Tag: Interlake Cremation

Clarence Mutcher

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June 26, 1936 – October 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Clarence “Poppa” Mutcher is sharing his passing in the early morning hours October 02; 2026. His body grew tired and slipped away, his spirt and soul live on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.

Poppa had celebrated his 90th birthday in June.

Born a preemie on June 26; 1936 at home on the family farm in Manitou Manitoba; Poppa spent his first several months in a shoebox on the cook stove. He grew to a strong loving and generous man. With his passing he leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years Margaret, his daughter LeAnne (Dan), son Michael (Shannon), Grandson Brook (Tiffany) great grandchildren Austin, Isaac, Vaida and Presley, Grandson Grant (Samantha) and Grandson Riley (Kamal). He is also survived by a large extended family and in-laws.

Clarence is predeceased by his parents Ben and Rose Mutcher, brothers Orville, Kenny, Larry and his sisters Kay and Dorothy. He is survived by siblings Bernice, Otto, Gordie, Frank, Betty, Marie and Josie.

At the recent birthday celebration we were all reminded of Clarence’s creative imaginative mind. Stories were shared of his invention of a log splitter with items he found around the farm; long before the modern ones of today. He also crafted a set of wings and tested them by jumping off the barn in his younger years. He could build or fix most anything.

Clarence lived in many places over the years and spent the majority in Selkirk where he raised his daughter and son. He and Marg moved to Sandy Hook to help raise their grandchildren. He spent his final years back in Selkirk.

He was a very hard-working man. He worked on the farm(s) both family and others; the nickel mine in Thompson, MTS, building roads and highways, Selkirk Vet clinic, Mandak, and Selkirk water treatment plant.

Clarence had a love for keeping his vehicles clean and polished but would also go out of his way to drive through the biggest puddles after a rain. (only to go home and polish the vehicle again) Even with his love for his vehicles, he usually rode his bicycle to work.

He greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors. He enjoyed his many summers camping at Selkirk Park and Sandy Hook. He and Marg went on many trips, and to many music festivals. They spent several winters in Penticton, BC to escape the cold.

Poppa was a kind man that was always eager to help with any projects anyone had going on. He enjoyed chatting and sharing stories and jokes with everyone he met. He volunteered at the Selkirk Legion and was a life-long member.

The family would like to extend thanks to Selkirk Homecare, Selkirk Hospital, Selkirk Ambulance and Selkirk Betel for your compassionate care.

Graveside service will be held at St. Clements Churchyard (7 St. Clements Drive; Selkirk MB) Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm with gathering at the Selkirk Legion to follow.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Clarence’s Memorial page using the comment field below.

Joseph Smolak

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April 18, 1940 – October 1, 2026

Joseph (Joe) Smolak passed at the age of 86 on October 1, 2026. Born in Winnipeg April 18, 1940. He passed peacefully at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital after losing his battle with Alzheimer’s.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Christel of Gimli, Manitoba, son Sheldon (Ren) Smolak of Kenora, daughter Kathryn (Randy) Fish of Kenora, grand-daughters Rayah Smolak and partner Cory Orieux of Winnipeg, Morgan Hancock of Kenora, Emily Smolak of Alberta, Josh Smolak of Kenora, and great-grandson Logan of Winnipeg.

He is survived by his sisters Jean (Louis), Richard of Calgary, Margaret (Russ) Booth of Hamilton, Ontario and many cousins and nephews. Also, his special cousin Sharon DeMelo of Winnipeg and special Aunt Millie of Winnipeg, special friends Kathie & Kevin Duff of Pinawa, MB.

He was predeceased by his parents George & Agnes Smolak, son Richard Smolak and big sister Arlene Smolak.

If you wish, you may make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joseph’s Memorial page using the comment field below.

Joann Louise Kissuk-Penhall

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December 17, 1938 – September 13, 2026

Joann, named Joan Louise Kissuk at birth, beloved mother of Edward (Trisha), Keith (Kathy), and Benjamin, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 13th.

She leaves behind brother Garry Kissuk (Susan) and family in Calgary, Alberta.

Numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren Alyssa (Ryan), Jolanda and great-grandchildren, Dante, Liam and Luca.

She is predeceased by Stephen and Jeanette Kissuk, niece Kristina, first husband Leslie, and several aunts and uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

A special mention about her friend Joy Mathewman. Joy and Joann shared the entirety of their adult lives as best friends. Joy was especially significant in convincing mom to have emergency gastric surgery in 2017, which allowed for several more years of good health.

Mom lived a life that was emblematic of the Silent Generation. She worked in several roles that led up to her first marriage and children. Then, at the vanguard of modern society, became a working mom in early 70s. Working Mom was a role she would mostly keep up for almost all of her adult life.

Having learned secretarial skills, her early professional life included acting in a legal secretary capacity which eventually led to her teaching at the Success Angus Business College where she passed on her lived knowledge to young adults at the start of their careers. One of her prized knowledge gifts to be passed along… an encyclopedic knowledge of short hand; teaching all who wished to understand what the squiggles and marks meant. She transitioned to work at Great-West Life and all the opportunities that that company brought her. Over time, she remarried and in 1989 completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the Winnipeg Bible College in Otterburne, MB.

She found a calling working with developmentally challenged adults, in the ’90s, both at the Salvation Army and Larche Society. At Larche, she was a live-in resident manager; one who took a distinct interest in both residents and colleagues.

Finally, retiring from those activities in the early part of this century. She retired to caring for her heart-dog Matrix, and, of course, keeping up with her busy and growing family.

Mom gathered friends like a snowball rolling down a hill. Not picking up everyone, but those that either were meaningful to her in a social context, or in many cases, people who were in need. There were several friends over the years that shared time, meals, and even living space in their time of need.

