WILHELM (WILLI) THOBABEN

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WILHELM (WILLI) THOBABEN September 6, 1920 August 22, 2011 It is with great sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Willi; father, Opa, and Uhr Opa, on Monday, August 22, 2011 at the age of 90+ years. Willi will be deeply missed by Guenter (Diane), Helmut (Cheryl); grandchildren, Tracy (Ron Bauer), Trevor, Tricia (Dan Kramarik), Krista (Rod Thiessen); and great-grandchildren, Braxton, Braydon, Mason, Mackenzie, Logan and Kyle. Willi was born on September 6, 1920 in Langenhausen, Germany and immigrated to Canada with his wife Gerda and children in 1953. Over the years, he enjoyed several return trips to his homeland to visit with his family and friends. After a naval career in the war, he trained to be a master tailor, soon learning there were no business opportunities in that line of work in post war Europe. After moving to Winnipeg, he worked at a number of construction jobs, oddly always related to water. Laying sewer and water pipe, or digging tunnel sewers, with Borger Brothers and doing plumbing work for Paul Fabien Plumbing and Active Builders. After retirement in 1984, he loved to walk, bike, or ski, and for many years could be seen every morning walking around Assiniboine Park with Gerda. They also shared a great love of travel and saw most of North America with Fehrway Bus Tours. Our family thanks all the kind employees on the second floor of the Poseidon Personal Care Home who have helped dad in the past nine months. Cremation has taken place and Willi's ashes will join Gerda's at a private family gathering. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 29 at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street. In lieu of flowers, if friends or family so desire, donations in Willi's memory may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association. Funeral Home Crematorium 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Ample parking behind the building. Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2011