Obituaries
JOE ELFENBAUM
When Joe Elfenbaum (Z”L) passed away on February 28, 2023, the world lost a true gentleman.
His passing has left a void for his children Murray, Mia and Marshall, Deb and Brent; his grandchildren Elana, Peggy, Dena (Josh), Liat, Gilad, Julia and Justin; his siblings Sylvia Segal, Louis Elfenbaum and Elizabeth Lefcourt; and dozens of relatives and friends. Joe was predeceased by his wife Bernice; his parents Abraham and Dora Elfenbaum; and his siblings and siblings-in-laws, Jack and Nellie Elfenbaum, Tillie and Norman Goren, Albert Segal, and May and Sam Kantor.
Joe was born in Lipton, Saskatchewan on January 6, 1930, on the family farm. His early years were shaped by hard work and guided by his parents’ examples of honesty, fairness, and dedication to community. As a young adult, Joe was active in Saskatchewan politics and the farmers’ union. In 1960, while farming in Lipton, Joe visited Winnipeg and met Bernice Garfinkel. After a mostly long-distance courtship, they married in 1963 and began their life together on the farm.
In 1964, Joe and Bernice moved to Winnipeg and Joe farmed on land north of the city. That was short-lived, as he was soon enlisted by his in-laws to manage their apartment buildings, which led to other property owners asking Joe to do the same for them. Joe and Bernice later acquired property of their own. Property management was the perfect career for Joe as it capitalized on his ability to communicate well, to get along with people, and to fix just about anything. He was fair and honest in all his dealings and was well-respected.
Joe and Bernice had a loving and happy home for 51 years until Bernice passed away in 2014. Joe described it as losing his best friend. Family and community were Joe’s passions. He was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. He was happiest when he was helping other people, whether doing things for his family and friends or contributing on boards and committees. Joe enjoyed a wide network of friends through his many activities – curling, golfing, bowling, and playing cards.
Joe led by example, modelling kindness, humour, compassion, thoughtfulness and generosity. No matter the challenge, he maintained his positive approach to life. He has left his family with an incredible legacy.
The funeral took place on March 7, at Congregation Etz Chayim. They family is grateful to Rabbi Kliel and Cantor Tracy for officiating and to the pallbearers: Charles Kantor, Mark Kantor, Brent Meyers, Justin Meyers, Ray Reider, and Marshall Stitz.
Joe loved well and was well-loved. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Joe and Bernice Elfenbaum fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba 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.