Obituary for Gerard Ernest Bretecher
GERRY BRETECHER
(né OUELLETTE)
The family is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Gerry Bretecher at St. Boniface Hospital on Sunday, February 25th, 2024.
He will be dearly missed by daughter Michelle (Bruce), granddaughter Ashley (Ben), grandson Riley, great-grandsons Ryder, Nevan, Levi and Gabe; brothers Gilles (Jan), Marcel (Sandra), sister Suzanne (Keith); Michelle’s mother Helene; best friend Dan Bracke; many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, especially his many friends and “bingo ladies” in Vita, MB.
He was predeceased by his mother Simone Ouellette (nee Gosselin), his adopted parents Sidonie and Jean Bretecher, his brother Ray Ouellette and recently his grandson’s fiancé Tonica.
Gerry was born in Steinbach, MB on May 21st, 1946. After his mother’s passing in 1953, he was adopted by the Bretechers. He spent his childhood in St. Boniface where he attended Provencher School. He graduated from the Culinary program at Red River College and trained at the Fort Garry Hotel.
Gerry and Helene Longpre were married in September, 1968. Although divorced they remained good friends. Michelle was born in November, 1971. She was a baby when Gerry owned and operated Le Rendez-Vous restaurant until 1974.
He continued his career as “Chef” at Club La Verendrye, Ritz Foods and at many nursing homes.
Gerry had a love of music and as a second career on weekends was a “D-J” for weddings and socials. Many communities knew him as “Gerry the Music Man”. This was in the days of vinyl LP’s and cassettes. The dance floor was always packed. Even in the recent past Gerry would be approached by people who remembered him playing at their wedding or anniversary social many years ago.
Although Gerry worked 6 days a week, Michelle fondly remembers the many road trips to West Hawk Lake, Sunday picnics in Lockport with Memere Claire, trips to B.C., Edmonton and special trips to California and Mount Rushmore. Michelle continued the tradition of road trips with her own children.
Gerry’s road trips continued on with his aunts, driving to Montreal one year and Edmonton and B.C. the next. He cherished this time with his aunts and uncles.
Ashley and Riley fondly remember Grampa Gerry’s many visits to Sioux Narrows and recently to Kenora to spend time with the great-grandchildren. He also had a close relationship with brother Gilles and sister Suzanne and their families spending many weekends at both cottages in the summer and was able to have a siblings reunion last summer that included brother Marcel from Hardesty, AB.
The “life of the party”, Gerry wouldn’t pass up a good polka with his “ma tantes” or a jive with Helene. He was such a good dancer that he always had a partner on the dance floor and never a chance to sit down.
He had a collection of music, and no matter the genre, it had to be LOUD, even at the age of 77 – driving down the highways listening to techno music on his blue tooth speaker!
In recent years, Gerry moved to Vita, MB where he had a job with Services to Seniors, driving people to other towns and into Winnipeg for medical or other appointments or even for grocery shopping or to family functions. He also volunteered with the congregate meal program, delivering meals in the community, and made many friends along the way.
The family would like to express their thanks to EMS and the doctors and nurses at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg for their valiant efforts to keep him with us.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
(né OUELLETTE)
The family is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Gerry Bretecher at St. Boniface Hospital on Sunday, February 25th, 2024.
He will be dearly missed by daughter Michelle (Bruce), granddaughter Ashley (Ben), grandson Riley, great-grandsons Ryder, Nevan, Levi and Gabe; brothers Gilles (Jan), Marcel (Sandra), sister Suzanne (Keith); Michelle’s mother Helene; best friend Dan Bracke; many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, especially his many friends and “bingo ladies” in Vita, MB.
He was predeceased by his mother Simone Ouellette (nee Gosselin), his adopted parents Sidonie and Jean Bretecher, his brother Ray Ouellette and recently his grandson’s fiancé Tonica.
Gerry was born in Steinbach, MB on May 21st, 1946. After his mother’s passing in 1953, he was adopted by the Bretechers. He spent his childhood in St. Boniface where he attended Provencher School. He graduated from the Culinary program at Red River College and trained at the Fort Garry Hotel.
Gerry and Helene Longpre were married in September, 1968. Although divorced they remained good friends. Michelle was born in November, 1971. She was a baby when Gerry owned and operated Le Rendez-Vous restaurant until 1974.
He continued his career as “Chef” at Club La Verendrye, Ritz Foods and at many nursing homes.
Gerry had a love of music and as a second career on weekends was a “D-J” for weddings and socials. Many communities knew him as “Gerry the Music Man”. This was in the days of vinyl LP’s and cassettes. The dance floor was always packed. Even in the recent past Gerry would be approached by people who remembered him playing at their wedding or anniversary social many years ago.
Although Gerry worked 6 days a week, Michelle fondly remembers the many road trips to West Hawk Lake, Sunday picnics in Lockport with Memere Claire, trips to B.C., Edmonton and special trips to California and Mount Rushmore. Michelle continued the tradition of road trips with her own children.
Gerry’s road trips continued on with his aunts, driving to Montreal one year and Edmonton and B.C. the next. He cherished this time with his aunts and uncles.
Ashley and Riley fondly remember Grampa Gerry’s many visits to Sioux Narrows and recently to Kenora to spend time with the great-grandchildren. He also had a close relationship with brother Gilles and sister Suzanne and their families spending many weekends at both cottages in the summer and was able to have a siblings reunion last summer that included brother Marcel from Hardesty, AB.
The “life of the party”, Gerry wouldn’t pass up a good polka with his “ma tantes” or a jive with Helene. He was such a good dancer that he always had a partner on the dance floor and never a chance to sit down.
He had a collection of music, and no matter the genre, it had to be LOUD, even at the age of 77 – driving down the highways listening to techno music on his blue tooth speaker!
In recent years, Gerry moved to Vita, MB where he had a job with Services to Seniors, driving people to other towns and into Winnipeg for medical or other appointments or even for grocery shopping or to family functions. He also volunteered with the congregate meal program, delivering meals in the community, and made many friends along the way.
The family would like to express their thanks to EMS and the doctors and nurses at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg for their valiant efforts to keep him with us.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.