Manfred Willie Enns

1922 – 2008

Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Boundary Trails Health Centre and with his daughters at his side, Manfred Enns, aged 85 years, of Winkler, completed his earthly journey and was borne into his eternal reward.

Manfred’s life leaves a legacy of countless riches for his children, family and community. Born in Winkler on November 8, 1922, he completed Grade 11 where he met his high-school sweetheart, Dorothy Janzen. As a Conscientious Objector, Manfred worked in the lumber camp at Timberton, MB, at the sugar beet factory in Winnipeg, and at his father’s farm.

Manfred was a fervent man of God. Upon confession of his faith, he was baptized by Bishop David Schultz and became a member of the Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church. Manfred and Dorothy were married on June 3, 1945. Their most treasured blessing was God’s gift of their three children.

Manfred farmed in the Winkler area for many years and was also involved in the family’s building movers business. In 1957, he began working for electrician, Donald Loewen. He studied in the evenings to attain his journeyman’s license in electrical contracting. In 1965 he and Donald became partners in Enns & Loewen Insurance and Electric.

Manfred and Dorothy were charter members of Grace Mennonite Church. He was involved not only in founding the church, but also in the construction of both its buildings (1961 and 1986). Husband and wife served their church faithfully for as long as their health allowed.

Manfred and Dorothy’s compassion, and their desire and ability to help others, initiated their many years of service with MCC headquarters in Akron, Pennsylvania: hosting at Miller House, maintenance of the entire MCC campus, renovating the Miller shoe factory into a warehouse and office space for the current Ten Thousand Villages, and driving to pick up personnel at the airports. They also were volunteers at various MDS projects.

“Gentle, soft-spoken, and a friend to many” describes Manfred well. He faced life with strength and dignity. In the last years he was a compassionate care-giver to Dorothy, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s disease. He visited her faithfully every day at Salem Home, until six weeks ago, when he was hospitalized due to a failing heart. 

Manfred was a tireless prayer warrior, and was deeply concerned about the spiritual welfare of others and especially his family. His last hours on earth were spent praying and, when it became too difficult for him to formulate his thoughts, he prayed “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Manfred and Dorothy loved travelling to destinations in Europe, Haiti, Mexico, Jamaica, Alaska and throughout North America. They also loved to socialize and play games. Manfred also loved the challenge of fixing things. He was a real handyman and was always looking for a way to make things work better, even the vacuum cleaner Dorothy, in much frustration, threw out into the snow bank!

Manfred will be missed by Dorothy, his loving wife of nearly 63 years, three children – R. Steven (1948), Vancouver; Karen (1952) and Keith Kuhl, Winkler; and Cheryl (1959) and Art Penner, Brandon; nine grandchildren – Andrea Kuhl (Keith Tarr), Marlon Kuhl (Leala Kehler), Jeremy Kuhl, Brandon Penner, (Pam Zegalsky), Barbara Penner (Darcey Morcombe) and Becky Penner; six great-grandchildren – Brookelyn, Nolan and Keira Kuhl, Isabelle Morcombe, Dylan and Riley Penner.

He is survived also by one brother Percy and one sister Connie, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret Enns (nee Loewen) and sisters Hilda and Elizabeth.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Funeral service was held on Wednesday April 30, 2008 at 11:00 am at Grace Mennonite Church.  Interment took place at Winkler Cemetery.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in Manfred’s memory to either Mennonite Central Committee 134 Plaza Dr. Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler in care of arrangements.