Gerald Peter “J.R.” Rempel

1957 – 2002

Gerald Peter Rempel, widely known as J.R., passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on September 6, 2002 at the age of 44 years and nine months.

J.R. was born on December 6, 1957 at the Winkler Bethel Hospital. He was the fourth of six children, born to Mary and Peter P. Rempel. J.R. lived most of his life in Plum Coulee. He graduated from G.V.C.I. in 1976.

As a child, J.R. attended Sunday School at the Plum Coulee E.M.M.C. He had the opportunity to go to Bible camps during the summers where he accepted Christ at a young age. He spent many happy moments playing and fighting with his four brothers and being refereed by his sister.

J.R. pursued many different interests throughout his life, such as welding, motorcycles, umpping, and most recently computers.

J.R.’s life changed when he was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 25. He realized he had to become more structured and disciplined to remain healthy. J.R.’s life changed again for the better when his daughter, Stephanie, was born on August 2, 1991. This brought new meaning to his life as he made the role of fatherhood a top priority.

Family was an important part of J.R.’s life. He always looked forward to family gatherings and would often be the first to arrive. He showed genuine interest in the lives of his nieces and nephews.

J.R. was always up for a challenge, which led him to a variety of occupations. He tried his hand at construction, maintenance, real estate, and spent the past number of years working at Triple E in Winkler.

J.R.’s personality is what will leave the most lasting memories. He was very out-going and loved to meet new people. He loved debates, control on the ball diamonds and was always ready with a friendly greeting. Whatever he did in life, he gave it his all.

As a family, we will forever cherish this past summer. We were blessed to celebrate two local family weddings in June and in July we attended a wedding in B.C. J.R. was privileged to escort Mom to Fort St. John, B.C. for that wedding. We spent several days reminiscing and bonding. This was the first time in many years  that all the siblings had been together.

He leaves being a family that celebrates his life; one daughter Stephanie; mother Mary Rempel; 1 sister Doreen and Andrew Heinrichs and their children Don and friend Angell, Vern and son Colton, Avery and Cecile; 4 brothers Alvin and Janice and their children Chris and Colleen, Cory and friend Jen, Sherri, Cameron, Tyler, Jordan; brother Edward and Karen and their children Racheal and Nick, Jessica, Lisa, Victoria; borther Mervyn and Gail and their children Jaimee, Randi, TeJay; and brother Andrew and Carol and their children Michael and Marla, Karla, Darrin, and Kaitlyn.

J.R. was predeceased by his father Peter. P. Rempel in 1961.

Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at the Plum Coulee Bergthaler Mennonite Church at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Glen Siemens and Don Schellenberg officiating. Interment followed at Plum Coulee Cemetery.

If friends so desired, donations were made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Wiebe Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

Family Submitted.