Bill L. Rempel
Obituary
William (Bill) Loewen Rempel was born on August 20, 1929, in Rosenort, Manitoba. At the age of 95, he passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early hours of Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Maplewood Manor in Steinbach.
Bill was born to Jacob G. and Elizabeth L. Rempel, the ninth of eleven children. He grew up on a farm just half a mile west of where he later raised his own family. He accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on December 1, 1943, remaining faithful until the end. He married Janet Reimer from Giroux, Manitoba, on March 29, 1953. He was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family.
During the early years of their marriage, he worked in the Kenora area, clearing brush for the Trans-Canada Highway, while Mom prepared meals for the crew. Dad became a grain farmer who loved farming and took great delight in maintaining straight rows, both on the field and in the garden. He farmed for most of his adult life and also raised hogs for many years. Most of the land he farmed was located near Kane, about 10 miles west of the home farmyard. During seeding and harvest seasons, he spent many hours “out west,” often taking his boys with him and working late into the evening. He was very resourceful; whenever something broke down, he could usually find a way to fix it. Baling wire and pliers were always kept handy. He believed in efficiency, and if something didn’t work quite to his liking, he would adapt it to make it more convenient. Every truck, tractor, and combine on the farm had a set of tools, and if a tool went missing, he wouldn’t hesitate to buy a replacement. He made regular trips to Winnipeg to transport hogs, often combining those trips with activities like grocery shopping and buying clothing. We children eagerly waited for his return, as he brought home various items, including cases of fresh fruit, broken cookies, bags of chips, and boxes of Corn Flakes.
In later life, Mom and Dad moved off the farm and took up residence in Rosenort. Dad enjoyed those years. Some memorable trips Dad took were family trips, including driving to Mexico to see Robert and Joanne in the mission field while the house at home was being renovated. Mom’s last trip with him was to Churchill, and Dad also took a trip to Paraguay with Bruce. As Mom’s health declined, they made the move to Steinbach.
As a family, we cherish many good memories, but we also recall some difficult times. Throughout it all, Dad was always there for us, showing how deeply he cared. There were mishaps, and things would get broken by us children, often requiring repairs. His patience during these moments was truly admirable. He had a great love for children and thoroughly enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always prepared with a pocket full of peppermints to offer the children and the occasional friendly dog.
Dad was a kind and helpful person who did not tolerate demeaning remarks or unkindness towards others and would quickly correct this behavior in his presence. Although he was somewhat shy in crowds, he loved people, especially one-on-one interactions. His practical, down-to-earth humor endeared him to many. His Christian faith was very important to him, and he often expressed his desire for both himself and his family to be saved. Attending church regularly was very important to him. He often felt lonely for Mom and for heaven, and we are grateful that he can now be at peace. We deeply appreciate everything he has done for us, and his influence will continue to guide us.
Left to cherish many memories are his ten children: Murray and Gladys, Neepawa, Manitoba; Bruce, Calgary, Alberta; Joanne and Robert Goossen, Altona, Manitoba; Reg and Karen, Calgary, Alberta; Wanda and Nelson Toews, Rosenort, Manitoba; Robert and Laverna, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Annette and Norm Bonneteau, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Jerry and Cheryl, Rosenort, Manitoba; Dan and Christine, Rosenort, Manitoba; Andy, Winnipeg, Manitoba; 47 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law: Dorothy Rempel, Edna Rempel, Marina Rempel; one brother-in-law: Herbert Goossen; as well as Janet’s family: Norma Reimer, Sue and Don Barkman, Don and Edith Reimer, Allan Toews, and Janice Reimer.
Dad was predeceased by his wife, Janet, in September 2022, and one baby daughter, Marilyn. He was also predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, losing his sister Caroline just two months ago.
We, as a family, would like to thank the staff at Maplewood Manor for providing our dad with a home in his sunset years. A sincere thank you to Tom (Director of Maplewood Manor) for allowing Dad to use his electric wheelchair, which broadened his horizons and provided him the independence to do laps around the manor.
Viewing will be Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., with a devotional at 7:30 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
The funeral service will be held Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Rosenort, MB with viewing prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery.
