Obituary of Joshua Waldner

Joshua Waldner, age 82 of Blumenort, MB, passed away peacefully, on Monday, August 8, 2022 in his home, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rachel, their children Rachel (Andy), Anna (Paul), Katie (Jerry), Marilyn (Ephraim), Joshua (Dolores), Phillip (Debra), Joseph (Jennifer), Dora (Elie), and Brian (Tania), twenty-nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, two sisters, Sara Gross and Susie Wollmann.

He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Anna Waldner, seven brothers and two sisters.

Dad was born on March 18, 1940 and lived in the various colonies for 47 years. Dad met the love of his life Rachel Stahl, and they married October 23, 1960.  Dad’s life changed drastically, when six of his children left the Colony life. As God worked in their hearts, Dad and Mom left the colony and moved to southeast Manitoba. Here they reunited with their children and could practice their newfound faith in Jesus Christ.

Dad’s entrepreneur spirit got reinvigorated and he started a new professional journey - a family business, which today is called WS Steel.  He was known as an innovator and helped industries around Manitoba with many creative solutions which today stretch the globe.

In 1994, Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. Being a fighter, he adjusted to the physical changes the cancer brought. At 65, his work life slowed down and he started doing other things he enjoyed. Gardening with his daughters brought him much joy. Any time family came to visit, the garden was always a place he had to show and generously shared of its fruits. Gardening brought Dad a thankful heart of God’s provision and blessing.

In 2018, Dad was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a year later had a pacemaker put in. In May 2022 his health worsened which bound him indoors. This was a difficult transition. On July 23, Dad had a massive heart attack which hospitalized him. After a brief hospital stay, we took him home, as his wish had always been to pass away at home. On August 8th, he went to Glory.

Dad loved his family deeply and was extremely proud of his children and their families. There was never a time when family came to visit that he didn’t encourage them to live for Jesus.

Jesus and family were the cornerstones of his life.

Special thanks to the staff at Ste. Anne Hospital for the care provided.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., a brief devotional to follow at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will also be at the church prior to the service. 

The Celebration of Life for Joshua Waldner will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., at Southland Church, with interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. Click the video below to view the service livestream shortly before the time of the service.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joshua may be made to The Bethesda Foundation.