Obituaries
FRITZI TELPNER
With deep sadness, the family announces the passing of Fritzi Telpner (nee Shuckett) on Tuesday June 2, 2020 at the age of 98.
Predeceased by her parents Jacob and Rachel Shuckett, her beloved husband Gene and her siblings Ben, Nate, Dave, Esther, Goldie and Morley, she will lovingly be remembered by her three children Terri Lee (John), Ron (Patsy) and Wendy (Harry), five grandchildren, Jordan (Heather), Michael (Carly), Meghan (Josh), Lauren (Dan) and Cara Jane (Trevor), five great grandchildren, Mia, Avi , Finley, Annie and Sonny. She is survived by sisters-in-law Sally Shuckett and Sally Telpner and brother-in-law Maynard Telpner as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Fritzi was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on October 7, 1921 and grew up on Machray Avenue in Winnipeg. Fritzi married the love of her life Gene Telpner on November 13, 1945. After living in Omaha for a few years, they returned to Winnipeg. where Gene was a successful journalist. Together they travelled the world and made life long friends from every walk of life. Gene and Fritzi were inseparable for almost 60 years. They loved spending winters in Hawaii but they were always happy to return home to Winnipeg. Fritzi’s devotion to Gene in his final years was unparalleled.
Dignity and grace are the two words that best describe Fritzi. People gravitated toward her. Her natural warmth and genuine interest in everyone made her very special. She was outgoing and always looked stylish. As matriarch of the Shuckett family and the last remaining sibling, she was adored by her many nieces, nephews and friends of her children and grandchildren.
There was nobody like Fritzi. Her home was open to family and friends and her table was always elegant and laden with incredible gourmet delights. Her beautiful dining room table, which belonged to her parents, has remained in the family and holds fond memories of countless happy occasions. Fritzi was making jam, pickles and her famous short bread cookies well into her mid-nineties. Her recipes have been passed down to generations and will continue to be made in loving memory.
Family was everything to Fritzi. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren who were very devoted to her. She had a special bond with each one who felt that he or she was the favourite. She listened and gave advice on everything with honesty. She had a unique sixth sense and always knew if someone was keeping a secret. Being Great Grandma Fritzi to Annie, Sonny, Mia, Avi and Finley brought her sheer joy.
Fritzi enjoyed her ten years at the Shaftesbury and appreciated the wonderful team there. She rarely missed her daily exercise class or evening movie. She was blessed with some very special caregivers, the kindest angels from Esther’s Group, whose devotion provided an atmosphere of compassion and dignity. The family will be forever grateful. Many thanks to family and friends for their loyalty and devotion.
Due to current restrictions, there was a a private family graveside service officiated by Rabbi Kliel Rose, Congregation Etz Chayim and private Shiva. Pallbearers were Jordan Farber, Robert Lecker, Paul Shuckett, Brian Lecker, Adam Lecker and Jodi Hyman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fritzi’s memory to the 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.