Obituary of LaVerna June Klippenstein

LaVerna June Klippenstein (nee Reimer), age 79, passed away on Tuesday, March 4th, 2014 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach. She is survived by her husband Lawrence, three sons, one daughter and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Peter D. and Maria (Friesen) Reimer and four sisters: Amanda, Betty, Helen and Leona. She also leaves four sisters, two brothers and ten grandchildren. LaVerna was born in Steinbach to Peter D. and Maria (Friesen) Reimer on April 22, 1934. She completed her graduation from Grade XII with her first year class, even though she missed a year of school due to polio. Her dad owned a small bargain store on Main St. Her childhood years growing up in Steinbach, in a large, hospitable and energetic home were very happy ones. She taught at Glenella, Manitoba and Elmdale Elementary in Steinbach. She married Lawrence Klippenstein of Altona in 1956 and together they served with Mennonite Pioneer Mission in a Metis community at Matheson Island for two years. Then came six years in college residence at Goshen College where she completed her B.A. studies. She and Lawrence returned to Winnipeg where dad taught at Canadian Mennonite Bible College. Three children joined the family during this time, Norman, Noreen and Nathan. The family lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for four years while dad attended graduate school. Here Mom undertook courses in special education and taught at the Kenny Institute for physically disabled high school students, work she found very fulfilling. Their fourth child Nevin (Jerry) was born at this time. The family then lived for a few years in Gretna, and Altona, followed by 32 years in Winnipeg. During this time mom was heavily involved in leading Christian education workshops, substitute teaching, Sunday school teaching, and working as a columnist/journalist for Mennonite periodicals like Christian Living, Mennonite Reporter and several devotional readers and denominational Sunday school curriculum materials. She had a deep compassion for people who were lonely and in need of friendship, and lived to serve. Much of her time was spent with refugees, immigrants, and others in need of kind personal connection. MCC service sabbaticals took her and Lawrence to London, UK, Bechterdissen, Germany and Moscow, Russia. They also enjoyed many trips to Cuba and other places. Her life took a very difficult turn in 2004, when she suffered a devastating stroke. A series of falls and rehab attempts resulted in a downward spiral in health in general during the past year. The loss of her life-long love and skill with words often left her deeply discouraged. Dad devoted his time to bringing her much comfort and care, including numerous trips to lakeside resorts, and even once more to Cuba. Towards the end she indicated a wish to leave this earth because her journey was too hard. We thank God for His grace, for sending many "angels" in family and friends, and much inward fortitude to make it nearly to her eightieth year. A memorial service for LaVerna June Klippenstein will be held Friday, March 7th, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Portage Ave. Mennonite Brethren Church, Winnipeg, MB with interment prior to the service at Mennonite Memorial Gardens, Winnipeg, MB. In lieu of flowers, LaVerna has suggested a visit may be made to someone in need of friendship.