She loved social engagement. She loved following current events. She loved being involved. Luckily, as her body became more and more unable to maintain her independence, her cognitive abilities remained intact up until her final days.

The road to the Deer Lodge Centre was not direct. She had several stops along the way to full-time residency there in 2023. Her care on Tower 5 was excellent and very much appreciated by Joann and all who visited were lucky enough to hear mom talking about how fortunate she was to land there.

A life of 87 years has many chapters, twists, and turns. This barely scratches the surface, but allows a glimpse of how Joann impacted her family, friends, acquaintances, and people with whom she interacted.

Rest easy Joann, your work is done. The family will carry on, and remember the love that was imperfectly perfect.

Joann preferred a quiet passing with no formal celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your charity of choice, the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joann’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Joan Elizabeth Kolbauer (nee Giles)

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1943 – 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Kolbauer at St. Boniface Hospital on Tuesday, July 14 at the age of 83, surrounded by family.

She is survived by her children Laura Lynn (Peter), Jason (Tracey), Kristi, and her precious grandchildren Zoe, Pierce, Ryann, Emma, and Logan. She is also survived by her brothers Lyn and Jack Giles and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald and her parents, John and Elizabeth Giles.  Joan will be missed by her many friends whom she loved liked sisters. 

Born during World War II, Joan did not meet her father until his return from the war in 1945. After residing in west end Winnipeg, her family moved to Elmwood where two years later, Joan began school at King George V.  She was just three years of age when she first met her life-long friend Dorothy. They always joked that they knew each other longer than anybody!

When her family moved to St. Boniface in 1949 Joan attended Marion School until the fall of 1952, when they moved again, this time to Stonewall. The small-town community introduced her to Brownies, Girl Guides and CGIT. She attended Sunday School on a regular basis at the Church of Ascension.  In 1960 she graduated from Stonewall Collegiate. 

She worked for almost a year at Eaton’s before pursuing a business education at MTI. Her next job was as a stenographer at Hughes Owens from 1962-1964. In August 1964 she began working at Goodyear Tire before and after Laura Lynn was born. She met Ron in 1971 and married in 1973.  After welcoming Jason and Kristi, she worked part-time at The Bay, Kildonan Place before returning to work full time at Goodyear once again in 1985. Retirement came in 2002 and she was to learn that she had never been busier.

One of the greatest joys of her life was being a grandmother. She treasured every opportunity to babysit her grandchildren, creating a lifetime of meaningful memories through everyday moments and special outings like going to the park or the children’s museum.  They loved when she made their favourite chicken and fries.  She took immense pride in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and being a constant source of encouragement and affection. The time they shared together was precious to her, and the love she gave so freely will remain a lasting part of their lives and her legacy.

During her retirement, Joan devoted countless hours to volunteering. She gave her time to River East Personal Care Home, KidsFest, Sherwood School, and International Hope. She also served as a board member and treasurer of the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society, where she was actively involved in the See Me Beautiful and Baby Love programs. Known affectionately as “Gramma Joan,” she formed many lasting friendships with the children and their families.

As well as volunteering she also loved to spend time playing cards with friends, travelling, baking, gardening and spending quiet evenings watching her favorite true crime shows and British television series.

We wish to express our thanks to the staff in Harmony Court at Riverwood Square and at St. Boniface Hospital who looked after our Mom with great care.

Cremation has taken place. A Service to Celebrate Joan’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, at 7:00 pm at the E.J. Coutu Funeral Chapel 680 Archibald street.  

Donations in Joan’s memory can be made to the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joan’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Evelyn Leslie Therrien

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July 26, 1959 – July 26, 2026

Eveyln was born July 26th 1959 to John and Tena Hrycyniak as the youngest daughter of 4 siblings. She was a bright and loving soul who engaged in sports, had many friends, and was great at academics. A caring, hard working, and devoted daughter grew into an equally caring, hard working, and devoted wife and mother. Her spirit brought incredibly loving energy to every room she was in, cultivating a happy environment. She loved her Ukrainian roots and kept traditions passed from her parents alive through time.

She met Laurent as a beautiful young adult and together they created a beautiful family. Evelyn always loved her family, friends, animals, art, and spending quality time with those she kept close. She was always very intellectual, creative, and organized; keeping life and home in order. Evelyn valued things that lasted physically, emotionally, and familiarly–not believing in materialistic pursuits.

Evelyn was a proud and giving mother who always wanted the best in life for her children. She was always willing to give an ear to listen or advice and wanted to be her children’s best friend. Evelyn loved big and gave wholly, always keeping the bigger picture in mind for the future. She was always planning, ensuring everyone had what they needed and nothing was forgotten. Evelyn encouraged her children to follow their hearts and take part in physical activity, understanding the deep connection between mind, body, and soul.

Throughout the years, birthdays and holidays were met with Evelyn’s loving enthusiasm to not only make her family happy–but to teach values and tradition to her children–to eventually pass to theirs. Christmas and Ukrainian Christmas were blessed with Evelyn’s creative spark. Decorations passed on from her youth would decorate the tree, and through them she would teach the rich history of her heritage.

Evelyn raised two beautiful children grown into their own adulthood, and also loved being a grandmother. She was so excited the day her grandchild was born and was filled with pride to see her son grow into a loving father. Evelyn loved her grandson dearly and passed her nurturing love onto him as her children navigated their independence. Throughout the years she loved her husband and was grateful for all they built together.

On July 26th, 2026 Evelyn passed over to be back with her mother, father, and other loved ones. Completing a life filled with honor, love, virtue, and generosity, Evelyn will be greatly missed. She leaves behind a legacy in her family and in the hearts of all of her loved ones.

Forever in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Evelyn’s memorial page using the comment field below.