Obituaries
ELEANOR HERST (née STERIN)May 22, 1930- May 26, 2023
Eleanor was born in Winnipeg on May 22, 1930 to Edith and Harry Sterin. Eleanor was a younger sister to William Sterin. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, as well as her beloved husband, Max Herst.
Eleanor grew up in Lestock, Saskatchewan. The family moved back to Winnipeg for Eleanor to attend St. John’s High School. Upon graduation, Eleanor entered business college, then worked for the Manitoba Grain Exchange until she married in 1954 and became a fulltime housewife, then a mother.
Eleanor was elegant, creative and interested in art, history, movies, theatre and all things current. She was renowned for her cooking and baking and beautiful way of entertaining. She was always interested in learning and took classes in flower arranging, pottery, and knitting. Later in life she attended continuing education classes at the University of Winnipeg – mostly in art and history. Another love of Eleanor’s was travel.
Eleanor had been an active member of Pioneer Women, where she made many close friends. She had been their card chairperson for a few decades.
Eleanor was a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren and will be lovingly remembered by them.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ruth Simkin and Dr. Jessica Lezen for their excellent and compassionate care.
We are also grateful for the care that Eleanor received from everyone at Shaftesbury Retirement Residence, all of the healthcare aides, the dining hall staff, the directors, Brandi and Cheryl, nurse Erica, and especially nurse Jennifer. You made Eleanor’s time at Shaftesbury most comfortable and pleasant.
Lastly, but most of all we are indebted to our mother’s caregiver, companion and friend, Manny. Manny took mom on outings to the park, for ice cream and outdoor walks while she was still able. Manny ensured that mom was not only well taken care of but kept her looking her best. Our deepest gratitude to Manny.
Eleanor leaves to mourn: her daughter Debra Herst, daughter and son-in-law Carol and Neil Duboff, grandchildren Jonathan and Narisa Duboff, Michael Duboff and Juli Mandelbaum, Rachel and Jonathan Katz, great-granddaughter Phoebe Katz and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice.
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.