Johann (John) Rempel, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. John was born on September 5, 1926, in Rosenhof, SK to Wilhelm & Katharina Rempel. Dad was raised in Rosenhof and attended school at Lens West. As a young man, he met Helen Ens of Schoenfeld. They were married on November 25, 1951, and together they raised seven children in the home that Dad built for them in Rosenhof. Although he was a farmer at heart, Dad chose a career in bricklaying. Many examples of his craftsmanship grace homes in and around Swift Current. Dad loved music. He sang and directed choirs in church and in the community and music was also a big part of our home life. Dad invested time in his community through service as an R.M councillor, school board member, and various other roles in his church and other organizations such as Kiwanis, Meals on Wheels, and McKerracher House. A special project for him was the creation and development of the Mennonite Heritage Village because it was an extension of his keen interest in family and Mennonite history. In recognition of this work, Dad was presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Centennial Medal in 2005. Dad was a member of the Christian Fellowship Church in Rhineland until the early 1980s when he transferred to the Fairview Bible Church in Swift Current. This remained his church home until his passing. Dad’s life was guided by his love for his Saviour. He practiced his faith daily by demonstrating God’s love to his family, friends and to all those whom he met. He anticipated his promotion to his heavenly home at the end of his time here on earth. In 2009, Dad suffered a stroke which resulted in a move to an assisted living facility. In 2012, following a further decline in health, he moved to the Palliser Regional Care Centre where he lived until his admission to the Cypress Regional Hospital prior to his passing. John is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Leona & Roy Knelsen, Kathy Knelsen, Tim and Heather Knelsen (Braden, Cole): Frank & Karen Rempel, Pam Rempel, Nancy and Cam Reimer (Tessa, Violet), Jason and Candice Rempel (Gabe, Addy): Calvin & Brenda Rempel, Chris Rempel (fiancée Holly Ewert), Sarah Rempel, Steven Rempel, David Rempel: Brian & Cindy Rempel, Darby Rempel, Dana Rempel: Laura Rempel: Sandra Rempel: Irene & Greg Schwalm; two sisters; two brothers; seven sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen, in 2002; his parents; his parents-in-law; three sisters; three brothers; four sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law; and by several nieces and nephews. We will miss Dad very much, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is “absent from the body and present with the Lord” (II Cor. 5:18). Dad received excellent and compassionate care over the past several years, first at the Bentley, then at the Palliser Regional Care Centre, and finally at the Cypress Regional Hospital on the Medical Surgical West ward. Thank you for your kindness and attention to Dad’s needs and also to our family.
The Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 24, 2014, at 2:00 pm from the Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Henry Friesen officiating. The musicians for the service were Leona Knelsen and Sandra Rempel. A piano solo, “The Holy City”, was brought by Judi Levesque. Scripture was read from Psalm 126 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 by Ben Rempel. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “He Hideth My Soul” were sung by the congregation under the direction of Henry Thiessen. The obituary was read by Roy Knelsen with the eulogy and tributes shared by Calvin Rempel and her Grandchildren. The ushers in the church were Ben Friesen, Ed Rempel, Arnold Ens and Dale Friesen. The Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery with the following grandchildren serving as pallbearers, Jason Rempel, Tim Knelsen, Darby Rempel, Christopher Rempel, Dana Rempel, Steven Rempel, Pam Rempel, Nancy Reimer, Kathy Knelsen, Sarah Rempel and David Rempel. In memory of John Rempel, donations made to the Swift Current Mennonite Heritage Village would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com