Obituaries
JUDITH ZIMMER
The family of Judith Zimmer is heartbroken to announce her sudden passing on Monday, July 27, 2020 in Winnipeg at the age of 90. Predeceased by parents Joachim and Antonia Kaufmann, brother Michael Kaufmann, and husband Emil Zimmer.
Judy was a loving mother to Dr. Ken and Lori Zimmer, and Dr. Alex Zimmer, and a loving Baba to Jenna, Lexie and Emily. She was a caring aunt, relative, and friend.
Judy spent a large part of her childhood and early teen years with her mother in different labour camps during the Second World War. Thankfully, Judy (and her parents and brother) survived that tragedy and when she was 18 years old Judy and her husband Emil came to Canada. They immediately sponsored her parents and brother to come to Canada.
Judy had little English and very little information about her new country, but her passion for living, that same energy that allowed her to survive the Holocaust, gave her strength to start this new journey and chapter of her life in Canada. Judy did not let her past write her future and always overcame everything life brought her. She did whatever needed to be done for her family, including joining the workforce when her husband passed away at an early age.
Judy had many dear friends and loved spending time with them, especially playing cards. She loved to cook and bake. But above all else, Judy dedicated her life to her family. She was a beloved and dedicated mother, a wonderful Baba, and a fantastic aunt to her nieces and nephews. A loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and friend. She was like a mother and Baba to many family members and extended family. Judy welcomed people into her home with open arms. Judy was caring, warm, empathetic and non-judgemental. She was always available to dispense wisdom and advice.
Judy was a very special woman and became the matriarch of her family. Judy will be deeply missed by all the people who had the privilege to receive so much from her for so many years.
Graveside funeral was held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Rabbi Anibal Mass officiated. Pallbearers were Lexie Zimmer, Dr. Robert Kaufmann, Becky Kaufmann, Gary Kaufmann, Dr. Alex Zimmer and Louis Kessler. Donations in Judy’s memory may be given to a charity of one’s 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.
