Michael Waldner

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Michael Waldner who left his earthly home to be with Jesus on April 24, 2025, at the age of 86.

Michael was born on March 6, 1939, in Riverside Hutterite Colony where he lived for the first 13 years of his life. He then moved to Bloomfield Colony. In 1958 he met the love of his life, Lydia. They married on November 13, 1960.

On August 14, 1961, they welcomed their first child, Michael, into the world. The following day, Michael went to be with Jesus. One year later, they were blessed with their second son, Michael, followed by Lillian, William, Thomas, and Calvin.

In 1972 they moved to Marble Ridge Colony.

In Marble Ridge Colony, Michael began working in a hog barn until 1979 when he became farm boss, managing the entire colony’s grain operation. He was a man of strong convictions and beliefs. He stood by these even though they cost him his job as a farm boss and isolated him from family and friends. These years of struggle sparked a love for fixing broken machinery, particularly lawnmowers. He spent most of his days in his workshop, where he also taught his grandson the trade. He was an avid trapper. He spent his winters out in the bush, no matter how cold. He loved to keep busy by working hard. He also had the job of keeping the colony’s grass mowed, which he did immaculately. He was also in charge of snow blowing the colony’s roads and sidewalks in the winters which he did joyfully even at 5 am. He kept that job until he and his wife Lydia left the Hutterite colony in 2002.

After leaving the colony, they moved south of Steinbach to live with his brother in law and sister in law. During this time, three of his five children and their families felt the Lord calling them to leave the colony. Michael and Lydia then moved to Fisher Branch Manitoba to live with their youngest son Calvin and his family.

In 2003 Michael and Lydia moved to Rosenort, Manitoba to live with their son William and his family. They lived in their basement while looking for their own home. They joined a church in the community where they became close friends with a local businessman, Elmer Friesen who sold them a home for $1. They moved that home onto William’s yard where it remains today. After some time their good friend Elmer Friesen gifted them a beautiful car. Michael began working for Tobacco Creek Farms doing what he loved, maintaining the grounds. He spent most of his extra time working on his yard at home, gardening, and spending time with his family, like trapping with his son and making his grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh. Throughout these last few years when he could no longer work, he spent his days singing, playing his harmonica, crocheting, and telling his wife how beautiful and amazing she is.

While his mind had been slowly fading, one thing he never forgot was how much he loved his wife Lydia, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never stopped expressing his appreciation for them even til the very last day.

Michael is predeceased by his parents Michael and Justina, his brother Jonathon, his sisters Justina and Rachel and his son Michael Waldner.

He is survived by his wife Lydia, and their children, Michael (Judy, their children Jayden (Kaitlyn), Damaris (Jerry, and their children Dawson and Aria), Megan, Michael, Ryan, and Isaiah), Lillian (Carl, and children Jennifer, Randy (and his children, Jonah and Nevaeh), Karlene (Daniel), William (Margaret, and their children Michelle (Atta and their children Nyla, Lydia, and Rayyan), Maria (Shayne and their children Davina and Elaina), Caitlyn (Joshua), Tommy, Calvin (Edith and their children Alanna, Jesse, Emily, Leah, and Riley). He will also be remembered by his siblings Edward, Peter, Leonard, Katherina, Christian, and Harvey along with a number of extended family and friends.

Though Michael is no longer with us on earth, his spirit will live for eternity.

“I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me, that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Viewing will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm with a short devotional at 8:00pm at the Rosenort EMC Church.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Rosenort EMC Church.