the opportunity to work at the Occupational Training Centre now known as Blue Sky in Altona. She thrived in that setting and was given opportunity to cook, making many pots of soup, and helping with craft projects. She loved the role given to her.
During those years at Blue Sky, Mary was welcomed into several wonderful homes in Altona as well as in Winkler. These families welcomed her into their families as one of their own, for which we are very grateful. Some of these relationships remained right until the end.
Mary’s health started to deteriorate while in her 70’s. With supports in place, Mary was able to stay in one of these homes until she was able to go to Salem in February of 2016. Mary thoroughly enjoyed the activities, the church services, and the community living at Salem.
Mary’s health continued to deteriorate to the extent that she was put on palliative care October 23, 2025. She passed on peacefully in her sleep October 27 at 5 AM.
We as a family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to each one involved in the service and to the ladies group for serving the meal.
Thank you to Wiebe’s Funeral Home for your care and assistance.
Thank you to the staff at Salem Home for your tremendous love, care and support.
Thank you to Pastors Jake Heide, Art Wiebe, and Aron Friesen for your faithful pastoral care of Mary.

Rev. John I. Peters

February 12, 1927 - October 27, 2025


John I Peters, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on October 27, 2025 at Salem Home in Winkler, Manitoba.


Dad was born on February 12, 1927 west of Haskett in a log cabin with a thatched roof. His parents were Isaac D. Peters and Anna (Siemens) Peters who were farmers. Dad had nine brothers and sisters. Dad took a trip on a ship to Paraguay with his parents and a couple of his siblings shortly after he was born, 2 years later they returned by ship and he has lived in Manitoba since then. He grew up in Osterwick and accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in 1946. Shortly after, he started praying about who he should marry. Dad was hauling gravel one day, when he stopped at the Blumenfeld store to buy something and Tena Neufeld was the clerk. Dad thought this beautiful dark-haired lady was the one. But as is often the case, there was competition from anther John, who played the violin very well. Dad was persistent, and with his romantic flair, Katharina Neufeld and John Peters were married on November 6, 1949. Mom had accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and was baptized in the Sommerfeld Church. Dad prayed about which church he should join and was baptized and joined the Sommerfeld Church shortly before they were married.


Dad had some help and built a small house in Osterwick where they lived for a number of years and then moved next door to a bigger house. It was during this time they had six children, 5 boys and 1 girl.


Mom and Dad took us to Sunday School and for many years he was a Sunday School teacher. As children in Sunday School where your dad is a teacher, and there are only curtains to separate classrooms, we siblings did not create trouble. I remember dad telling us that he was teaching the older class and there were 2 boys who were constantly poking each other and disrupting the class while he was teaching. Finally, thinking he could stop it, he went and sat between them. It didn’t take long and they were doing it behind his back. He grabbed both boys by an arm and asking the one on his right, “What did I just say in the lesson?” The boy repeated word for word. Then dad asked the boy on his left, “What did I say before that?” The boy repeated what dad had said. This has been a reminder to me that young people may not always appear to be paying attention, but they probably are!


Dad had the small general store in Osterwick, across from the school, and next to our house. If mom needed something, we would run next door and get it. We would receive a 10 cent allowance every month when family allowance came. Drinks and chocolate bars were 10 cents each. So, if you wanted to have a pop and a bar you had to save from one month to the next, and then you could eat both at the same time. The odd time dad was clearing out certain drinks or bars for 5 cents and then you could enjoy both without waiting. It was a good way for Mom and Dad to teach us the value of money.


People didn’t use credit or debit cards, so payment was by cash or cheque. Dad would let most people have a charge account at the store. This was very convenient as parents could send their children to the store and pick up something and they would pay at the end of the month. A few people didn’t pay. One evening we took some grain sacks along in our car and visited a farmer south west of Osterwick. We left his yard with a couple of bags of flax and his bill was marked paid even though the full amount had not been paid. When the store was sold there were very few outstanding accounts.


The store was a way of making some money, so they could buy a farm. In 1965 we moved from Osterwick to Wakeham on the side of the Pembina Hills. There was farmland, bush and pasture for cattle and a building for hogs. Dad was finally a farmer.


We were taught the value of work and enjoyed working with Mom and Dad. We planted and hoed in the garden, picked apples, saskatoons, chokecherries, raspberries, strawberries etc. We hauled bales by hand, lots of bales, and shoveled manure, lots of manure for the pigs and cattle. Probably didn’t always enjoy that! We milked cows by hand and later with a machine.


Dad was still teaching SS but felt that God was calling him to be a minister in the Sommerfeld Church. He prayed that he would not be asked until son Jake, the oldest, had a driver’s license so he could take the family to SS and church, while dad would preach in other Sommerfeld Churches. Dad asked mom and us children if we supported him as it would mean certain amount of time away from family and the farm. We said we did. Dad was ordained on February 4, 1968. Dad’s handwriting was not the neatest, so he would write out his sermon and Mom would copy it in neat handwriting. Being in ministry was a joint effort. As many of you know, Dad led youth groups, Bible studies, officiated at many weddings and funerals, as well as hospital visitations.


