Joshua Waldner

Obituary

Joshua Waldner, age 82 of Blumenort, passed away peacefully, on Monday, August 8, 2022, at his home, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rachel, their children Rachel (Andy), Anna (Paul), Katie (Jerry), Marilyn (Ephraim), Joshua (Dolores), Phillip (Debra), Joseph (Jennifer), Dora (Elie), Brian (Tania), twenty-nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, two sisters, Sara Gross and Susie Wollmann.

He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Anna Waldner, seven brothers and two sisters.

Dad was born on Bon Homme Colony, March 18, 1940, and lived in the various colonies for 47 years. It was here where dad met the love of his life Rachel Stahl and were married October 23, 1960. Between 1985 and 1987 Dad’s life changed drastically, when six of his children left the Colony life. God used this event to work in Dad’s heart and in March 1987, Dad and Mom decided to move to southeast Manitoba and were reunited with their children where they could practice their newfound faith in Christ.

Dad’s entrepreneur spirit got reinvigorated and he started a new professional journey of a family business, which today is called WS Steel. He became known as an innovator and helped industries around Manitoba with many creative solutions which today stretch the globe.

In 1994, Dad had a setback in life when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. Being a fighter, he adjusted readily to the physical changes the cancer brought to his body. At 65 years old his work life slowed down and he started doing other things he enjoyed. Gardening with his daughters brought him much joy. Any time family came to visit, the garden was always a place he had to show and always generously shared of its fruits. Gardening brought Dad a thankful heart of God’s provision and blessing.

In 2018, Dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a year later had a pacemaker put in. This gave him two more active years, then May of this year his health worsened which bound him indoors. This was very difficult for him. On July 23, Dad had a massive heart attack which hospitalized him. After a brief hospital stay we took him home, as his wish had always been to pass away at home. On August 8th, he went to Glory.

Dad loved his family deeply and was extremely proud of his children and their families. There was never a time when family came to visit that he didn’t encourage them to live for Jesus.

Jesus and family were the cornerstones of his life.

Special thanks to the staff at St. Anne Hospital for the care provided. Also, a special thank you to all the friends and family who have reached out with words of love and encouragement.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday August 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., a brief devotional to follow at 7:30p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Viewing will also be at the church prior to the service.

The Celebration of Life for Joshua Waldner will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at Southland Church, with interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery.