Irene von Kampen (nee Krahn) died peacefully on January 17, 2020.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Peter and their children, Kirsten and Mark; grandchildren, Andrea (Travis), Stefan (Mel) and Nick: great-grandchildren, Lane, Zoee and Zakk, and extended family. She is survived by her sister Hella and was predeceased by her grandson Alex and her younger brother Peter.
Irene was born September 9, 1926 in Rosental, Chortitza, Ukraine. She was the second youngest of four children born to Heinrich Krahn and Helene (nee Grunau). She enjoyed a carefree childhood until May 1936 when her father was seized by the KGB and sent to Siberia never to be seen again. In 1941 just prior to German occupation of her village, her oldest brother Heinz was abducted as well. In 1943 when the German army began their retreat, her family fled as the Russian front advanced.
The turmoil of war separated the family until they were reunited near its end. They arrived in the American Zone of Germany on Christmas Eve in 1946. At the age of nineteen, Irene was baptized. Though they experienced some peaceful years in Germany, a nagging fear of falling back into Russian hands drove them to emigrate to Canada. Arriving in Winnipeg in 1954, Irene immediately found a spiritual home at First Mennonite Church. There, as she sang in the choir, she caught the eye of the church organist Peter von Kampen. They married in 1956.
Prior to having a family Irene worked as a seamstress. Sewing and knitting continued to be passions of hers but eventually her primary creative outlet was making pressed flower cards.
Irene had a heart for service and a deep love for the church and community. She was part of an active women’s group, and spent many years singing in the occasional choir. She was also passionate about the work of MCC and volunteered many years at the Sargent Thrift Store. A firm believer in nutrition, exercise and self-care, she continued to lead exercise for fellow residents at Bethania House.
Irene found great joy in her identity as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was grateful to live her final years still able to care for Peter under one roof and continued to pray daily for everyone in her family. Her greatest hope: “May the Lord bless and keep them and lead them on the right path.”
Irene served her family and community as an inspiring model of faith, resilience and steadfast love.
A Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2020 at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Mennonite Church or Mennonite Central Committee.
Many thanks to Health Science Centre staff, her doctors and pharmacist Tim.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Irene von Kampen Krahn Friday January 17th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba