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Obituary of Kai Winther
June 20, 1917 - December 31, 2020
Sadly, we announce the passing of Kai Winther, 103 ½, on December 31st, 2020 at his home on the family heritage farm in Dufresne, MB.
Dad was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years Janie, two sons in infancy - Dennis and Allen, and oldest son Brian in 1993. Also, parents Christian and Christine Winther, his brother Harry and wife Frances Winther, sister Edith and husband Marvin Brown, his in-laws Fred and Lillian Irwin, and sister-in-law Pearl and husband Vic Carroll.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children Karen (Norm) Friesen, Judith (Jim) Schellenberg, Faith (Dave) Haack and Bob (Wendy) Winther.
Eight grandchildren David, Kenton, Kristine, Chris (Hannah) Richard (Tina) Heather (Jordan) Evan (Shaunda) and Sara (Michael); 10 great grandchildren, Landon (Rachel) Jessica (Trent) Mason, Alexis, Maya, Kai, Aidan, Liam, Willa and Emery; Seven great-great grandchildren Maela, Waylon, Cohen, Griffin, Sadie, Oaklyn and Niko.
Also, Kai is lovingly remembered by a beloved brother Ernie and wife, Susan Winther. Numerous nieces, nephews along with their families and hundreds of wonderful friends.
Dad was born in Tversted, Denmark on a farm that has remained in the Winther family since 1600. The family immigrated to Canada in 1927 and settled in Ostenfeld, a Danish community in South East Manitoba.
Dad was always very involved in community life and was usually dashing off to one meeting or another.
In 1930, he helped construct the first Ostenfeld Lutheran Church and was heavily involved over the years in renovations to that building and in construction of the new church building in 1991. Dad was a very active and dedicated member of the church from an early age right up until services were suspended due to Covid. Every Sunday, prior to service, Dad would ring the outside bell…which he helped purchase in 1951.
In 1945 Dad married Janie Irwin and moved to her family farm in Dufresne. He slowly took over the operations and later passed it on to Bob and his wife Wendy and is now considered a Heritage Farm. Dad remained on the farm until his passing.
Dad made a list of the committees and boards he was involved in over the years. His service years added up to 431. He was involved in 34 community services. Most dear to him being church committees, Manitoba Hog Marketing Board and St. Anne Co-op Oil. In November of 2018, Dad was honoured at the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for his extensive community involvement. He was bestowed the distinction of Dawson Trail's Hero.
Family was so important to Dad. Every birthday was remembered and a card delivered-always signed by him. He dearly loved each of his children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren and all the spouses.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the simpler things in life…dancing (oh how he loved to dance), old time music, cribbage, whist, and visiting with friends. When Dad attended events or went visiting, he was usually the last one to leave. He would outlast people half his age. He and Mom also would travel all over Manitoba to attend fiddling events.
After Mom passed away Dad's activities were still numerous. Some of his favourites were attending the old time music jam sessions in Anola on Friday mornings, daily coffee at Tim Hortons or McDonalds…where all the world problems were solved. Dad also enjoyed going for long rides around the province with us kids. He was always great company. His nephew Neil would also pick him up and head out on adventures.
The Good Life Club was also special to him. His nephew Neil renovated the original house on the Winther homestead. Many a Sunday afternoon were spent there with family, good friends, a comfy chair, a warm wood stove and delicious food.
Dad was active until about 7 weeks prior to his passing. An unfortunate fall contributed greatly to his quick declining health. The family was determined that Dad would spend his remaining days on his beloved farm. Along with the numerous dedicated health care workers, we were able to do that for him. Thank you to all the fantastic health care workers for your loving, compassionate, caring service. We are all extremely grateful and so was Dad.
Dad was ready to leave this world and join Mom in Heaven. He knew it would be wonderful and he got his wish on New Year's Eve.
You may be gone from this earth but you will never be forgotten.
You lived a good life Kai.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held later in the spring at Ostenfeld Lutheran Church when restrictions are lifted. We look forward to celebrate Dad's life with his family and friends.
