Obituaries
DR. SARAH ELLEN KREDENTSER (nee FINKELSTEIN)
Dr. Sarah Kredentser died peacefully surrounded by her family on July 27, 2024. Sarah was born in Regina, the youngest of three children to Dr. Mitchell Finkelstein and Mrs. Charlotte (Babe) Finkelstein (nee Shnier). She was a beloved Mother to Maia (Zach) and Mitchell (Rachelle), Baba to Sybil and Lev, partner to David Lowen,and sister to Naomi. She is predeceased by her brother David and her parents. After earning a degree in journalism, she ultimately followed in her father’s footsteps to become a family physician. She was a dedicated, passionate, and caring doctor, who was adored by her patients. Throughout her career she had many teaching and leadership roles, including as the Site Director for Low Risk Obstetrics at St. Boniface Hospital, Medical Director of the Family Medicine Obstetrics Network, Primary Care Obstetrics Lead for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Medical Director of the Community Birth Program, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, to name just a few. She was passionate about providing obstetrical care for her patients and led the development of the Enhanced Skills Obstetrics Program for Family Medicine Residents in 2014. Most recently, she worked out of Kildonan Medical Centre as a preceptor for Family Medicine Residents. She was a beloved and well-respected preceptor, known as tough but fair, who strived to impart a standard of excellence for patient care in the art and science of Family Medicine. In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was awarded Family Physician of the Year by the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1996. In the later years of her career, she cut back on her working hours in order to focus on being ‘Baba Yaya’ to her beloved Sybil and Lev. She was a devoted Baba, ever-present in their lives, from their birth, to overnight care, to pickups, drop-offs, babysitting, and sleepovers. She had an epic craft room, dedicated to fun and creativity for herself and the grandkids, and always had a new craft or activity to do with Sybil and Lev each time she saw them. A true renaissance woman—leader in her profession, mentor, artist, seamstress, face painter, chef, jam and pie maker, gardener, reader, the generous and inspiring host of gatherings for family and friends. She loved to travel, enjoying trips with her young family and with her partner David, enlivened by diverse cultures as well as the chance to connect with relatives living elsewhere. Sarah was also a die-hard fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, with longstanding season tickets and travel to several Grey Cups and Labour Day Classics. Sarah received exceptional medical care and we are eternally grateful to Dr. Joanna Webb and Dr. Tunji Fatoye, Dr. James Paul and nurse Jen at CCMB, Dr. Larry Tan, Dr. Ben Prasad; Drs. Kim, Chowdury, Sockolies, and Peterson; and the phenomenal team in Palliative Care at St. Boniface Hospital, including Drs. Loiselle, Audu, Butterworth, McConnell; nurses Nicole, Neil, Shericka, Allyson, Joya, Roberta, Maria; and health care aides Q, Jody, and Genet, and all others who helped make Sarah’s last weeks and days comfortable and dignified. Dr. Sarah Kredentser, mom, Baba Yaya, was an exceptional human being. Skilled in all things personal and professional, Sarah was brilliant, beautiful, kind, and loving. In her 70 years on this earth, Sarah significantly enriched our lives. She was the absolute best version of herself. Let us honour her memory by being the best version of ourselves, the version that Sarah saw in all of us. The funeral and burial were on July 29, 2024 and a recording of the funeral can be found at the following link by clicking playing and selecting previous broadcasts: https://chesedshelemes.org/funerals-and-records/livestream-funerals/. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine with the College of Family Physicians of Canada https://fafm.cfpc.ca/why-give/ways-to-give/.
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.