Obituary of Wilfred Lederhaus
Wilfred Lederhaus
1932 - 2023
Wilfred Lederhaus, 91, of Brandon, MB, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2023. He was born on April 12, 1932, in Prince Albert, SK, to John and Margaret Lederhaus.
He attended elementary and high school in Richard, SK. He didn’t start school until age 8, but being an avid learner, he skipped two grades before graduating in 1950.
Like his father and several uncles, he was initially employed by the Canadian National Railways where he held various positions, such as telegrapher, station agent, towerman, and train dispatcher.
In 1952, he married Ruth Smerkerud. They were residing in Tisdale, SK when their two children, Linda and Gary, were born. In 1959, they moved to Prince Albert, SK where Wilf briefly ran his own long-distance trucking business. In 1962, Wilf accepted a position with Inco Ltd and moved his young family to Thompson, MB where they continued to live for over 30 years.
Wilf held several positions in the Safety and Protection Department and supervised the Mine Rescue and Training Programs for many years. At the time of his retirement in 1994, he was the Medical Coordinator for the Manitoba Division. Wilf organized the first St. John Ambulance Brigade in Thompson and was the Superintendent of the Brigade from 1964 to 1969. Wilf was invested in the Order of St. John and presented with his Insignia by the Lieutenant Governor of Canada in 1987.
Wilf and Ruth enjoyed gardening and won numerous gardening awards during their time in Thompson. Wilf was an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed spending time in his workshop. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, curling, bowling, and fishing.
After his retirement, Wilf and Ruth moved to Brandon, MB where they again took up gardening, bowling, and playing cards with family and friends. Sadly, after 43 years of marriage, Ruth passed away in August 1996. Wilf cared for her throughout her illness and remained devoted to her until her passing.
Wilf remarried in November 1998 and he and his second wife, Elsie Rystephanuk, celebrated their 25 anniversary in November 2023. During his years with Elsie, Wilf continued to enjoy many of the same activities, but also took up a new sport, golfing, with Elsie. When Elsie developed dementia, Wilf continued to do his best to care for her at home despite his own failing health. Wilf and Elsie moved to assisted living at Victoria Landing in November 2023, a month before Wilf’s passing.
Wilfred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth, his daughter-in-law, Rosanne, and his parents.
He is survived by his children Linda (Arlan), and Gary (Vita) his second wife Elsie, his sister Eleanor, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and two nieces.
He was known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Lake Ministries or to Excellence Home & Palliative Care.
