Gerald Toews

Obituary

Gerald Abram Toews passed away on the 9th of January 2025, after a 3-year fight against cancer, he will be forever missed and his memory cherished, by his wife, family and all who knew and loved him.

Gerald is predeceased by his mother Susanna, father John, stepmother Anna, sister Kay, brothers Pete and John, father-in-law Aron, mother-in-law Annie, brothers-in-law Dick, Peter and John, and his dear grandson AJ.

Gerald is survived by his wife Mary, children and grandchildren Sandra Furutani (Keith), their son Jordan (Christina) and daughter Abigail; Cynthia Toews (Jason Schmidt) and their daughters Kali and Rory; and Andrew Toews (Genessa) and their son Jack.

Dad was born on the 26th of October 1937 in Steinbach, Manitoba, to John F. and Susanna Toews and spent his early years with his parents and siblings on their farm in Schoenenberg. This was a happy childhood, enjoying farm life and attending Carruther’s School. Dad’s mother died in 1947. In 1949 his father remarried, and they moved to a beautiful farm in Grunthal. In his teens Dad contracted tuberculosis and spent several months in the TB Sanitorium on Bannatyne. With health regained Dad entered the work world, working on farms and in construction until adventure called him north to work in the new nickel mine in Thompson. From there he went to work at the San Antonio Gold Mine in Bissett, beginning a lifelong love for the Bissett area.

In 1966 Dad married the love of his life, Mary Anne Suderman and together they have three children and five grandchildren. They settled near Niverville, Manitoba soon building a new home on a beautiful property. There they remained for 40 happy years, moving to Steinbach in 2012. Dad worked in construction and carpentry for the rest of his working life; his homes, barns and outbuildings can be found across southern Manitoba. Together Mom and Dad built a cabin near Bissett and this has been the setting for nearly 50 years of wonderful weekends and holidays. Dad loved the outdoors – hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, rock collecting and just plain exploring. He taught many people from the depth of his knowledge of Manitoba’s natural landscape. After retirement Dad took up the hobby of building rustic furniture and his unique and beautiful pieces grace homes of many family, friends, and neighbours. Dad also loved to read and had a deep knowledge of Canadian, Manitoban and Mennonite history.

Dad loved his family and was a constant source of help and encouragement to his children and grandchildren. If it was up to him, he never missed an event that one of them was in. He helped out in many ways and gave many treasured pieces of woodwork. If a grandchild requested something special be built, you could be certain it would happen. Dad also greatly enjoyed daytrips with his family, exploring every mile of the province he loved. He knew hidden corners and interesting stories and was the best Manitoba tour guide you could find.

In his later years Dad found great encouragement in attending church, and in the daily reading of Scripture. He trusted in a loving and almighty Saviour for his salvation and though for those he leaves behind there will be an unfillable hole, this knowledge of a heavenly reunion, exploring and creating together forever, is a source of true comfort.

The livestreamed funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba, with viewing one hour prior.

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