Obituaries
POLLY TENNENHOUSE
It is with great sadness that the family of Polly Tennenhouse announces her sudden passing on January 16, 2015.
Mom was born in 1919 in the small town of Ponevezh, Lithuania, which was renowned for its Yeshivot and education of Torah Scholars.
She was born into an orthodox family who by the grace of G-d were asked by relatives in Manitoba to move here prior to the Holocaust. Mom was always grateful for her good fortune as all of the Jews in Ponevezh were murdered in 1941.
Once here, Mom and her family lived on a farm in Stonewall. Eventually she met Dad who lived nearby and they were married in 1937. They had a wonderful marriage of 49 years and were each other’s confidants and best friends until Dad passed away in 1987. Together they raised their children in a home filled with love, respect and yiddishkeit.
Mom was a traditional homemaker who ensured, with Dad, that commitment to Judaism was paramount. There was synagogue every Saturday, a kosher home, the lighting of Shabbat candles and Jewish education for us. Mom and Dad taught us about the importance of family and the caring for others. These values provided the foundation of our development. They were not materialistic and did much for their community without fanfare or glory. One example is their help and rescue of family survivors of the Shoah who arrived in Winnipeg. Mom and Dad’s home was always open for those who needed a place to live or visit. Dad found them jobs and provided them with hope. Mom and Dad helped so many survivors and later Russian immigrants escape the darkness of Europe and find the light at 411 Bannerman Ave. and 773 Airlies St.
Mom and Dad were always at each other’s side. We were afraid for Mom after Dad died but she surprised us with her inner strength. She had her friends and family and enjoyed simple pleasures. With the help of many she lived in her own home without any lingering illness or pain until she quietly passed away by the kiss of G-d.
Mom was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lazer, and brother, Sam. She will be missed, most of all, by her children and spouses, Judy (Bill), Penny (Bill) and Howard (Susan), five granddaughters, Tracy (Jeff), Dana, Lauren, Ellie and Shira, two great grandsons, Nathan and Jonah and numerous nieces and nephews.
Many thanks to pallbearers, Ed, Morley, Bill, Jesse, Josh and Jonathan at the Chesed Shel Emes and later Susan, Lauren, Ellie, Shira, Tracy and Morley at Etz Chayim.
Special thanks to Mom’s doctor, Claire Jaeger, for her excellent care and sensitivity. Words cannot express our gratitude to Mom’s caregivers, Bathsheba, Grace and Marilyn who provided Mom with not only wonderful physical care but love and respect.
May her memory be a blessing and may her soul be bound up in the bond of life.
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.