HOLDINE KAPLUN

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HOLDINE KAPLUN Peacefully, on the afternoon of October 27, 2014 at Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home, Holdine Kaplun was called into the eternal presence of her beloved Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her mother Leokadia Koberstein (1977), her father Rudolf Koberstein (1983), her sister Leonida Sereda (2007), and her sister Elfriede Wittenberg (2012). She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Philipp, and her daughters Ingrid Vaughan (Greg) of Victoria, Monica Kaplun of Winnipeg, and Marlene Piel (Norman) of Winnipeg, along with granddaughters Bethany Kanhoffen and Kelsey Kanhoffen, both of Victoria, two brothers, a sister, numerous nephews and nieces, and countless friends. Holdine was born in Puchawa, Poland on January 17, 1927. In January 1940, she and her family resettled to western Poland, which became part of the German Reichsgaue of Warthegau. In 1945, the family fled the advancing Soviet Red Army and ended up in Kasekirchen, Thueringen, which following the Second World War became part of East Germany. Along with thousands of others, the family rejected life under the aesthetic Communist dictatorship, and in 1948 escaped to West Germany, settling in Herford, Westfalia. After working on a farm for a year, Holdine's family immigrated to Canada, moving to Winnipeg. Once in Winnipeg, Holdine worked in a sewing factory along with many other German post-war immigrant women. She was romanced by and fell in love with Philipp Kaplun, whom she married on June 28, 1958. Their marriage produced three wonderful girls, Ingrid, Monica and Marlene. To supplement the income of her growing family, Holdine worked as a housecleaner in various homes, soon becoming part of the family wherever she worked. In later years, she made hundreds of homemade crafts that included teddy bears, soft bunnies, and Christmas decorations, which she would usually sell at Christmas craft sales, when she wasn't simply giving away her creations. The joy of those who purchased or received Holdine's craft work was only exceeded by the joy she had in making these items. Her love for her family and friends was only exceeded by her love for the Lord Jesus Christ. After accepting Christ as personal Lord and Saviour, and upon the public profession of her faith, Holdine was baptized by immersion on April 25, 1947 while still in Germany. She was a charter member of the German Baptist Mission Church (now Mission Baptist Church) upon its founding in 1949. She served the Lord tirelessly in the church for the next approximately 50 years in various ministry capacities, using her beautiful alto voice in choirs, ladies' trios, and other musical groups, teaching Sunday School, and being engaged in Bible studies of various types. Attending the Triennial Conferences of the North American Baptist Conference with Philipp always gave her great joy. She was always only a phone call away for those others who required spiritual help and encouragement. Perhaps her greatest spiritual gift was that of hospitality and genuine friendship. She loved to always have a house full of family and friends, whom she blessed with her excellent cooking. Holdine particularly enjoyed hosting special guests, whether it was visiting Pastors and youth groups, or German soldiers from Camp Shilo. She invariably was one of the first to reach out to newcomers in the church, regardless of their ethnic background. Holdine drew people with her easy laugh, beautiful smile, and sense of humour and fun. Once she was your friend, you had a friend for life. In 1999, Holdine was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Although her life became more difficult over the years her love for people never waned, and thankfully the disease did not alter her character in a negative way. Eventually, the challenges produced by the disease became so great that Holdine moved to Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home in October 2010. Even though her mental capacity continued to diminish, her loving and cheerful spirit continued to bring much joy to all whom she encountered, and her relationship with Jesus was still able to shine through the dark clouds of her mind, enabling her to still sing "Jesus loves me" right to the end. Now that she stands in the presence of her Saviour, Holdine is eternally living the truth of that simple song. The family sincerely thanks all the management and staff of Meadowood Manor for their excellent, loving and compassionate care of Holdine for four years, with special gratitude extended to Chaplain Rev. David and Mrs. Darlene Holland. Funeral service will be held at Mission Baptist Church, 771 Sargent Avenue at Home Street on Friday, November 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Siegfried Seidel and Rev. David Holland officiating. Viewing will occur prior to the service commencing at 10:00 a.m., with interment following lunch at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Holdine may be made to Meadowood Manor Foundation, 102 - 575 St. Anne's Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2M 5B2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2014