Obituary for Dietrich "Dick" Krahn
Dietrich (Dick) Krahn
Dietrich (Dick) Krahn passed away on March 28, 2021 at St. Boniface General Hospital at the age of 90 years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Erika; son Anthony (Cheryl) and daughter Andrea (Helmut); grandchildren, Jessie, Nolan, Shaelyn (Joshua), Daria and his sister Helene Janzen. He was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Helene Krahn and sisters, Nettie Krahn and Catherine Tiessen.
Dick was born in Osterwick, Ukraine on March 19, 1931. As a boy, he enjoyed horses, his dog Moritz, and friends. He learned by observing and learned much by watching the people working in the fields. Sometimes he would be lucky enough to ride the horses. He spoke frequently of 3 friends he had throughout his childhood and who moved with him in refuge to Germany. They were a mischievous foursome who would often play pranks on their supervisors while they attended Hitler Youth in Poland. They were told when they arrived they could do anything they wanted as long as they didn’t get caught. This foursome took it to heart. While Dick and his family settled in Winnipeg, the other 3 friends settled in Coaldale, Alberta. Years later when Dick visited them, there was nothing but laughter as they reminisced on their days in Europe.
Due to World War II, the family fled westward, and eventually arrived in Germany and immigrated to Canada. Dick always said Canada was the best country in the world to live in. Because of the war, his schooling was interrupted, which Dick always regretted. Nevertheless, he did take evening classes as an adult in order to improve his knowledge. He also stated many times that he had a PhD in living.
The family settled in North Kildonan and were connected to the North Kildonan Mennonite Church where Dick was a member until the time of his death. The church was always a central part of his life. He was involved in ushering, the boys club, and building maintenance. The church was also the place where he met Erika Neufeld, who was a Canadian by birth and helped Dick learn the English language.
Overtime she became more than a tutor, and they were married on July 23, 1955. With Dad’s construction experience, he was able to build their first home on McLeod Avenue where they lived for 28 years. Anthony was born in 1961, followed by Andrea in 1965. After Anthony’s arrival, Dick put his welding skills to use and built a swing set. It became a central attraction in the neighbourhood, and many children spent hours amusing themselves on that swing. It was the largest back yard swing set in the area. A testament to his craftsmanship, after nearly 60 years, the swing set now stands in Andrea’s back yard.
Upon arrival in Canada in 1948, Dick started working in construction. During his working years, he also became a certified welder, a radio and television service technician, and wholesale electronic parts salesman. He retired at age 65 years, but he felt he could have easily carried on working.
Dick was an avid gardener, and loved planning what trees, flowers, and vegetables he wished to grow each year. He was always in competition with his mother regarding who could grow the best and most tomatoes. When Tony and Andrea had their own homes he would help with gardening there too. He was always a handy man and could manage many construction projects including building out Tony’s basement.
At the time of his retirement, Dick also became a grandfather, and he took on the role with great joy. As infants, he helped carry them and burp them after feedings. The venerable swing set came out of storage and was erected again this time at the retirement home he had built on Mahonee Dr. He would set up a car seat and “swing” the grandchildren to sleep. He actively attended the grandchildren’s school events, musical concerts, and sporting activities.
Dick’s last few years became challenging for him due to multiple medical conditions. He was admitted to hospital on March 4, 2021.Thank you to the staff on 4E at St. Boniface General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. Thanks also to his medical team, Dr. Martin, Dr. Man, Dr. Dao, and Dr. Walters.
Funeral service will be held at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 10:30 am by invitation only due to COVID-19.
The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at the following address: http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/11990
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5K9.
Dietrich (Dick) Krahn passed away on March 28, 2021 at St. Boniface General Hospital at the age of 90 years. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Erika; son Anthony (Cheryl) and daughter Andrea (Helmut); grandchildren, Jessie, Nolan, Shaelyn (Joshua), Daria and his sister Helene Janzen. He was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Helene Krahn and sisters, Nettie Krahn and Catherine Tiessen.
Dick was born in Osterwick, Ukraine on March 19, 1931. As a boy, he enjoyed horses, his dog Moritz, and friends. He learned by observing and learned much by watching the people working in the fields. Sometimes he would be lucky enough to ride the horses. He spoke frequently of 3 friends he had throughout his childhood and who moved with him in refuge to Germany. They were a mischievous foursome who would often play pranks on their supervisors while they attended Hitler Youth in Poland. They were told when they arrived they could do anything they wanted as long as they didn’t get caught. This foursome took it to heart. While Dick and his family settled in Winnipeg, the other 3 friends settled in Coaldale, Alberta. Years later when Dick visited them, there was nothing but laughter as they reminisced on their days in Europe.
Due to World War II, the family fled westward, and eventually arrived in Germany and immigrated to Canada. Dick always said Canada was the best country in the world to live in. Because of the war, his schooling was interrupted, which Dick always regretted. Nevertheless, he did take evening classes as an adult in order to improve his knowledge. He also stated many times that he had a PhD in living.
The family settled in North Kildonan and were connected to the North Kildonan Mennonite Church where Dick was a member until the time of his death. The church was always a central part of his life. He was involved in ushering, the boys club, and building maintenance. The church was also the place where he met Erika Neufeld, who was a Canadian by birth and helped Dick learn the English language.
Overtime she became more than a tutor, and they were married on July 23, 1955. With Dad’s construction experience, he was able to build their first home on McLeod Avenue where they lived for 28 years. Anthony was born in 1961, followed by Andrea in 1965. After Anthony’s arrival, Dick put his welding skills to use and built a swing set. It became a central attraction in the neighbourhood, and many children spent hours amusing themselves on that swing. It was the largest back yard swing set in the area. A testament to his craftsmanship, after nearly 60 years, the swing set now stands in Andrea’s back yard.
Upon arrival in Canada in 1948, Dick started working in construction. During his working years, he also became a certified welder, a radio and television service technician, and wholesale electronic parts salesman. He retired at age 65 years, but he felt he could have easily carried on working.
Dick was an avid gardener, and loved planning what trees, flowers, and vegetables he wished to grow each year. He was always in competition with his mother regarding who could grow the best and most tomatoes. When Tony and Andrea had their own homes he would help with gardening there too. He was always a handy man and could manage many construction projects including building out Tony’s basement.
At the time of his retirement, Dick also became a grandfather, and he took on the role with great joy. As infants, he helped carry them and burp them after feedings. The venerable swing set came out of storage and was erected again this time at the retirement home he had built on Mahonee Dr. He would set up a car seat and “swing” the grandchildren to sleep. He actively attended the grandchildren’s school events, musical concerts, and sporting activities.
Dick’s last few years became challenging for him due to multiple medical conditions. He was admitted to hospital on March 4, 2021.Thank you to the staff on 4E at St. Boniface General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. Thanks also to his medical team, Dr. Martin, Dr. Man, Dr. Dao, and Dr. Walters.
Funeral service will be held at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 10:30 am by invitation only due to COVID-19.
The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at the following address: http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/11990
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5K9.