THEODORE FELBEL (TED)

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THEODORE FELBEL (TED) Theodore Felbel, beloved husband of Florence (Frohwerk) for just under 70 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at the Health Sciences Centre, on July 16, 2017 at the age of 91. Dad was born in Moosehorn, MB on June 14, 1926 to Rudolph and Wilhemine. The family was large with one sister and eight brothers all of whom played an active part in maintaining the family farm. On the homestead, music was encouraged and it was later to become a major passion in Dad's life. After serving in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War as a guard at POW camps, Ted returned at war's end to Winnipeg. Florence and Ted were married on November 22, 1947. They resided in East Kildonan for the better part of their married lives raising their sons, Dennis and Alan. Ted joined the Winnipeg Police Department in 1952 and proceeded on a career of which he was particularly proud. Commendations were numerous and promotions followed through to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Always eager to learn, Dad added to his accomplishments by completing both a senior police management course through the R.C.M.P. in Ottawa and a Criminology Certificate at the University of Manitoba. On retiring in 1986 Dad moved on to the "entertainer" portion of his life. Although Dad played in numerous bands over time, including the Coppertones while in the police force, Highway Six became his focus. Touring the province with his guitar and saxophone and his fellow bandmates, the band entertained at Legions, weddings, and socials including the Morden Corn and Apple and the Altona Sunflower Festivals. In the 1990s Dad became involved in the local movie industry. He appeared in some 20 movies and TV productions often in a character role or as an extra. His first money making role, and he liked that idea, was in Bordertown Café where he played farmer Carl, a natural for a farm boy from the Interlake. His starring role was in Without Rockets shot on location in Churchill, MB, at the Rocket Range where he was the caretaker who is slowly coming unglued with the desolation of the north and the loss of his pet pig. Dad had many stories about being "on set" and the celebrities he met between "takes." Ted and Florence's second home was the family cottage at Silver Bay. Dad had been going to that location on Lake Manitoba since 1933. In the 1970s they purchased an old railway car and built a cottage around it. Silver Bay became the focal point for get-togethers, summer water sports, and winter outings. Dad also acted as the unelected mayor of the community for a number of years and was responsible for the entrance sign that welcomes cottagers to the area. Grandchildren were the light of Dad's life. He was proud of their respective accomplishments. Dad was dedicated to family and loved spending time with his grandchildren at school concerts, hockey and baseball games, and imparting his musical know how to aspiring musicians. He was an amazing role model and mentor, always supportive and patiently constant. Ted will be deeply missed by his wife Florence, son Dennis (Claudette) and grandson Lucas, son Alan and grandsons Curtis (Cheyenne) and Christopher, brothers Fred (Margaret), Emil (Sophie), George, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Rudolf and Wilhemine, brothers Bill, Roy, Herb, Arthur and Gordon, and sister Dorothy Hines. A celebration of Ted's life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Henderson Highway, Branch #215, 3600 De Vries Avenue, East St. Paul between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place on October 1, 2017 at Good Hope Cemetery. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and staff of the Dialysis Units of the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospitals. Special thanks to the staff in 5D at the Health Sciences Centre and especially Suzanne for their excellent care and comfort. We also wish to extend our heartfelt thank yous to Joyce Stabner for her unfailing positive encouragement and professional advice to Dad during his illness. Dad will be missed by his loved ones and friends, but his memory will not be forgotten. There will only be one Ted. Donations honouring Ted's memory may be made to the Manitoba Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 1-452 Dovercraft Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4. https://www.kidney.ca/manitoba Arrangements Entrusted To ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Ashern, Manitoba 1-866-293-4951

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 02, 2017