Obituary for Hubert (Bert) Kondziela
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our family comedian, husband, father and Opa, Hubert (Bert) Kondziela. Bert was born in Silesia, Germany and enjoyed a childhood of great adventure before his family was forced to leave their home during WWII. After the war, Bert arrived in Canada in his early 20’s as a certified journeyman, specializing in the field of carpentry. Arriving with few post-war possessions and not understanding the language of his adopted country, Bert chose to settle in Winnipeg and soon began to establish a reputation as an independent contractor of great craftsmanship and tireless work ethic. Bert was in high demand throughout his lengthy career, building apartment blocks, custom designed homes and furniture, as well as renovating and remodeling several homes and businesses.
Despite continuing to be in high demand, in semi-retirement Bert refocused his creativity in designing and building cultural landmarks such as enhancing the German Pavilion for Folklorama, building a 7 metre high windmill for a local garden centre (that still stands, complete with revolving sails), and renovating the Witch’s Hut in Kildonan Park. Bert actively participated in Winnipeg’s German community, acted in the German Society Theatre Group and was elected as President of the German Canadian Congress. The young immigrant from Germany contributed much of his talent and skill to the benefit of his adopted country.
With his wife of 67 years Aurise, they travelled to many countries and instilled their love of travel in their children. A great lover of music and dance (James Last’s greatest fan), Bert and Aurise knew how to ‘cut a rug’ and did so at every opportunity.
Bert leaves to mourn and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Aurise (nee Smith); daughter Monique; son Paul; grand-daughters Lianne and Kaitlyn; his sister Christa; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Bert was pre-deceased by his parents Gertrud (1950) and Paul (1971) Kondziela.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Actionmarguerite St. Vital, especially nurses Renée and Mac, for the care of Hubert.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 487 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg, on Friday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our family comedian, husband, father and Opa, Hubert (Bert) Kondziela. Bert was born in Silesia, Germany and enjoyed a childhood of great adventure before his family was forced to leave their home during WWII. After the war, Bert arrived in Canada in his early 20’s as a certified journeyman, specializing in the field of carpentry. Arriving with few post-war possessions and not understanding the language of his adopted country, Bert chose to settle in Winnipeg and soon began to establish a reputation as an independent contractor of great craftsmanship and tireless work ethic. Bert was in high demand throughout his lengthy career, building apartment blocks, custom designed homes and furniture, as well as renovating and remodeling several homes and businesses.
Despite continuing to be in high demand, in semi-retirement Bert refocused his creativity in designing and building cultural landmarks such as enhancing the German Pavilion for Folklorama, building a 7 metre high windmill for a local garden centre (that still stands, complete with revolving sails), and renovating the Witch’s Hut in Kildonan Park. Bert actively participated in Winnipeg’s German community, acted in the German Society Theatre Group and was elected as President of the German Canadian Congress. The young immigrant from Germany contributed much of his talent and skill to the benefit of his adopted country.
With his wife of 67 years Aurise, they travelled to many countries and instilled their love of travel in their children. A great lover of music and dance (James Last’s greatest fan), Bert and Aurise knew how to ‘cut a rug’ and did so at every opportunity.
Bert leaves to mourn and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Aurise (nee Smith); daughter Monique; son Paul; grand-daughters Lianne and Kaitlyn; his sister Christa; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Bert was pre-deceased by his parents Gertrud (1950) and Paul (1971) Kondziela.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Actionmarguerite St. Vital, especially nurses Renée and Mac, for the care of Hubert.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 487 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg, on Friday, April 12, at 11:30 a.m.
A private burial will take place at a later date.
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