Obituaries
REBECCA ROSNER (nee Rosenheck)
Rebecca passed away peacefully, at St. Boniface Hospital, on April 26, 2015, after a short illness, at the age of 96 years.
She was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, on September 27, 1918, to Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck. She was the third oldest of her eight siblings.
The family lived in Oxbow, Saskatchewan approximately 15 years and then moved to Hirsch, Saskatchewan. They were part of the “Hirsch Colony Jewish Settlement”. She was the second last surviving family member in her generation, on both sides of the family.
She was predeceased by her parents Minnie and Arthur Rosenheck, her husband Ephraim, her eight siblings: Ben Rosenheck, Max Rosenhek, Hanna Zack, Shirley Levine, Sylvia Frankel, Elkin Rosenhek, Ruby Sideman, and a “little girl” Rosenheck.
After her father passed away in 1945, the family moved to Winnipeg and they lived in the “North End”. Becky helped look after her younger siblings. She worked at Cari’s in the “undergarment business.”
She met Ephraim, the love of her life, in the mid-1950s. They married on November 9,1957, and had two children, Martin and Jackie.
In our early years Mother was at Home and Dad was a “travelling salesman” for a garment company.
Dad took ill in the early 1960s and was unable to travel. They decided to start a business and opened up Peacock Corsetry in the new Polo Park Shopping Mall. Becky was a “specialist” in her field and the store was known for its “customer service”. Becky and her staff did all their own alterations on the undergarments, free of charge. Becky also fitted many women after surgery. This provided them with comfort and brought back their dignity.
After nearly 30 years Becky retired. She was in her early 70s. Long-time customers would phone her at home and ask her to help them with their fittings and she would always oblige.
Family was always important to her. Becky always enjoyed attending family occasions – outings in the park, dinners, weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs.
A “Jewish home” was always important to her, along with the celebration of the Jewish holidays. Becky always baked honey cake and prepared other holiday foods three-four weeks in advance. Everything she prepared was delicious and she enjoyed being together with family.
In June, 2000, the first of her two grandchildren were born. Becky was excited to become a “Baba”. Natalie and Sarah brought great joy to her life and her eyes would light up every time she saw them.
She is survived by her son Martin, daughter-in-law Lori, grandchildren Natalie and Sarah, of Coquitlam, BC, and her daughter Jackie, of Winnipeg.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law Doreen Rosenhek, of Richmond B.C.
A graveside funeral service was held at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on April 28, 2015. A meal of consolation followed at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were her nephews: Sidney Rosenhek, Larry Zack, Gerald Rosner, Evan Rosner, Jonathan Fine and Zev Rumstein.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Thorvaldson Care Center for all their kindness and compassion over the last two years. We also thank the staff of 5E Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital for all their care and concern. And a big thank you to Becky’s companion, Loretta. We are very grateful to everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Rest in peace Mother and Baba.
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.