Obituaries
ROSE APPEL
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Rose Appel announces her death, which took place January 14, 2021, at Victoria General Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 96.
Rose Appel was born in 1924 in Selkirk, Manitoba, the second child of Harry and Freda Rifkin (née Berg), who themselves emigrated to Canada — from areas now called Belarus and Lithuania, respectively — before the First World War. Her parents worked long, hard hours running a general store on Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk during the Depression years, and Rose began working in the family business as a schoolgirl. Already at the age of 10 she had more formal schooling than either of her parents, and began doing the accounts, making up bank deposits, and serving customers at Rifkin General Store. She also worked long hours in the family’s seasonal hotdog and hamburger stand.
Her father Harry, a soft-spoken, modest man and a World War I veteran, involved Rose in the family’s side business in fur trading. Rose would accompany her dad on short excursions to Interlake Indigenous communities, to trade for mink and, especially, muskrat pelts. Rose also learned to skin and stretch out muskrat hides and eighty years later could still explain the process in detail.
Rose worked hard for the family business, overcoming childhood health challenges and making friends among the Icelandic and Ukrainian immigrant families in Selkirk, despite the lack of time for socializing.
Her social life blossomed in Winnipeg during the Second World War, where she stayed regularly at an aunt’s house and where she met — through a cousin — a young pharmacist from the North End who had taken over a drugstore business in St James with a partner. This was Larry Morris Appel, known to all of his friends as Morris. He became her husband of forty years until his death in 1986. Together they raised three children, first on Waverley Street, and then on Queenston Street in River Heights.
As a senior, Rose remained fiercely independent, living alone in an apartment building across from the Grant Park Shopping Center, cooking meals and shopping for herself into her mid-90s, while taking advantage of Manitoba’s wonderful Home Care services. She relied a great deal on the support and loving care of her eldest son Allan and his family, who live in Winnipeg. And she always looked forward to regular visits from her two U.S.-based sons Brian and Fred, and their families. She is survived by them, by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and by her younger brother Saul Rifkin, also of Winnipeg.
Her funeral was livestreamed on the website of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Winnipeg. It remains archived on the synagogue website for viewing. May her memory always be a blessing.
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.