Franz “Frank” Gerhard Ens

1923 - 2007

On Thursday, March 29, 2007 at Boundary Trails Health Centre, Frank G. Ens of Salem Home in Winkler, MB formerly of Reinland aged 83 years went to his eternal rest.

Dad was born in Grosse Isle, Quebec aboard the Empress of France on November 11, 1923.  Opa and Uncle Gerhard had gone directly to Canada in August while Oma was detained in Germany because of trachoma.  The family settled in Reinland where dad spent his childhood and youth; attended the local school and worked on the family farm.  During World War II, dad was a conscientious objector and many a bedtime story consisted of his adventures at the lumber camp where he served.

Dad was baptized in 1947 in the Blumenorter Mennonite church by Bishop Johann Bueckert.  He attended Elim Bible School in the following year.  July 29, 1949, dad was united in marriage to Betty Fehr of Haskett.  They were to begin a journey that would last 57 years and 8 months.  Their first home was a little house at the cheese factory in the village of Reinland.  After a few months, they moved to Wakeham School district in the Pembina Hills.  They also lived for shorter periods at Manitou, Elm Creek and Gnadenthal.  However, deep and lasting roots were firmly established with their move back to Reinland in 1956.  In the fall of 2000, mom and dad moved to Winkler.

Dad was a man that loved to be outdoors.  That was evident in the types of jobs that he chose to do.  In 1967, dad began work at the Morden Research Station.  This was a dream job for our father.  During the winters of 1967 and 1968, dad attended the University of Manitoba and completed his Diploma of Agriculture.  Even though this took him away from his family every week, dad gave it 110% and made the Deans Honor Roll.  Dad began his work with special crops and later moved into horticulture.  This is where his love affair with roses began to equal his love of horses.  He continued to work until 1977 when arthritis set in and he was no longer able to perform the physical duties his job required.  Even after arthritis forced dad to rely on crutches, it was a common sight to see dad lying next to his flowers on the grass, pulling weeds and pruning.  We all dreaded being called out to help but have been blessed beyond measure by what we learned at his side.  Many of us have gardens he would be especially proud of.

During the very busy years of raising 10 children, dad took time out of his hectic schedule to share his knowledge of horticulture by being a 4-H leader.  We have “fond” memories of searching endlessly for all the weeds he could find and then learning to identify each and every one.  He also took the time to participate in the Beef and Beet clubs as well as the Garden Club.  In the winter months, dad kept his boys busy hauling ice and devoting every Saturday night to Hockey Night in Canada – go Leafs!

Dad had a deep concern that his family would come to know the Lord and devotions were a morning ritual.  Bible reading and prayer were of utmost importance.  The daily “aufrietz calenda” (calendar) and prayers always included Obdach, Kleidung und Nahrung (shelter, clothing and food).  Even during his last week of life, dad gathered everyone around his bed and clearly spoke the table grace we grew up with.  Dad was concerned even then that there would be enough for everyone.

Dad lived life to the fullest and right or wrong, shared his opinions openly and frequently.  He was a passionate man and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed no matter how unpopular his point of view.  Even in his last years at Salem, dad was not content to sit and watch life go by.  He was an active participant in activities and supervised the planting of a flower garden that was enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors.  He especially enjoyed visits from family, his brothers and sister, Maryanne.  It was a particular joy to him when any of his grandchildren would come to see him.  They too have fond memories of Grandpa on the farm and at Salem.  Visits with his dog, Toby always brought a smile to his face.

Three weeks ago, dad became very ill due to diabetes and had to be transferred to the hospital.  During this very difficult time, we as a family were truly blessed by our experiences caring for dad.  There were times of tears, but also times of laughter, sharing and bonding.  We will always be grateful for the gift of being able to say good-bye.  Dad suffered greatly in his last days but also felt blessed by the presence of his family and friends.  On Thursday, March 29^th with mom at his side, dad’s suffering ended and he went home.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Betty (nee Fehr) of Winkler; 6 daughters Irene and Henry Neufeld of Altona, Henrietta and Jeff Robichaud of Winnipeg, Margaret Anne and Wayne Letkeman of Lac du Bonnet, Hilde and Bill Berg of Winkler, Wilma and John Friesen of Winkler, Monica of Winkler; 4 sons, Alfred and Betty of Reinland, Ted and Chris Lichti of Starbuck, Helmut and Gladys of Springstein, Adolph of Winkler; 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by 2 sisters and 6 brothers.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gerhard and Helena Ens; 1 son-in-law, James Peters (1981); sister, Margaret; brother and sister-in-law, Ernie and Jean; 2 sisters-in-law and 6 brothers-in-law.

Funeral service took place on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church with Rev. Peter D. Zacharias officiating.  Interment followed at Reinland Cemetery.

We sorrow not as those who have no hope for we know we will see dad again and dad, until then, we know you will be busy tending the flower beds of heaven.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to either the Salem Foundation Inc. 165 15^th St. Winkler, MB R6W 1T8 or the Canadian Diabetes Association 102 – 310 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Reimer and Dr. Nause as well as the nursing staff at Salem Home and Boundary Trails Health Centre for the tender and compassionate care of our dad.  We would also like to thank all those who took time to visit dad at Salem and at the hospital and for all the prayers and support during the last few weeks.  May God richly bless you.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.