Cornelius C. Peters

July 3, 1932 – November 6, 2004

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Cornelius C. Peters on Saturday, November 6, 2004 at the Gimli Hospital at the age of 72. 

Cornie or Neil as he was known to many of his friends was born to Cornelius and Maria Peters July 3, 1932, in Gnadenthal, Manitoba.   Here he spent most of his life, attending school and growing up on the family farm.  He was baptized May 30, 1955 in the Gretna Bergthaler Church.  After his marriage to Elinor Enns of Plum Coulee, on July 7, 1957 he transferred his membership to the Plum Coulee Bergthaler Church.

He was as man of many talents, and was known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to his family.  He started a career in farming, but because of his love for his workshop and his talent of welding, he opened own welding shop in Plum Coulee.  Here he built many tractor cabs, rot iron railings, and whatever “custom jobs” for whoever would ask.

Although he closed he eventually closed his workshop to pursue other jobs, his shop at home still remained his place of refuge.  Here built many woodstoves, play structures, trailer hitches, and repaired whatever machinery, for friends and neighbors. 

His workshop was also a classroom where he taught his daughters, and later his grandchildren, the art of welding, to whom his knack for creativity and inventiveness have also been passed on. 

His yard was also his pride and joy.  When he wasn’t in his shop, he and Elinor would be busy on the yard mowing lawn, planting trees or working in the garden where they grew enough vegetables for several families.  Many vegetables were donated to various charities every fall. 

His other love was the outdoors, and especially the lake.  Together with his family, many vacations were spent at Lake 0f The Woods fishing, making new, and enjoying old friends.

His love of the lake was an influence in Cornie and Elinor’s decision to retire in Gimli near the lake in 1998 where they found as home at Aspen Park.  In the few years here he touched many more lives, and made many new friends.

He enjoyed his retirement very much.  It allowed him time to spend more time with his family and friends.  It also allowed him and Elinor to enjoy several vacations together, something that they had always wanted to do.  Mexico, The Maritimes, British Columbia, and Branson, Missouri were but a few of their destinations.

His daughters and their families were always very dear to him and retirement gave him the opportunity to spend more time to visit them as well. Building things, playing cards, fishing, and hunting trips will all be memories his grandchildren will carry with them forever. 

Family and friends will always remember him for his love of food and cooking.  Together with Elinor many great meals were prepared and shared, especially the many great steaks that have been served off his barbecue. 

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Elinor, 2 daughters:  Karen (Brad) Doerksen of New Bothwell MB, Fran (Reg) Braun of Fisher Branch, 6 grandchildren, Jesse, Rebecca, Jaclyn, Justin, Garrett, and, Colton. 

He also leaves 1 brother, Ernest (Eva) of Winkler, and 5 sisters, Marie (Gerald) Dyck of Steinbach, Martha Neufeld, Kelowna, B.C., Clara (Pete) Penner, Winkler, Erna (Pete) Hoeppner, Morden, and Pauline (Ed) Giesbrecht, Thames.  As well many nieces, nephews and friends will miss him.

His parents Cornelius and Maria predeceased him, as well as brother in law Frank Neufeld of Kelowna.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Gimli Hospital for their great care and concern they showed during his stay while in their care.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Research.

Funeral service was held on Friday, November 12, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Winkler.  Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.