ERNIE BAUEREISS

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ERNIE BAUEREISS Ernie's life here played out on his terms in God's time quickly and peacefully with wife, Judy, at his side in their living room at home on Thursday, May 21, 2015. They had moved into their new retirement home on May 21, 2014. Ernie's life journey began in Russell on March 20, 1941. Ernie was the third child of five siblings born to John and Bertha (nee Fingas) Bauereiss. The family lived on a family farm in the municipality of Boulton, near the town of Inglis.. Ernie was baptized and confirmed in Bethany Church and has been a life member of this congregation. Ernie attended Freefield School until the decision was made for him to leave school and help run the family farm. Growing up, visiting and playing cards with a large family of aunts, uncles cousins and neighbouring families fairly regularly, family drives and picnics were always a delight even if sometimes the card play got pretty intense. Ernie spent hours playing ball, curling "skiing" behind trucks and skating and playing shinny hockey on frozen sloughs in his youth. Ernie was a born farmer and loved the land and working it all of his life. He also had a love and respect for nature. He and older brother, Werner, farmed successfully together for some 40 years. He bought his own farm in 1964, and spent hours clearing scrub, bush and picking stone. He was very happy and relieved when the first automated stone picker arrived on the scene. He served for a number of years on the local volunteer fire department, retiring when he married. He also served on the Bethany Church Council for a number of years. His bachelor days ended in 1984 when he married wife Judy (nee Bill) in April, 1984, even if he did have to go "into the city" to court her. He helped build their new home on the farm site that same year. Ernie and Judy moved in on July 14 of 1984. Throughout their marriage occasions to celebrate events and milestones with family and friends, a chance to travel and play a good game of cards were always enjoyed. Ernie and Judy were blessed with two sons, Jared, born in 1986, and Lorne in 1988. He and Judy were thrilled to welcome our favourite and lovely daughter-in-law Stacy Oliver into the family when she and Jared got married in October of 2013. Ernie had a great love and enjoyment of children, especially "the little ones", a common trait in all of the Bauereiss clan. Ernie had a very nice, dry sense of humour and was known to do his fair share of good natured teasing especially of the young ones. He was a loving, hands on father and devoted husband. Certainly, he was thrilled to learn that he and Judy are expecting their first grandchild in October. He would have been a fantastic hands on "poppa". Ernie was predeceased by father and mother, John and Bertha, and one sister Trudy Benson. He is survived by loving wife, Judy, two sons, Jared and Lorne, daughter-in-law Stacy, brothers Werner, wife Sharon and family, Tom, wife Betty, and family, and Rolly and family, brother-in-law, Dennis Benson and family, one uncle Erwin Mack and wife Enid and their family, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The nephews especially have fond memories of spending holidays with Uncle Ernie on the farm in his "bachelor" days. Ernie had suffered with chronic back and leg pain since 2000. He bore it all stoically and without complaint, dealing with it in his way. In the past few months, mobility issues increased and physical strength continued to wane so that his favourite place became his chair in the new home which Ernie and Judy had built over seven months. He especially enjoyed watching curling through the winter months. Jared and Lorne want to share with you some of their memories of Dad to close this celebratory eulogy of Ernie's life. Lorne remembers coming home every day after school and running out to ride the tractor with Dad. He always got his ride. Jared remembers the annual trip out to the bush to cut down an annual Christmas tree. Both boys remember the family hikes and nature walks through the bush, with Dad acting as trail guide and tracker, identifying the various animal tracks in the snow. Both sons remember Ernie's great patience with his boys as they learned "to do stuff". Both sons say that last fall's harvest was the best and happiest harvest in years. Jared says, "We could not get Dad out of that combine". Stacy remembers fondly that Ernie did not like his seat adjusted in any vehicle. Jared and Lorne acknowledge that Ernie's practical knowledge and experience will be missed. "Dad could always figure out a mechanical fix or any fix for that matter, they say", "and he never bucked any fast changes in agriculture that the boys wanted to implement". "Rest in a long deserved peace, Dad. We love you." Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service - Russell, MB was in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2015