Herb Rempel
July 07, 1943 – January 22, 2019
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Herb Rempel, age 75, of Steinbach, MB passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.
The story of Herb Rempel’s life began on July 7th, 1943 in Steinbach Manitoba. Born to an entrepreneurial farmer (Arthur and his wife Agnes), Herb was the eighth of nine children. Affectionately referred to by his siblings as Herbie his precocious nature added to the family dynamic, especially between his two closest brothers Herman and Peter.
His long legs, agility, speed, and general love of sports played a huge role in his life. Whether it was football, or his two favourites – curling and baseball, Herb found every excuse he could to find a way to play.
Herb loved God. His faith that translated into a life that was lived with incredible integrity, honesty, love, gentleness and a wonderfully kind spirit. His commitment to God began at 13 years old and at 19, he was baptized at the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church.
Herb had eyes for only one. His Helen. After their extended courtship; much to the delight of Herb – Helen Martens married him in 1966. The two truly formed a partnership that meant owning and operating a massive chicken farm southeast of Steinbach, raising two children, building up yet another farm and walking through the great and the not-so-great trials of life – all the while maintaining a sense of humour and playfulness. She was a true source of his strength until the very minute of his passing.
Fatherhood was likely Herb’s favourite role in life. His girls, Carla and Julie had his undivided attention anytime they wished – even if it meant riding their bikes to the end of the field, there they would wait until he would spot them and then climb up into the tractor and spend the rest of the day sitting on the armrest combining with their dad. From ping pong to board games to video games to vain attempts at teaching the girls organized sports, Herb loved nothing more than to spend Sunday afternoons playing with the girls. He cherished them equally, loved them for their uniqueness, taught them that anything boys can do, girls can do better and ultimately showered them with love that never wavered.
As life moved forward, Herb’s hard work on the farm began to take a toll on his body. In 1998, he underwent emergency triple bypass surgery at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. His cardiologist Dr. Sinha graciously informed him that the surgery would give him another 20 years…and it did. Thankfully, those 20 years turned out to be some of the most rewarding times as he welcomed the births of his precious three grandchildren.
Up until his last few days of life, the mention of his grandchildren Matthew, Brooklyn and Sophie would light up his face. These three were the pinnacle of his life’s accomplishments. Each believed they were his favourite and likely in their own way…each was. He met them wherever they were in life, from building Lego or playing barbies to riding in the tractor to walking through puddles, along the beach, to driving them to horse lessons, attending school or church concerts, soccer or hockey games…their Grandpa was there.
Described repeatedly as a gentle giant, with the biggest hands – Herb will be remembered by his family, and his friends with the utmost fondness and adoration. He knew that his life on earth was only the beginning of what he would enjoy once he reached heaven. He lived his life with purpose, knowing that as his body failed him, his faith restored him. Herb Rempel was a wonderful man.
Herb was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Arthur, George, Tina, Elsie, Erna, Herman and Peter. He is survived by one sister, Mary Letkeman of Medicine Hat, AB. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife, Helen, daughter Carla, husband Darcy Thiessen and children Matthew and Brooklyn of Altona and daughter Julie, husband Jeff Liba and daughter Sophie of Winnipeg.
As a shepherd to his sheep on the farm, now Herb has been led home to be with his Shepherd.
Cremation has taken place.
The memorial service will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Herb Rempel July 07 1943 January 22 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Steinbach, Province: Manitoba