Obituary of John Klippenstein

John D. Klippenstein, aged 79 yrs. of Steinbach, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 8^th, 2020 at his residence.

He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, their daughter Sheila (Larry), son Greg (Cecy), brothers Peter (Nettie), Henry (Alma), sisters-in-law, Vi, Maria and Anna.

He was predeceased by his parents David G. and Susanna Klippenstein, brothers Leonard, Edward, Edwin, sister Susie.

John was born in 1940, the baby of the family with five brothers and one sister already there to welcome him.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a young man and was baptized upon his confession of faith into the Randolph CMC. Dad lived his life centered on the tenets of his faith, never waivering.

Mom and dad were married August 14, 1965 and enjoyed richness in living and working together for 55 years.  In the beginning, dad worked for Manitoba Mennonite Mutual Insurance and Barkman Concrete, but really wanted to further his education, so he undertook the Registered Industrial Accountant Program.  He graduated in 1972 with the 3^rd highest marks across Canada and soon after opened Klippenstein Management Services, aka KMS. John loved his work, and, coming from humble beginnings himself, always saw himself as working and fighting for the “little guy”. He was passionate about his work which continued until some health issues arose and dad finally retired and closed the business in 2017. He seldom mentioned it, but this was very hard for him, having to say goodbye to the many customers, many who became treasured friends.  By this time, mom was experiencing her own health issues and dad devoted the rest of his life to caring for mom, in the process, learning to cook, bake, do laundry and all the other tasks involved.

For many years John was the family historian.  He loved discovering family connections and discussing them, sometimes with people who were not as enthusiastic! (Thinking of you, mom...) Whoever in the family wished, received calendars with every family members birthdate noted for a number of years until the computer holding all the info crashed and, unfortunately, dad just didn't have the time to redo it all.

Winters were spent at the curling club in Steinbach.  Mom and dad were passionate about curling.  Heaven forbid that someone called while they were watching curling on tv.  For a few years, dad bought tickets to the week-long curling bonspiel held in Winnipeg at the downtown arena with indoor walking access from the hotel.

Many summers were spent at their trailer in Kenora. Lazy days on their pontoon boat, fishing, reading, playing cards with family and friends. They also treasured the many times spent with their closest friends, Mel and Joyce Mehling, Duane and Marilyn Engel and Jim and Vera Lohr.

Dad was also a computer geek. He loved anything to do with new technology and also had one of the first available cell phone, even though it was the size of a small suitcase!

Dad made the front page of the Carillon News when he purchased the first computer to be used in a business in Steinbach. Then came the panic of a number of customers about their financial information being “hacked”, even though the internet didn't exist yet.

John always felt very strongly community minded. He taught evening courses at the local high school, directed church choirs and served on many boards and committees through the years. He especially enjoyed his time on the boards of the CMA and the Farm Credit Corporation.

The family want to especially thank all the family and friends who have prayed and helped us through this difficult time and who continue to do so.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  STARS, or the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.

~Psalm 23~

The come & go viewing will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The private family service, by invitation only, will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., followed by the burial at Heritage Cemetery.