Obituaries
MURIEL FAYE TESSLER (BENDER)
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Muriel Faye Tessler, on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at the Grace Hospital, at the age of 85.
Faye’s memory will be forever cherished by her children, Zane and Shawna, Alan and Shari, Brenda and Joel, and Michael and Michelle; her grandchildren, Dana (Jack), Alix, Brett, Melanee, Jessica, Josh, Zach, Adam, Justin and Brendan; her great-grandchild Frank; her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Harvey Chargo, brother and sister-in-law Earl and Gail Bender, her many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Faye was predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 50 years, Ernie, her parents Lillian and Joseph Bender, and, most recently, her cousin Elaine Paul.
Faye was born in Winnipeg on July 8, 1933, the eldest of three children. The family moved to Elma, Manitoba, where they lived for the next five and half years before returning to Winnipeg.
Faye and Ernie met by chance at a mutual friend’s wedding. Their relationship evolved, and they married on October 31, 1954. Faye and Ernie were the perfect partners and their love and devotion to each other and to their family was inspirational. While Ernie established himself in business, Faye managed their home and was always there to support her children, in all of their endeavours.
They enjoyed happy years together travelling and entertaining, the ultimate hosts welcoming their friends, family and their children’s friends. Their home was the venue for holiday celebrations, get-togethers, card games and pool parties. Their annual winter holidays in Pompano Beach, Florida were dedicated to family time.
Faye was the consummate matriarch. She savoured her role as a homemaker, wife, mother, devoted daughter, loyal sister, aunt, true friend and caring and loving grandmother and great-grandmother.
Faye also found time to volunteer and be an active, lifetime member and leader in community organizations including Hadassah, Pioneer Women/Na’amat, ORT, and B’nai Brith Women.
Following Ernie’s untimely passing, Faye tried to redefine herself as a widow going forward. She missed Ernie terribly, but she was able to find periods of joy and rediscover herself over these past 14 years.
As her health declined, she had the support from her family and companions. We acknowledge Marley Missyabit and Catherine Santos for their care and love given to Faye, in providing her comfort with dignity. We also extend our appreciation to the Simkin Centre staff at 1 North Wing for their attention and compassion directed to Faye during the last weeks of her life.
A graveside funeral service took place on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery officiated by Rabbi Kleil Rose. Pallbearers were her grandchildren.
Tributes in Faye’s memory may be made by a donation to the Faye and Ernie Tessler Fund, at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba (204.477.7525), or a charity of your choice.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day…. unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”
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.