Obituaries
DOROTHY BERGMAN (nee MINUK)
With heavy hearts and deep sadness we announce the passing of Dorothy Bergman on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the age of 76.
Dorothy was born on October 12, 1942 in Winnipeg where she remained all her life. Dorothy was a graduate of West Kildonan Collegiate and attended business school where she took courses in bookkeeping and shorthand. Dorothy was a dedicated and recognized employee of Sears for 39 years where she worked in Customer Service and other departments. Dorothy played an active role in her children’s education, serving as President of the Parent – Teacher Association for several years at I.L. Peretz Folk School organizing several activities and fundraising events. Among her hobbies were preparing egg rolls, pickles and relish, and playing mah-jong and visiting the casino with her friends. She was a very social and family-oriented person, and always had her door open to family and friends. Fond family memories were created at Gimli Trailer Park on Bagel Beach and several car camping trips.
Dorothy was diagnosed with colon cancer in November 2014. Dorothy’s resilience allowed her to significantly exceed early prognosis. During this challenging period, Dorothy continued to travel and made the best of time with her children and grandchildren and lived life to its fullest with humour, courage and strength. She always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Joe of 44 years. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her daughters, Sheryl (Brent) and Sandra (Shawn). Her grandchildren, Ilana, Sarah, Eva, Zach and Brianna, will have many fond memories from time spent at their Baba and Zaida’s house. Dorothy will also be missed by her brothers, Morley (Kim) and Joey (Sharon), sister-in- law Lil (Ben) and brother-in-law Eph (Barb) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. May her memory be a blessing.
A service honouring Dorothy was held on Sunday, February 17, 2019 officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose at Congregation Etz Chayim with interment at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. We thank pallbearers, Manny Minuk, Allan Elfenbein, Keith Elfenbein, Jerry Rubin, Serril Gunn and Avrom Charach. Honorary pallbearers were Brent Wolfe, Shawn Pasaluiko, Joey Minuk, Morley Minuk and Brian Lysack. Thanks to Dr. T. Babick, Dr. Fatoye, Dr. Gordon, Dr. St. Godard and the caring staff at 3E Riverview Health Centre.
Donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. Mom, we will miss you and you will forever be in our hearts.
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.