William (Bill) Lepp

Obituary

William (Bill) Lepp was born Jan 26, 1926, the fourth of five children born to Johann Lepp and Emilie (Koop) Lepp, in the village of Gnadenthal, Manitoba. Being in a farm family everyone was expected to work hard even at a young age. Bill developed a strong work ethic from early on. He started school in Osterwick and continued school in Manitou. He completed his schooling in grade 8 in Purvis, Manitoba.

In 1944, Bill moved to Winnipeg to work at Canada Packers. This led him to attend the South End MB church where he met the love of his life, Agnes Sawatzky. They were married April 6, 1946 in Winnipeg. They returned to farming in the Cartwright and Killarney area where they spent twenty-five years farming and raising seven children. Bill “test-drove” a career selling cars while farming in Killarney, MB.

Bill completely changed careers in 1971, leaving the farm for Winnipeg with Aggie and the two youngest children. He managed a car wash and gas station for a few years until he was hired as the manager for a new government position at the Steinbach Southeastern Agricultural Employment office in 1974. They moved to Steinbach in 1975 to be closer to this job. Bill retired from this position when the office closed in 1996. He was 70 years old.

He was active in the Steinbach community through his involvement with the planning and building of Fernwood Place and was appointed to the Board of Directors. He received a Community Recognition award for his work on the Board which was instrumental in building a seniors complex that was the first of its kind in the southeast region.

In his retirement Bill enjoyed Mitchell Seniors club, camping and travelling with his beloved Aggie to Arizona for many winters and visiting his children and their families. He cared for Aggie for several years when she became unwell. He dedicated himself to her care until she transitioned to Personal Care, first in Vita PCH and then Resthaven PCH. He never left her side during any of these years. Bill and Aggie celebrated their 71st, wedding anniversary last April. They were able to spend their last five and a half months together at the Resthaven PCH, where he passed away shortly after spending time with family and his newest great-grandchild on Nov 29, 2017.

Bill was predeceased by three siblings and two grandchildren: Nancy Bromley and Cory Lepp. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved Aggie and children, Harry Lepp, Irene and Barry Bromley, Rudy and Elfrieda Lepp, Art and Marjorie Lepp, Laura and Kerry Stroupe, Ruth Brown, Herb and Rose Lepp, along with 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members, friends and past colleagues.

Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa will always be remembered for his whacky sense of humor, his optimistic outlook on life and his daily prayer for every member of his family. He met every challenge with a Positive Perspective. This was due to his unfailing faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Special thanks to his care team: Dr. Allan, the nurses and health care attendants at Resthaven Nursing Home where he was given exceptional care while he was a resident there in his final months.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. The interment will follow at the Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

If friends desire, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB, R3T 5K9.

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