Obituaries

JOHN KLIEWER

John Kliewer passed away peacefully, with his family around him, on October 18, 2022, in Grace Hospital. He was 81 years young.

Born in Niverville, he spent his early formative years on the farm and surrounding areas. From an early age, John demonstrated a strong work ethic, and a perfectionism in all projects he undertook, both personally and professionally. His favorite motto, “Who says we can’t,” will echo in our memories. A self-taught jack of all trades, he enjoyed the challenge of working hard, working efficiently, trouble shooting and successfully overcoming mechanical issues. He was employed in several jobs before he found a passion for industrial mechanics. He spent countless long hours, in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, employed not once, but several times, by Pritchard Engineering. In between, John was self employed at Building Products after purchasing his large Mack Truck #53. He culminated his career with 2 decades of maintaining the machinery that kept Deer Lodge Hospital running smoothly for the residents, for whom he had great compassion. It should be noted that throughout his various positions, he was always an advocate for his fellow workers, and spent many hours as a union representative. He was known to be a fierce adversary at the bargaining table and believed an honest day’s work in a well-run environment was beneficial to all, regardless of salary and job title.

Pride in workmanship was also evident about the home. From the finely tuned small engines, to the shiny white fencing, to the lack of weeds and well trimmed grass, the best garden vegetables and yearly donations to Winnipeg Harvest from the plentiful bounty, and a driveway even the mailman commented on as never having a speck of ice on it, John did it all. His energy was endless.

When he wasn’t working, John “played” at working. Early camping trips left sites better tended and equipment mended as there was always a toolbox in tow. Later, he took on his ultimate recreational project: Little Gordon Lake. Like a pioneer he cleared the land and ultimately built his family a castle up on the hill to survey the greatness of nature’s beauty. The fact that this was truly “off the grid” presented special challenges for John, but he created a true legacy to his mechanical genius as all modern conveniences were present and hummed along without the support of any utility companies.  This became his second home, and a haven for family reconnections through swimming, fishing, sailing, walking, games, good food, and laughter. Always the laughter.

John had tremendous faith in God and believed in being of service to his fellow man. He was a charter member of the Father Allen Hall Council, Knights of Columbus, and could be counted on to regularly assist in their many community projects and fundraisers. He also spent many hours as the liturgy coordinator in support of his parish. Once retired, he continued to be involved in the community as an avid volunteer, no matter which club or community organization he was attending. He kept in great shape over the years with Whirlaway Westerners’ Modern Square Dance Club.  John was known for his love of chatting over coffee (and pie and ice cream) and enjoyed a hearty exchange of ideas with people of all ages.  In later years, he discovered the wonderful non-profit organization of Woodhaven Men’s Shed, where John loved socializing, learning new hobbies such as carving walking sticks, painting, cooking, and he rekindled his love of playing cribbage. As his energy dwindled, he found acceptance and much needed companionship in this non-judgemental, non-competitive environment aimed at senior men of every ability and background.

Thank you, Father Michael Wollbaum, and all who had the twenty-four-hour prayer lines going everyday, which helped his children and grandchildren stay strong while they maintained vigil. Thank you also to the various teams from Grace Hospital. From doctors to nurses and support staff, we felt as though you were family, caring for all of us during John’s final days. John had many health teams over the last sixteen years to maintain and improve his health. Thank you all, for the attentive wonderful care given that helped to sustain his youthful vigour. A special thank you to Doctor Aaron Funk, for your gentleness with John and helping him to continue for many years with his life well lived.

We thank God for John in our lives, a wonderful husband of 56 years, father, grandfather, and sibling – one of six, and an amazing uncle to many treasured nieces and nephews. Good friend and confidante to many. Always “Johnny on the spot”, ready to pitch in. Rest well our beloved.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, 1:00 p.m., at Saint Charles Parish; 320 Saint Charles Street.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:

St. Charles Parish Accessibility Fund

395 St. Charles Street

R3K 1T7