Henry David Falk

1922 – 2006

On Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 2:50 a.m., our dad, Henry David Falk went to be with the Lord.  He reached the age of 84 years, 7 months and 2 days.

Dad was born to David and Sara Falk on January 21, 1922 in Schoenberg, the southern part of Russia near the Kniepper River.  His family moved to Canada in 1924 and settled in Schoenweise, MB where dad went to school until the eighth grade.

His musical career was short-lived.  His dad wanted him to play the violin or guitar but his teacher suggested that he take his instruments home and leave them there.  Dad enjoyed playing sports such as hockey, baseball, curling and golf but farming was his life.

Dad married our mom, Mary Penner of July 24, 1949 at the age of 27.  He bought a farmyard in Reinland and they lived there until 1978.  Dad was baptized by Bishop David Schultz in June of 1950 and became a member of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church.

He enjoyed his time with the family especially at family gatherings.  He loved his children, grandchildren and great granddaughters.

Dad and mom loved to go to Hawaii for winter vacations.  He especially enjoyed it when members of his own family came to see them while they were there.  Among his cherished memories was taking part as one of the charter members of Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Church in 1965, where he served as an usher and on the Finance committee.  He served as trustee for the Reinland School Board and also spent 27 years as a director at Red River Mutual Insurance.  He shared the vision for the development of the Crocus building in downtown Winkler and was instrumental in getting it started.

In March of 2005 as his strength declined, he participated in the day program at Salem Home.  He became a resident of Salem Home on May 11, 2006 where he lived until is death.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife, Mary of Winkler formerly of Reinland, MB as well as 4 daughters, Judy and Peter Derksen (Darrell and Annick, Rob and Jen and daughter, Eilliana, Myra and Matt Peters and daughters, Abbey and Emily), Jean and Ken Penner (Kevin and Jen and daughters Illiana and Kadence, Kimberly), Linda and Howard Heide (Jason and Paige, Darren, Ashley) all of Winkler, Diane and James Hillock (Zachary) of Winnipeg; 2 sons, Don and Nancy Falk (Karla, Randy, Jessica, Brian) of Reinland, Steven and Susan Falk (Michael) of Winnipeg.  He is also survived by 1 brother, John and Mary Falk of Killarney as well as sisters-in-law, Anne Falk, Helen Falk and Susie Goertzen, Dorothy Penner; brother-in-law, George and Marion Penner and many nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by his parents and 2 brothers Dave (Joyce) and Jake (Anne).

Funeral service was held at Bethel Bergthaler Mennonite Church in Hochfeld, MB on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 2:00 pm. with Rev. Randy Smart officiating.  Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.

Dad, we love you and you will be greatly missed.  We mourn; but not as those that have no hope, for we are awaiting a blessed reunion on that great and blessed resurrection morning. (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

We would like to express a sincere thank you to the Salem staff who gave extra good care to our dad and to all family and friends for their visits, food, prayers and support and to all others who were involved in any way.  Thank you, the Falk Family.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Henry’s name to the Salem Foundation Inc. 165 15^th St. Winkler, MB R6W 1T8.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.