Obituary for Herbert William Wildeman
Herbert Wildeman
It is with much sadness, but with so many loving memories, that his wife Shirley and family share the news that Herb passed away on Sunday, January 23,2022 after a brief stay at the Grace Hospital. Herb was a dearly loved son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend - we will miss him!
Herb was a positive presence in our lives and the life of the community (family, church, work, culture, sport and horticulture). We are thankful for Herb’s influence on each of us. We will remember and hold dear his exuberant friendship and love, his active and unwavering faith in Christ and his unselfish dedication to his family, church and community.
Born in 1936 on the Maple Hill Farm, Inglis, MB, to parents John and Lena Wildeman (nee Nerbas). He was the middle child of five children: Wilfred (Rita), Wilma (Walter), Gar (Marg), Rodney (Judy). They grew up on the land bordering the northwest corner of Riding Mountain National Park. Herb excelled in Track and Field, Baseball, Curling and later in life enjoyed Golf, Cycling, Nordic skiing and even completed a half marathon, just for the promised beer at the finish line.
He met Shirley Otke when she had a bad case of laryngitis…he immediately thought “this is the wife for me!” Even though she quickly recovered, they were happily married for 61 years. They raised 2 daughters, Sandra (David) and Barbara (Ken). Together they provided a treasured Godly heritage for their beloved grandchildren: Nathan (Emma), Thomas (Kendra and great grandchild Zealand), Amélie, David Liam, Mattea, Hayden and Estella. Herb never missed an opportunity to brag about the grandkids and was intentional about supporting and encouraging each one and remembering them in his prayers. He now continues this as one of those in the ….” great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).
His career with the Royal Bank took him to Roblin, Manitou, Churchill, Thunder Bay, The Pas and Winnipeg. He enjoyed auditing for North American Lumber throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He served as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer for two Winnipeg school divisions until the entrepreneurial drive that was nurtured while studying for his professional accounting designation led him to develop Janome The Sewing Gallery on Graham Avenue where he and Shirl were proprietors for 25 years. His optimism, honesty and vivacious zest for life made him a natural salesman. Herb and Shirley appreciated their co-workers and customers and have always enjoyed meeting up with them in the community throughout the years.
The adventure of travel was embraced by Herb and together with his intrepid partner, Shirley they travelled widely for work and leisure. From camping under canvas on the shores of Rocky Lake to tatami mats in Japan, to the dance floor in Portugal or trade shows in Vegas, whether visiting friends and relatives in Europe or making memories at family reunions throughout western Canada, these times provided spark and sizzle to brighten the ordinary days of work and responsibilities.
Herb literally gave his life blood to the community, donating over 100 times to The Canadian Red Cross blood bank. He and Shirley were long-time season ticket holders of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, and supported many Winnipeg performing arts organizations that in turn enriched their lives through the power of truth and beauty. Herb considered leadership in his home congregation and the wider church as his main investment in the community. He endeavoured to let the love of Christ flow through him and sought out the gifts of the Church: forgiveness, The Word of God and His life – giving sacraments.
Herb continued his connection to the land through horticultural pursuits and together with Shirley, put lots of food on their family’s tables and beautified the neighbourhood. Connections with neighbours have always been important and as he aged in place these connections became indispensable. We are so grateful for all the loving care received in these last years as his physical strength diminished.
Herb passed away quietly in his sleep Sunday morning after a wonderful day spent surrounded by his family either at his side at the hospital and on ipad. Herb you can breath deep and easy now.
It is with much sadness, but with so many loving memories, that his wife Shirley and family share the news that Herb passed away on Sunday, January 23,2022 after a brief stay at the Grace Hospital. Herb was a dearly loved son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend - we will miss him!
Herb was a positive presence in our lives and the life of the community (family, church, work, culture, sport and horticulture). We are thankful for Herb’s influence on each of us. We will remember and hold dear his exuberant friendship and love, his active and unwavering faith in Christ and his unselfish dedication to his family, church and community.
Born in 1936 on the Maple Hill Farm, Inglis, MB, to parents John and Lena Wildeman (nee Nerbas). He was the middle child of five children: Wilfred (Rita), Wilma (Walter), Gar (Marg), Rodney (Judy). They grew up on the land bordering the northwest corner of Riding Mountain National Park. Herb excelled in Track and Field, Baseball, Curling and later in life enjoyed Golf, Cycling, Nordic skiing and even completed a half marathon, just for the promised beer at the finish line.
He met Shirley Otke when she had a bad case of laryngitis…he immediately thought “this is the wife for me!” Even though she quickly recovered, they were happily married for 61 years. They raised 2 daughters, Sandra (David) and Barbara (Ken). Together they provided a treasured Godly heritage for their beloved grandchildren: Nathan (Emma), Thomas (Kendra and great grandchild Zealand), Amélie, David Liam, Mattea, Hayden and Estella. Herb never missed an opportunity to brag about the grandkids and was intentional about supporting and encouraging each one and remembering them in his prayers. He now continues this as one of those in the ….” great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).
His career with the Royal Bank took him to Roblin, Manitou, Churchill, Thunder Bay, The Pas and Winnipeg. He enjoyed auditing for North American Lumber throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He served as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer for two Winnipeg school divisions until the entrepreneurial drive that was nurtured while studying for his professional accounting designation led him to develop Janome The Sewing Gallery on Graham Avenue where he and Shirl were proprietors for 25 years. His optimism, honesty and vivacious zest for life made him a natural salesman. Herb and Shirley appreciated their co-workers and customers and have always enjoyed meeting up with them in the community throughout the years.
The adventure of travel was embraced by Herb and together with his intrepid partner, Shirley they travelled widely for work and leisure. From camping under canvas on the shores of Rocky Lake to tatami mats in Japan, to the dance floor in Portugal or trade shows in Vegas, whether visiting friends and relatives in Europe or making memories at family reunions throughout western Canada, these times provided spark and sizzle to brighten the ordinary days of work and responsibilities.
Herb literally gave his life blood to the community, donating over 100 times to The Canadian Red Cross blood bank. He and Shirley were long-time season ticket holders of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, and supported many Winnipeg performing arts organizations that in turn enriched their lives through the power of truth and beauty. Herb considered leadership in his home congregation and the wider church as his main investment in the community. He endeavoured to let the love of Christ flow through him and sought out the gifts of the Church: forgiveness, The Word of God and His life – giving sacraments.
Herb continued his connection to the land through horticultural pursuits and together with Shirley, put lots of food on their family’s tables and beautified the neighbourhood. Connections with neighbours have always been important and as he aged in place these connections became indispensable. We are so grateful for all the loving care received in these last years as his physical strength diminished.
Herb passed away quietly in his sleep Sunday morning after a wonderful day spent surrounded by his family either at his side at the hospital and on ipad. Herb you can breath deep and easy now.