Kathy was born on July 27, 1939 in Reinland, MB to Laura (nee Dyck) and David D. L. Zacharias. She was predeceased by Peter E. Rempel (her first husband, 1980), son Norman (1989), step-daughter Caroline (2002) and granddaughter Carly (2019).
She is survived by her loving husband Peter Apolzer; children: Laura (Collin), Dan and Julia (Brian); step-children: Mark, Jennifer and Cynthia; grandchildren: Rachelle, Daniel, Dominic, Michael (Bre) and Cruz; great-grandchildren: Frankie and Corben. She also became a grandma to Will and Tom.
On August 28, 1960 she married Peter Edward Rempel. Over the next 19 ½ years they lived in southern Manitoba, then moved to Cranbrook, BC in 1972. In Cranbrook, they cared for many foster children and owned a Smitty’s Restaurant which she continued to run after Peter’s death (1980). Kathy also managed and supported others with restaurant startups.
On February 2, 1990, Kathy and Peter Apolzer were married. Peter’s work took them to numerous mining communities in the U.S. where she worked in various capacities including as a ranch hand. Together they travelled extensively throughout North America to visit family and friends. After retirement, but continuing to volunteer, Kathy and Peter moved back to Canada, eventually settling in Morden, MB.
Throughout her life, her faith was central to Kathy, in spite of the hardships she encountered. She was baptized in the Reinland Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in 1957 and was active in church communities wherever she lived. In addition, she was a committed volunteer. Notably, she was the vice president of the B.C. Foster Parents’ Association; work that was recognized by the province with an award. Moreover, she was a surrogate parent to church youth and other young people. She built community and life-long friends wherever she went. Kathy enjoyed oil and water colour painting along with crocheting blankets. She took joy in celebrating every occasion, in gardening and nature, with a fondness for dragonflies. Above all, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Age didn’t slow her down until her health deteriorated. She would say “don’t let anyone know how old I am because they would never let me do what I am doing now”.
Kathy passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2024. The funeral will be held at 2 pm on Nov. 30 at Wiebe Funeral Home in Morden, MB.
The family deeply appreciates everyone for their love and support. Moreover, they would like to thank those involved in Kathy’s care: Dr. Duff and the staff at the Menzies Medical Centre in Morden; Dr. Kass and the cardiac team at the Asper Institute, St. Boniface Hospital; and the marvelous team at Boundary Trails Hospital, RM of Stanley.
She is survived by her loving husband Peter Apolzer; children: Laura (Collin), Dan and Julia (Brian); step-children: Mark, Jennifer and Cynthia; grandchildren: Rachelle, Daniel, Dominic, Michael (Bre) and Cruz; great-grandchildren: Frankie and Corben. She also became a grandma to Will and Tom.
On August 28, 1960 she married Peter Edward Rempel. Over the next 19 ½ years they lived in southern Manitoba, then moved to Cranbrook, BC in 1972. In Cranbrook, they cared for many foster children and owned a Smitty’s Restaurant which she continued to run after Peter’s death (1980). Kathy also managed and supported others with restaurant startups.
On February 2, 1990, Kathy and Peter Apolzer were married. Peter’s work took them to numerous mining communities in the U.S. where she worked in various capacities including as a ranch hand. Together they travelled extensively throughout North America to visit family and friends. After retirement, but continuing to volunteer, Kathy and Peter moved back to Canada, eventually settling in Morden, MB.
Throughout her life, her faith was central to Kathy, in spite of the hardships she encountered. She was baptized in the Reinland Sommerfeld Mennonite Church in 1957 and was active in church communities wherever she lived. In addition, she was a committed volunteer. Notably, she was the vice president of the B.C. Foster Parents’ Association; work that was recognized by the province with an award. Moreover, she was a surrogate parent to church youth and other young people. She built community and life-long friends wherever she went. Kathy enjoyed oil and water colour painting along with crocheting blankets. She took joy in celebrating every occasion, in gardening and nature, with a fondness for dragonflies. Above all, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Age didn’t slow her down until her health deteriorated. She would say “don’t let anyone know how old I am because they would never let me do what I am doing now”.
Kathy passed away peacefully on Nov. 24, 2024. The funeral will be held at 2 pm on Nov. 30 at Wiebe Funeral Home in Morden, MB.
The family deeply appreciates everyone for their love and support. Moreover, they would like to thank those involved in Kathy’s care: Dr. Duff and the staff at the Menzies Medical Centre in Morden; Dr. Kass and the cardiac team at the Asper Institute, St. Boniface Hospital; and the marvelous team at Boundary Trails Hospital, RM of Stanley.