Annie Reimer (nee Wohlgemut)

Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Mom passed away at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Arnold of 70 years; her sons, Gordon (Roselle), Howard (Claudette), and Lorne; her daughter, Viola (Dayton); one son-in-law, Lloyd; and 16 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty and sister, Martha. She was predeceased by her daughter, Marilyn.

While walking in at her home in Bridgepark after our family Christmas on December 22nd, Mom broke her hip. This started the journey that would eventually lead to her going home to be with Jesus. She remained determined to recuperate from her hip replacement surgery on Christmas Eve and worked hard to recoup mobility and become independent again. Although she was already walking again, and hopeful to return home, other issues came up. After numerous tests and procedures, including a short stay at St. Boniface Hospital, we could see her body was becoming weaker. On Tuesday, January 21st, the CT scan confirmed multiple blood clots in her lungs and Mom conceded that she would not be going back to her home in Bridgepark. She began to speak about heaven and expressed her longing to be reunited with her daughter, Marilyn who passed away last April.

Mom was born the third child to Cornelius and Katherina Wohlgemut, and the first child to be born in Canada. She grew up on the farm in the Landmark area with an older brother and sister, and two younger sisters. She attended the nearby elementary school and went on to complete Grade 11 in Steinbach. She found it hard to leave her home to board in Steinbach while she completed her schooling, referring to herself as a shy country girl. But her independent spirit prevailed and many friendships were made during this time. An unexpected blessing when moving into Bridgepark was that she met some friends that she had made when studying in Steinbach all those years ago. Mom was baptized on her confession of faith in the Mennonite Brethren church in Niverville, in her youth.

She met our Dad, Arnold Reimer while working at the local country store and they married on June 19, 1949. Together they raised their family of five children, modeling a strong faith and a life of integrity and hard work.

Without question the most important part of Mom’s life was family. She raised her family building a life of love, laughter, and memories with them. Mom was our greatest cheerleader and support in all our activities. Mom never had a driver’s license and relied on Dad, and then later us kids to drive her around. As each of us reached driving age, we had the privilege of being her chauffeur, getting groceries and doing errands. Because she did not drive herself, Mom was always home for us.

Mom was determined, goal-oriented, and very organized. She kept the household running smoothly. This has created stress for Dad now that Mom is no longer there to organize his day to day. All their married life, Mom always took care of it and that was good enough for Dad. Her organization skills were apparent when there were family weddings, and special events. She was a planner and therefore those events always went smoothly. Mom thought of every possible scenario and was prepared. We remember fondly the family camping trips – if you forgot anything, just ask Mom. She would have it!

We witnessed her determination when recovering from pancreatic surgery at age 78. She was able to adjust to the new normal – Type 1 Diabetes. She kept perfect records of insulin injections and learned how to monitor and respond to her body’s needs. Doctors were always pleased with the way she managed the disease.

Mom was a gracious hostess and loved a get together. Hosting family, friends, and visiting missionaries were ways Mom blessed others. Mom loved Christmas and went all out with making it a special time for all of us; shopping, decorating, cooking, and baking. Traditional favourites were served along with a new recipe or two. Gift giving was in her nature and she began the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in Grand Forks with the family. She was so pleased when she received her government “pay cheque” at age 65 and generously shared it with all of us in many different ways.

In later years, after family was grown, Mom especially enjoyed the winter holidays in Florida and Arizona with friends. Mom loved those winter holidays. Later they spent winters in Texas at Bibleville where Mom was in her element, graciously hosting friends and neighbours. She always had a strawberry pie ready with the coffee on. Setting a lovely table, fresh baking, and friends around her table was her way of blessing others. During these years, we learned Mom was very competitive when playing table games. This was a side of her that we had not seen while growing up.

Dad’s involvements in mission organizations and his adventurous spirit led them on many world travels. At last count they had visited 20 countries. Although Mom was more cautious and tended to worry, she always had great stories to tell when coming home. On these trips, Mom made new friends and blessed missionary wives in her quiet way, often leaving a personal gift that spoke of love and support.

An especially meaningful trip was to the Ukraine, visiting the exact site of her mother’s childhood home and the village in Poland where her dad had grown up. She had an interest in genealogies and was able to remember and relate the family connections through many generations. Her sharp mind for details helped to keep the memories clear.

Mom often expressed appreciation for her church family in Heartland and the support they provided to her and dad this last while. We will treasure our memories of her. She left us a legacy of commitment to marriage, family, and steadfast faith in her Lord. We will miss her dearly.

We express our deepest appreciation to the nursing staff and doctors on 2nd Floor Surgery Ward for the excellent, professional care given to our Mom. Our Mom felt listened to, cared for, and comforted.

Psalms 145: 8 & 9 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

~ The Family

The viewing will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, Landmark, MB., with burial prior to the service at Prairie Rose E.M.C. Cemetery, Landmark, MB.

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