They retired to Morden in 1993 and lived there 24 years.


In 2017 Mom and Dad moved to Buhler Estates in Winkler. Mom was admitted to Salem in 2018 and passed away 2019. Dad continued to live at Buhler Estates and moved to Salem in November 2022. He appreciated the care he received. Thank you to the Doctors and Salem staff. Thank you as well to Wiebe’s Funeral Home.


He was predeceased by his wife Katharina (2019), his son Ernest (2025), his grandson Mark (1995).


Dad is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.


Jake (and Sylvia) son Jason (and Loresa) with Teigan and Raegan; daughter Cynthia Hamilton with Quinn, Keira and Carys; daughter Stephanie (and Allan O’Ray) with Nolan and Grady; daughter Jacqueline (and John Schmidt) with Calysta (and Pete Fehr), Reed (and Abigail) and Tiana.


John (and Marjorie) daughter Heidi (and Reyburn Franz) with sons Ryan and Lucas; brother to Heidi (Mark – deceased 1995).


Anne


Ernest (deceased 2025) (Irene) daughter Tanya Derksen (partner Manju); son Derek (and Sherriann Dexter) with Raine and Cadence; son Clint; daughter Tracy (and Tyler Friesen) with Ava, Charlotte and Isabelle.


Harry (and Gertrude) daughter Angela (and Arron Goertzen) with Eli; daughter Theressa (and Tom Suderman) with Addison and Isla.


David (and Brenda) son Dustin (and Breanne), son Braedan (and Nayeli), son Dylan (and Hailey) with daughter Olive, son Tyler (and Aliviah), son Colton (and Kaitlyn).


Also survived by: Sister Helen, brother Dave and wife Linda, sister-in-law Adeline, brother Pete and wife Louise, sister-in-law Anne Rempel.

Mary Kay Heggen, 68, of Park River passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family—including her extended work family from First Care Health Center—after courageously facing ALS on her own terms, just as she did everything in life.
Born on March 12, 1957, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Bernice and Joseph “Butch” Arens, Mary was the oldest of five children and proudly lived up to her role as big sister. She graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1975 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston, where she earned her Associate’s degree.
On July 12, 1980, Mary was united in marriage to Bruce Edwin Heggen in Mahnomen, Minnesota. Mary was an incredible wife, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and strong family values. They raised three daughters—Bethany Kay, Stacey Jean, and Jennifer Anne—who were her greatest joy. Her pride and love grew even deeper with the arrival of her grandchildren, who lit up her world.
Mary dedicated 42 years of her career to St. Ansgar’s/First Care Health Center, where she worked in medical records. Known for her thoroughness and persistence, she was the person everyone could count on to get things done—and done right. Over the years, her coworkers became her second family, and her work was truly a labor of love.
An active and caring member of her community, Mary gave freely of her time and talents. She was involved in 4-H, the Ladies’ Auxiliary at both her church and the hospital, the figure skating board, and whatever was needed at her kids’ activities. If there was something to be done, Mary was there—organizing, helping, and making sure things ran smoothly.
Mary loved to decorate for the holidays, turning her home into a warm and welcoming space full of color, sparkle, and heart. She also loved to craft and sew, always working on something special for the people she loved. Mary was especially known for her adorable hooded bath towels—each one made with care, creativity, and her signature touch. Her projects weren’t just crafts; they were heartfelt gifts that brought smiles and comfort to everyone lucky enough to receive them. And true to her tender heart, she most likely had a tear in her eye for one reason or another—whether from laughter, pride, or simply being moved by the moment.
Mary was a spitfire—strong-willed, quick-witted, and full of life. Her faith, family, and friends meant everything to her. She gave ALS a run for its money, meeting every challenge with courage, humor, and grace. Her laugh—instantly recognizable and joyfully contagious—could fill a room and brighten even the hardest of days. There was rarely any question where Mary stood; she was always happy to share her opinion, and even happier when you agreed with her.
Her legacy lives on in the love she gave, the laughter she inspired, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, and strength.
She is survived by her husband, Bruce; daughters Bethany (Lucas) of Cameron, WI, Stacey of Devils Lake, ND, and Jennifer (Rory) of Beulah, ND; grandchildren Mac, Bre, Ellie, Liam, Weston, and Walker; her siblings Nancy (Brian) Benshoof and Margie (Mike) Janke and many dear friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by many loved ones, including her parents, Bernice and Joseph “Butch” Arens, sister Gail, and brother Danny.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 29th from 5-7, with a Rosary at 7pm at Tollefson Funeral Home in Park River. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River on Thursday, October 30th at 11am with a gathering one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to First Care Health Center or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in honor of Mary’s spirit of giving and resilience.  Inurnment will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Park River.

Frederick William VanKoughnet died October 26, 2025. He was born October 11, 1928 in the
Carman Memorial Hospital to Will and Clara VanKoughnet from the Ostrander District. He grew
up on the farm with his 4 sisters and usually the teacher boarded with their family as well.
Fred gained some notoriety when he started playing hardball. With most of his peers off to
war, skipping a grade and a late birthday, he still towered above the other players. And he
could throw hard at 16. He played baseball for 20 years. He also enjoyed curling, and later
golf and pool.


