Obituary of Tina Reimer

Our dear mother passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the age of 91,  at her home at Silver Lining Cottages in Steinbach, with her children by her side.

Tina was born on January 12, 1932, in Kelstern, Saskatchewan. She grew up in a busy household with nine siblings in Shamrock. After completing high school, she moved to Manitoba with her parents and some siblings. Mom worked at the University of Manitoba cafeteria for awhile, and also hoed beets near Steinbach in summer. There she met the love of her life, our father, Emil Reimer. They were married on July 18, 1953, in Steinbach. After a short honeymoon at Clear Lake, Mom and Dad farmed near New Bothwell from July 1953 to June 1965. In June 1965 they moved to Twin Creek with their youngest child only four weeks old, when God gave them the opportunity to purchase and operate a chicken and turkey farm. This later turned into a chicken, turkey, and grain farm.

Mom’s greatest joy was her family. She would proudly tell others that her family members numbered 65 on their 65^th anniversary; that she had three sets of twins in her family (two sets in her grandchildren and one set in her great-grandchildren; and that her great-grandchildren numbered 28 (boys and girls even with 14 of each). She had a deep love for each family member, and remembered each of their birthdays even as the numbers grew. She had a beautiful smile, and her face would light up when family members visited.

Mom enjoyed music and loved singing with the family. She loved family games and was very competitive. She enjoyed watching Jets games, always looking forward to the next game on the schedule. Mom enjoyed helping with many aspects of farm duties especially during the busy harvest time.

Mom was content, calm, and steadfast with an optimistic outlook on life. She had a quiet yet committed faith in Jesus. She would often remind us not to forget to pray. During all their years at New Bothwell (and a few years longer), Dad & Mom led the extension Sunday School work at Prairie Grove Chapel, near Winnipeg. This meant lots of early Sunday mornings getting all the little ones ready to go. Several years after their move to Twin Creek, they became a deacon couple at Blumenort Church, giving them many opportunities to serve others, often giving rides or delivering food.

In 1998, they moved from their farm at Twin Creek to a house in Steinbach; enjoying semi-retirement while their son Lorne and his wife Lu looked after the farm. Mom and Dad still loved to make regular trips to the farm. Mom continued to be interested in the farm activities and harvesting even in her final weeks. In 2011, they moved to Bridgepark Manor which Mom and Dad were able to enjoy together for eight years, and Mom on her own for another four years (some while Dad was in the hospital). In April 2023, Mom moved to Silver Lining Cottages. During a hospital stay in August, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and moved back to her room at The Cottages for palliative care. She was wonderfully cared for in her final weeks by the staff at The Cottages. The family would like to extend very special thanks for the wonderful care and genuine interest they took in her. Also, thanks to Dr. Kaethler for his compassionate care.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Eleanor (Larry), Elaine (Stephen), Kathleen (Ike), Wanda (Sieg), Lorne (Lu); 17 grandchildren & spouses; and 28 great-grandchildren & spouses. She is survived by one sister Susan Stoesz, two brothers Henry Peters, David Peters, two sisters-in-law Virginia Peters, Martha Reimer. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years Emil Reimer, one son-in-law Rey Friesen, two sisters, five brothers, and parents Julius & Sara Peters.

While it is very hard to imagine our lives without our Mom, our tears are filled with much hope, a glorious hope of a grand reunion, all because of Jesus! We will miss her much but are so grateful for all the wonderful memories.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba, with a public viewing one hour prior to the service.