FRIEDRICH (FRITZ) OBERBUCHNER

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FRIEDRICH (FRITZ) OBERBUCHNER On September 25, 2013, Friedrich (Fritz) Oberbuchner was quietly called home with his family near his side. Fritz was born on January 31, 1932, is predeceased by his wife Maria and leaves behind sons Gerald (Jackie) and Fred (Ann), and grandsons Jakob and Simon. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help build a nature playground for Discovery Children's Centre, 367 Hampton St., Winnipeg MB, R3J 1P7, (204) 889-2689. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Sep 30, 2013

FRIEDRICH (FRITZ) OBERBUCHNER On September 25, 2013, Friedrich (Fritz) Oberbuchner was quietly called home with his family near his side. Fritz was born on January 31, 1932, is predeceased by his wife Maria and leaves behind sons Gerald (Jackie) and Fred (Ann), and grandsons Jakob and Simon. Fritz was a strong, courageous and vibrant man. He was known to many as a structural engineer, a Boy Scout leader, the founder of the Edelweiss Schuhplattler, and the primary organizer of the Alpine Pavilion of Folklorama. To those closest he was best known as a brother, husband, father, friend, and "dad" to the Edelweiss kids, but his proudest role was that of Opa (grandpa). His grandsons Jakob and Simon fondly remember Opa for the many hours they spent playing train together. Opa's trains were numerous, including the train Opa received from his parents when he was six years old, the train Pappa and Onkel Ger received when they were children, the toy trains and Lego trains Jakob and Simon received, the train that Opa purchased on their trip to Germany in 2010, and last but very spectacularly, the G-scale garden train which circles Opa's back yard (twice!). Opa was born in Bavaria, Germany and after losing his mother and then father at a very young age, he grew up and met his wife Maria (Oma - grandma). The devoted pair endured some frugal years with Oma working and Opa studying to become a structural engineer a profession he embraced with his usual determination. In 1960 his adventurous and independent spirit led the young couple and their one year old son Gerald to board a ship and then a train (of course!) headed for Winnipeg, Manitoba. Opa's engineering hand can still be seen on structures standing in and around Winnipeg to this day. Opa lived strongly by his principles: Commitment if you agree to something "for life" it is indeed "FOR LIFE". Opa and Oma celebrated 60 years together as husband and wife until Oma's passing. Integrity if you give your word to do something, there is NO backing out. Honesty if the accounting of the Edelweiss Schuhplattler is out of balance by 2 cents then you WILL spend 4 hours finding your mistake because something is clearly WRONG! And most importantly: FAMILY regardless of differences of opinion (particularly relating to train track layout), family must remain together in deed and spirit. Harsh words must always be forgiven by the next day, or sooner. For example, when Gerald and Fred Jr. were having a difference of opinion, Opa could be counted on to "knock their stubborn heads together" and all would be good again. Because, WE ARE FAMILY. Mom and Dad, Oma and Opa, you are together again in Heaven. We miss you immensely and will greet the day when our Heavenly Father calls us to join you in eternal peace. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help build a nature playground for Discovery Children's Centre, 367 Hampton St., Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1P7, (204) 889-2689. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Sep 28, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2013