Gerald Reimer
Obituary
Gerald Peter Reimer passed into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on August 5, 2026, just shy of his 85th birthday. He was born on August 20, 1941, in Steinbach, Manitoba.
Gerald married Mavis Epp in 1962, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades of faithful service, hospitality, and love. Following graduation from Prairie Bible Institute, they joined Greater Europe Mission in 1965. After a missionary internship in Detroit and a brief pastorate in Grunthal, Manitoba, they moved to Austria as missionaries. Soon after arriving on the mission field, they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their firstborn son, Myron, in 1968.
Gerald served with Greater Europe Mission for seventeen years, seven years in Austria and then representing the mission across western Canada. He returned to Grunthal to pastor the EMB church from 1983 to 1988. This calling from the Lord also allowed him to spend more time with his children. He then served sixteen years in the Winnipeg office of Back to the Bible. As head of development, he and Mavis visited donors across Canada.
Gerald was a long-time member of Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church. Gerald volunteered many hours during the church’s construction and served on the Missions Committee, the Board, and in hospitality ministries. Whether welcoming guests, organizing volunteers, or mowing the lawn, he loved his church and its people.
Together, Gerald and Mavis also became “substitute grandparents” to many families from their church who didn’t have family close by. This also filled a need of theirs, since their children and grandchildren lived in Virgina and Bolivia.
Having a love for financial stewardship blended well with his inherited frugality. He loved to support his church and gave sacrificially to missions. When encouraged to pay for parking near his repeated medical appointments, he preferred to walk so he had more to give to missions.
Gerald was happy when he had sawdust on his clothes and wood glue on his fingers. He loved construction and building things – be it furniture, an add-on garage, sunroom or an entire house. He also enjoyed traveling with Mavis and enjoying nature each summer in their camper.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mavis; his children, Jennifer (Les) Sillars and Mike (Carolyn) Reimer; his 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and extended family. He was predeceased by his son, Myron.
Gerald loved the Lord deeply and lived to give glory to God in all that he did. He also wanted others to know the Saviour he faithfully served throughout his life. His family rejoices that his faith has become sight and that he is now at home with Christ.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” ~ Matthew 25:23
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd.
