Obituaries
ANNETTE ROSENBERG
With profound sadness we announce the peaceful but tragic death of Annette Rosenberg on December 9th, 2020 at the Simkin Center at the age of 98 as a result of the incidious Covid–19 virus.
Annette was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of four children. Annette lost her father when she was 11 years of age. She and her siblings learned their work ethic from their mother who operated a Delicatessen. At an early age she met and married Fred Simkin and they had a child Mickey. Fred enlisted in the U.S. army and was killed in action during World War II.
Annette travelled with her then four year old son to Winnipeg to visit extended family, at which time she met her future husband Max Rosenberg. They married in 1946. She became part of the Rosenberg family of six brothers and sisters that were as close knit a family as one could imagine. Max and Annette subsequently enlarged their own family with the addition of Sherry and Diane.
A loving and devoted wife and mother, she cherished her children and treasured every moment with them. Annette and Max raised their three children who married and gave them six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was a warm and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother. She was fortunate to live to an age that enabled her to attend many of the weddings, births, bar and bat mitzvahs and other special family occasions.
At the age of 42, while still ensuring that her home remained a traditional one for her husband and children, she bravely embarked on a career with Investors Syndicate where she held a demanding position in the payroll department and was highly respected during her 25 years with the company. She was a modern woman – well ahead of her time.
Annette was also very social and active in various organizations over the years including Parent Teacher Associations, and the Lehava Chapter of Pioneer Women. As a result she and Max enjoyed a wide circle of life long friends.
For many years after their retirement, they wintered in Florida. It was a very happy time in their life as they continued their friendships with many of their friends from Winnipeg who also wintered in the same community.
Unfortunately her long life also meant she suffered the loss of her loving and devoted husband, Max, in February of 1997. She also suffered the loss of all of her siblings and most of her brothers and sisters in law.
Annette remained independent in her apartment until a fall in September 2016 resulted in a broken hip and several months of recovery in hospital. She then moved to the Saul and Claribel Simkin Center at the beginning of 2017. Her last years were increasingly difficult with the loss of her mobility, however, her mind remained 110% active. She loved the activities, particularly the music concerts and exercise programs and was the proud table bowling champion eight times.
Annette is survived and mourned by:
Son Mickey (Roslyn) Rosenberg, granddaughter, Cheryl (Sean) Smith, great grandchildren Alexa and Ryan; Grandson Brian (Sari) Rosenberg, great grandson Jordan; Granddaughter Melanie (David) Riker, great grandchildren Aiden and Elle.
Daughter Sherry (Richard) Verdec, granddaughter Lauren (Brandon) Schulz, great granddaughter Meika
Daughter Diane (David) LeBlanc, grandson Jason (Lynette) Newman, great grandchildren Malia and Liam; Grandson Cory Newman (Jessica Legacy)
Brother-in-law Mickey (Pearl) Rosenberg and many nieces and nephews from both the Rosenberg and Protus families.
There are so many to be thanked for the care and love that Annette received over the years. Her family wants to pay special tribute and thanks to her amazing and loving companions at the Simkin Center, Mariane, Maria and Fabi and the staff of the Simkin Center Weinberg 1 and, in particular, Alissa and Cathy of the Recreation Department.
Finally, we are forever grateful to the staff of the Simkin Center Covid Unit who, by graciously acting as our surrogate, made bearable the unbearable pain of our not being able to be beside our Mother in order to hold and stroke her hand and comfort her as she passed. Thank you Sara R, Roma, Agatha and Sara D.
Annette was interred beside her husband Max in the Rosh Pina Memorial Park Cemetary on Friday, December 11th, 2020.
Obituaries
Dr. VELIMIR KON B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. September 18, 1950-June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Velimir Kon, or Shlomo, beloved husband of Branka and father of Deborah and Lea. Velimir was an accomplished teacher and academic, and he was renowned for his intellectualism, humility and humanity.
A gentle soul who was always sociable and who genuinely loved people, Velimir was equally at home in the university classroom as a professor and as a secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Math teacher in Northern Ontario (Big Trout Lake) and Manitoba (God’s River, Berens River). Velimir made a difference to many First Nations students throughout a career that spanned decades. He was dedicated to his students, colleagues and family. An adept and talented pianist, Velimir enjoyed the arts and of course Jewish humour. He was an avid shul goer and supporter of Israel and enjoyed his duties in shul as a Kohayn. Velimir was a man of faith who was able to fuse his love of science and Judaism.
Born in Croatia, Europe (the former Yugoslavia) to Shoah survivors Rose (Rochel, ne Lederer) and Arnold Kon (Ariel), Velimir immigrated to Canada with his wife and girls in 1988, making many personal sacrifices along the way to ensure a peaceful and safe life for his family. Adaptability and optimism characterized Velimir. Known for his heart of gold, Velimir touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A love of Jewish values, family values and life-long learning and education characterized Velimir. With his charming, outgoing and friendly personality, Velimir welcomed everyone into his life and into our home.
His kindness, humour, generosity and goodness will be deeply missed by his family and friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, B.C., Guelph, ON, Osijek, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, Los Angeles and Boston, U.S.A., and Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and Karmiel. Baruch Dayan Haemet.
A traditional funeral was held on June 30, 2025 at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg, B’nai Brith or the JNF.
Velimir will be forever missed and cherished by Branka, Deborah and Lea.
Obituaries
ELAINE BEVERLEY KAPLAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Elaine Kaplan. She died on June 24, just a month shy of her 69th birthday.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months ago, and was given about six months to live, which she was able to exceed with great courage and determination.
Elaine was predeceased by our father Phil Kaplan and mother Bess Kaplan. She is survived by her brothers Gerry (Nancy Hughes), Allan (Rennie) and Sheldon (Mona), along with her nieces and nephews.
Elaine was able to remain at home up until a few days prior to her passing at the St. Boniface Hospital, which was her wish. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency for the majority of her career. She loved nature and was devoted to feeding the neighbourhood squirrels and birds. She also adopted and cared for many rescue rabbits over the years. Her family was important to her, and she loved attending family weddings and barbecues.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a pet rescue of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.