Fred married V. Joyce McCutcheon on July 31, 1954. Within 7 years they had accumulated 4
children. Fred loved his family and did his best to provide for them. And he loved farming,
farming together with Stan & Jessie Heaman for many years. He was still harrowing at 88
years old. Fred enjoyed having clean fields and trimmed around them to make things neater
and for weed control. It must have caught someone’s eye because the VanKoughnet Farm
was put into a school resource book. Also Fred was nominated for Mr. Manitoba Farmer.


He was part of many boards thru the years:
Graham Elevator Board
UGG Board
Farm Business Association
Carman Fair Board. Young Men’s Section and Sr. Board including president
Carman Co-op Board including President
Carman Hall Building Project Chairman
When the children all left home it was time for Fred and Joyce to travel. They went to Australia,
New Zealand, Hawaii, Europe, several cruises in the Mediterranean and multiple trips to British
Columbia and Mesa, Arizona to visit Fred’s sister and her husband, Joyce and Dave
Robertson.


In later years Fred became more attentive to his wife Joyce and her failing health. His desire
was to live at least one day longer than her so he could take care of her. He spoke glowingly of
her and their many happy years together.


The family would like to thank the Home Care Staff that extended Dad’s time at home. He
wrote your names in the back of his address book so I don’t know how accurate they are, and I
hope we are not missing anyone. Sue Ann, Susan, Sylvie, Tiffany, Gwen, Claudette, Keelyn,
Tracy, Lacey, Anja, Barb, Ronaldo, Janessa, Karly, Meagan, Julie, Jackie, Paige. He expressed
how they were ALL good. We would also like to thank The Carman Hospital Staff and Doyle’s
Funeral Home for their compassionate care.


Fred is survived by his children
JIM and Cathy (dtr. GRACE & Josh),
LOIS and Sri (dtr. KIRAN),
COLLEEN and Terry (dtr LISA & Brad) [ALECIA & Riley] [TY & Brooklyn]) Iverson,
(son MARK & Ainsley, Shane, Bryn, & Jace) Reimer, (dtr. JILL & Jeremy, Avery) Klassen,
BRENT & Jocelyn (son JOEL & dtr. KATIE).


He was predeceased by his wife Joyce VanKoughnet September 3, 2023.


Funeral Service will be held Friday October 31, 2025 at 11:00.


In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Carman Area Foundation or a charity of ones choice.

Brody Emerson Unrau


November 8, 2016 - October 26, 2025
Brody Emerson Unrau, of Winkler, Manitoba, was born on November 8, 2016, and passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family on October 26, 2025.


Brody’s story began as a miracle long before his birth. He shared the womb with his identical twin brother, Blake, who developed without a heart. In a rare and extraordinary act of nature, Brody sustained both their lives, growing for two until he was born nearly 100 days early, weighing just over a pound. From his very first moment, Brody defied every medical prediction — proving that courage, love, and strength can overcome even the greatest odds.


Through more than 20 surgeries and countless hospital stays, Brody continued to fight with a quiet resilience that amazed everyone around him. His body endured what many could not imagine, yet his spirit remained unshaken. He radiated peace, positivity, and joy, becoming a beacon of light to all who knew him.


Despite being unable to walk, talk, or see, Brody lived fully. He loved to be surrounded by laughter and voices — his family, his classmates, and the people who loved him most. His favorite song, Waymaker, was the soundtrack of his life — a reminder that even in the darkest valleys, there is still light.


Brody’s presence transformed everyone he met. He taught patience, compassion, and strength. He made his family — and his entire community — stronger, softer, and more grateful. His smile could light up a whole room. His life was short in years but infinite in impact.


Brody will be forever loved and missed by his parents, Eric and Randi Unrau, his brothers Leo, Hudson and Nick; his grandparents Rose (Don) Vigier, Ben & Lisa Unrau; and the countless great-grandparents, family, friends, teachers, and caregivers who walked beside him on his remarkable journey. He has now joined his Pop Pop Ryan Toews and his brothers Emerson and Blake in heaven.


A celebration of Brody’s life will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 pm at the Winkler MB Church. All who were touched by Brody’s life are invited to attend and honor this incredible boy who changed the world simply by being in it.


In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Brody’s legacy by spreading kindness, choosing joy, and cherishing each precious moment — just as he did every single day. 


The family would especially like to thank Dr Anna Shawyer from the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital for her gentle hands and gentle heart caring for Brody from the first days of his life to the last; as well as Dr Tanja Borchers and the Palliative Care team at Boundary Trails Health Centre for their love and care in the last year of his life. 


Donations can be made in Brody’s honour to Southern Health-Santé Sud (please add a note to the memo line stating Palliative Care – Pediatrics), and mail to:
Southern Health Santé Sud - Palliative Care
Unit 8, 380 Stone Bridge Crossing
Steinbach, MB R5G 2R1